The U.S. tech job market unveiled

Understanding the current landscape of the U.S. tech job market is crucial, whether you’re an employer seeking top talent or a professional navigating your career path. At RED Global, we’re passionate about helping you make those connections. Recent insights from Dice’s 2025 Tech Salary Report and Monthly Candidate Metrics highlight the latest trends, regional hotspots, and emerging opportunities shaping the tech industry today.

A Thriving Tech Job Market

The U.S. technology sector is experiencing robust growth:

• Job Postings Surge: Over 7 million tech job postings have been recorded, reflecting a 33% month-over-month increase and a 16% rise compared to last year.
• Low Unemployment Rates: The tech unemployment rate stands at a healthy 2.9%, significantly below the national average of 4%.

Regional Hotspots for Tech Opportunities

Certain states and metropolitan areas are emerging as key players in tech employment:

Leading States:

• Illinois: 54% month-over-month growth in tech job postings.
• California: 52% increase, underscoring its tech hub status.
• Georgia: 30% rise, highlighting its growing tech scene.

Top Metropolitan Areas:

• San Jose Metro: 87% month-over-month growth, leading the pack.
• San Francisco Metro: 84% increase, reaffirming its tech prominence.redglobal.com+4redglobal.com+4redglobal.com+4
• Chicago Metro: 56% growth, showcasing its expanding tech landscape.

High-Demand Roles and Skills

The tech industry is on the lookout for specialized talent:
In-Demand Positions:
• Software Engineers: Continuing to be highly sought after.
• Electrical Engineers: Experiencing a surge in demand.
• Business Analysts: Crucial for strategic decision-making.
Notably, roles such as substation electrical engineers have seen a remarkable 770% increase in postings, while Azure DevOps engineers and electrical power engineers have experienced 455% and 408% growth, respectively.

Essential Skills:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): 26% of tech job postings now require AI expertise, marking a 98% year-over-year surge.
• Technical Proficiencies: Skills in computer-aided design have grown by 155%, and business software proficiency has increased by 133%.
• Soft Skills: Attributes like trustworthiness have seen a 253% year-over-year rise, with operational efficiency up by 232% and scalability design by 197%.
Candidate Perspectives and Compensation Trends
Understanding the sentiments of tech professionals provides valuable context:
• Active Job Seekers: An unprecedented 47% of tech professionals are actively pursuing new roles in 2025, a significant jump from 29% the previous year.
• Satisfaction with Compensation: Only 41% of tech professionals are satisfied with their current compensation, and 59% believe they are underpaid in comparison to peers in the industry. • Salary Insights: The average tech salary has reached $112,521 in 2024, with an average daily pay rate of $680. This of course varies depending on skills, location, level of experience, industry, etc.
• AI Expertise Premium: Professionals with AI and machine learning skills command a 17.7% salary premium over their counterparts.
Strategies for Tech Professionals and Employers These insights highlight critical considerations:
For Employers:
• Offer Competitive Packages: Attractive compensation and benefits are vital to draw and retain top talent.
• Invest in Development: Providing opportunities for professional growth fosters employee loyalty.
• Prioritize In-Demand Skills: Focusing on roles requiring AI and other high-demand skills aligns with market trends.
For Tech Professionals:
• Expand Skill Sets: Increasing one’s level of expertise in AI and machine learning can lead to more advanced opportunities and higher pay. • Evaluate Career Opportunities: Seek roles that offer not only competitive pay but also avenues for professional development and a supportive work environment.

At RED Global, we’re committed to bridging the gap between exceptional tech talent and forward-thinking organizations. Whether you’re an employer aiming to build a stellar team or a professional seeking the next step in your tech career, we’re here to support your journey.