If you’re fortunate enough to possess a computer science degree, or have picked up coding skills on your own time, you have the option to live and work virtually anywhere in the world.
But in certain cities, tech companies and well-funded startups are hiring software engineers, and there are simply not enough to meet the demand.
These companies are often willing to pay sky-high salaries, typically well into the six-figures for experienced programmers.
Popular job site Indeed has analyzed a wealth of employment data for its list of cities that are hiring computer scientists.
Its not held by who you’d think
We were surprised to see that San Francisco didn’t clinch the top spot, given that the Bay Area is widely considered the technology and innovation capital.
Indeed’s engineering team also analyzed computer science job postings to determine how much computer scientists are paid.
These are the five most in demand jobs on Indeed (ranked in order), and their corresponding average annual salaries.
- Software Engineer (1,704)
Average annual salary: $94,000
- Senior Sharepoint Developer (1,079)
Average annual salary: $92,000
- Senior Software Engineer (840)
Average annual salary: $98,000
- Software Developer (634)
Average annual salary: $89,000
- Java Developer (617)
Average annual salary: $94,000
Who holds the most potential?
New York
The Big Apple has 4,942 openings for computer science jobs. New York’s tech scene, which is often referred to as “Silicon Alley” rivals the Bay Area. Tech companies headquartered in New York include Meetup and ZocDoc.
Source: Flickr / Damian Moore
San Francisco
San Francisco, which is often referred to as the innovation capital, has 3890 job openings for computer scientists on Indeed. Programmers have the option to work at some of the most well known tech companies, like Twitter, Uber, Airbnb, or they can pick one of thousands of early-stage startups.
Seattle
Seattle is home to Microsoft, making it a business technology hub. The city currently has 3,040 computer science job openings. Unsurprisingly, Microsoft Sharepoint developers are in hot demand.
Source: Flickr / InSapphoWeTrust
Chicago
Chicago’s most famous tech company? Groupon, the daily deals giant. It also has a growing startup ecosystem. Computer scientists can apply for 2,788 on Indeed.
Source: Shutterstock
Washington DC
Washington D.C. Our nation’s capital is home to a growing number of startups. Many are working in the intersection between government and tech. Computer programmers can browse 2,170 job openings on Indeed.
Source: Bill Koplitz