Getting a Job in Tech in Philadelphia in 2025: The Complete Guide

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 17th 2024

Overview of Philadelphia's tech job market with city skyline, Pennsylvania, 2025.

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Philadelphia's tech job market in 2025 is thriving, ranking as the 18th largest in the U.S., with salaries averaging $121,187 after an 11.8% increase since 2022. The city's tech ecosystem, valued at $92 billion, offers roles in software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity. Over 235,000 tech positions and 500,000 monthly job postings indicate robust growth. Competitive salaries, a lower cost of living, and major companies like Comcast and Pfizer create diverse opportunities, while governmental and educational support enhance inclusion and skill-based hiring practices.

Philadelphia is absolutely crushing it in tech for 2025, with over 235,000 tech positions making it the 18th largest tech employment market in the nation.

The average tech salary here hits $121,187, showing an impressive 11.8% jump since 2022, making it one of America's fastest-growing tech hubs.

Major companies like Bank of America, Comcast, and Pfizer are constantly looking for fresh talent, while startups are thriving thanks to places like the University City Science Center, which supports hundreds of early-stage companies.

What makes Philly stand out? We've got 130 post-secondary schools pumping out skilled tech talent, competitive salaries that actually mean something thanks to our lower cost of living compared to NYC or SF, and a tech ecosystem valued at $92 billion.

The opportunities are everywhere - from software engineering to cybersecurity, data analysis to AI development. Whether you're fresh out of school or looking to switch careers, Philly's tech scene is ready for you.

The city's even investing $750,000 to make the tech sector more inclusive. To break into this booming market? Let's get into the details!

Table of Contents

  • Why Philadelphia is a Good Place for Tech Careers
  • Exploring High-Paying IT Jobs in Philadelphia
  • Expected Tech Salaries in Philadelphia by 2025
  • Internship and Entry-Level Tech Opportunities in Philadelphia
  • Federal Employment for Tech Professionals in Philadelphia
  • Navigating the Philadelphia Tech Job Market
  • Is It Hard to Get a Tech Job in Philadelphia?
  • Networking and Community Engagement in Philadelphia Tech Scene
  • Conclusion: Succeeding in Philadelphia's Tech Industry
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Philadelphia is a Good Place for Tech Careers

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Philadelphia's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now - I'm here to tell you why it's the perfect spot for tech careers in 2025. Recent data shows that 92% of Philly startups secured new funding or revenue in the last six months, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $2 million.

That's serious growth potential! What makes this even better is that tech jobs are increasingly concentrated within city limits, making it easier to find opportunities without a long commute.

We're talking about nearly 100,000 local jobs at tech companies and 135,000 tech jobs overall - that's more job growth than cities like Nashville, Dallas, and Atlanta.

The money situation here is pretty sweet too.

According to the latest projections, the region is expected to add another 1,200 tech jobs in the coming year.

For tech roles like software developers, salaries are seriously competitive, ranging from $90,000 to $198,000. Plus, living costs are way more reasonable compared to other tech hubs - you can actually afford to have a life here while building your career.

What's really cool is how the city supports tech talent growth.

There's this amazing mix of startups, established companies, and educational programs all working together. Companies are offering both remote and hybrid work options, which gives you flexibility in how you want to work.

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is super active in promoting tech opportunities, and events like Philly Tech Week connect you with others in the industry.

Whether you're into software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity, there's room for everyone to grow in this thriving tech ecosystem.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Exploring High-Paying IT Jobs in Philadelphia

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Philadelphia's tech scene is absolutely thriving, and the salary potential here is impressive! According to Motion Recruitment's latest report, Philadelphia ranks 22nd for talent and growth in the tech sector, with living costs way lower than nearby cities.

Looking at the numbers in 2025, Security Engineers are crushing it with salaries between $136,123 and $169,336, while DevOps Architects are pulling in $127,346 to $154,881.

These aren't just random figures - recent market analysis shows the tech sector is projected to grow 8.9% by 2024, creating around 19,000 new jobs.

That's seriously exciting!

What's really cool is how diverse the opportunities are. Top companies like Comcast, Deloitte, and eBay are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent.

AI and Machine Learning Engineers are making around $135,000 on average, while Cloud Architects can earn up to $166,400. For someone just starting out, it's worth noting that even entry-level positions in fields like web development start at pretty solid salaries.

The best part? Companies are investing heavily in emerging technologies, meaning there's tons of room for growth and development. Whether you're into coding, data science, or cybersecurity, Philadelphia's tech market has something for everyone - and the paychecks definitely reflect that!

Expected Tech Salaries in Philadelphia by 2025

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Looking at the tech scene in Philadelphia, I'm excited to share what Motion Recruitment's 2025 Tech Salary Guide reveals about job opportunities in our city.

The tech job market is seriously heating up, with mid-level software workers averaging $125,000 and senior positions hitting $145,110. The different tech specialties command different salaries.

For instance, Security Engineers are bringing in between $136,123 and $169,336, while Data Architects can earn up to $161,334. Java Architects are seeing ranges from $124,765 to $154,881, and Cloud Architects are pulling in between $126,484 and $149,032.

Tech unemployment stays around 2%, way below the national average, which means there are plenty of opportunities for everyone breaking into tech.

The market's especially good for roles in AI and emerging tech, with 48% of companies planning to grow their teams. Plus, with Philadelphia's lower cost of living compared to nearby tech hubs, these salaries go even further.

The shift toward skills-based hiring means you don't necessarily need a traditional degree - companies are more focused on what you can actually do rather than where you studied.

And while remote work is still a thing, most companies are moving toward a hybrid model, with office attendance increasing from just over one day to about three and a half days per week.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Internship and Entry-Level Tech Opportunities in Philadelphia

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As a recent grad looking for tech opportunities in Philadelphia, I'm excited to share that the city is packed with entry-level positions in 2025. Major companies like PwC and JPMorgan Chase are actively hiring, with roles ranging from AI Data Scientists to Risk Management positions.

The coolest part? Many positions offer hybrid work arrangements, which gives us the flexibility we're all looking for. Starting salaries are seriously impressive - for instance, positions at PwC are offering between $84K-232K annually, depending on experience and role.

What's really encouraging is that entry-level opportunities are everywhere, from software development at SkillStorm to data analytics at Verizon.

Companies are also investing in diversity initiatives, with JPMorgan Chase offering specialized fellowship programs for 2025. The minimum requirements aren't as intimidating as you might think - while some positions ask for specific technical skills, many companies are more interested in your potential and willingness to learn.

Beyond the traditional tech giants, creative tech roles are emerging at companies like Printfly and various startups.

These positions often combine technical skills with creative problem-solving, perfect for those of us who don't want to be stuck coding 24/7. The best part? Most positions come with solid benefits packages, including 401(k) matching, health insurance, and even company equity for some startup roles.

Whether you're into AI, data science, or creative tech, Philadelphia's tech scene in 2025 has something for everyone starting their career.

Federal Employment for Tech Professionals in Philadelphia

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Federal employment in Philadelphia is seriously heating up for tech professionals in 2025, with USAJOBS.gov listing hundreds of exciting positions.

The latest data shows a major shift toward remote-friendly opportunities, with many roles offering flexible work arrangements. As a tech professional looking at federal jobs, I've noticed that IT Specialist positions are particularly abundant, with salaries starting around $113,000 for roles in customer support and systems management.

Remote jobs are definitely trending - currently, there are over 300 remote positions available across various agencies.

What's really cool about federal tech jobs is the variety of positions available.

IT positions in Philadelphia often come with sweet perks like telework options and comprehensive benefits packages.

The government is actively recruiting in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. For entry-level tech professionals, there are plenty of pathways programs and internships to get your foot in the door.

The benefits are honestly amazing - we're talking full healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off that private sector jobs often can't match.

Plus, there's this huge push for professional development. Remote work opportunities are expanding rapidly, with many positions offering full-time telework options.

The government is seriously investing in building a modern, tech-savvy workforce, and they're backing it up with competitive salaries and clear career progression paths.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Navigating the Philadelphia Tech Job Market

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Starting a tech career in Philadelphia in 2025 is more exciting than ever, with the city's tech scene definitely hitting its stride. According to Motion Recruitment's salary guide, Philadelphia ranks 18th nationally with 235,000 tech positions, and monthly tech job postings nationwide now exceed 500,000.

The landscape is super dynamic, especially with the city's Office of Innovation and Technology implementing fresh strategies. The OIT's new strategic plan focuses on digital equity and modernization, making it easier for newcomers to break into the field.

The job market has evolved in interesting ways.

Philadelphia Skills Initiative reports an impressive 89.9% job placement rate for program participants, showing that structured pathways into tech really work.

Organizations across the city are adapting their hiring practices, with many offering hybrid work options and focusing on upskilling programs. Whether you're into software development, cybersecurity, or data analytics, there's real potential here - and the best part is that many companies are actively recruiting entry-level talent.

The city hosts regular tech meetups, conferences, and training programs designed specifically for new tech professionals.

The cool thing about Philly's tech community is how welcoming it is - established professionals are usually happy to share advice and connections. Companies are particularly interested in candidates who show initiative through certifications, portfolio projects, and community involvement.

What matters most is showing you're ready to learn and grow in this rapidly changing field.

Is It Hard to Get a Tech Job in Philadelphia?

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Getting a tech job in Philadelphia in 2025 is tough but totally achievable with the right approach. According to recent research from Skillsoft, 61% of tech professionals are actively job hunting, creating a competitive environment where standing out is crucial.

The competition is real - employers are struggling to fill positions, with 38% having trouble finding cybersecurity talent and 20% searching for AI specialists.

Philadelphia is emerging as a serious tech hub, with initiatives like PROPEL biotech hub bringing in major investment and creating new opportunities.

What's really interesting is how the job market is changing.

The Philadelphia Skills Forward Initiative is aiming to train over 5,000 job seekers in high-demand sectors, which means more competition but also more opportunities for those who prepare well.

For entry-level positions:

  • Shift in Skills Focus: The focus is shifting from just technical skills to a combination of tech knowledge and soft skills. Companies are increasingly valuing problem-solving abilities (70%) and team communication (74%) alongside technical expertise.

The key to success? It's all about being strategic.

Focus on developing skills in AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing - these are the top investment priorities for companies in 2025. Join local tech communities, participate in hackathons, and build a solid project portfolio.

Starting salaries in Philly's tech sector are competitive, especially if you're certified in high-demand areas. Even better, many companies are offering hybrid work options, with 35% of professionals considering this a major factor in job decisions.

The main thing is to stay adaptable and keep learning - the tech world moves fast, and staying current is essential for landing that dream tech job in Philadelphia.

Networking and Community Engagement in Philadelphia Tech Scene

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Getting connected in Philadelphia's tech scene is easier than ever in 2025, with countless opportunities to meet fellow tech enthusiasts and industry pros. Tech & Business Networking events happen regularly at spots like Iron Hill Brewery, where you can pitch your ideas to investors or just chat with other developers over drinks.

The networking scene is super active - there's always something going on, from casual meetups to major conferences.

One of the biggest events of the year is Philly Tech Week, happening May 5-10, 2025, which brings together everyone from coding newbies to startup founders.

Whether you're into AI, web development, or anything tech-related, you'll find your crowd here. The tech calendar is packed with weekly gatherings like Code & Coffee sessions and beginner-friendly workshops that make it easy to build connections while learning new skills.

TECHSPO Philadelphia is another must-attend event, running June 12-13, 2025 at the Marriott Downtown.

It's perfect for checking out the latest tech innovations and meeting people who could potentially become future colleagues or collaborators. The expo includes everything from live keynotes to interactive demos, and the networking opportunities are incredible.

What makes Philly's tech community special is how welcoming it is - whether you're just starting out or you're already working in tech, there's a place for you here.

The focus is on building real connections and helping each other grow in the industry.

What makes Philly's tech community special is how welcoming it is - whether you're just starting out or you're already working in tech, there's a place for you here.

Conclusion: Succeeding in Philadelphia's Tech Industry

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Philadelphia's tech scene is seriously taking off in 2025! With over 235,000 tech positions in the region, we're ranked 18th nationwide for tech employment.

The city's transformation is huge, especially with the PROPEL biotech hub designation and potential $4 billion in federal funding coming our way.

Plus, organizations like Hopeworks are creating real opportunities for young people like us to break into tech. The transition into tech is more accessible than ever, with bootcamps, training programs, and tons of entry-level positions opening up.

  • Data analytics: Whether you're interested in data analytics, Philadelphia's tech ecosystem has a variety of entry-level positions and pathways.
  • Cybersecurity: If cybersecurity is your passion, you'll find ample opportunities with the growing tech support in the city.
  • Software development: Philadelphia's support for software development makes it an ideal place to start your tech career.

The city's startup scene is booming too - valued at $92 billion, which is way above the global average! What makes it even better is how affordable it is compared to other tech hubs, especially when you look at those entry-level salaries starting at around $65K. If you're ready to jump into tech, now's literally the perfect time.

Between the expanding job market, awesome networking events at places like TECHSPO Philadelphia, and all the support from local tech communities, you can totally make it happen.

Trust me, as someone trying to break into the industry myself, I've never seen so many opportunities to get started in tech, right here in Philly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is Philadelphia a good place for tech careers in 2025?

Philadelphia is ranked as the 18th largest tech employment market with a tech ecosystem valued at $92 billion. It offers competitive salaries and a lower cost of living compared to other major tech hubs. The city has 130 post-secondary schools providing a skilled tech workforce and ongoing investments aimed at making the tech sector more inclusive.

What are the expected tech salaries in Philadelphia by 2025?

Salaries in Philadelphia's tech sector are competitive, with mid-level software positions averaging $125,000 and senior roles reaching up to $145,110. Specific roles like Security Engineers can earn between $136,123 and $169,336, while Cloud Architects make between $126,484 and $149,032.

What is the Philadelphia tech job market like for newcomers?

Philadelphia's tech job market offers numerous opportunities, especially for newcomers. The city hosts events like Philly Tech Week and regular meetups, which help in networking and community engagement. Companies are focusing on hybrid work models and skills-based hiring, providing entry-level opportunities across various tech roles.

What are some high-paying IT jobs in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia offers high salaries in various IT roles such as Security Engineers ($136,123 to $169,336), DevOps Architects ($127,346 to $154,881), and AI and Machine Learning Engineers, with average earnings around $135,000. The focus on emerging technologies also provides room for career growth and development.

Are there federal employment opportunities for tech professionals in Philadelphia?

Yes, Philadelphia has a growing number of federal employment opportunities in tech, with many roles offering remote work options. Positions like IT Specialists start at around $113,000. The federal government is actively recruiting in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science, providing comprehensive benefits and career growth.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.