Although New York City and Silicon Valley dominate the tech space in the US, emerging tech locations are popping up across the country! Based on salary, these six cities are among some of the fastest-growing tech locations according to Dice.
1. San Antonio, Texas
As San Antonio continues to develop its tech scene, the city stands ready to further establish itself as a key player in the tech industry.
During the pandemic and the increase in remote working, San Antonio began attracting talent due to its lower cost of living compared to Austin.
San Antonio is also home to Tech Port, a ‘vision for an innovation campus that; Connects people with opportunities, Connects education with employers and Connects buyers with sellers’. It aims to facilitate the delivery of innovative technology solutions in industries like aerospace, energy, cybersecurity, fintech, manufacturing, medicine and more.
According to Dice, the average tech salary in 2024 is $112,057, a 12.3% increase from 2022.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Greater Philadelphia, the tech scene is buzzing with excitement.
Since being named the top emerging startup hub in the US and 8th globally in 2020, it's been a magnet for tech companies of all sizes. From robotics to e-commerce, AI to fintech and digital health, you'll find it all here.
As digitalization speeds up, more and more companies are setting up in Philly, drawn by the promise of growth and innovation.
According to Dice, the average tech salary has shot up to $121,187, an 11.8% jump from 2022, putting Philly at the 5th spot for highest tech salaries.
3. Orlando, Florida
Orlando isn't just the land of theme parks and sunshine; it's also emerging as a powerhouse for tech enthusiasts.
With a projected tech industry job growth of 26.8% by 2030—more than double the national average—Orlando is solidifying its status as a top tech destination (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics).
At the heart of this growth is the city's name as the World Capital of Modeling, Simulation, and Training, boasting significant procurement activities for all branches of the U.S. military.
Encouraging this momentum is the University of Central Florida (UCF), producing a steady stream of top-tier tech talent, including over 4,600 STEM graduate students annually. The University is also a top producer of talent for the digital media and video gaming industries.
This wealth of skilled professionals is a magnet for companies seeking to innovate and thrive in Orlando's dynamic tech ecosystem.
With an average salary of $106,693 per year in 2024—a noteworthy 9.2% increase from 2022—tech workers have even more reason to call Orlando home (Dice).
4. Columbus, Ohio
With a strong mix of tech companies, startups, and academic institutions, Columbus is a magnet for innovation and talent!
One big reason for its success is its investment community, boosted by its proximity to many Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Kroger, and JPMorgan Chase. This support has helped Columbus become one of the best places in the U.S. to start a tech-based business.
In Columbus, the average tech salary is $114,287 per year, a solid 6.4% increase from 2022.
5. Houston, Texas
Houston has been a hotspot for startups and tech firms for a while now, mainly because of its skilled workforce and innovative spirit.
The city's tech scene is thriving, having attracted over $6 billion in venture capital for startups between 2018 and 2023. With more than 230,800 tech workers, Houston is packed with digital talent, and this number is only expected to grow (Greater Houston Partnership).
According to Dice, in 2022, Houston saw an impressive 45.6% increase in tech job postings, leading all cities.
Plus, with an average tech salary of $119,423—an increase of 4.8%—and ranking 8th in the highest-paying tech job metros, Houston is proving to be a top choice for tech professionals and companies alike.
6. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in the world.
Many companies and tech professionals have relocated to Raleigh due to the RTP area (Research Triangle Park), lower operational costs and rich history and culture of research and innovation.
According to Cloudwards, Raleigh ranks as the sixth-best tech city in the U.S., with 1,256 tech companies and six tech giants in the city.
The average tech salary in 2024 is $118,933, a 3.2% increase since 2022, and is the 9th highest-paying city for tech roles according to Dice.
(Written by Elise Ralph)