The job market in Baltimore is experiencing significant growth and transformation, particularly in the cybersecurity sector. By 2025, the cybersecurity job market in Baltimore is projected to grow by 33%, driven by the high demand for cyber professionals, with Maryland leading the nation in cyber job openings. Salaries in this sector start around $102,000, and key roles include Security Analyst and Penetration Tester, with about 30% of positions offering remote work options.
Maryland as a whole has seen a robust employment surge, adding 88,300 jobs from January 2023 to January 2025, reflecting a 3.2% employment growth rate that exceeds the national average of 2.8%. In January 2025 alone, Maryland added 4,900 jobs, with significant gains in sectors such as Other Services, Government, Accommodation and Food Services, Private Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance. However, sectors like Construction, Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities, and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation experienced job losses.
The unemployment rate in Maryland has dipped to 3.0%, well below the national rate of 4.0%. Baltimore County specifically saw a 7.3% increase in the number of private establishments from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024, although overall employment levels remained relatively stable. The labor force in Baltimore County grew by 4,127 workers, but the unemployment rate increased slightly to 2.7% due to a rise in the number of unemployed individuals.
Major industries driving job growth include healthcare, business, and technical fields. Healthcare Support and Practitioners, as well as Community and Social Service roles, have seen significant job increases. Management and Business & Financial Operations roles have also expanded. Notable employers include Johns Hopkins and major defense contractors, which are actively recruiting cybersecurity professionals.
Recent developments include a boost in cybersecurity apprenticeships and government initiatives aimed at training 10,000 new cybersecurity professionals by 2025. The focus on skills such as AI integration, incident analysis, and cloud security is becoming increasingly important.
Commuting trends are influenced by the availability of remote work options, which are becoming more common, especially in the cybersecurity sector. Government initiatives are crucial in fostering an inclusive economy and providing training programs to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
Key findings indicate that Baltimore's job market is strong, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity and other technical fields. The market is evolving to meet the demands of rising cybercrime costs and technological advances.
Current job openings include:
- Security Analyst at Johns Hopkins
- Penetration Tester at a major defense contractor
- Cybersecurity Apprentice in various companies offering training programs.