According to StationX, the global cybersecurity workforce grew by 8.7% between 2022 and 2023, adding nearly 440,000 new positions.
This dynamic is reflected also in Germany and across the European Union. According to recent reports from Statista, the cybersecurity market in Germany alone is projected to reach revenue of US$7,29bn in 2024, driven by a combination of regulatory compliance requirements, increasing cyber threats, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as blockchain and quantum security.
Among the 11 countries with the highest concentration of cybersecurity professionals, 5 are in the EU, with Germany, France, and Spain at the forefront.
👨💻 Cybersecurity talent – in Europe and globally
The cybersecurity landscape is facing a significant shortfall in skilled professionals. According to CyberSeek, there are roughly 663,434 open positions for cybersecurity roles in the United States alone, indicating that businesses are lacking about two-thirds of the expertise they need. Many US-based companies are already looking and hiring talent in Europe.
Meanwhile in Europe, the situation is equally concerning. The cybersecurity talent gap spans between 260,000 and 500,000 professionals, despite an estimated need for 883,000 cybersecurity experts.
Looking ahead, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow. Cybersecurity Ventures projects that by 2025, there will be 3,5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally.
The existing talent shortage is expected to continue growing. Gartner predicts that by 2025, the lack of cybersecurity professionals will be responsible for more than 50% of significant cybersecurity incidents.
💸 Cybersecurity salaries in 2024 and beyond
Entry-level cybersecurity roles, often held by recent graduates or those new to the field, serve as the foundation for a career in cybersecurity. According to industry benchmarks, entry-level cybersecurity professionals in Germany might expect an average base salary of €40,000 per year, reflecting the initial phase of their career journey.
Mid-level cybersecurity professionals, such as cybersecurity engineers and specialists, possess a solid foundation of skills and experience. In Germany, mid-level cybersecurity professionals typically earn an average base salary of €60,000, indicating a significant jump from entry-level positions due to the depth of responsibility and expertise required.
Senior-level cybersecurity roles, including directors and chief information security officers (CISOs), are among the highest paid in the industry. In Germany, senior cybersecurity professionals often command an average base salary of €100,000.
While Germany sets a benchmark for cybersecurity salaries, there are notable regional variations within the EU. Countries known for their tech hubs, such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom, may offer higher salaries due to the higher cost of living.
🤑 Check also: Developer Salaries in DACH 2024
📄 How to hire top cybersecurity talent? Cheat sheet for hiring teams.
Attracting talent requires more than just competitive pay; companies need a holistic strategy to secure and retain the best professionals in a highly competitive market.
Here are key tactics you may want to try:
- Hackathons: Host or sponsor these events to evaluate candidates in action and build relationships through hands-on, real-world challenges. Highly recommended for entry-level or Junior professionals.
- Meetups and Conferences: Participate, sponsor, or speak at industry events to increase visibility, position your company as a thought leader, and attract active job seekers. Highly recommended to meet subject matter experts.
- Empower your senior tech talent to have an online presence: Help them engage in niche platforms like GitHub, Reddit, and cybersecurity forums/communities for them to connect with passive talent through insightful discussions and thought leadership.
- Continuous Training: Offer training for those that are still understanding the business and offer new and prestigious certifications to cybersecurity experts looking for opportunities to grow and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
- Active Outreach done by experts: We believe in a highly personalized approach. If you want to engage with top talent you have to treat them right. acework can help here. Check our recent case study for a Germany-based cybersecurity company.
- Be open to offering flexible work arrangements: If you don’t have it, you can slowly start to open up and try remote and hybrid work options with clear expectations. This will open up your pool and attract professionals seeking work-life balance while handling complex cybersecurity challenges.
At acework, we are committed to connecting growing companies with the top 20% off-market candidates in cybersecurity and tech. Most of our candidates have extensive experience working remotely or in hybrid environments, and many are open to relocating for the right opportunity, ensuring flexibility in your hiring process.
Our strategic consulting services help organizations understand the talent landscape and create sustainable and actionable hiring plans. We manage the entire sourcing and outreach process, providing valuable feedback, market insights, and a compelling employer value proposition to attract top talent.
☎️ Schedule some time with our Founder Angelina Ebeling to discuss your needs
