Cybersecurity Guide

Explore cybersecurity training options in Sacramento

Written by Gray Oshin – Last updated:
In this guide

Are you looking for cybersecurity opportunities in Sacramento, California? This is a complete overview of the latest information security programs in the city.

It covers educational opportunities, such as bootcamps, degrees, certifications, and employment information.

As the capital city of California, Sacramento has several cybersecurity programs for beginners and professionals. However, this also means the city frequently suffers cyberattacks, with multiple data breaches reported in the last few years.

For example, Sacramento-based One Community Health’s systems were compromised in April 2021, which exposed the personal health information of employees and 39,865 patients.

In January 2022, Sacramento County reported a data breach that affected more than 2,000 personal records of employees. Later in August, California corrections officials confirmed a potential exposure of medical information of visitors, employees, and inmates. 

These data breaches have heightened the need for cybersecurity professionals for most Sacramento companies to avoid potential lawsuits resulting from cyberattacks. It’s no wonder Sacramento has a higher supply of cybersecurity professionals than the national average.

In addition, AgTech, Life Sciences (healthcare & biotech), and Advanced Manufacturing dominate Sacramento’s economy. These industries have several opportunities for cybersecurity experts.

Sacramento is also a great place to learn cybersecurity. More than five major educational institutions offer information security degrees, training, or industry-recognized certifications. 

California State University, Sacramento, has an established Center for Information Assurance and Security (CIAS). Since its establishment, the center has been designated the National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE-IAE) twice by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Other renowned colleges, such as Sacramento City College, have dedicated cybersecurity-related programs. If you live in the city or the Greater Sacramento metropolis, below is a thorough guide on cybersecurity in Sacramento.

Cybersecurity courses and training available in Sacramento

Whether you’re just entering the industry or advancing your professional career, you’ll find numerous cybersecurity courses and training in Sacramento. These programs have different delivery formats, such as in-person, live online, or self-paced. Here are some of them:

Computer Information Specialist Career Training at Asher College

Asher College’s Computer Information Specialist training is at 1215 Howe Avenue, Suite 101, Sacramento, CA 95825.

  • Duration: Classes start every two weeks. There are day, evening, and weekend classes depending on the student’s choice.
  • Aim: Asher College Sacramento’s Computer Information Specialist Program offers the practical instruction, real-world experience, and industry support necessary to pursue a fulfilling IT career.
  • Module: This hands-on training focuses on four core areas: PC Repair and Maintenance, Operating System Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, and PC and Network Security (Cybersecurity Essentials).
  • Course cost: This information is only available on request. You can see more details about the training, tuition, and other cybersecurity courses at Asher College, such as CCNA.

CED Solutions CISSP Certification Training

CED Solutions provides several IT and InfoSec training in different delivery formats. The CISSP certification training is a live instructor-led remote classroom program. For onsite training in Sacramento, CED Solutions requires at least eight students who want to take the same course. 

  • Duration: 5 Days 
  • Aim: This training is intended for professionals who meet the CISSP exam requirements and want to prepare for the certification. 
  • Module: The curriculum will cover the eight domains of the CISSP CBK – Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Engineering, etc.
  • Cost: Find out more about the CED Solutions CISSP Certification Training and request a quote.

Cybersecurity bootcamps and certifications available in Sacramento

Suppose you wish to start a career in cybersecurity but have no prior knowledge. If so, you could use cybersecurity bootcamps and certifications in Sacramento to forge a career path in the industry. 

Sacramento City College Computer Information Security Essentials Certificate

This program covers the fundamentals of computer forensics, risk management, compliance requirements, internal and external risks to information assets, and basic cyber operations. Additionally, it prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Classes are held onsite at 3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822. You can learn more about other cybersecurity certificate programs at Sacramento City College. 

American River College Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Certificate

This 30-unit certificate program prepares students for several high-demand certifications in the cybersecurity field. Students can take classes at the American River College campus at 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841.

Courses include CISCO Networking Fundamentals, Network Systems Administration, Ethical Hacking, and Scripting for Cybersecurity. Here is the complete information about the American River College Cybersecurity Certificate.

Industry-recognized cybersecurity certification training in Sacramento

Most professional certifications, such as the CISSP and CCNA, have prerequisites. If you’re not qualified for the exams but want to improve your chances of landing a cybersecurity job, you can get industry-recognized certifications from the training centers below. 

  • CERTSTAFFIX: provides online and in-person classes all over the United States. Although the courses are live online (instructor-led), corporate entities and teams who require the same training can have group training onsite. Certstaffix’s Sacramento location is at 3550 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95821 US.
  • COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE: offers a cybersecurity certificate to help students gain knowledge and extensive hands-on experience in protecting an organization’s data. It is a fully online and one-year certificate program. Here is the complete info on the Cosumnes River College Cybersecurity Certificate.
  • SACRAMENTO STATE: You can earn a Cyber Defense and Operations certificate from California State University, Sacramento. Learn more about this program.

Cybersecurity schools and degrees in Sacramento

There are multiple schools in Sacramento with one form of cybersecurity degree. The Los Rios Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Center prepares students to become cybersecurity professionals and keep organizations safe from threats.

In addition, Cosumnes’ Security Program is the oldest in the entire California state.

Cybersecurity jobs, salaries, and companies in Sacramento

Although most of the high-tech companies in California are based in Silicon Valley cities, Sacramento still has a decent number of cybersecurity jobs. Microsoft, Deloitte, and Siemens are some renowned companies with offices in the city. 

Healthcare companies, which are frequently targeted for cyberattacks, dominate the largest employers list.

Between September 2023 through August 2024, there were 6,746 people employed in the cybersecurity workforce with up to 1,933 roles still waiting to be filled.

Learn more about cybersecurity careers

If you’re applying for an information security job, below are some of the top job titles in Sacramento. You’ll also find the average salary for each respective role according to job-seeking platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.

  • TECHNICAL SUPPORT ANALYST
    • Average salary of $68,164.
    • Skills Required: Computer Networking, Linux, SQL, Software Troubleshooting, and Active Directory. 
  • CYBERSECURITY ANALYST 
    • Average salary of $100,725. 
    • Skills Required – Threat Hunting, COBIT, Public Cloud Security, Azure, ISO 27001, Security Information and Event Management, Threat Intelligence and Response, IDS, and Comprehensive Software Security.
  • PENETRATION & VULNERABILITY TESTER
    • Average salary of $118,369. 
    • Skills Required: Burp Suite, Bash, C#, C++, .NET, Encryption, AWS, Computer Networking, and APIs.
  • NETWORK ENGINEER
    • Average salary of $105,265. 
    • Skills Required: Cisco ASA, Cisco Routers, Azure, BGP, EIGRP, DHCP, DNS, IPsec, Firewall, and Computer Networking.
  • IT DIRECTOR
    • Average salary of $158,037.
    • Skills Required: Agile, DevOps, Disaster Recovery, ERP Systems, Budgeting, Active Directory, AWS, Analysis Skills, Azure, and Computer Networking.
  • CYBERSECURITY CONSULTANT 
    • Average salary of $126,677. 
    • Skills Required: Cloud Security, NIST standards, and Security Foundation & Threat Intelligence, among others. 
  • CYBERSECURITY MANAGER  
    • Average salary of $141,780. 
    • Skills Required: Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Management, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity Strategy, Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service, and Security Insider Threat Management.
  • CYBERSECURITY ARCHITECT 
    • Average salary of $146,437. 
    • Skills Required: Public Cloud Security, Container Security, Microservices Security, Cloud Security, and SABSA.

Data from Cyberseek shows a high demand for cybersecurity jobs in the Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade area. While the cybersecurity job demand in the region is higher than the national average, there is also a higher supply of 93 percent than the national average of 83 percent. 

More than 55 percent of all open job positions require certification. Since Sacramento particularly has several schools with different industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications, beginners and professionals can improve their employability with these programs.

Learn more about cybersecurity certifications

The industry is also one of the best paying in the country, especially in California, with professionals earning more than $140,730 on average.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for cybersecurity jobs will grow by 33 percent over the next decade. California’s capital city, Sacramento, has several opportunities to start or build your professional career.

Cybersecurity program listings in Sacramento

  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. 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

  5. Cosumnes River College

    Sacramento, California
    Program: Cybersecurity Certificate
    Credits: 29.5
    Cost per credit: $46 in state | $480 out of state
    Delivery Method: Online
    Learn more: Program details

  6. 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

  7. 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