What is a tech job? A tech job, also known as an IT or information technology job, is a job that requires implementing technical knowledge and requires being trained and qualified to work with computer languages. Skills that are typically involved in a tech job include designing computer networks, developing software and websites, and coding.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts continued growth for the information technology industry over the next several years as technology is continually changing and organizations are adapting to them. It is expected that between 2014 and 2024, 488,500 IT jobs will be added to the job market. Additionally, IT professionals earned a median salary of $82,860 and are employed in every industry.
Some popular tech career positions that have great future outlooks include Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computer Network Architect, Computer System Analyst, Web Developer, Software Developer, and Computer Support Specialist, among others.
Silicon Valley is often thought to be the hub for all tech jobs; however, with the tech industry evolving and a new generation of tech workers, new hubs are popping up all over the United States. Research shows that tech workers are willing and ready to move to the right city for the right jobs and that 78% of IT pros have moved, considered, or would consider leaving their current city for a new job.
Luckily, there are a lot of great places to go in the U.S. for tech jobs. The best cities for tech jobs are:
According to the CompTIA Tech Town Index, Austin, Texas is the top city for tech jobs. CompTIA analyzed cities based on location quotient (the number of IT job ads by number of people employed), number of IT jobs ad, cost of living index, cost of living, cost of living adjusted median hourly earnings, 1-year percent job growth, and 5-year percent job growth.
Austin, Texas is home to companies such as Google, Apple, IBM, Amazon, Visa, the University of Texas, and Zoho. Between August 2018 and July 2019, there were 48,960 IT job postings and there is a 16% expected growth in IT jobs in the next five years. The popular phrase “keep Austin weird” is one of the reasons that new tech companies choose to start in Austin, believing its “weirdness” will inspire innovation.
Those looking for tech jobs in the fifth-fastest growing state of Colorado have three great options: Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Denver’s thriving economy has made its an attractive prospect for IT jobs, with 60,548 positions posted between August 2018 and July 2019. The Boulder tech scene is comprised of aerospace and bioscience and a high median salary of $99,772 for IT professionals. Colorado Springs has been rising in the ranks due in large part to more job postings per the number of people employed. While the cost of living in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs is significantly higher than the national average, the median annual salaries for IT professionals each city are $9,244, $11,495, and $6,604, respectively, higher than the national median annual salary for IT pros.
This index is intended to be used as guidance for locations to consider when looking in the tech job market; however, there are many other factors one will need to consider before moving. Culture, climate, proximity to family, and other factors should be accounted for before deciding to move across the country. Luckily, the best cities for tech jobs are scattered all over the country, giving IT professionals plenty of options.