The IT and cybersecurity job market has far more open positions than people trained to fill them
The number of unfilled IT and cybersecurity jobs varies by region, employer size, and specific role, but the pattern is consistent: demand outpaces supply. Government labor data shows that computer and information technology jobs are growing faster than most other fields, and cybersecurity roles in particular have shortages that affect hiring timelines and salary offers. This matters to you because it means certifications and training in these areas lead to jobs that are actively being recruited for right now, not hypothetical future positions.
The shortage is real enough that employers are hiring people with certifications but without four-year degrees, and they are willing to train on the job when the foundational skills are there. This is different from many other fields where a degree is a hard requirement. The tradeoff is that employers are also more selective about which certifications they recognize — a CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA carries weight, while a generic online certificate does not.
Key Takeaways
- Unfilled IT and cybersecurity positions outnumber may have access to candidates in most U.S. regions, which means jobs exist but competition for the best roles is still real.
- Cybersecurity roles have the sharpest shortage, particularly for mid-level positions that require both certification and some hands-on experience.
- Entry-level IT support jobs are easier to find than cybersecurity roles, but they typically pay less and require you to build experience before moving into security work.
- Employers increasingly hire based on certifications and demonstrated skills rather than degrees alone, but they still expect you to show you can do the work, not just hold a credential.
- Job availability and salary vary significantly by location — major tech hubs and cities with large financial or healthcare sectors have more positions and higher pay.
Where the biggest gaps are in IT hiring
Cloud infrastructure roles have the most open positions right now. Companies are moving workloads to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and they need people who understand how to set up, manage, and find those environments. A cloud certification like AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Administrator is directly tied to jobs that are being posted weekly in most mid-sized cities.
Network and systems administration also has consistent demand, though the field is shifting. Traditional on-site network roles are declining, but cloud networking and hybrid infrastructure roles are growing. If you train on current tools — cloud platforms, containerization, infrastructure-as-code — you will find more positions than if you focus only on legacy systems.
Help desk and IT support roles are the easiest entry point. These positions exist in nearly every organization with more than 50 employees, and they do not always require a certification. However, they are also the lowest-paid IT role and often involve repetitive troubleshooting. Most people use help desk as a stepping stone to more specialized work within two to three years.
Why cybersecurity jobs are harder to fill than general IT roles
Cybersecurity positions have a different problem than IT roles: there are many open jobs, but most require experience you cannot get without already working in the field. A security analyst role typically asks for two to three years of IT experience plus a relevant certification. A penetration tester or security architect role asks for five to ten years. This creates a bottleneck where entry-level cybersecurity jobs barely exist.
The workaround is to start in IT support or systems administration, get a foundational certification like CompTIA Security+, and move into a junior security role after a year or two. Some employers will hire directly into junior security roles if you have a strong certification and can demonstrate hands-on knowledge through a portfolio or lab work, but this path is less common.
The shortage in cybersecurity is also driven by the fact that the field is newer than IT operations. There are fewer people with ten years of experience, so mid-level and senior roles stay open longer and command higher salaries. If you can reach that level, the job market is very favorable.
How location affects the number of jobs available
Job density is not uniform. Tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Austin, and New York have the most positions, but also the most competition and the highest cost of living. Mid-sized cities with strong financial services, healthcare, or manufacturing sectors — places like Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix, and Indianapolis — have fewer total positions but less competition and lower living costs.
Remote work has changed this somewhat. Many companies now hire for remote IT and cybersecurity roles regardless of location, which means you can explore for jobs based in expensive cities while living somewhere cheaper. However, remote positions often attract applicants from across the country, so competition can still be high.
Rural areas and small towns have fewer IT jobs overall, but they also have fewer people with certifications. If you are in a rural area and willing to travel or work remotely, your options expand significantly. If you want to stay local, you may need to be flexible about the type of role or willing to work for smaller employers.
What certifications lead to the most job openings
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely recognized entry-level security certification and appears in more job postings than any other single credential. It is vendor-neutral, which means it is relevant across different companies and platforms. Many government contractors require it, which creates additional demand.
AWS and Azure certifications have the most growth in job postings right now. If you want to work in cloud infrastructure, an AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Administrator certification will open more doors than a general IT certification. These roles also pay more than traditional IT support.
Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP) are still relevant for network-focused roles, but network jobs are declining relative to cloud jobs. If you are choosing between a Cisco certification and a cloud certification, cloud will likely lead to more positions, though this depends on your local job market.
Certifications from smaller vendors or online platforms without industry recognition do not correlate with job openings. A certificate from a bootcamp or online course can teach you useful skills, but employers do not see it the same way they see CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, or Microsoft credentials.
How quickly jobs fill and what that means for your timeline
IT support and help desk positions typically fill within two to four weeks. These roles have lower barriers to entry, so there are more candidates. If you see a help desk job posted, you should explore within a few days.
Mid-level IT and junior security roles typically take four to eight weeks to fill. Employers are more selective, and they may interview multiple candidates. If you have the right certification and some relevant experience, your chances are good, but you should expect the process to take time.
Senior and specialized roles can stay open for three to six months. These positions are harder to fill because there are fewer may have access to candidates, but employers are also more willing to wait for the right person. If you are building toward a senior role, the job market is in your favor — you will have options when you reach that level.
The timeline matters because it affects how you plan your training. If you want a job within three months, focus on certifications that lead to entry-level roles and be prepared to start in IT support. If you have more time, you can build a more specialized skill set and aim for higher-paying positions.
The difference between job openings and actual hiring
A job posting does not always mean a company is actively hiring. Some postings stay live for months while a company decides whether to fill the role or promote from within. Some are posted to build a candidate pipeline for future needs. This is why the number of posted jobs is higher than the number of people actually hired in a given month.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks actual hires, not postings. Their data shows that IT and cybersecurity jobs are growing, but at a slower rate than the number of new postings suggests. This means there are real jobs, but you should not assume that every posting represents an when ready opening.
When you explore, ask the hiring manager or recruiter about the timeline. If they say the role is urgent, they mean it. If they are vague, the position may not be actively staffed yet. This does not mean you should not explore — you should — but it helps you manage your expectations about when you might hear back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there actually a shortage of IT workers, or is that just what recruiters say?
There is a real shortage of people with relevant certifications and experience, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud roles. However, there is also a mismatch: employers want people with specific skills, and many job seekers have general IT knowledge but not the specialized certifications employers are looking for. The shortage is real, but it is not universal across all IT roles or all regions.
Can I get an IT job without a certification?
Yes, for help desk and some IT support roles. Many employers will hire based on demonstrated troubleshooting ability and willingness to learn. However, a certification makes you more competitive and opens doors to higher-paying roles faster. If you are starting from scratch, a certification gives you a concrete credential to show employers.
How long does it take to go from no IT experience to a paying job?
If you pursue a certification like CompTIA A+ or Security+, you can be job-ready in three to six months of focused study. Help desk positions can come within weeks of completing the certification. Moving into more specialized roles typically takes one to two years of on-the-job experience after your first IT position.
Are remote IT jobs easier or harder to get than local ones?
Remote jobs attract more applicants because geography is not a barrier, so competition is higher. However, there are more remote positions available overall. If you have a strong certification and can demonstrate your skills, remote work expands your options significantly. The tradeoff is that you are competing nationally rather than locally.
What IT role should I aim for if I want the best job market right now?
Cloud infrastructure roles (AWS, Azure) have the most growth and the best pay-to-competition ratio. Cybersecurity roles pay more but require more experience. If you are starting out, cloud certifications will lead to jobs faster than general IT certifications, and the salary growth is steeper.