Cybersecurity Guide

Cybersecurity schools and programs in California

Written by Cybersecurity Guide Contributors – Expert reviewed by Steven Bowcut – Last updated:
In this guide

This guide is all about cybersecurity degree programs in California. It also contains information about how the state prepares for a future that relies on good cybersecurity practices.

California was founded as a gold rush state. Today, a new boom is happening. A thriving technology industry is helping to fuel the Golden State’s economy to number one in the nation. California’s economy is so vast that if compared to other nations, it would rank number five in GDP growth. 

Ad
cybersecurityguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured Cybersecurity Degree Programs

School NameProgram More Info
UC Berkeley School of InformationMaster’s in Cybersecurity | No GRE/GMAT Required website
Grand Canyon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Eastern Oregon UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity website
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Cybersecurity or Online MS in Cybersecurity website
Purdue GlobalOnline BS in Cybersecurity website

And while the new ideas and new companies getting spun out of places like Silicon Valley are a big part of California’s economic engine, the tech start-up scene is just one chapter of the story.

Elsewhere in California is home to the state’s other thriving economic sectors — big industries, with big budgets that are poised for growth in the future. Industries such as aerospace, military contracting, higher education, and digital media/entertainment. 

Learn more about industries

The one thread that connects all of California’s growing economic sectors is cybersecurity. Like the rest of the world, companies operating across all industries are developing and hiring for roles in this critical sector. 

The hiring of trained and experienced cybersecurity professionals is happening so quickly that there is a shortage of cybersecurity workers in California.

So while the projected growth of cybersecurity roles continues well into the future, new programs, degree offerings, and certification opportunities are launching to help meet the demand.

This guide to cybersecurity in California is broken down into three sections to provide an overview of the education and career opportunities in the state. 

Get inspired by these cybersecurity podcasts with Dr. Tony Coulson and Dr. Garrett Whelan:

State-level cybersecurity initiatives in California

Both governmental agencies and the business community in California are investing heavily in cybersecurity education and workforce training initiatives. 

The state government maintains a Cybersecurity Task Force as part of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The group acts as an advisory board and gathers intel, data, and other on-the-ground information from companies, researchers, and experts in the cybersecurity field.

The goal, at the state level, is to stay informed and stay ahead of new cyber threats as they emerge and to develop best practices for dealing with digital crime after it has happened. 

Learn how to respond to cyber hacks

By its nature, cybersecurity is a very fluid field — the kinds of cybercrimes being committed and the attack vectors being used are changing all of the time. As such, any kind of task force or workforce initiative that is working in the space needs to constantly adapt, change, and look for new sources of information. 

The CyberCalifornia initiative is an example of how the state is attempting to build and prepare future cybersecurity infrastructure. According to the program’s website, the program intends to bring together numerous stakeholders to build a coordinated cybersecurity coalition: 

“CyberCalifornia will help organize public-private partnerships in cybersecurity, with the goals of facilitating research and innovation in cybersecurity, educating California businesses about cybersecurity needs and resources, and connecting California’s robust workforce development system with the needs of California employers.

CyberCalifornia is organized in conjunction with the Innovation Hub (iHub) Network, a program administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The iHubs provide innovation platforms for startup companies, economic development organizations, business groups, and venture capitalists by leveraging such assets as research parks, technology incubators, universities, and federal laboratories.”

Beyond the public/private partnerships and general education of the business community, colleges and universities in California are also developing new programs and offerings to better prepare tomorrow’s workforce for cybersecurity threats. 

One example is the California Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program:

“The California Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program is hosted by Coastline College. It is grant-funded by the State Chancellor’s Office. The program includes eight college credit courses, and industry certifications, which are CompTIA industry certifications relevant to those courses. There are currently no costs to the qualified apprentices for courses, certification exams, or textbooks. Apprentices are expected to work in a cybersecurity role for 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training at the state-required wages.”

— Tobi West, cybersecurity professor and department chair at Coastline College.

There are more than 25 schools in California offering more than 54 cybersecurity-specific degree or certification programs.

Cybersecurity education in California

The size of California and the structure of the university system in the state lends itself to a very robust and high-quality community college network. 

Many of California’s college students attend community colleges to get degrees or to earn credits before transferring to another school or state university to finish a bachelor’s degree program. 

This means that California community colleges are well-equipped to meet the needs of a technical workforce. 

Cybersecurity associate degrees in California

Community colleges across the state offer both campus-based and online cybersecurity associate degrees in cybersecurity.  

Campus-based associate degrees

Students completing the campus-based cybersecurity associate’s degrees often earn an associate of science in cybersecurity. Campus-based associate-level cybersecurity degrees available in California are listed below.

  1. Chaffey College

    Rancho Cucamonga, California
    Program: Associate in Science in Cybersecurity Professional - Computer Information Systems
    Credits: 63
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $414 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Cypress College

    Cypress, California
    Program: Associate of Science in Cyber Defense
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $342 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Institute for Business and Technology

    Santa Clara, California
    Program: Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity
    Credits: 74
    Cost per credit: $440
    Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Long Beach City College

    Long Beach, California
    Program: Associate in Science (AS), Information Technology Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $269 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Mendocino College

    Ukiah, California
    Program: Cybersecurity AS
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $378 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. MiraCosta College

    Oceanside, California
    Program: Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $304 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Moorpark College

    Moorpark, California
    Program: Associate in Science: Cybersecurity
    Credits: 33-37
    Cost per credit: $397
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online, Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Mt San Antonio College

    Walnut, California
    Program: Associate in Science in Cloud and Network Cyber Security Administration
    Credits: 23-26
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $362 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Palomar College

    San Marcos, California
    Program: Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 28
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $332 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Sacramento City College

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Associate in Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 31
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $480 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Sierra College

    Rocklin, California
    Program: Information Technology Cybersecurity - Associate of Science Degree
    Credits: 61
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $414 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Cosumnes River College

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance A.S. Degree
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 69-70
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $480 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  13. San Diego City College

    San Diego, California
    Program: Cybersecurity AS
    Credits: 37-38
    Cost per credit: $46
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online associate degrees

Three colleges in California offer online associate’s degrees in cybersecurity. 

  1. Institute for Business and Technology

    Santa Clara, California
    Program: Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity
    Credits: 74
    Cost per credit: $440
    Delivery Method: Hybrid, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Moorpark College

    Moorpark, California
    Program: Associate in Science: Cybersecurity
    Credits: 33-37
    Cost per credit: $397
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online, Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Palomar College

    San Marcos, California
    Program: Associate of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 28
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $332 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

The main utility of obtaining an associate degree in cybersecurity is that most degree programs provide good preparation and guidance for the many professional certifications that are required within the industry. 

Cybersecurity bachelor’s degrees in California

A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a key jumping-off point for many people looking to enter the cybersecurity field. 

Like the multidisciplinary nature of the field, an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity often exposes students to a number of topics including computer science, programming, network infrastructure, data management, policy, law, and security best practices. 

Often, bachelor’s cybersecurity degree programs have a particular focus such as computer science, information assurance, or criminal justice. 

Campus-based bachelor’s degrees

California is huge and the distribution of these programs reflects the size and diversity of the state.

Bachelor’s degrees take an average of 120 credit hours to complete, and many of these undergraduate programs prepare students for industry certifications. 

The more competitive cybersecurity bachelor programs will also have some kind of formal career prep programs such as hosted recruiting events or industry internship opportunities.

The list below contains information about campus-based cybersecurity bachelor’s programs in California. 

  1. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

    Pomona, California
    Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security Career Focus
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $278 in-state | $396 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: On Campus & Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. California State University

    Fullerton, California
    Program: Computer Science, Cybersecurity Concentration, B.S.
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $278 in-state | $396 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: On Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. California State University – San Bernardino

    San Bernardino, California
    Program: B.S. Information Systems & Technology – Cyber Security Intelligence
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 120
    Cost per credit: $278 in-state | $396 out-of-state
    Delivery Method: On Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Point Loma Nazarene University

    San Diego, California
    Program: Computer Science: Cyber Security, B.S.
    Credits: 61-64
    Cost per credit: $1,253
    Delivery Method: On Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in California

Another way to prepare for a career in cybersecurity is to obtain a master’s degree. A graduate can serve several functions and it is well-suited to people with either a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field, like mathematics or engineering — or for people with industry work experience who are looking to advance their career.

The kinds of cybersecurity master’s degrees available in California are also broken down by the more traditional campus-based or the newer online-based model. 

Campus-based master’s degrees

Cybersecurity master’s degrees in California are available in a few different formats. Some, like the program at the University of California at Berkeley, offer a master’s in computer science degrees with a focus on cybersecurity. 

Other schools offer master of science programs in cybersecurity.

Beyond a master’s in computer science or a master of science in cybersecurity, other cybersecurity master’s programs exist that are even more specialized. 

For more information about on-campus cybersecurity master’s degree options in California, see the complete list below:

  1. University of California - Berkeley

    Berkeley, California
    Program: Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS)
    Credits: 27
    Cost per credit: $2,712
    Delivery method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Optional
    Learn more: Sponsored program details

  2. California State Polytechnic University – Pomona

    Pomona, California
    Program: Master of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security Career Focus
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 35
    Cost per credit: $2,082 in-state | $2,478 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. California State University – San Bernardino

    San Bernardino, California
    Program: Master of Science – National Security Studies – Cybersecurity Concentration
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 39
    Cost per credit: $2,082
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  4. California State University – San Bernardino

    San Bernardino, California
    Program: Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $617 in-state | $1,013 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of San Diego

    San Diego, California
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,250
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

Online master’s degrees

In California, there are six online cybersecurity master’s degree options, and the schools that do offer the programs have solid reputations as leaders in science and technology education. 

An online master’s degree might be a good fit for working professionals who are unable to attend regular campus-based classes. Additionally, research shows that obtaining an online degree versus a campus degree has no impact on future employment potential. 

Like the campus-based master’s degrees, the online cybersecurity master’s programs in California all vary slightly — and offer different concentrations or focus areas.

Below is a complete list of California online master’s degrees in cybersecurity:

  1. University of California - Berkeley

    Berkeley, California
    Program: Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 27
    Cost per credit: $2,780
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Optional
    Learn more: Sponsored program details

  2. California State University-San Marcos

    San Marcos, California
    Program: MS Cybersecurity (Online)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 38
    Cost per credit: $825
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not required
    Learn more: Program details

  3. California State University, San Bernardino

    San Bernardino, California
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $1,200
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

  4. National University

    San Diego, California
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 58.5
    Cost per credit: $442
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required for GPA 2.0 to 2.49
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Stanford University

    Stanford, California
    Program: Master of Science in Computer Science (MCS) with a concentration in Security
    Credits: 45
    Cost per credit: $1,456
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of San Diego

    San Diego, California
    Program: Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $965
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of the Pacific

    Stockton, California
    Program: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 31
    Cost per credit: $1,280
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity PhD degrees in California

A PhD degree, or a doctoral degree in cybersecurity, is designed for people looking to develop research expertise in the field. Often PhD recipients work in specialized niches within cybersecurity such as in academia, in government-supported research institutions, or in technical executive roles within companies.

There are currently two cybersecurity specific PhD options in California:

  1. National University

    San Diego, California
    Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity (PhD-CY)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 60
    Cost per credit: $1,094
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Not Required
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Naval Postgraduate School

    Monterey, California
    Program: Ph.D. in Computer Science (may elect Computer Systems and Security specialization)
    CAE designation: CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO
    Credits: 44
    Cost per credit: $6750/quarter
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    GRE/GMAT Required: Required
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity certifications in California

California cybersecurity certifications are another option for people currently in the workforce to further develop a professional skill set.

Cybersecurity certification programs exist in two main groups. There are academic-oriented certifications and more industry-oriented certifications.

These certification programs exist on a range — from entry-level to advanced and narrowly focused (and sometimes with prerequisites including years of relevant work experience). Some of these certifications focus narrowly on a certain kind of industry software or programming application.  

Campus-based certifications

  1. American River College

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Certificate
    Credits: 30
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $480 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Asher College

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Cloud and Computer Security Specialist Certificate
    Credits: 21
    Cost per credit: $669
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  3. California State University-Sacramento

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Certificate in Information Assurance and Security - Graduate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 9
    Cost per credit: $347
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  4. California State University-San Bernardino

    San Bernardino, California
    Program: Certificate in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 25
    Cost per credit: $278 in state | $396 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Chaffey College

    Rancho Cucamonga, California
    Program: Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity Analyst
    Credits: 19
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $388 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  6. City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco, California
    Program: Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $358 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  7. College of San Mateo

    San Mateo, California
    Program: Enterprise Cybersecurity Certificate of Specialization
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $358 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Cypress College

    Cypress, California
    Program: Cyber Defense Certificate
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 26
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $362 out of state
    Delivery Method: Hybrid
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Foothill College

    Los Altos Hills, California
    Program: Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 27
    Cost per credit: $31 in state | $239 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  10. ICOHS College

    San Diego, California
    Program: Cyber Security Specialist Certificate
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $3,995
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Imperial Valley College

    Imperial, California
    Program: Certificate in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $94 in state | $504 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Long Beach City College

    Long Beach, California
    Program: Certificate in Cyber Security
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 17
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $269 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Los Angeles Pierce College

    Woodland Hills, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 24
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $342 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Moorpark College

    Moorpark, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Administration Certificate of Achievement
    Credits: 11
    Cost per credit: $127 in state | $397 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Mt San Jacinto Community College District

    San Jacinto, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Employment Concentration Certificate
    Credits: 15
    Cost per credit: $92 in state | $912 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  16. Ohlone College

    Fremont, California
    Program: Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity
    Credits: 17
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $358 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  17. Oxnard College

    Oxnard, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate of Achievement
    Credits: 19-20
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $397 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  18. Riverside City College

    Riverside, California
    Program: Information Security and Cyber Defense Certificate
    Credits: 21-22
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $373 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  19. Sacramento City College

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Computer Information Security Essentials Certificate
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $480 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  20. San Diego City College

    San Diego, California
    Program: Certificate of Achievement - Cybersecurity
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 31-32
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $304 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  21. San Jose State University

    San Jose, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Engineering Certificate
    Credits: 12
    Cost per credit: $479
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  22. Sierra College

    Rocklin, California
    Program: Information Technology Cybersecurity - Certificate of Achievement
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 31
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $414 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

  23. West Los Angeles College

    Culver City, California
    Program: Certificate of Achievement in Cyber Security Essentials
    Credits: 9
    Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $92 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus
    Learn more: Program details

Online certifications

Like other academic programs, cybersecurity certification programs also have online options. And like the campus-based programs, California’s online cybersecurity certification programs all vary slightly in terms of focus or concentration.

Below is a complete list of university-based online cybersecurity programs in California:

  1. Fresno City College

    Fresno, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate Program
    Credits: 25
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $315 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. ICOHS College

    San Diego, California
    Program: Cyber Security Specialist Certificate
    Credits: 36
    Cost per credit: $3,995
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Riverside City College

    Riverside, California
    Program: Information Security and Cyber Defense Certificate
    Credits: 21-22
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $373 out of state
    Delivery Method: Campus, Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity bootcamps in California

  1. California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena, California
    Program: Caltech Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 26 weeks
    Cost per credit: $8,000
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Magnimind Academy

    Palo Alto, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 24 weeeks
    Cost per credit: $10,000
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  3. San Diego State University

    San Diego, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 32 weeks
    Cost per credit: $15,820
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Springboard

    San Francisco, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Bootcamp
    Credits: 6 months
    Cost per credit: $11,900
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  5. University of California–Irvine Continuing Education

    Irvine, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    CAE designation: CAE-R
    Credits: 24 weeks
    Cost per credit: $13,495
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of California–San Diego Extended Studies

    San Diego, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    Credits: 24 weeks
    Cost per credit: $13,495
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of California–San Marcos

    San Marcos, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Boot Camp
    Credits: 6 months
    Cost per credit: $4,275
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of San Diego

    San Diego, California
    Program: Cyber Bootcamp
    CAE designation: CAE-CD
    Credits: 12-26 weeks
    Cost per credit: $13,495
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

Cybersecurity jobs in California

There is a nationwide job shortage of well-trained and experienced cybersecurity workers. The shortage is also being felt in California. At the state level, the workforce supply/demand ratio is almost at par with the nationwide ratio. 

But in the major metro areas of California, the situation is much different. In most major regions (see more specific analysis below) there is a greater shortage of cybersecurity workers.

According to CyberSeek, there are 130,206 people employed in cybersecurity roles across California, and there are 39,223 cybersecurity job openings around the state.

According to CyberSeek, the top cybersecurity job titles in California include:

Because of their technical nature, cybersecurity jobs in California are generally well-paying. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, security analysts (which is used as a representative sample of the cybersecurity industry more broadly) make an average annual salary of $140,730 or an average hourly wage of $67.66. 

Cybersecurity at the city level

Cybersecurity in the San Francisco Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward

As mentioned earlier, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the world’s technology epicenters. Startups ranging from robotics to dating apps and from new ways of banking to better medical care are all creating new products and services. And to varying degrees, these new companies all need some level of protection or insulation against cybersecurity threats.

Standalone cybersecurity startups are also launching to create products, services, and technologies aimed at protecting people and companies operating in the digital realm.

Given the technology startup orientation of the region, the San Francisco Bay Area has an above-average concentration of cybersecurity job openings and a comparatively low supply of qualified workers. There are close to 7,993 cybersecurity jobs available in the region and approximately 25,896 workers are employed in a job that is cybersecurity-related. 

Here’s a look at the regional data provided by CyberSeek:

  • Supply of workers ratio: High — the national average is 83 percent while the San Francisco region is 89 percent.

Cybersecurity in Silicon Valley: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara

The Silicon Valley/South San Francisco area is also home to a disproportionate amount of technology startups and companies. 

In addition to hiring for roles across a wide spectrum of consumer and enterprise products and services, companies in Silicon Valley are also focused on information and data security. This region, which is an extension of the San Francisco Bay Area outlined above is also hiring cybersecurity workers.

Here’s a look at the regional data provided by CyberSeek:

  • Supply of workers ratio: High — the national average is 83 percent and the Silicon Valley region is 87 percent.

Cybersecurity in the Los Angeles area: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim

While the Los Angeles area might best be known for the entertainment sector, there are also other vibrant industries driving job growth and a growing technology sector. 

Here’s a look at the regional data provided by CyberSeek:

  • Supply of workers ratio: Very high — the national average is 83 percent and the Los Angeles region is also 91 percent

Cybersecurity in the San Diego area: San Diego and Carlsbad

There is a large military presence in the greater San Diego area, which means there are also a number of military contractors and suppliers in the region. 

The relatively high number of military-related occupations means that there is also a higher-than-average number of cybersecurity jobs available. There are 5,501 cybersecurity jobs available in the greater San Diego region, with 15,008 people employed in the field.

A closer look at the regional data provided by CyberSeek:

  • Supply of workers ratio: Medium  — the national average is 83 percent and the San Diego region is 84 percent.

Cybersecurity in California 

In summary, there are ample opportunities to get an education in cybersecurity in California. Associates, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral — and not to mention the wide range of certification programs offer several ways for people to enter the field or further their career opportunities.

Yet despite all of these educational opportunities, there remains a shortage of well-trained and experienced cybersecurity workers, which makes it a great job market for people with the right skills. 

Source

  • Cybersecurity supply/demand information | Source from Cyberseek in February 2025