Since 2013, Atlanta's tech talent pool has grown at the seventh fastest pace of the 50 largest markets across the United States and Canada, according to CBRE's new scorecard.
The scorecard, part of its sixth annual Scoring Tech Talent Report, is based on 13 metrics used to "measure each market's depth, vitality and attractiveness to companies seeking tech talent and to tech workers seeking employment." These metrics include tech talent supply, growth, concentration, completed tech degrees, cost of living, industry outlook, market outlook and average rent cost growth.
» Atlanta named 7th best city for STEM professionals
The top three markets on CBRE’s report are the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and Toronto.
Atlanta ranked ninth overall and seventh for top markets for tech degree completions, with Georgia Tech as its top regional university pipeline.
The metro area also stood out for its 10.1% growth of “twentysomethings” in the workforce between 2012-2017 and ranked sixth for the highest concentration of the cohort, which CBRE reports is a notable characteristic of tech talent markets.
» How far will a salary in tech take you in Atlanta? Hint: Way further than in most US cities
The majority of Atlanta’s tech market features occupations in computer support, database and systems; software development and programming; computer and information systems; and engineering. Average tech talent wage comes out to $96,050.
CBRE also examined the cities’ cost of living, and noted apartment rents in the Georgia metro average $1,223 per month—slightly higher than the U.S. average. In Atlanta, rent would take up approximately 15.3% of the annual tech wage of $96,050. Compare that to New York, where 43.6% of your earnings would be dedicated to apartment rent.
» The best companies in Georgia to work for if you're a woman in tech
According to AJC business reporter Michael Kanell, the state has seen solid hiring in tech, particularly in financial tech, in recent months. In fact, Georgia's economy grew by 20,200 jobs last month, the strongest June in more than two decades, Kanell reported.
About the Author
