In 2023, the tech talent landscape in North America is dominated by major metropolitan areas that have shown significant growth and concentration of skilled workers. The San Francisco Bay Area and New York Metropolitan Area lead the pack, highlighting the ongoing importance of these regions in the tech industry.
Top Tech Talent Markets
San Francisco Bay Area
Tech Talent Workers: 436,740
Growth (2018-2023): +68,000 (18.6%)
Overview: Home to Silicon Valley and tech giants like Apple and Google, the Bay Area continues to attract and grow its tech workforce.
New York Metropolitan Area
Tech Talent Workers: 389,290
Growth (2018-2023): +22,000 (6.1%)
Overview: As a major economic hub, New York employs tech professionals across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and digital media.
Rising Tech Talent in Canadian Cities
Canadian cities have shown remarkable growth in tech talent, particularly from 2018 to 2023. Notably:
Ottawa
Growth: 51.7%
Overview: A significant concentration of government agencies and tech firms contributes to Ottawa’s robust tech workforce.
Calgary
Growth: 78.1%
Overview: Calgary’s tech job market is booming, reflecting a significant demand for skilled tech workers.
Toronto
Growth: 44%
Tech Talent Workers Added: 95,900 (most in North America)
Overview: Toronto is experiencing a tech “boom,” especially in artificial intelligence, making it a key player in the North American tech scene.
Vancouver
Growth: 30.7%
Overview: Vancouver continues to grow as a tech hub, attracting talent and investment in various technology sectors.
Concentration of Tech Talent
Interestingly, both the San Francisco Bay Area and Ottawa share the distinction of having tech workers comprise 12.3% of total employment in their respective markets. This high concentration underscores the importance of tech jobs in these economies.
The Future of Tech Talent
As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing gain traction, the demand for skilled tech workers is expected to rise even further. This growth emphasizes the need for cities to adapt and invest in tech education and resources.
Visualizing the Data
The graphic from CBRE’s Scoring Tech Talent 2024 report illustrates the distribution of tech talent across North America, showcasing the number of tech talent jobs in major cities and the percentage change from 2018 to 2023. The report defines tech talent as highly skilled workers in over 20 technology-oriented occupations, indicating a broad definition that includes various industries beyond traditional tech.
Key Takeaways:
The San Francisco Bay Area and New York continue to dominate the tech talent market.
Canadian cities, particularly Ottawa, Calgary, and Toronto, are experiencing rapid growth in tech jobs.
Understanding and leveraging these trends will be crucial for businesses and policymakers aiming to foster innovation and economic growth in the tech sector.
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