Best US Cities for Tech Jobs (Besides the Obvious)
Working in tech no longer means having to live in one of a handful of increasingly unaffordable cities like New York, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco. Instead, as jobs related to artificial intelligence and product safety, among other fields, continue to grow, cities that were not previously considered technology hubs now offer opportunities for both technology-related employment and affordable living. Here are some examples compiled using data from job market and city reports, as well as information from technical recruiters and hiring managers.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville, perhaps best known as the hometown of Walmart, has been developing as a technology hub over the past seven or eight years, according to Eoin O’Toole, a tech recruiter and managing partner at Riviera Partners . Beyond the big box store giant, O’Toole says there is a “growing ecosystem tied directly and indirectly to Walmart,” as well as other large employers such as JB Hunt and Tyson Foods. Not only do these companies have their own technical staff, but their industries are undergoing a technological transformation, which O’Toole says makes them “valuable clients for many cutting-edge technology startups.”
In that same vein, Bentonville is also attracting other tech companies and talent. “With the support of a very forward-thinking local council of Northwest Arkansas, you are seeing the emergence of technology companies in areas such as drones (think last mile delivery), electric vehicles, leading technology companies in supply chain and consumer packaged goods logistics, and financial technology to to name a few,” says O’Toole. Plus housing in Bentonville is 20% cheaper than the US average.
Dallas, Texas
Tech company recruiters and job reports often list Dallas and/or Austin as top emerging tech cities, but often include the disclaimer that Dallas has a lower cost of living. According to Kristen Fowler, an expert on tech industry recruiting trends and vice president and practice leader at Clarke Caniff Strategic Search , both cities have become tech hubs over the past 10 years, especially since the start of the pandemic. “Given that Dallas is home to several major retailers such as Chewy, Neiman Marcus and 7-11, as well as large technology companies such as AT&T and Texas Instruments, and banking organizations such as Capital One, there is a lot of talent,” explains she.
Detroit, Michigan
According to Richard Heaton, recruiting manager at Cartisian Tech Recruitment , the current period of growth in Detroit’s tech sector began in 2010, picked up steam around 2014, and shows no signs of slowing down. During that time, General Motors has “invested heavily in technology and innovation,” Heaton says, and Quicken Loans—one of the largest online mortgage lenders in the U.S.—continues to be one of the city’s top employers, he adds. Additionally, Ford’s Central Michigan Innovation District is slated to open later this year, which the company describes as “a center in Detroit dedicated to advancing new technologies, ideas and programs.” Add in the city’s fast-growing startup scene and the fact that it’s consistently named one of the cheapest cities in the country to buy a home , and it’s not hard to see why Detroit attracts top tech talent.
Tampa, Florida
With a mix of well-established tech employers and dynamic startups, Tampa is increasingly recognized for its growing tech scene, especially since 2018, says Allan McNabb, vice president of Image Building Media , an online marketing company based in Florida. “Key players such as Jabil and Tech Data, as well as the rise of fintech and cybersecurity companies, have created a diverse technology landscape,” he says. According to the 2023 Tech Talent Report by CBRE , a firm specializing in services and commercial real estate investment, Tampa saw a 35 percent increase in the number of residents in their 20s with college degrees between 2016 and 2021: highest highest among all cities in North America.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Since the late 2000s, Pittsburgh has been steadily emerging as a technology hub, says Craig Klieman, founder and CEO of The New Workforce . Google, Uber, Apple, IBM and Facebook all have offices in the Steel City, and being home to Carnegie Mellon University means there’s always a steady stream of new tech talent coming to the area. “Pittsburgh’s focus on artificial intelligence and robotics has made it a hub for technology innovation,” says Kleeman. Interestingly, according to a CBRE report, Pittsburgh is the most racially and ethnically diverse market for women with technical degrees in the United States, although one of the least diverse for men.
Atlanta, Georgia
Home to companies like Delta, Home Depot, Workday, BlackRock, Nordstrom and Carvana, Atlanta has become one of the largest tech job markets in the country. But beyond the big names, the city also has a vibrant startup scene, especially in healthcare and logistics technology, says Maria Opré, a cybersecurity expert and senior analyst at EarthWeb . “Through strategic collaborations between companies like Microsoft and Georgia Tech, Atlanta is fostering partnerships and skills development,” says Opré. “While housing remains affordable compared to larger centres, salaries are competitive for a city of this size. There’s also the Atlanta Tech Village , a collaborative mentoring and workspace for tech innovation that Klieman says has made an impact on the city by “supporting startups.” and providing a platform for entrepreneurs to thrive.”
According to a recent LinkedIn report , there has been significant growth in tech jobs at non-tech companies, a trend that will continue as artificial intelligence and automation become more common across all industries. The bottom line is that you don’t have to spend the majority of your salary on rent or a mortgage to live somewhere with a thriving tech scene. And if you already live in a well-known tech hub like San Francisco but might want to expand your job search, don’t be afraid to do so.