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Last Updated on January 5, 2025
IT professionals are among the highest-paid workers in the U.S., but where they choose to live can significantly impact their ability to afford a home. This updated article highlights the top 10 cities for high-paying tech jobs in 2025, examining salaries, housing affordability, and opportunities for IT professionals.
Metrics such as income, home prices, and the time needed to save for a down payment are considered. Additionally, the role of self-storage in transitions is discussed, and each city is reviewed with the latest data for accuracy and relevance.
What This Article Covers
- The top 10 cities in the U.S. for high-paying tech jobs in 2025.
- How salaries for IT professionals vary across different metro areas.
- Housing affordability in key tech hubs and time needed to save for a down payment.
- The unique challenges and benefits of living in high-demand cities like San Jose and San Francisco.
- Emerging tech hubs like Austin and Denver balance income and affordability.
- Opportunities in established markets like Washington D.C., New York, and Boston.
- Affordable options for IT professionals in cities like Baltimore and Durham-Chapel Hill.
- A summary of factors to consider when choosing the best city for IT careers.
San Jose
San Jose remains the top-paying city for IT professionals, with average salaries around $206K/year. However, high incomes are offset by steep housing costs, with median home prices at $1.5M. IT workers often require close to a decade to save for a down payment, making it one of the least affordable areas despite high earnings. The city’s role as a leading tech hub ensures a steady demand for IT expertise, with companies like Google, Apple, and Cisco calling it home.
San Francisco
San Francisco continues to be a lucrative market for IT workers, with average salaries near $180K/year. Home prices average $1.4M, requiring professionals to save for about 8-10 years for a down payment. The city remains a tech hub, but affordability challenges persist. Major companies like Salesforce and Twitter (now X) contribute to the city’s reputation as a leader in tech innovation.
Seattle
Seattle offers competitive salaries of approximately $155K/year for IT professionals. With median home prices around $850K, the time to save for a down payment is reduced to about 5-6 years, making Seattle a more balanced option compared to California hubs. Self-storage options, such as renting a self-storage unit in Seattle, remain affordable at $208/month. The city is also home to Amazon and Microsoft, further solidifying its status as a tech powerhouse.
Austin
Austin has emerged as a prominent tech hub with IT salaries averaging $145K/year. Housing prices, while rising, are more reasonable at $540K. IT professionals here can save for a down payment in about 4-5 years, making it an attractive location for tech talent. Austin’s vibrant culture and growing tech scene, with companies like Dell and Tesla, add to its appeal.
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. offers IT professionals average earnings of $135K/year. With median home prices at $530K, workers can save for a down payment in about 4.5 years, maintaining the city’s appeal as a stable and vibrant market for tech jobs. The presence of government contracts and cybersecurity firms makes D.C. a unique tech ecosystem.
New York
New York remains a top market for IT professionals, with average salaries of $130K/year. Median home prices are around $620K, requiring about 5-6 years to save for a down payment. The city’s diverse opportunities, spanning fintech to media technology, make it a consistent choice for tech workers.
Boston
Boston continues to attract IT talent with salaries averaging $125K/year. Median home prices, at $630K, mean professionals need approximately 5.5 years to save for a down payment. Its thriving tech sector, bolstered by its proximity to top universities like MIT and Harvard, ensures steady opportunities for growth.
Baltimore
Baltimore stands out for its affordability, with IT salaries averaging $120K/year and median home prices at $380K. Professionals can save for a down payment in about 3-4 years, making it one of the most accessible options among top-paying metros. The city benefits from its proximity to Washington D.C., offering access to government tech contracts.
Denver
Denver has become a growing tech hub, with IT professionals earning an average of $115K/year. Home prices average $600K, and workers need about 5 years to save for a down payment. The city’s quality of life, outdoor activities, and opportunities in fields like aerospace technology add to its appeal.
Durham-Chapel Hill
Durham-Chapel Hill is a rising star for IT professionals, offering salaries over $110K/year. With median home prices at $375K, it takes only 3-4 years to save for a down payment, providing an excellent balance of income and affordability for tech workers. The area benefits from its connection to the Research Triangle Park, fostering innovation and job growth.
San Diego
San Diego rounds out the list with IT salaries averaging $110K/year. Home prices remain high at $840K, requiring about 7-8 years to save for a down payment. Despite this, the city’s lifestyle, strong defense technology sector, and opportunities keep it a strong contender for tech professionals.
Summary
Choosing the right city as an IT professional involves balancing income potential, housing affordability, and career opportunities. From the bustling hubs of San Francisco and New York to the rising stars like Austin and Durham-Chapel Hill, each city offers unique advantages. Whether it’s maximizing earnings, achieving a better work-life balance, or enjoying affordability, these top 10 cities provide some of the best opportunities for IT professionals in 2025. Consider your priorities and career goals as you explore these thriving tech markets.
You've got the technical chops -- the skills to get a great job doing what you love. Now it's time to get down to the business of planning your job search, focusing your time and attention on the job leads that matter, and interviewing to wow your boss-to-be. You can't just wing it.
