As we keep track of where tech staffing is headed this year, it’s important to note rising tech hubs on our radar. These cities are making waves with their growing tech sectors, each drawing in its own unique concentrations of specialized talent and opportunities.
Take a look at the tech hubs in 2025 as you consider your tech career growth. For those looking to hire, consider pools of talent that will gravitate to these areas as well.
Atlanta
Atlanta stands out as a vibrant tech hub in the Southeast, home to tech titans like Google, Pinterest, and Microsoft, as well as the world’s busiest airport, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The global travel hub relies heavily on tech professionals to enhance operational efficiency around the airport, and within the last year, it has introduced AI and machine learning to work on data modernization. In addition, Atlanta is witnessing rapid growth in industries like cybersecurity and healthcare, making it an up-and-coming tech hub.
The city’s cybersecurity sector is booming, with leading firms headquartered there. It’s no surprise, given Atlanta is also home to Georgia Tech, which has a renowned School of Cybersecurity and Privacy- a pipeline which produces thousands of tech professionals.
Atlanta also plays a major role in the healthcare sector. As the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the city plays a central role in public health and medical advancements. This has created significant opportunities in telemedicine and data analysis, further solidifying Atlanta’s growing tech presence. These are just some of the reasons why Atlanta has found itself ranked among the top 15 in CBRE’s latest ‘Scoring Tech Talent’ report.
Charlotte / Raleigh
Charlotte and Raleigh stand out as leading tech hubs in North Carolina, fueled by the strong presence of banking institutions and the research and development capabilities of the Research Triangle.
Charlotte, home to major financial institutions, has positioned itself as the second-largest financial center in the U.S. after New York City. This strong banking foundation has attracted over 70 fintech firms, creating a dynamic ecosystem that promotes fintech innovation. Notably, 17% of Charlotte’s tech workforce is employed in the finance sector, highlighting the city’s significant role in bridging technology and financial services.
Raleigh, on the other hand, benefits from the Research Triangle- the region in central North Carolina known for its research capabilities, which gets its name from Research Triangle Park and the three Tier 1 research universities surrounding it: Duke University, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This area has a highly educated workforce, with the 4th highest concentration of PhDs in the entire country. This wealth of academic and research talent provides a strong foundation for Raleigh’s growing tech hubs, particularly in emerging industries like cleantech and agtech (agricultural technology).
In the cleantech sector, the Triangle region is establishing itself as a leader in sustainable tech solutions. Cleantech focuses on innovations that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote the use of renewable resources. This industry currently employs 27,000 people, with tech jobs in cloud computing, data analytics, and machine learning.
Raleigh’s tech talent also supports the growing agtech industry, where North Carolina’s strong agricultural foundation is paired with the technical resources of the Research Triangle. This combination creates a unique environment for agtech advancements, particularly in areas like biotech as well as the introduction of robots with artificial intelligence into agriculture. With over 100 agtech companies in the region, there are plenty of opportunities for tech professionals seeking work in the agriculture industry.
Dallas
Dallas stands out as a rising tech hub in the Southwest, known for its strong mix of established businesses and a thriving startup culture. Dallas ranks 9th on CBRE’s 2024 ‘Scoring Tech Talent’ report, reflecting its rapidly growing tech sector.
Notably, the city has major tech players in telecommunications tech, aerospace and computer hardware manufacturing. Dallas is home to over 220,000 tech professionals and is expecting to see a 25.6% growth in total tech occupations in the next five years. Prominent industries driving Dallas’ tech scene include software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, with high demand for occupations in software engineering, IT support, and database management.
Keep Watching for Emerging Tech Hubs in 2025
As these cities continue to grow as tech hubs, contingent staffing plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with the specialized talent they need. If you are currently looking for a job in tech, check out our job board for opportunities in the cities mentioned above.