It’s a good time to hunt for a tech job. With the tech unemployment rate currently hovering at 1.7 percent, companies everywhere are hungry for technologist talent. But which states and cities are seeing the biggest spikes in demand?
For an answer, you could check out CompTIA’s latest tech-job report, based off data from Emsi Burning Glass (which collects and analyzes millions of job postings from across the country). But if you’re feeling like testing your knowledge (or at least your gut instincts), and you’ve already beaten the day’s Wordle, you could also try out our quiz on the current tech-job market, based off that CompTIA/Emsi Burning Glass data:
No matter where you live (or plan on moving to), chances are good you can find a tech position that interests you. Given the current level of demand for many tech roles, many jobs are also paying quite a bit; as demonstrated by Dice’s latest Tech Salary Survey, skills related to data storage and analytics, the cloud, and artificial intelligence can all earn you a healthy premium.
In “mature” tech hubs such as Seattle and New York City, competition for talent and a high cost of living have translated into notably generous cities. In up-and-coming tech hubs such as Philadelphia, salaries are also on the rise—and the cost of living is often somewhat lower.
Of course, salary isn’t just a factor of location and company; your skills and experience play a major role in how much you can earn, especially if you attempt to negotiate for a boosted salary and/or stock options. And it’s not just technical skills; employers are very interested in your “soft skills” such as empathy and communication, particularly if they expect you to help manage a team. No matter where you’re living (or what job you’re applying for), remember that the current state of the job market gives you some room to maneuver when it comes to discussions over salaries, flexible schedules, and more.
(Answer key: Question 1: New York City. Question 2: Professional, scientific and technical services. Question 3: California.)
