Job Prospects in Data Privacy are Looking Brighter Than Ever

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Dec 27, 2022 : Security Training Slides | San Francisco

What’s happening in the data privacy job market?

The privacy business is booming, new regulations coming online in 2023, 14% increase on breaches and more regulatory sanctions have led to more demand for professionals and increased salaries. The main privacy membership and certification organization The IAPP boasts over 75,000 members (up from 50,000 in 3 years) while TRU staffing partners latest data privacy jobs report shows a 30% year on year increase in demand for privacy pros with many candidates being placed in a week and receiving 3 job offers on average.
From a salary perspective, things look very healthy indeed. Entry level positions are commanding an unprecedented $75 to $95 thousand dollars while senior privacy consultant positions come in the $175k to $250k range. The upper end of the scale being offered by Big Tech organizations.The CEO of TRU staffing ‘Jared Coseglia’ says “Data Privacy is now one of the fastest-growing and highest-paid professional ecosystems in the world”.

What’s Driving the Growth in Data Privacy Jobs?

Multiple sources now attribute the growth to organizations who are now placing a premium on the reputational dividend associated with being privacy mature. They see the benefits of being seen to care about customer data in a world where perception is reality.

There’s also the matter of the complexity of the data privacy regulatory landscape with new rules coming on stream like the federal american data privacy protection act (ADPPA), The Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework (TADPF), CPRA (California Privacy Rights Act), multiple State stautes and european laws like ePR (Cookie Law).

These legal changes plus the fact that data environments are becoming more complex and in need of governance. Traditionally the security function took up the mantle for this need, but the realities of a dedicated chief privacy officer and privacy consultant have become apparent. Consumer consent needs to be tracked, processing activities need to be monitored, complaints need to be handled and privacy eco systems needs help to be automated by people.
In short, the big tech guns have embraced privacy and hired accordingly so now it’s the turn of the client companies to do the same.

Where are the most privacy jobs?

A quick scan through the job postings on indeed leads the way to the employment hot-spots for privacy jobs in the US. New York, Pittsburg and Washington DC are in the top 3 spots followed by Chicago, Atlanta and Austin. Interestingly there is a high number of remote jobs which will suit many and is reflective of the post-Covid flexibility in the market today.

How do I prepare for a data privacy role?

Certification and experience goes a long way. The CIPP and CIPM certifications are sought after by any employer as a way to get to the first interview at least. Our related article on Qualities of a good Data Privacy Officer may help you too in your quest as it explains the different aspects of a data privacy type role. In truth, data privacy specializations are becoming more common in the field down to particular vendors which means speciality certifications and specific hands on experience will be required. This is quite common with privacy enhancing technologies and unified privacy management dashboard solutions like OneTrust’s. This reflects that way technology has evolved over time as well.