9 Best Cities for Tech Jobs in 2024: Want to Relocate?

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If you’re looking to build a rewarding and well-paying career in technology, choosing one of the best cities for IT jobs is critical.

Some of the most attractive cities for pursuing a career in tech offer a mix of established tech giants and emerging startups as potential employers. These cities bring numerous job opportunities no matter where you are in your career.

Although in 2024, 40% of US job seekers were interested in a fully remote position, 33% preferred hybrid roles, and only 18% wanted a fully in-office position, location still matters.

This article explores the 9 best cities in the world for tech jobs in 2024, highlighting the unique advantages each tech town offers to help you launch your career or take it to the next level.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or you’re just starting out, these biggest tech hubs stand out as the best cities to live in for tech jobs.

Key Takeaways

  • Location often matters. If you’re pursuing a well-paying career in technology, selecting one of the best cities for IT jobs might be crucial.
  • Some of the best cities for tech jobs in the world offer a mix of established tech giants and emerging startups.
  • These cities offer numerous job opportunities no matter where you are in your career.
  • The perfect location for your tech career ultimately depends on your goals and lifestyle preferences.

9 Best Cities in the World to Pursue a Career in Technology

9 Best Cities for Tech Jobs Worldwide

While there is some variation depending on the source, these are generally considered the best cities for tech jobs in the world in 2024. Salary averages for all cities are from Glassdoor as of July 22, 2024.

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9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam Science Park is home to 176 companies – from start-ups to multinationals
Amsterdam Science Park is home to 176 companies – from start-ups to multinationals. Source: Amsterdam Science Park/I amsterdam

Because of its focus on sustainability and innovation, Amsterdam attracts clean energy and smart city tech companies.

 8. Berlin, Germany

Known for its startup ecosystem, Berlin provides a dynamic environment for tech professionals.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries:
  • Number of tech startups and scaleups: 5,322
  • Major tech companies: Amazon, SAP, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Apple
  • Cost of living: Berlin is considered a much more affordable option compared to other major tech hubs, including London and San Jose, California.

7. Singapore

Singapore Global Tech Center
Singapore Global Tech Center. Source: PYMNTS

A global financial center focused on tech development and innovation, Singapore is attracting major tech companies.

  • Top tech jobs and salaries per month:
  • Number of tech startups: 4,500
  • Major tech companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, SAP, HP, Apple, Meta
  • Cost of living: The cost of living in Singapore is pretty high, making it one of the most expensive cities in the world. It generally cost more to live in Singapore than it does in Seattle, Washington.

6. Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is the tech capital of Canada
Toronto is the tech capital of Canada. Source: BlogTO/Stephany Legrand Photography

The rapid growth of the tech industry in Toronto has led to competition for skilled workers. Consequently, salaries are increasing to attract top talent.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries per year:
  • Number of tech companies: 24,000
  • Major tech companies: Microsoft Canada, SAP Canada, Sage, HubSpot, Slack Technologies.
  • Cost of living: Although it’s cheaper to live in Toronto than some other major tech hubs, such as San Jose, California, the cost of living in the city has been increasing in recent years.

5. Austin, Texas, USA

Austin is a growing IT tech hub
Austin is a growing IT tech hub. Source: Cybertex/Greg Gaynor of Fokus Waterfront/Getty Images

Austin consistently ranks high in job growth, especially in the tech sector. As such, Austin attracts skilled professionals, which, in turn, drives this growth.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries per year:
  • Number of tech companies: 3,991
  • Major tech companies: Meta, Google, Apple, Dell, IBM, Oracle, Samsung
  • Cost of living: Compared to other major tech hubs, Austin offers a more affordable cost of living. This attracts people who can enjoy a good quality of life without going broke.

4. Seattle, Washington, USA

Seattle has become the US fastest-growing tech hub
Seattle has become the US fastest-growing tech hub. Source: Northeastern University

Seattle is home to such tech giants as Amazon and Microsoft, which offer numerous job opportunities. The city is also home to numerous startups, making it a great place for tech professionals.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries per year:
  • Number of top tech companies: 2,504
  • Major tech companies: Meta, Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft
  • Cost of living: Seattle’s cost of living is higher than that of other tech hubs. Housing, in particular, is a big expense. Other things, such as groceries and transportation, are also pricier than in many other top-tech cities.

3. Boston, Massachusetts, USA

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♬ I’m Shipping Up To Boston – Dropkick Murphys

One of the top tech cities in the US, Boston has a strong startup scene, enjoys significant investments from venture capital firms, and is home to established tech companies and startups, making it a top city to pursue a career in the tech industry.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries per year:
  • Number of top tech companies: 2,902
  • Major tech companies: Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Infosys, Dell, Google, Meta
  • Cost of living: In general, the cost of living in Boston is higher than other top tech cities, such as Austin, Texas. The cost of living in Boston is on par with the cost of living in Seattle, Washington.

2. London, England

London’s booming tech scene offers numerous careers whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional. In addition, London is a hub for innovation, attracts massive investments in fintech, and is home to established tech giants and innovative startups.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries per year:
  • Number of new tech companies: 7,253
  • Major tech companies: Apple, Amazon, Meta, Google, IBM, and Microsoft
  • Cost of living: It’s pretty expensive to live in London, especially when it comes to housing. Other tech hubs, such as Berlin and Austin, offer similar tech environments with a much lower cost of living.

1. San Jose, California, USA

San Jose tech campus
San Jose tech campus. Source: SiliconValley/Gensler, Jay Paul Co.

San Jose is home to tech giants as well as startups. And that means lots of job opportunities and high salaries, making it the perfect location to launch or continue your tech career.

  • Top tech jobs and annual salaries per year:
  • Number of tech companies: More than 6,600
  • Major tech companies: Adobe, Cisco, Brocade, Netflix, eBay, PayPal
  • Cost of living: San Jose’s cost of living is brutal, especially for housing. But high-tech salaries and nice weather help even things out. It even costs more to live in San Jose than in Seattle, Washington.

How to Choose the Best City for Tech Jobs in 2024?

Choosing the best tech city for your career is a big decision. You want to live in a city that offers professional opportunities as well as a lifestyle that works for you. Here’s a list of things to consider to help you get started:

  • Define your career goals.
  • Think about what industry you’re interested in.
  • Look into the job market in different cities for that field.
  • Consider such things as job growth, salaries, and competition.
  • Do you want to live in a big city or a small town?
  • Is access to cultural attractions or outdoor activities important to you?
  • Research the cost of living. Consider the cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses.
  • Look for cities with professional organizations or meetups related to your field.

The Bottom Line

While this list highlights nine top tech cities, remember that the perfect location for your tech career ultimately depends on your goals and lifestyle preferences.

Research each city further, consider your priorities, and take that first step toward a fulfilling and lucrative career in technology.

FAQs

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References

  1. How much does a Solution Architect make in Amsterdam, Netherlands? (Glassdoor)
  2. How much does a Data Scientist make in Amsterdam, Netherlands? (Glassdoor)
  3. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Amsterdam, Netherlands? (Glassdoor)
  4. Amsterdam is ranked one of Europe’s top tech ecosystems (Iamsterdam)
  5. hub.berlin 2023 Aftermovie | The business festival for tech & digitalisation (Youtube)
  6. How much does a Solution Architect make in Berlin, Germany? (Glassdoor)
  7. How much does a Data Scientist make in Berlin, Germany? (Glassdoor)
  8. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Berlin, Germany? (Glassdoor)
  9. Startups & scaleups | Berlin tech ecosystem map (Startup-map)
  10. How much does a Solution Architect make in Singapore, Singapore? (Glassdoor)
  11. How much does a Data Scientist make in Singapore, Singapore? (Glassdoor)
  12. Machine Learning Engineer salaries in Singapore (Glassdoor)
  13. Singapore | Startup Genome (Startupgenome)
  14. How much does a Solution Architect make in Toronto, ON, Canada? (Glassdoor)
  15. How much does a Data Scientist make in Toronto, ON, Canada? (Glassdoor)
  16. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Toronto, ON? (Glassdoor)
  17. Technology – City of Toronto (Toronto)
  18. How much does a Solution Architect make in Austin, TX? (Glassdoor)
  19. How much does an Entry Level Data Scientist make in Austin, TX? (Glassdoor)
  20. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Austin, TX? (Glassdoor)
  21. Data Scientist Salary in Austin (Builtinaustin)
  22. How much does a Solution Architect make in Seattle, WA? (Glassdoor)
  23. How much does a Data Scientist make in Seattle, WA? (Glassdoor)
  24. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Seattle, WA? (Glassdoor)
  25. Top Tech Companies in Seattle, WA 2024 (Builtinseattle)
  26. TikTok video from City3D (Tiktok)
  27. How much does a Solution Architect make in Boston, MA? (Glassdoor)
  28. How much does a Data Scientist make in Boston, MA? (Glassdoor)
  29. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in Boston, MA? (Glassdoor)
  30. Top Tech Companies in Boston, MA 2024 (Builtinboston)
  31. Why is the UK a global tech hub? (Youtube)
  32. How much does a Solution Architect make in London, United Kingdom? (Glassdoor)
  33. How much does a Data Scientist make in London, United Kingdom? (Glassdoor)
  34. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in London, United Kingdom? (Glassdoor)
  35. London leads as number of new UK tech companies hits five year high (Cityam)
  36. How much does a Solution Architect make in San Jose, CA? (Glassdoor)
  37. How much does a Data Scientist make in San Jose, CA? (Glassdoor)
  38. How much does a Machine Learning Engineer make in San Jose, CA? (Glassdoor)
  39. Silicon Valley Tech Tours | Visit San Jose (Sanjose)
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Linda Rosencrance
Tech Journalist
Linda Rosencrance
Tech Journalist

Linda Rosencrance is a freelance writer and editor based in the Boston area with expertise ranging from AI and machine learning to cybersecurity and DevOps. She has covered IT topics since 1999 as an investigative reporter for several newspapers in the greater Boston area. She also writes white papers, case studies, e-books, and blog posts for a variety of corporate clients, interviewing key stakeholders including CIOs, CISOs, and other C-suite executives.