Raleigh-Durham continues its climb as one of North America’s most dynamic tech markets. According to CBRE’s Scoring Tech Talent 2025 report, the region now ranks #12 among the top 50 tech talent markets, advancing four spots from the previous year. This growth highlights Raleigh-Durham’s strong position as a hub for innovation, research, and opportunity.

A Growing and Concentrated Tech Workforce

CBRE notes that Raleigh-Durham’s tech talent workforce has expanded to 76,570 workers, representing 15.4% growth from 2021 to 2024—an increase of more than 10,000 professionals. Tech talent now makes up 7.2% of total employment in the region, demonstrating the sector’s deep integration across industries. Nearly 45% of tech talent in Raleigh-Durham work within the technology industry itself, reinforcing the strength of the local ecosystem.

A Highly Educated Talent Pipeline

Education continues to be one of Raleigh-Durham’s greatest advantages. The region ranks among the top 10 markets in North America for educational attainment, with 51% of adults aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Major research universities—including Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University—help power a continuous pipeline of high-skilled graduates entering the workforce. In addition, more than 55% of software engineers in Raleigh-Durham are employed within the tech industry, showcasing the region’s ability to nurture and retain technical expertise where it’s most needed.

Competitive Wages and Career Growth

Raleigh-Durham’s tech professionals earn an average annual wage of $122,435 when employed within the technology industry. This competitive salary reinforces the region’s appeal to both new graduates and experienced professionals seeking career advancement. The combination of wage competitiveness, career growth, and affordable cost of living continues to make Raleigh-Durham one of the most balanced and attractive tech markets in North America.

Positioned for the AI Revolution

The 2025 report also sheds light on the accelerating demand for artificial intelligence skills across the U.S. and Canada—where AI-skilled tech talent grew by more than 50% year-over-year, reaching 517,000 professionals. While Raleigh-Durham’s AI-specific count isn’t detailed, the region’s concentration of universities, research centers, and tech firms positions it to play a leading role in this emerging wave of innovation.

Quality of Life Meets Business Opportunity

Raleigh-Durham’s rise in the rankings is no coincidence. The region’s business-friendly climate, vibrant quality of life, and steady talent migration create a powerful combination for sustainable growth. For companies, the market offers access to both highly educated workers and a cost structure that supports long-term competitiveness. For professionals, it provides a community where career potential and quality of life go hand in hand.

Continuing the Momentum in Our Region

At Wake County Economic Development, we’re proud to see Raleigh-Durham continue its upward momentum. These numbers confirm what we see every day—innovation is thriving, talent is growing, and opportunity is expanding. Through our work to attract and support innovative companies, connect with leading employers, and strengthen our talent pipeline, WCED is helping drive the growth that keeps Raleigh-Durham at the forefront of the tech economy.

View the full CBRE Report here.