If you were asked to paint a picture of what the technology opportunity looks like today, what would it look like? I would create a picture of a long, never-ending hallway of doors. Each door would be the starting point on a path to a different area of technology with many stops along the way. The hallway would be ever-evolving and new doors would be added all the time as the industry grows and new jobs are created.
But guess what? All that variety isn’t even the best news. The best part is that there are employers on the other side of each door knocking. They need qualified IT pros to take their business to the next level. They want you! Opportunity is knocking. Are you ready to answer the door?
If you’ve ever thought about it, now is the time to get started in tech. A technology career can be life changing for you, for your family – and even the next generation. The CompTIA Tech Town Index provides IT pros and those who work in the business of technology some guidance on where opportunity intersects with affordability and quality of life. The data shows that demand for IT pros continues to be high – and growth is imminent.
The Tech Town Data
Based on 2021 job posting data, CompTIA looked at 20 metropolitan areas with populations over 250,000 where demand for tech workers is greatest. The cities were then ranked based on cost of living, number of postings for open IT positions and projected job growth over the next year, as well as the next five years.
Did your town make the list? Download the report to see the top 20 U.S. Tech Towns.
U.S. Tech Towns with the Most Jobs, by Category
In this post, we’re extrapolating that data to show the cities that have the most postings for open IT positions in the following five IT job categories:
- Software/app developers
- Computer systems engineers/architects
- Computer systems analysts
- IT support specialists
- Cybersecurity engineers/analysts
It’s important to note that we’re looking at the actual number of job postings within each category. That said, larger metro areas have a mathematical advantage. For example, the New York City metro area advertised for nearly 205,000 open IT jobs in 2021 – topping the list for the most opportunity across the board.
It’s no surprise that the NYC metro area is either no. 1 or no. 2 in each of the lists below. We’ve also added the number of remote opportunities. 2021 Tech Town data shows that the chance to work from home is increasing in the technology industry – 27% of jobs were listed as remote in 2021 as opposed to 22% in 2020.
1. Software/App Developers
Software and application or web developers are the creative minds behind computer programs, apps and websites. They develop the applications that allow people to perform specific tasks on computers or devices, while others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control the networks. Usually, these roles require customer-facing skills to determine client wants and needs.
What are some job roles?
- Web developer or administrator
- Application developer
- Software developer
Who’s hiring?
| Metro Area | Number of Open Jobs |
| New York City | 58,077 |
| Dallas | 48,486 |
| Washington, D.C. | 47,178 |
| San Francisco | 40,146 |
| San Jose | 36,252 |
| Atlanta | 33,028 |
| Remote* | 253,438 |
What certifications do I need?
Start with a foundational knowledge core certification like CompTIA ITF+ or CompTIA A+. Then advance your expertise with partner certifications like Red Hat or AWS. Developers also benefit from cybersecurity skills, such as those covered by CompTIA Security+. Learn more at the CompTIA Career Roadmap.
What’s your next move? Learn more about specific software and application development roles.
2. Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer systems engineers and architects are responsible for building and designing computer networks, as well as developing solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues or network concerns. They play an important role in maintaining an organization’s network and keeping them safe and secure through both hardware configuration and end-user training.
What are some job roles?
Who’s hiring?
| Metro Area | Number of Open Jobs |
| Washington, D.C. | 15,413 |
| New York City | 7,535 |
| Dallas | 7,360 |
| San Jose | 6,136 |
| Atlanta | 5,184 |
| San Francisco | 5,067 |
| Remote* | 34,654 |
What certifications do I need?
Certifications like CompTIA Network+ are recommended for IT pros who want to succeed as a systems engineer or architect. Adding CompTIA Linux+ and CompTIA Server+ will also help you begin your career in this field. Learn more at the CompTIA Career Roadmap.
What’s your next move? Learn more about specific computer systems engineer and architect roles.
3. Computer Systems Analysts
Computer systems analysts scrutinize science, engineering, business and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. These IT pros analyze user requirements, procedures and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow and scheduling limitations.
What are some job roles?
Who’s hiring?
| Metro Area | Number of Open Jobs |
| New York City | 8,552 |
| Washington, D.C. | 7,802 |
| Dallas | 6,302 |
| Atlanta | 5,140 |
| San Francisco | 4,469 |
| San Jose | 3,064 |
| Remote* | 36,883 |
What certifications do I need?
Certifications like CompTIA Network+ are recommended to succeed as a computer systems professional. Then advance your expertise with partner certifications like SAS, Oracle or IBM. Learn more at the CompTIA Career Roadmap.
What’s your next move? Learn more about specific computer systems analyst roles.
4. IT Support Specialists
IT support specialists are responsible for analyzing, troubleshooting and evaluating technology issues. This role may support internal clients (helping to keep employees productive) or external customers (helping them via phone or web chat). These IT pros may be tasked with providing assistance with computer hardware or software, including printing, installation, word processing and operating systems.
What are some job roles?
Who’s hiring?
| Metro Area | Number of Open Jobs |
| New York City | 10,005 |
| Washington, D.C. | 9,764 |
| Dallas | 8,347 |
| Atlanta | 5,283 |
| San Francisco | 4,535 |
| Seattle | 3,489 |
| Remote* | 80,392 |
What certifications do I need?
Certifications like CompTIA ITF+ can give you an understanding of technology that you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA A+ can get your foot in the door as an IT support specialist. Learn more at the CompTIA Career Roadmap.
What’s your next move? Learn more about specific IT support roles.
5. Cybersecurity Engineers/Analysts
Cybersecurity engineers and analysts detect cyber threats and implement changes to protect an organization. A security operations center (SOC) team likely has several tiers of cybersecurity pros who are responsible for monitoring, directing, containing and remediating IT threats. Cybersecurity professionals must be able to take a step back and see the big picture to maintain security.
What are some job roles?
Who’s hiring?
| Metro Area | Number of Open Jobs |
| Washington, D.C. | 17,861 |
| New York City | 8,582 |
| Dallas | 6,888 |
| Atlanta | 5,212 |
| San Francisco | 4,008 |
| Seattle | 3,301 |
| Remote* | 37,638 |
What certifications do I need?
Certifications like CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ make sure you understand how endpoint devices and networks operate so that you can properly secure them, and CompTIA Security+ covers the foundational skills that you’ll come back to again and again in your cybersecurity career. Learn more at the CompTIA Career Roadmap.
What’s your next move? Learn more about specific information security roles.
There’s no question that the opportunity is there. Driven by the increasing importance of technology to business strategy, demand for qualified IT pros is quite promising. This means that the technology industry continues to be a hotbed of opportunity for individuals with the right skills from all walks of life.
What’s your next move? See which jobs you can get with CompTIA certifications and plot out your next move with the CompTIA roadmap.
*Note: Not all employer job postings specify remote work, so there is a degree of uncertainty with the data.
