Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Information Technology

Plug into Info Tech in Hampton Roads

Information Technology is a rapidly growing and important sector in Hampton Roads encompassing 2,500+ establishments that employ approximately 28,000 people. Our IT industry includes many sectors. Most notable is cybersecurity due to the large presence of military installations and government contractors. With the continuous influx of talent resulting from the exiting military personnel who choose Hampton Roads as their permanent residences coupled with the graduates from our local educational institutions, the region is becoming a hot spot for Information Technology.

Cybersecurity

Large cybersecurity cluster development

Workforce

1,400+ local graduates in Computer and Information Sciences

Tech Hub

Expected growth rate of 6.8% by 2023

Workforce

The IT workforce in Hampton Roads has been growing at a consistent rate, fueled by influxes of cyber security, data centers, and computer support operations.

 

Job

# Employed

Median Annual Earnings

Computer and Information Systems Managers

1,582

$138,589

Computer Systems Analysts

2,908

$93,233

Software Developers

5,828

$105,734

Computer Network Architects

1,076

$102,747

Computer Hardware Engineers

393

$101,404

Source: Lightcast, 2022 Estimates

Significant contributors include Old Dominion University and ECPI:

Old Dominion University:

ODU is the region’s leading polytechnic institution offering degrees in business analytics, cybersecurity, computer science, modeling and simulation engineering, database administration, general information technology, and more.

ECPI University:

ECPI’s Information Technology offerings are the most comprehensive in Hampton Roads. Each year, hundreds of students graduate with associate and bachelors degrees in programs such as cloud computing, cyber and network security, mobile development, software development and web design and development.

Operating Cost

The costs of doing business in Hampton Roads often fall below the national average.

Military Concentration

Hampton Roads has a strong and well-recognized defense presence. With over 15 military installations employing 80,000+ active duty personnel, the region has attracted cutting-edge government contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Northrop Grumman.

After leaving the services, former military personnel provide a well-trained and renewable source of information technology talent. Each year over 8,000 of the state’s 15,000 exiting military members establish residency in the Hampton Roads region.

Research Centers

Notable research centers in the region help to propel the advancement of information technology forward.

Jefferson Lab:

Jefferson Lab is a national laboratory founded by the U.S Department of Energy to provide insights and breakthroughs in nuclear physics research. Their Information Technology Division uses cutting-edge technology to provide high-quality services and capabilities that enable the lab to pursue its research mission.

VMASC is an enterprise research center of Old Dominion University focusing on advances in modeling and simulation, data analytics and cybersecurity.

Industry Spotlight: Sera Brynn

Located in Suffolk, Sera Brynn has grown into the highest-ranked, pure-play cybersecurity compliance and advisory firm in the world. Founded in 2011 by former members of the U.S. intelligence community, Sera Brynn assists business and defense contractors in complying with security regulations, implementing compliance frameworks and assessing and mitigating cyber risks. With decades of experience, their expert team is made up of security engineers, computer forensics examiners, security consultants, certified compliance auditors, security researchers and trainers. Access to military-connected cyber talent, exceptional quality-of-life, and proximity to Washington D.C. were among the many advantages that led to Sera Brynn’s decision to locate in the Hampton Roads region.

Sera-Brynn’s headquarters in Hampton Roads allow us access to military-connected cyber talent, a high quality-of-life, and easy access to Washington, D.C. Our location in Hampton Roads allows us to provide exemplary services on a very competitive basis.

Key Companies

Booz Allen Hamilton

General Dynamics

Northrop Grumman

SAIC

Valkyrie Enterprises

CACI

Lockheed Martin

Raytheon

Serco, Inc.

WR Systems