Los Angeles has emerged as the top destination for tech professionals in the United States, surpassing Silicon Valley in job volume, startup activity, and remote work integration. This was revealed in a new ranking by TRG Datacenters, which shows that tech workers in Los Angeles earn an average salary of $146,550, with over 359,000 job openings—the highest number in the country. The shift signals a major reconfiguration of the U.S. tech landscape, traditionally dominated by San Francisco and San Jose.
While San Francisco still boasts the highest average salary at $150,387, it now trails in startup growth and job availability. Los Angeles, by contrast, is thriving with nearly 25,000 startups launched annually and a growing share of remote work roles, which currently stand at 19.7%. Tech professionals are increasingly drawn to L.A.’s blend of innovation, job opportunities, and adaptable work environments.
Other cities are also showing strong performances. New York follows closely behind L.A., leading in startup creation with almost 37,000 new tech firms yearly and offering an average salary of $148,138. Seattle, meanwhile, is becoming the hub of remote work, with over 36% of its tech workforce operating offsite. It offers 283,000 jobs and an average salary of $135,287, making it ideal for professionals seeking flexibility without sacrificing earnings.
Further down the list, cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston maintain robust tech salaries and unique advantages. Austin, San Jose, and Atlanta round out the top 10, but San Jose’s drop to ninth place is notable, given its location in Silicon Valley. Jessica Bui of TRG Datacenters said cities with growing job markets and thriving startup ecosystems are becoming just as crucial as those with high salaries and dense tech event calendars. For tech professionals earning above $100,000, the options are now more diverse than ever.