US Cybersecurity Recruitment Trends for 2025

A recent benchmark report revealing research on how many job postings have been made in the cybersecurity industry show a steady decline overall since 2022. The release of the 2024 figures shows a continuing trend and decline in overall postings, however job postings increased for 10 of the top 25 functional cybersecurity roles, highlighting shifts in hiring priorities. 

This article explores why has there been a decline since 2022 in posted cybersecurity roles, what is driving the upward trend in specific jobs and if there is any indication of how the cybersecurity job market will shift in priorities for 2025. 

US Cybersecurity Job Postings 2022 to 2024 

The following findings were taken from the Cyber SN ‘U.S. Cybersecurity Job Posting Data Report’ released in March 2025.

Statistics from  the U.S. Cybersecurity Job Posting Data Report 2025

Despite this overall downturn, certain cybersecurity roles have seen increased demand, reflecting a potential change in priorities and external influences.  

Regulatory Influences Driving Demand for Cybersecurity/Privacy Attorneys 

One of the most significant trends is the 40.74% surge in job postings for Cybersecurity/Privacy Attorneys from 2023 to 2024. This could be accounted for by the growing complexity of regulatory frameworks. Deidre Diamond, Founder & CEO of CyberSN, attributes this rise to specific regulations:  

"For the USA, it is the SEC Breach Disclosure and the GDPR regulations."  

The Securities and Exchange Commission's breach reporting rules and the General Data Protection Regulation have intensified the need for legal expertise in cybersecurity, prompting organizations to bolster their compliance capabilities.  

Decline in Security Engineer and Analyst Roles Amid Outsourcing Trends 

Traditional roles such as Security Engineers and Security Analysts have experienced a decline in job postings. Security Engineer postings decreased by 24.97% from 2022 to 2024, with a 4.68% drop from 2023 to 2024. Similarly, Security Analyst roles saw a 25.88% decline from 2022 to 2024 and a 13.87% decrease from 2023 to 2024.  

This reduction is partly due to increased outsourcing as organizations seek cost-cutting measures. Diamond cautions against this approach:  

"What led to this outsourcing is the cost-cutting position organizations have been taking the last two years. I do feel that this outsourcing of Cyber professionals is ill-advised for a few reasons. First, when we outsource these roles, we are losing the ability to grow and develop resources here in the US. This means that our Principal Architects and Team Leaders will be trained and developed outside the US. Secondly, outsourcing critical roles like these does not mean the cost savings will actually exist. The hard cost of salaries is obvious. What is missing is the cost calculations of trust, transition, and thoroughness. When we look at all costs, the lower cost is not true. We have seen in the IT outsourcing space from the last 25 years; that cheaper isn't really the case longer term."  

The reliance on external providers for critical cybersecurity functions may lead to operational inefficiencies and a diminished internal talent pipeline, potentially compromising long-term security postures.  

Potential Stabilization and Future Outlook for 2025  

Despite the overall decline, specific roles have had significant growth, indicating shifting priorities.  

Top 10 Cybersecurity Functional Roles That Increased from 2023 to 2024

Statistics from  the U.S. Cybersecurity Job Posting Data Report 2025

While some roles have faced declines, there are indications of potential stabilization. For instance, Product Security Engineer job postings, after a 52% drop from 2022 to 2024, rebounded with a 12.08% increase from 2023 to 2024. This suggests that organizations may be changing their hiring strategies to address emerging security challenges.  

Looking ahead, the cybersecurity job market's trajectory for 2025 remains uncertain. Diamond emphasizes the influence of economic conditions and regulatory developments:  

"What drives the cyber job markets is a strong economy and regulations; both of these items are in uncertain times. It's too early in the year to see shifts. We plan to release an August update." 

You can download the full ‘U.S. Cybersecurity Job Posting Data Report here’.