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Greater Phoenix
A top tech city for cybersecurity
Cybersecurity and advanced computer technologies have been recognized, by state and local governments, as an industrial cornerstone for the Arizona economy. Leadership is committed to supporting this vital industry. Greater Phoenix is one of the top markets in the nation to locate and expand cybersecurity.
Contents
Overview
Greater Phoenix is well-positioned to support both new-to-market cybersecurity companies and the expansion of our existing cluster.
Value Proposition
With significantly lower cost of living across all major expenditures, Greater Phoenix also offers shorter commute times for more free time and more than 300 days of sunshine annually.
Greater Phoenix offers faster fiber connectivity, and consistent and reliable power coverage. The region’s robust network of data centers is complemented by access to a leading domestic and international airport and a low risk of natural disasters.

Greater Phoenix has a robust ecosystem of independent cybersecurity firms and units from Fortune 500 companies which offer access to secure testing facilities.
Specialized programs at universities across the state train talent. University alignment and partnerships assist in the undertaking of cybersecurity research and development.
Real estate is more affordable with better benefit costs compared to peer markets. There are a number of quality incentives to further decrease operating costs for your cybersecurity business that you’re looking to create or relocate.
Talent Pipeline
Greater Phoenix boasts competitive non-distance program completions at colleges and universities in the concentrations of computer engineering, information technology, computer & software engineering, and computer science programs.
Greater Phoenix Talent Pipeline
The region produced over 2,200 graduates in these fields during the 2017 to 2018 school year and those figures are continuing to climb. The region’s universities are committed to supplying the workforce needed to enable companies to scale in the region making Greater Phoenix one of the top tech cities for cybersecurity for those looking to start or relocate your cybersecurity business.
Notable Programs in Cybersecurity - Related Fields






Arizona State University
Arizona State University is committed to partnering with corporate, education, and government organizations to produce a skilled cybersecurity workforce.
- Information technology
- Information assurance
- Computer systems engineering
- Computer science
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university committed to training the next generation of working professionals.
- Computer programming
- Computer science with an emphasis in big data analytics
- IT degree with cybersecurity emphasis
- Arizona Cyber Warfare Range facility
Maricopa Community Colleges
Estrella Mountain Community College’s Cybersecurity Center has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Computer applications technology
- Programming and systems analysis
- IT & power systems security
- IT security associate
University of Advancing Technology
The University of Advancing Technology has one of the longest-running Cybersecurity degrees in the Southwest. The university has trained more graduates with an NSA and National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE)-credentialed education than any other university’s Cybersecurity program in the Southwest.
- Network security
- Network engineering
- Technology forensics
- Information assurance
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is committed to partnering with government and corporations to train job-ready students. This commitment has led to their Cybersecurity programs being designated a national center of excellence.
- AZSecure Cybersecurity Fellowship Program
- Management information systems with emphasis in information assurance
- Cyber operations
- Enterprise security certificate
Embry-Riddle is an aeronautical university that offers programs in cyber intelligence and security. Their College of Security and Intelligence was the first comprehensive degree-granting college of its kind in the United States.
- Cyber intelligence and security
- Global security & intelligence studies
Competitive Programs
In a competitor markets’ talent pipeline analysis, Greater Phoenix has closed the gap between New York and San Francisco in producing cyber-related degrees per 100,000 in population.
- Arizona State University is committed to partnering with corporate, education, and government organizations to produce skilled cybersecurity workforce.
- The University of Arizona offers an AZSecure Cybersecurity Fellowship Program.
- At Grand Canyon University, you can earn an IT degree with a cybersecurity emphasis.
- The University of Advancing Technology has one of the longest-running cybersecurity degrees in the Southwest.
Industry Ecosystem
Community groups and leading research and development centers are supporting legacy companies, emerging disruptor startups, and local, state and federal government.
Cybersecurity Canyon
Cybersecurity Canyon is a group of industry leaders led by Ori Eisen, Joe Loomis, Sean Moshir, and Kyle Starkey that has decided to take up the challenge of finding and attracting talent to staff cybersecurity openings. They are committed to developing long-term solutions that nurture a vibrant local community of cybersecurity talent and entrepreneurs making it a top tech city for cybersecurity businesses to relocate to and even start operations. They believe that these efforts will turn the Phoenix Metro area into a hotbed of cyber talent. Additionally, the group hopes to foster new educational partnerships that help universities train job-ready students.
Pipeline AZ
Pipeline AZ is a strategic workforce platform that is revolutionizing the way students and job seekers connect their passions and experiences with rewarding opportunities. Through this platform, individual skills, interests, and experiences are matched with local companies’ skills and experience needs. These high-quality matches produce a stronger fit between employee and employer resulting in better retention rates and workforce satisfaction. Pipeline AZ gives the job seeker control of their own career pathway through tailored resources, personally curated information and customized opportunities. Pipeline AZ provides employers with a more efficient way to access regional talent on demand; educators with an avenue to improve their curriculum to match market needs; and talent with the resources needed to develop a more fulfilling career.
Major Employers
Greater Phoenix has a rich ecosystem of cybersecurity companies. A large number of successful companies were founded in the region, and some were scaled into the region efficiently.



Major Operation Center Employers
The Greater Phoenix region is home to a rich cybersecurity ecosystem. Part of this ecosystem is non-cybersecurity firms that have cybersecurity operations in the region.



Labor Analysis
Greater Phoenix has a robust supply of human capital at an affordable cost to start or relocate your cybersecurity business. Median wages in Metro Phoenix are significantly lower than peer markets. As one of the Nation’s top cities for the cybersecurity industry, Phoenix continues to pave the way for innovation at a more affordable cost.
Labor Costs
The labor cost data below depicts the 75th percentile wages across peer markets for cybersecurity occupations. Scroll to the side to see how Greater Phoenix stacks up against other cities.
Occupation | Phoenix | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Seattle | Boston | New York |
Sales Managers | $105,477 | $109,200 | $141,149 | $137,800 | $135,554 | $179,296 |
Computer & Information Systems Managers | $135,554 | $157,040 | $183,269 | $153,774 | $151,216 | $181,605 |
Computer & Information Research Scientists | $125,174 | $120,328 | $138,736 | $148,699 | $114,733 | $133,141 |
Computer Systems Analysts | $89,066 | $93,933 | $117,270 | $99,757 | $94,411 | $108,202 |
Information Security Analysts | $97,198 | $100,381 | $118,664 | $106,413 | $106,787 | $125,986 |
Software Developers, Applications | $100,755 | $113,610 | $137,675 | $130,416 | $108,514 | $114,046 |
Software Developers, Systems Software | $98,904 | $124,488 | $135,450 | $123,406 | $119,246 | $123,656 |
Database Administrators | $92,560 | $94,390 | $108,846 | $111,467 | $101,130 | $105,789 |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $82,202 | $90,750 | $101,442 | $96,699 | $89,606 | $97,594 |
Computer Network Architects | $102,752 | $115,544 | $127,962 | $126,485 | $125,694 | $124,051 |
Computer Occupations, All Other | $82,222 | $83,138 | $109,346 | $91,499 | $92,477 | $100,485 |
Operating Costs and Statutory Incentives
Companies in Greater Phoenix enjoy the benefits of low business costs, minimal regulation and an advantageous operating environment. From aggressive tax credits and incentive programs designed to increase access to capital, the Greater Phoenix region offers businesses a robust, pro-business climate.
The Annual Business Operating Cost Pro-forma below has been prepared using the following parameters as an estimate for cybersecurity operations in competitor markets. Component and custom analyses to match your company’s operations can be provided upon request.
Assumptions
- $2,500,000 personal property investment
- 9,000 square foot Central Business District
- Utilities (per month): Included in lease
- 86 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics equivalent occupations)
Occupations | Employment |
Computer & information systems managers | 2 |
General & operations managers (Human Resources) | 1 |
Secretary | 1 |
Computer network architects | 9 |
Computer network support specialists | 8 |
Information security analysts | 21 |
Computer programmers | 44 |
Total | 86 |
Statutory Incentives
Even with the highly competitive tax environment in Greater Phoenix and Arizona, there exists a number of tax incentives that can be utilized to mitigate operating costs making it one of the best cities to start your cybersecurity business. It should be noted that this is only a guide for potential incentives.
Arizona Competes Funds
- Discretionary funds that can be used to attract, expand and retain Arizona enterprises
Quality Jobs Tax Credit
- $9,000 of corporate income tax credits per job, spread over 3 years
- Capped at 10,000 jobs per year
- Four tiers of qualification that all require at least 65% of benefits packaged covered by employer
R&D Tax Credit
- Refundable and nonrefundable corporate income tax credits for qualified research and development done in Arizona, including company funded research at a state university
- Credit amount is 24% of first $2.5 million in qualifying expenses plus 15% of the qualifying expenses in excess of $2.5 million
- Qualifying small companies (less than 150 FTE) can apply to make their credit refundable (75% of nonrefundable credit value). A company can receive up to $2.0M in refundable credits per year
Quality of Life
Greater Phoenix offers residents unlimited recreational activities, a robust restaurant industry with flavors from around the world, day and night activities for the family, outdoor fun and so much more.
Parks and Recreation
Greater Phoenix is home to hundreds of parks and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. The Greater Phoenix region is home to the largest municipal park in the United States, South Mountain Park. South Mountain Park covers more than 16,000 acres. Other large parks in the region include the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the Superstition Mountains. Notable walking trails in the region include the canal system, Tempe Town Lake, the Greenbelt and Papago Park.
Cost of Living
When you choose to relocate to Greater Phoenix, you do not have to give up your career in Cybersecurity. The region is a leader in the industry, offering growth opportunities for both employers and employees. Use the calculator below to see some of the potential savings you could see if you chose to relocate to Greater Phoenix while still working in the Cybersecurity industry.
Annual Income
Monthly Mortgage
Monthly Healthcare
Monthly Groceries
Companies in Greater Phoenix
- 41st Parameter
- ADT Cybersecurity
- Axon
- Bishop Fox
- CellTrust
- Clear Data
- Early Warning
- Emailage
- Experian
- Kudelski Security
- LifeLock
- Netswitch
- Securosis
- SiteLock
- Symantec
- Trusona
Want to see a full list of companies in Greater Phoenix? Download the complete report.