Where the technology jobs are.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Technology pay is highest in a small number of metro areas. Table for Software Developers (metros with at least 1,000 jobs).
| Metro area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 87,350 | $213,110 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 69,030 | $186,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 92,770 | $167,280 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 121,000 | $166,830 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 42,310 | $166,090 |
| Boulder, CO | 7,130 | $164,560 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 20,610 | $163,270 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 3,090 | $162,650 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | 4,370 | $162,090 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 55,540 | $160,920 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 2,170 | $159,430 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 1,680 | $158,290 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 18,260 | $156,000 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 69,060 | $154,930 |
| Worcester, MA | 1,800 | $146,950 |
Full detail: Software Developers.
High salaries and pay · The largest job market · Career mobility and upside · Diverse industries and cities · States with no income tax · Cost of living · Health insurance and benefits · Work visas and immigration · Licensing and credential recognition