What Are the Best Cities for Tech Jobs in the U.S.?

A career in technology can offer a higher salary and more stability. Finding the perfect place to start your job can be tricky. To give you some inspiration, here are 12 of the best cities for tech jobs. 

1. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is home to a bustling tech scene. It was ranked the Number one tech hub in the U.S. by Business Facilities magazine. Georgia employs 154,890 tech workers earning around $86,000 per year. It’s home to many startup companies working from the Atlanta Tech Village. The company offers space and mentorship for entrepreneurs. 

They have launched over 300 startups and raised more than $826 million in capital. The supportive environment is perfect for new businesses. As companies continue to grow, there are plenty of job opportunities. 

Another important factor leading to the rise of innovation is Georgia Tech. It’s a leading research university focusing on improving the human condition. Students graduating from here can help bring new talent and ideas to an organization.

2.  Austin, Texas

Austin is known as the “Silicon Hills” for its booming tech industry. In 2019, Austin’s high-tech sector grew by 7.7%. One of the things that makes it one of the best cities for tech jobs is Capital Factory. The company helps connect new business owners to their first mentors and investors. Building connections can help startups flourish, adding to the growing tech economy.

Also, it’s home to well-known software companies, like Apple and Oracle. In 2019, Apple employed 6, 754 people in the Texas area. If you have programming skills, then consider checking out Austin. 

3. San Francisco, California 

Silicon Valley, located in the San Francisco Bay area, has a thriving tech scene. There are around 619,000 tech jobs in the city, and 38% are employed by one of the region’s largest tech companies. These organizations include Apple, Google, and Facebook. 

Working for these well-established tech companies can offer you a pay increase. Employees working for Google earned a median salary of $246,804. 

4. New York City, New York

New York City has a growing tech industry with over 291,000 jobs and an 18% growth rate. Ed-tech is one of the popular areas with 262 ed-tech companies. Another reason it’s one of the best cities for tech jobs is its growth in the life sciences. 

In 2021, Mayor De Blasio invested one billion dollars into LifeSci NYC. The company invests in research and development. The initiative is expected to create nearly 16,000 new jobs by 2026. If you have a passion for science and technology, New York may be the place for you. 

5. San Diego, California

San Diego was ranked the sixth-fastest growing market for software and tech workers. In 2021, Google plans to expand its office space in Sorrento, Mesa. Besides large tech companies, AI startups have helped spark growth. Some popular organizations include Shield AI, Visier, and Brain Corp. The business is using machine learning to support industries, such as healthcare. 

To help foster new businesses, StartUp San Diego educates and guides entrepreneurs. The nonprofit also builds relationships between startups and vendors.

6.  Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is home to well-educated tech graduates producing 12,183 in 2019. The city also features top universities, such as Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. With a strong talent pool, employers can hire new workers to expand their business. 

Software developers and programmers are in high demand. You can earn around $117,00 per year as a software engineer. Boston is also a major hub for 3D printing and artificial intelligence(AI). 

They have raised $300 million for an AI startup known as DataRobot. The software uses technology to help companies sift through large amounts of data. The robot can help make predictions about client behavior or product trends. 

7. Portland, Oregon 

Nicknamed Silicon Forest, Portland offers a rising tech industry. Electronics are one of its top manufacturing industries. It’s home to Intel’s largest facility, which creates advanced microprocessors. Software and IT are also fast-growing industries, with a 45% employment increase.

The city is investing in technology even outside the workforce. They have partnered with Smart City PDX to incorporate technology-driven infrastructure. One of their current projects is shared electrical scooters for residents. 

8. Seattle, Washington 

Seattle has seen a 35% increase in tech jobs from 2016 to 2020. Microsoft and Amazon are helping to drive the growth. Microsoft employs about 57,000 workers in Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle. If you want to get your foot in the door with a larger tech firm, this is an excellent place to live. 

Yet, if you would rather work in a smaller corporation, the Venture Out program is available. Their goal is to help people working in large companies launch their startups.

9. Los Angeles, California 

Some people refer to Los Angeles as Silicon Beach for its rising tech scene. The city added 11,000 tech jobs between 2018 and 2019. So, there’s plenty of opportunities to find the right position for you. One of the reasons for this growth is the expansion of well-known companies, such as Google. Snapchat is also headquartered in California. The social media app has over 530 million active users as of April 2021. 

Los Angeles is also home to a thriving media industry. The creative sector has produced 2.68 billion jobs and provides a $650 billion boost to the economy. Startups have begun to experiment with new technologies, such as virtual reality. 

Another reason Los Angeles is one of the best cities for tech jobs is it has a home to top universities. California Institute of Technology graduates provide quality talent for employers. 

10. Chicago, Illinois 

Chicago has the third-largest data center market in the U.S. The city’s extensive fiber network and affordable internet costs play a role. Chicago is also home to more than 375 start-ups, with a high percentage owned by women. The city supports entrepreneurs through companies, such as 1871. The organization connects new business owners and provides guidance. 

Chicago is also an affordable place to live in, making it one of the best cities for tech jobs. Rent prices can be lower than in other areas. It costs around $1,076 for a one-bedroom apartment. 

11. Raleigh, North Carolina

The city offers many opportunities for developers. There were more than 10,600 tech jobs posted in January of 2021. One of the sources that fuels this growth is the Research Triangle Park. The foundation is one of the largest research parks in the U.S.

It covers over 7,000 acres housing hundreds of companies. These can include science firms, institutions, and startups. The park is home to well-known colleges, such as Duke. Raleigh has also started exploring augmented reality through RIoT Your Reality.  The goal is to use virtual reality to help solve the city’s challenges in diversity and inclusion. 

12. San Jose, California

The city is home to over 6,600 tech companies including Adobe and PayPal. It also features Tech Interactive, which is a family-friendly science and technology center. If you want to escape a more expensive city, then San Jose is a good option. 

It’s more affordable than its surrounding cities, like San Francisco. Housing is 37.4% more costly in San Francisco than in San Jose. There are also many activities to do, such as visiting the municipal rose garden. 

The Best Cities for Tech Jobs 

As technology becomes a part of our everyday lives, the job market will continue to grow. With so many places to set down roots, it can feel a little overwhelming. If you’re ready to move, consider heading to one of these best cities for tech jobs.