Relocating for Career Readiness: Top 10 States for Landing a Job in the Tech Sector

There’s no denying it: the tech industry is booming. Since tech jobs tend to pay exceptionally high salaries and offer uniquely significant benefits and flexibility, landing a gig in the tech industry is highly attractive to those who are qualified. While the industry sees substantial job growth each year, the market is highly competitive.

To lock in a coveted job in the tech sector, candidates often need to relocate to a larger city with an expanding tech hub. If you’re ready to relocate for career readiness, consider moving to one of these top ten states for landing a job in the tech sector. 

Texas

What they say is true: everything’s bigger in Texas. The tech industry is no exception. Several outstanding tech companies have chosen to make their homes in Texas. Those who move to the state get to take advantage of pleasant weather and plenty of entertainment opportunities. Cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston have growing tech hubs with job opportunities from some of the most recognizable companies in the industry. 

Workers looking to relocate to the Lone Star State should consider researching Texas auto transport companies to make their move stress-free and convenient. It’s tough to get around Texas without a vehicle, so those who transition to Texas life should bring their automobiles with them if possible. 

California

Unsurprisingly, California enjoys several booming tech hubs, including Silicon Valley near San Jose and San Francisco. The tech jobs in California tend to center around research and development, programming, and telecommunications. Workers in California can land jobs working for major social media companies or businesses that build computers, smartphones, and other devices. 

While Silicon Valley is a famous tech hotspot, tech-work-hopefuls will find no shortage of jobs in the industry around Sacramento and Los Angeles. Luckily, most major cities in California have offices for industry-leading companies.

Washington 

Washington continues to be a top choice for tech workers, especially since Seattle is a hub for major tech players like Microsoft and Google. 

Tech workers can find jobs in Seattle in retail, professional services, and software development. Several positions in Washington offer higher salaries than in other states, but the cost of living is lower than in California and New York. While most employees relocate to Seattle, it isn’t the only option. Washington cities like Tacoma and Bellevue offer high-paying work as well. 

Illinois

While most searchers find Illinois tech work in the Chicago area, workers who aren’t attracted to big-city life can avoid the massive Chicago metropolis and look for jobs near Naperville, DeKalb, or Bloomington. Illinois’ most common employment opportunities connect to traditional manufacturing, software, and logistics positions. Illinois is also the home to a new EV tech factory. 

Those who live in the Chicago area are subjected to a relatively high cost of living. Obtaining a tech position outside of the city offers more affordable housing and quality schools. Moreover, several tech hubs in Illinois are near top colleges and universities, so workers can continue their education and become more valuable to their employers if they so desire. 

people sitting down near table with assorted laptop computers

Michigan

Tech employees who enjoy their line of work but feel daunted by the exorbitant costs of living in large cities can choose to relocate to Michigan. Detroit is experiencing industry revitalization as multiple tech companies move their hubs towards more affordable real estate in Motor City. Other popular Michigan locations for tech companies include Lansing and Ann Arbor, also home to a few major state universities. 

The Mitten State also has job opportunities in smaller towns like Grand Rapids and Holland, where residents can enjoy the Lake Michigan beaches.

Florida

The Sunshine State continues to be a top spot for workers on the lookout for year-round sunshine and thriving tech hubs. Orlando continues to dominate the state’s hubs with aerospace, manufacturing, health care, and tourism opportunities. Moreover, the amusement parks in Central Florida require information technology experts to employ as they evolve. 

Future Floridians can find other opportunities in cities like Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami. Like the Midwest or Pacific Northwest, this metropolis is attractive due to its affordable housing and consistently high-quality school systems (minus the frigid outdoor temperatures).  

New York

Those who long to be a part of New York City’s electric environment can relocate to the Big Apple, searching for opportunities in fintech, manufacturing, defense, and healthcare. While New York City is the most densely populated city in the United States, the state of New York is home to smaller tech hubs like Rochester and Albany. 

While New York City has a high cost of living, workers who find jobs upstate or to the west can take advantage of more affordable housing costs. 

New Jersey

The Garden State is home to several tech companies that host jobs related to the stock market, international business, and software development. New York’s smaller neighbor, New Jersey, boasts lower housing costs, short commutes to the big city, and high-quality schools, making it a good choice for people who want to enjoy New York City at a distance without shelling out cash to live in the city. 

Massachusetts

Home to Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, and Northeastern University, Massachusetts is no stranger to highly educated tech entrepreneurs. It’s no surprise that the state offers significant job opportunities for those interested in tech. Many tech company owners in the state graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston continues to attract young tech companies.

Along with Boston, tech companies place roots in cities like Lowell and Cambridge. Like most of the Northeast, the cost of living in Massachusetts can be high, but many families still enjoy the state’s natural beauty and charm.

North Carolina

North Carolina continues to be a popular new home for tech workers on the hunt for affordability, pleasant weather, and a healthy balance between suburban and city life. Most top jobs in North Carolina are in major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro. North Carolina is better known for its textile and finance industries, which also employ tech workers.

Wrap up

While workers on the hunt for intellectually stimulating jobs that pay the big bucks can find what they’re searching for in most corners of the country, these ten states offer top tech experiences for those willing to put in the work and make the first move.