Los Angeles is now the top destination for tech professionals in the U.S., overtaking Silicon Valley cities in job volume, startup activity, and remote work integration.
According to a ranking by TRG Datacenters, which reveals the top U.S. cities for tech jobs, tech workers in Los Angeles earn an average of $146,550, with more than 359,000 jobs currently available, the highest in the country.
Reviewing the data, the U.S. tech map is no longer dominated by the usual suspects. Yes, San Francisco still commands the highest salaries, $150,387 on average, but it lags in startup formation and job numbers.
Los Angeles, in contrast, is building a bigger base, nearly 25,000 startups launched annually and a growing share of remote roles (19.7%).
Among the top U.S. cities for tech jobs, New York follows close behind L.A. It’s the country’s leader in startup creation, nearly 37,000 new tech businesses per year, and offers an average salary of $148,138.
Meanwhile, Seattle is becoming the capital of remote tech work. Over 36% of its tech workforce operates remotely, more than any other U.S. city. With 283,000 jobs and an average salary of $135,287, it’s a top pick for those seeking flexibility without cutting pay.
Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston all offer average tech salaries well above the six-figure mark. Each of these cities also has unique strengths: Chicago has a deep job pool and moderate startup growth; D.C. offers high flexibility with 33.8% of tech roles remote; and Boston remains anchored by strong academic and research institutions.
Austin, San Jose, and Atlanta round out the top 10, all offering average tech salaries above $99,000, though they are behind in job growth and startup activity.
Again, San Jose, despite being in the heart of Silicon Valley, ranks just ninth among the top U.S. cities for tech jobs, a surprising drop caused by fewer tech events and slower innovation churn compared to its neighbours.
Jessica Bui, spokesperson for TRG Datacenters, said: “As some cities continue to lead with high salaries and a dense concentration of tech events, others demonstrate that strong job growth and thriving start-up ecosystems can be just as impactful. With remote work becoming increasingly common, these cities are providing new opportunities for tech talent, showing that a mix of job opportunities, innovation, and lifestyle can be key drivers for success in the tech industry.”
For tech workers eyeing career moves, there are now more cities than ever where you can earn over $100,000 without needing to live in San Francisco.
