Getting a Job in Tech in Pittsburgh in 2024: The Complete Guide
Last Updated: December 17th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Pittsburgh is emerging as a major tech hub in 2024 with a 15% growth in tech jobs, driven by sectors like robotics, AI, and software development. Over 200 tech companies, including giants like Google, Uber, and Amazon, have established a presence, offering competitive salaries averaging $85,000. The city also boasts affordable living costs, 10% below the national average, and a thriving startup ecosystem supported by top universities like Carnegie Mellon. Key industries such as AI and robotics are booming, with salaries for tech roles significantly higher than the national average.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Pittsburgh's tech scene is straight-up fire in 2024, cementing its status as a rising tech hotspot. The city's obsession with robotics, AI, and software dev has attracted major players like Google and Uber, along with a buzzing startup ecosystem that's making waves.
According to a study by the Brookings Institution, Pittsburgh ranked among the top 10 cities for tech job growth in 2024, with a 15% increase in tech employment compared to the previous year.
For real, tech jobs in Pittsburgh are a massive deal.
The industry has become the driving force for the local economy, contributing over $10 billion in annual revenue and creating thousands of high-paying job opportunities.
As the Pittsburgh Technology Council stated, "The tech sector has become a vital part of Pittsburgh's economic fabric, attracting talent from around the nation and fueling innovation across various industries."
Check out these key highlights about Pittsburgh's flourishing tech scene in 2024:
- Tech hub: Over 200 tech companies have set up shop in the city, including industry giants like Google, Uber, and Amazon.
- Robotics and AI talent: Pittsburgh ranks 3rd among US cities for concentration of robotics and AI talent, according to a CBRE report.
- Competitive salaries: The average tech salary in Pittsburgh is $85,000, nearly 20% higher than the national average, as per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Affordable living: Pittsburgh's cost of living is 10% lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for tech professionals.
As Mark Muro, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, puts it:
"Pittsburgh's transformation into a tech powerhouse is a remarkable story of economic reinvention, driven by its world-class universities, research institutions, and a growing pool of tech talent."
If you're looking to level up your career in tech, Pittsburgh is definitely worth checking out.
Table of Contents
- Does Pittsburgh Have Good Tech Job Opportunities?
- Key Tech Industries in Pittsburgh
- Top Tech Employers in Pittsburgh
- What Tech Companies are Moving to Pittsburgh?
- Salary Expectations in Pittsburgh's Tech Industry
- How Much Does a Tech Lead Earn in Pittsburgh?
- Essential Skills for Tech Jobs in Pittsburgh
- Networking and Tech Community in Pittsburgh
- Conclusion: Landing Your Tech Job in Pittsburgh
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Pittsburgh Have Good Tech Job Opportunities?
(Up)Alright, check this out! Pittsburgh's tech game is on fire and 2024 is gonna be a wild ride.
The University of Pittsburgh is teaming up with other major universities to tackle the skills gap in advanced manufacturing through the Super Analytics Challenge.
They're bringing in the big guns from Fortune 500 companies to mentor students and help them develop legit solutions. It's a win-win for both the students and the community!
But that's not all.
The tech job market in Pittsburgh is absolutely popping off. Companies like PNC, PwC, and MetLife are hiring like crazy for roles like software engineers, product owners, and business analysts.
We're talking salaries ranging from $80K to over $300K for experienced professionals. It's a tech goldmine!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But what about the recent tech layoffs?" Well, according to this report from Per Scholas, the demand for skilled tech workers is still sky-high.
Areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science are scorching hot, and remote work opportunities are becoming more common. Sure, you might need to adapt and learn new skills, but the future looks bright for those willing to hustle.
Pittsburgh is quickly becoming a major tech powerhouse, and the opportunities are endless.
Whether you're a coding wizard, a data whiz, or just someone looking for a fresh start, this city has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to level up and join the tech revolution happening right here in the 'Burgh!
Key Tech Industries in Pittsburgh
(Up)Pittsburgh's tech game is on fire in 2024! The city's become a major hub for the hottest industries like robotics, AI, and software development.
It's transforming the local economy and attracting all the top talent.
Start with robotics - Pittsburgh is excelling with over 120 robotics companies that are raking in billions.
We're talking major players like Stack AV and Thoro leading the way in autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
This sector alone employs over 10,000 skilled workers in the city.
But robotics and AI go hand-in-hand, and Pittsburgh's AI prowess is off the charts.
Thanks to powerhouses like CMU and Pitt, the city's a breeding ground for AI talent. Job postings in this field have spiked by a crazy 72% since 2019, way above the national average.
Companies like Argo AI and Petrator are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI.
And not to forget about software development - it's the backbone of Pittsburgh's tech dominance.
Over 1,500 software companies call this city home, from giants like Google to up-and-coming startups disrupting the game. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts software developer jobs here will surge by 22% between 2022 and 2024, leaving the national growth rate in the dust.
So, what's the big deal about Pittsburgh?
- Impressive talent pipeline: For starters, the talent pipeline is impressive, with top universities like CMU, Pitt, and Duquesne pumping out a steady flow of tech-savvy grads.
- Massive investment in R&D: There's the massive investment in R&D - over $1.5 billion annually fueling cutting-edge innovation.
- Reasonable cost of living: Not to mention, the cost of living is way more reasonable than places like San Francisco or New York, making it an attractive spot for techies seeking that work-life balance.
- Collaborative community: The tight-knit community fosters a collaborative vibe with meetups, hackathons, and networking events galore.
Top Tech Employers in Pittsburgh
(Up)Pittsburgh's tech scene is seriously blossoming into a major hub for innovation and career opportunities.
All the big dogs like Google and Uber have set up shop here, but there's also a crazy amount of cool startups making moves. You've got giants like Google with over 800 employees working on mind-blowing stuff like engineering, research, and user experience.
And Uber's self-driving car division is smack in the middle of the city, taking advantage of Pittsburgh's robotics and AI expertise.
But it's not just about the corporate giants.
Pittsburgh's startup game is on fire, fueled by its world-class universities and mad supportive resources. Last year alone, startups in the city raised a whopping $3.12 billion in venture capital funding, mainly in AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
That's an insane amount of cash flowing into the up-and-coming tech ecosystem.
Some of the hottest startups out here include Stack AV, an autonomous trucking company founded by former Argo AI bosses, and Sustainible, a platform that helps businesses evaluate the sustainability and feasibility of their models.
There's also Voaige, offering AI-powered robotic arms for labor projects, and Lovelace AI, supporting missions in national security and disaster relief.
With a massive talent pool, top-notch academic programs, and a supportive infrastructure, Pittsburgh is seriously the place to be for tech innovators and job seekers looking to get their foot in the door.
The opportunities here are limitless, and the city's tech ecosystem just keeps growing stronger every day.
What Tech Companies are Moving to Pittsburgh?
(Up)Pittsburgh is the new tech hotspot, and companies are flocking there like crazy! According to reports, Excelitas Technologies, a major player in photonics and imaging tech, is moving their headquarters from Massachusetts to Pittsburgh's Strip District.
They're investing $2.3 million and creating at least 250 new jobs over the next four years.
But Excelitas isn't the only one making moves. Venture capital funding in Pittsburgh's tech scene topped $3.12 billion last year, with heavy investments in AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
Companies like Aurora and Stack AV (formerly Argo.ai) raised massive funding rounds, cementing Pittsburgh's status as an autonomous driving powerhouse.
The city's universities, like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, are churning out top-notch talent, making it a prime location for tech companies to set up shop.
And let's not forget the lower cost of living compared to places like Silicon Valley or New York City. A stretch of Penn Avenue has become a hub for AI companies, including Google, Sheetz Innovation, and several startups founded by Carnegie Mellon professors and alumni.
It's not just big names making waves, either.
Pittsburgh's startup scene is thriving, with companies like Stack AV, Sustainible, Voaige, and Lovelace AI making lists of the city's most promising early-stage tech companies.
Pittsburgh is attracting top talent and becoming a major tech destination.
Salary Expectations in Pittsburgh's Tech Industry
(Up)Pittsburgh is the place to be if you're tryna get that bread in the tech world! According to recent stats, the Steel City had the biggest increase in tech salaries last year, with an average jump of 14% to $98,304! That's a serious come-up, putting Pittsburgh ahead of major tech hubs like Atlanta and Chicago.
Salary data for 2024 shows that the top-paying tech gigs in the 'Burgh are sys architects raking in around $147,901 and cloud architects/engineers earning a cool $140,571 on average.
Even entry-level help desk techs are making a respectable $52,259. That's nothing to sneeze at, especially when you factor in Pittsburgh's relatively low cost of living compared to places like Silicon Valley or NYC.
Tech companies are also embracing the remote work life, with businesses like Metafy offering fully remote positions and raising millions in funding.
And let's not forget about the killer talent pool, with Pitt being ranked as one of the top cities for hiring remote software engineers based on coding test scores.
Key Benefits of the Pittsburgh Tech Scene:
- Salaries are competitive: Competitive salaries like sys architects earning $147,901.
- Remote work opportunities: Remote jobs available from companies like Metafy.
- Cost of living is affordable: Affordable cost compared to Silicon Valley or NYC.
Bottom line? If you're looking to level up your tech career and secure that bag without going broke on living expenses, Pittsburgh is definitely worth checking out.
The city's tech scene is booming, salaries are competitive, and the cost of living won't leave you eating ramen noodles every night.
How Much Does a Tech Lead Earn in Pittsburgh?
(Up)Let's talk about the big bucks you can make as a Tech Lead in Pittsburgh.
This city is low-key a hot spot for tech jobs, and the pay for Tech Leads is seriously impressive. The average salary for this role in 2024 is projected to be a mind-blowing $143,125!
To give you some context, here's how Pittsburgh stacks up against other major tech hubs:
- San Francisco: $197,115 (the big kahuna, but crazy high cost of living)
- New York City: $179,687 (gotta love that NYC hustle)
- Seattle: $175,347 (rainy city, but that Microsoft money is no joke)
- Pittsburgh: $143,125 (hello, affordable living and great pay)
- Austin: $167,675 (keeping it weird and well-paid in Texas)
While it's not quite Silicon Valley level, Pittsburgh offers an awesome balance of solid income and chill vibes.
You can actually enjoy your hard-earned cash here.
So, what makes Tech Leads in the 'Burgh so valuable? A few key factors:
- High demand for tech gurus who can lead teams and drive innovation
- Tons of major companies like Google, Facebook, and Uber setting up shop
- Cutting-edge work in fields like AI, robotics, and software engineering
- Years of proven experience managing complex tech projects
- The ability to turn vision into reality and keep teams motivated
With Pittsburgh's tech scene only getting hotter, expect those Tech Lead salaries to keep climbing.
And let's not forget the unique opportunities to hop between industries like healthcare, finance, and education - more ways to stack that paper.
One local tech vet summed it up perfectly:
"In Pittsburgh, if you've got the skills and hustle of a true Tech Lead, the earning potential is through the roof."
Essential Skills for Tech Jobs in Pittsburgh
(Up)If you're tryna land a sick tech job in the 'Burgh in 2024, you gotta load up on the right skills, feel me? Check it - these are the top techs that companies are thirsty for according to the Pittsburgh Technology Council:
- Python coding - that snake language is everywhere these days. Python is a versatile language used in various tech domains.
- Data skills - knowing how to crunch numbers and make sense of all that info. Being proficient in data analysis positions you as an asset for data-driven decision-making.
- Cloud tech like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud - everyone's going cloud these days. The adoption of cloud technologies is becoming standard practice.
- Cybersecurity - gotta keep those systems locked down tight. Protecting data is crucial in preventing breaches and maintaining trust.
- AI and Machine Learning - the future is now with all that smart tech. Advancements in AI are driving innovation and efficiency.
With all these new techs popping up, you can't sleep on leveling up your skills.
Pittsburgh's got your back though - there are coding bootcamps like Nucamp teaching web dev, data science, and cybersecurity.
You can also hit up workshops from groups like the Tech Council and Coding Kids to stay fresh. Online courses and certs from places like Coursera, edX, and Udacity are clutch too, especially when they link up with local schools like CMU and Pitt.
And don't sleep on those tech meetups and networking events - that's where you'll hear about the latest trends and make connections. Groups like Pittsburgh Code & Supply and the Product Management crew host all kinds of workshops and hackathons to help you grow your skills. At the end of the day, as Richard Thompson from that big software company put it, "In this fast-paced tech world, continuous learning is mandatory, not optional.
Investing in upskilling and keeping up with new trends is the key to unlocking exciting career opportunities and long-term success." So stay hungry, keep grinding on those skills, and the 'Burgh tech scene will be all yours in 2024.
Networking and Tech Community in Pittsburgh
(Up)Check it out! Pittsburgh's tech scene is on fire, and networking is the way to score those sweet gigs. This city is a total hotspot for making connections and leveling up your career.
According to the Pittsburgh Technology Council, over 65% of tech jobs here are snagged through personal links and networking.
In 2024, this place is gonna be popping off with dope events and support systems for techies looking to expand their circle.
The city's got a packed calendar of tech meetups and gatherings, perfect for collaborating and soaking up knowledge.
Here are some major highlights for 2024:
- Pittsburgh TechFest: This massive festival brings together devs, designers, and entrepreneurs for insightful talks and prime networking opportunities.
- Tech Happy Hour: A chill hangout where you can work on coding projects, socialize, and grab some drinks.
- Pittsburgh WITCON 2024: An annual event celebrating and empowering women in tech, with keynote speakers, workshops, and mentorship opportunities galore.
But it's not just about events – Pittsburgh's got a solid support system for techies too:
- AlphaLab Gear & Accelerator: They'll hook you up with mentorship, funding, and workspace if you're rocking an early-stage tech startup.
- Pittsburgh Tech Talent Pipeline: A team effort between universities, companies, and organizations to cultivate local tech talent and help them shine.
- Black Tech Nation: A network dedicated to empowering Black professionals in the tech space, with networking mixers and panel discussions happening all year long.
As Lisa Anderson, the CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, puts it,
"Pittsburgh's tech community is like one big squad, where you can thrive through meaningful connections and non-stop learning opportunities."
So, if you're serious about leveling up your tech career, get out there and start making moves!
Conclusion: Landing Your Tech Job in Pittsburgh
(Up)Alright, let's talk about landing that sweet tech gig in the 'Burgh in 2024! According to this list of top tech jobs in Pittsburgh, the city is absolutely crushing it with opportunities at major companies like PNC, PwC, and MetLife.
We're talking roles in cybersecurity, software engineering, product management - you name it! Even smaller companies are opening up solid positions, so there's something for everyone.
Pittsburgh Technical College is closing up shop in August 2024, which means a ton of students will be looking to transfer to new programs.
A smart move would be to hit up those coding bootcamps in Pittsburgh and get certified in the hottest tech skills.
With the right training, you can make a smooth transition into an awesome tech career, even if you're coming from a non-tech background.
Now, let's talk about making connections and standing out from the crowd.
Check out these networking tips - get involved with the University of Pittsburgh's programs, tech meetups, hackathons, you know the drill.
And don't forget to polish up that LinkedIn game by following these job hunting strategies.
With companies like General Dynamics hiring for solid cybersecurity roles, you'll want to bring your A-game.
Bottom line - Pittsburgh is quickly becoming a hub for all things innovative and tech-focused.
Organizations like Vibrant Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh are actively building a diverse, inclusive workforce.
Plus, with the White House Workforce Talent Hub initiative, there's a push to create solid career paths into family-sustaining tech jobs.
So, if you're ready to level up your skills and join the tech revolution in the 'Burgh, now is definitely the time!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What makes Pittsburgh a good place for tech jobs in 2024?
Pittsburgh is a rising tech hotspot with a significant growth in tech job opportunities. The city boasts over 200 tech companies, including giants like Google, Uber, and Amazon. It's ranked 3rd among US cities for concentration of robotics and AI talent. Competitive salaries averaging $85,000 and a cost of living 10% lower than the national average add to its attractiveness.
Which tech industries are booming in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's tech scene in 2024 is thriving in sectors like robotics, AI, and software development. There are over 120 robotics companies and a strong AI presence driven by local universities. Software development is also robust, with more than 1,500 software companies in the city.
What are typical salary expectations for tech jobs in Pittsburgh?
Tech salaries in Pittsburgh have significantly increased, with an average tech salary of $98,304. High-paying roles include system architects earning around $147,901 and cloud architects earning $140,571 on average. Competitive salaries are complemented by a reasonable cost of living.
What skills are essential for landing a tech job in Pittsburgh?
Key skills in demand include Python coding, data analysis, cloud technology, cybersecurity, and AI/machine learning. These skills align with the growing sectors and job postings in Pittsburgh's tech scene.
How important is networking in Pittsburgh's tech community?
Networking is crucial, with over 65% of tech jobs acquired through personal connections. Pittsburgh offers numerous events and support systems for building industry links, such as tech meetups, Pittsburgh WITCON, and Accelerator programs like AlphaLab Gear.
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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.