Data Privacy Jobs Reportedly Growing While National Employment Slows

Companies in virtually all industries use the information to some extent. Often, most of an organization’s operations revolve around collecting and analyzing it. Of course, most people in modern society know and accept that, but they assert that businesses must do whatever’s necessary to keep data safe. 

Recent data privacy report statistics show a high demand for people who have the training to keep information secure. As a result, they often have multiple offers to the field, even though statistics about the U.S. job market indicate the per-month growth may be becoming less robust.

Data Privacy Report Shows a 30% Jobs Increase

A recently published report from TRU Staffing Partners revealed a 30% rise in data privacy jobs over the past year. Analysts cited numerous factors, such as increasingly complex and interconnected privacy regulations and the massive transition to remote work, stimulating the increase. They said it was the most significant boost in data privacy in more than a decade.

The report highlighted a two-pronged problem within the market. First, there is a general shortage of data privacy professionals. Also, the available roles in the field are increasingly specific in their requirements, which doesn’t make it any easier to find people with the right qualifications and backgrounds. 

The specificity stems from the growing number of privacy regulations worldwide and those that will be enacted soon. Additionally, the report found that companies need data privacy professionals who can assist with managing the information within the cloud platforms and other digital services used by workplaces.

People in data privacy roles must oversee the info used by remote and in-office workforces and contend that some companies have solely online operations. 

Data Privacy Professionals Have the Upper Hand

The data privacy report also found that current job market conditions give an advantage to professionals looking for work. According to Bryan Adams, career advisor at CareerProPlus,  they are in such high demand that they can afford to be picky about which companies employ them.

“Demand for cybersecurity jobs is increasing and outpacing the supply of qualified candidates,” says Adams. “For job seekers, it’s a seller’s market.” Companies need skilled professionals to help them process data. Only then can such entities adapt and use technology more effectively to meet emerging needs.

People possessing data privacy skills know they can take the time to learn specific details of open positions rather than being quick to accept them before asking many questions. That’s one of the main perks of having in-demand capabilities. 

For example, trends revealed in the research showed data privacy professionals frequently request the specifics regarding their duties and how much of their workdays each of those responsibilities will take up. 

They want to verify whether the level of work they’d be doing would align with their job titles. How a potential employer handles the ongoing pandemic also comes up in pre-hiring discussions since data privacy professionals want to know about protocols before taking open positions. 

Hiring Timeframes Are Shorter, and Job-Seekers Have More Options

Despite demanding those particulars beforehand, the report showed that data privacy professionals are getting hired faster. The average time frame from first contact to hire was three to six weeks in 2019. It was only one week in 2021.

The data privacy report also indicated that privacy professionals typically have at least two offers to consider. Plus, by the time they’re actively seeking a new position, they have an average of three. That luxury of having plenty of choices probably comes from the fact that there are increasingly severe consequences for organizations that do not follow best practices for keeping sensitive data secure. 

The average compensation for data privacy roles was 22% higher than last year. The researchers also expect it will climb again in 2023. 

This need for data privacy input spans beyond 2022. In April 2020, industry leaders, including many legal professionals, met to discuss how data privacy has evolved. Many participants discussed how they’d met with clients who needed clarification about new and emerging legislation and its application to their businesses. That uncertainty is one factor that pushes organizations to hire so aggressively. 

The report showed that three-quarters of the open data privacy roles are with corporations. Another 20% are with consulting and software firms, while the remaining 5% are at law firms.

Job Growth Becoming More Moderate in the United States

The job outlook for data privacy professionals looks promising, but the figures across the country suggest a slowdown. About 428,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy in April 2022, which was on par with March’s numbers. 

April marked the 16th consecutive month of job growth and a solid year of new-job numbers of at least 400,000 monthly. Economists said April’s numbers were strong, but they reflected a moderate period of job growth compared to some previous months. 

Additionally, the job market participation rate fell by two-tenths in April. That was the most significant drop since September 2020. It’s how many adults either have a job or are seeking one. 

These job statistics come when many companies are announcing hiring freezes or layoffs. They range from Meta and Uber to Peleton and Robinhood.

People who understand how to keep data safe in the cloud or an on-premises environment will find this is an excellent time to ensure their resumes are up to date. In addition, they should start thinking about what they’d want in a career even if they’re happy in their current roles. 

Data Privacy Professionals Have Vital Skills

Today’s society is heavily dependent on data. However, most customers aren’t willing to provide information without assurances that companies will keep the content safe. Data privacy professionals help make sure that happens. This overview shows that the job market is favorable for them now, which is likely to continue for at least the following year.