Top 10 Tech Companies to Work for in Raleigh in 2025

Raleigh's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! According to recent reports, the area has added over 11,400 tech jobs in just five years - that's an insane 18% jump.

Major players like IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat are here, but what's really cool is how Raleigh is becoming the East Coast's second-biggest tech hub.

The average tech salary just hit $106,900, and honestly, that goes way further here since living costs are super reasonable - we're talking $1,527 for average rent.

What makes this place extra special is the diversity game - tech companies here are seriously committed to inclusion, with Raleigh ranking third nationally for female tech talent at 28.6%.

The Research Triangle Park is basically tech paradise, contributing $37 billion annually to the state economy. Plus, with North Carolina State, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill nearby, there's always fresh talent flowing in.

CompTIA predicts another 3,000 tech jobs by 2025, focusing on cybersecurity and data science. Whether you're into startups or big tech, Raleigh's got something for everyone - and the BBQ scene isn't bad either!

Our methodology for ranking Raleigh's top tech companies in 2025 combines hard data with real employee experiences. Major players like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing billions in the area, creating thousands of new jobs and transforming Raleigh into a legit tech hub.

The tech sector already makes up 18% of local employment and is expected to grow another 20% by 2026. When evaluating companies, we looked at three main things: company culture, benefits packages, and growth potential.

Leading firms like SAS Institute are crushing it with their workplace environment - they've got professionals from 79 countries and an 88% employee recommendation rate.

The benefits game is changing too, with companies offering flexible work arrangements, mental health support, and personalized development plans.

Red Hat stands out for innovation in open-source tech, while IBM brings serious opportunities with their Skills Academy and leadership programs. The median tech salary in Raleigh hits $95,786, making it super competitive, especially with the lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs.

What's really cool is how these companies are focusing on both professional growth and work-life balance - Bandwidth Inc. scores a solid 4.6/5 for work-life balance on Glassdoor.

This mix of opportunities, benefits, and positive culture makes Raleigh's tech scene seriously attractive for anyone looking to build their career in tech.

As one of Raleigh's major tech players, Cisco Systems is going through some real changes in 2025.

While they're still crushing it with amazing perks like full health coverage and sweet stock options, they're also making some bold moves. The company just announced plans to let go of 4,000 employees to focus harder on AI development - which honestly makes sense given how tech is evolving.

Despite these changes, Cisco remains a powerhouse in RTP, and their employee satisfaction is still super high at 92%. What's really interesting is how Cisco is adapting to future tech trends, especially in AI and network management.

They're working on cutting network downtime by 40% through AI-driven tools, which is pretty impressive. The company's dedication to innovation shows in their competitive salary packages, with software engineers pulling in around $101,170 annually in the Raleigh area.

While the recent restructuring might seem concerning, it's actually part of Cisco's strategy to stay ahead in the tech game, focusing on AI development and network optimization.

They're still running strong with partnerships with local universities and keeping their commitment to sustainability initiatives, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to build a tech career in Raleigh.

IBM's presence in Research Triangle Park since 1965 has been a total game-changer for Raleigh's tech scene. Today, the company is crushing it with next-level AI and cloud innovations, including their latest Vela supercomputer and watsonx platform.

The numbers are pretty wild - IBM has invested over $30 million in partnerships with NC State alone, showing they're seriously committed to growing local tech talent.

Their evolution from early manufacturing days to become this powerhouse in AI, cloud computing, and quantum technology is remarkable. Their latest move with NVIDIA GPUs and the upcoming H100 and H200 Tensor Core rollouts is seriously next-level stuff.

The work culture at IBM is honestly amazing.

Their RTP campus runs on this agile methodology where small, expert teams collaborate on cutting-edge projects.

What's really interesting is that about 25% of their RTP workforce has been with the company less than five years, bringing fresh energy and new perspectives.

They're big on diversity and inclusion, which makes for a really dynamic workplace where different ideas come together. Plus, working alongside research teams from NC State and other universities keeps things exciting and innovative.

The future looks seriously bright for IBM in Raleigh.

With major tech companies like Apple and Amazon joining the neighborhood, IBM is helping transform the Triangle into this incredible tech ecosystem.

They're not just riding the wave - they're leading it with breakthrough work in quantum computing, AI, and cloud solutions. For anyone looking to work on tech that actually matters and shapes the future, IBM Raleigh is definitely where it's at.

The combination of cutting-edge projects, collaborative culture, and real opportunities for growth makes it a fantastic place to build a career in tech.

SAS, headquartered in Raleigh, stands out as a global leader in analytics software and continues to shape the future of data science. Their integrated software suite powers everything from advanced analytics to business intelligence, making them a go-to choice for major enterprises worldwide.

In 2025, SAS is pushing boundaries with their Visual Analytics platform and machine learning solutions, while also investing heavily in academic partnerships that build the next generation of data scientists.

What makes SAS truly special is their investment in employee growth and wellbeing.

The company offers competitive benefits including health coverage, flexible schedules, and remote work options. Their professional development programs are next-level, featuring personalized career paths and access to SAS University.

With a remarkable 90% employee retention rate, it's clear that SAS knows how to create an environment where people want to stay and grow.

As a major player in Raleigh's tech scene, SAS actively shapes the local tech ecosystem.

They're not just creating jobs - they're building futures through their Analytics School programs and partnerships with universities.

Their commitment to STEM education and startup mentorship programs helps create opportunities for aspiring tech professionals. Plus, their community initiatives and support for local innovation make them more than just a workplace - they're a driving force in Raleigh's tech revolution.

Through their dedication to innovation and employee success, SAS continues to prove why they're an awesome place to work in Raleigh's tech scene.

Whether you're into data science, software development, or analytics, SAS offers real opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology while maintaining that crucial work-life balance everyone's looking for.

Red Hat stands out as a leader in open-source innovation, making waves in Raleigh's tech scene in 2025. The company's upcoming Red Hat Summit 2025 is set to be massive, bringing together over 1,750 companies from 80+ countries to explore cutting-edge tech like AI, edge computing, and automation.

Their commitment to employee growth is real - with competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a work culture that actually values work-life balance. The benefits package includes everything from retirement plans to quarterly bonuses, plus some sweet perks like tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

The company's dedication to innovation is clear through their latest developments, like the RHEL AI platform, which is pushing boundaries in enterprise artificial intelligence.

Red Hat's presence in Raleigh goes beyond just business - they're actively shaping the local tech community through partnerships with educational institutions and hosting 18 open-source events throughout 2025.

Their commitment to sustainability and community development remains strong, with significant investments in local tech education and community programs. What makes Red Hat truly special is how they've created an environment where innovation isn't just encouraged - it's part of their DNA. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, Red Hat offers real opportunities to work on projects that matter while growing your career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

Bandwidth is shaking up Raleigh's tech scene from its impressive new 40-acre global headquarters, which opened in 2023 with amazing perks like basketball courts, an amphitheater, and even a Montessori daycare.

The company is rolling out major upgrades in 2025, including their Universal Platform for global communication, powered by new data centers in Toronto and Vancouver, plus cutting-edge features like voice authentication and AI-powered network monitoring.

Founded by David Morken in 1999, Bandwidth has grown from a small internet provider to a communications powerhouse that handles about 10% of North America's phone numbers.

The company culture is pretty unique - they're all about creating genuine connections, which is why they've gone back to in-person work at their state-of-the-art campus.

Their commitment to innovation shows in their latest projects, like the Alternate Location Routing system for emergency services and their partnership with Google for rich messaging capabilities.

For tech professionals and recent grads, Bandwidth offers solid opportunities to work on real-world projects that impact millions of users daily. The company's focus on mentorship and professional development, combined with their extensive benefits package, makes them a standout choice for anyone looking to jumpstart their career in tech.

Q2 is crushing it in the fintech space, especially in mobile banking, with some seriously cool innovations dropping in 2025. Their recent partnership with AWS has upgraded their game, integrating advanced AI for fraud detection through Q2 Sentinel and automating workflows with Andi Copilot.

The company's commitment to innovation shows in their CONNECT 2025 conference, where they're bringing together the brightest minds in banking tech to share what's next in digital finance.

Q2's mobile platform is getting major attention, with their Q2 Engage platform leading the way in personalized banking experiences for users.

The company's growth is just as impressive as their tech.

With over 50,000 services being moved to cloud infrastructure, they're not just talking about innovation - they're making it happen. Their workplace culture is next level, focusing on employee development through:

• Tech Growth Programs: Training in cutting-edge fintech and AI systems.
• Modern Work Culture: Mix of remote and office options to fit different lifestyles.
• Complete Benefits Package: Everything from wellness programs to professional development.

Q2's impact on Raleigh's tech scene can't be overstated.

They're processing millions of transactions daily while keeping security tight with their AI-powered systems. Their community involvement, especially in tech education and local partnerships, is helping make Raleigh a serious player in the fintech world.

With their focus on both innovation and employee satisfaction, Q2 is definitely setting the standard for what a modern fintech company should look like.

Cox Enterprises stands out in Raleigh's tech landscape by creating real opportunities for diverse talent and innovative thinking. The company's commitment to inclusion goes beyond words - they've set an ambitious goal to increase executive people of color representation by 50% by 2025.

What makes Cox different is their focus on building careers across multiple industries, from telecommunications to automotive technology. Their impact extends into the community through partnerships with national diversity organizations and local initiatives that create lasting change.

They're seriously invested in their people, offering comprehensive benefits for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. A major plus is their Supplier Diversity Program, which has channeled over $1 billion to minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses in 2023.

Cox's presence in Raleigh brings more than just jobs - they're building a workplace where everyone can thrive, innovate, and grow. They've earned their spot in Fair360's top companies for workplace diversity, ranking 10th in 2024.

Whether you're interested in high-speed internet, automotive tech, or sustainable energy, Cox offers real paths to build a meaningful career while making a positive impact on the community.

Their commitment to flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits shows they understand what today's professionals actually want from their workplace.

This approach has made them a standout employer in Raleigh's competitive tech scene.

UL Solutions is making serious moves in the safety science world, and their latest developments are pretty amazing. The company just appointed Alex Dadakis as their new Chief Business Operations and Innovation Officer, bringing fresh leadership to drive their tech innovations forward.

They're not just talking about safety - they're building the future of it. In fact, they're constructing an Advanced Automotive and Battery Testing Center set to open in late 2025, showing their commitment to electric vehicle tech and sustainable energy solutions.

What's really cool is their focus on turning scientific discoveries into real-world safety solutions, with testing facilities that serve over 200 companies right here in Raleigh.

Their UL University program gives employees awesome opportunities to learn cutting-edge skills in safety engineering and regulatory compliance, while their mentorship program helps everyone level up their careers.

The Raleigh Tech Innovation Hub has been a game-changer for our local tech scene, creating over 1,500 jobs and attracting more investment to our area. Their commitment to safety culture isn't just talk - they back it up with regular safety audits and leadership programs that give employees real responsibility.

For anyone looking to work in tech while making a real difference in product safety and innovation, UL Solutions is definitely worth checking out.

In 2025, Celonis is totally changing how businesses operate through their next-level process intelligence platform.

The company's advanced AI technology is helping companies unlock major efficiency gains by analyzing and optimizing their business processes in real-time. Their process mining capabilities allow businesses to spot and fix issues before they become problems, leading to some seriously impressive results.

For example, they helped one medical device company uncover $94 million in total value and saved another company 92,000 hours of team member time.

Working at Celonis in Raleigh is pretty exciting right now.

The company's growing fast and bringing tons of new opportunities for tech enthusiasts like me. Their recent expansion has created way more jobs, especially in AI and data science.

The best part? They're big on personal growth — offering loads of chances to level up your skills through training and mentorship. Recent collaborations with industry leaders mean employees get to work on cutting-edge projects that actually make a difference.

What makes Celonis stand out is how they're helping transform Raleigh into a serious tech destination.

They're partnering with local universities and creating real opportunities for students and recent grads. Plus, their work with public sector organizations is making government services run smoother for everyone.

The company culture is all about innovation and making real impact — exactly what we're looking for in our first tech jobs.

The leadership team keeps it real, focusing on practical solutions that create actual value.

They're not just talking about AI — they're showing exactly how it can make businesses run better. For anyone looking to start their tech career in Raleigh, Celonis offers a chance to work with cutting-edge technology while seeing the direct impact of your work.

Raleigh's tech scene is absolutely exploding right now! With major players like Cisco and their groundbreaking sustainability initiatives leading the charge, the city's becoming a serious tech powerhouse.

The collaboration between IBM and Red Hat has doubled their revenue since joining forces, showing just how much potential this market has.

Tech jobs are expected to shoot up by 9.5% by 2024, which is way ahead of the national average of 6.5%. That's seriously impressive!

What makes this even better is how Raleigh's cost of living is just $2,743 per month compared to other tech hubs - making it actually possible to afford a decent lifestyle while building a career.

The Research Triangle Park is packed with over 300 companies contributing $37 billion annually to the state economy. Plus, with neighbors like Duke, NC State, and UNC Chapel Hill, there's this amazing pipeline of fresh talent and innovation constantly flowing into the industry.

For anyone looking to break into tech, Raleigh's got everything going for it.

Companies are offering competitive salaries, flexible work options, and real opportunities for growth. The startup scene is on fire too, ranked among the top 20 in the U.S. for innovation.

It's not just about having a job - it's about being part of something bigger. Whether you're into software development, data analytics, or cybersecurity, Raleigh's tech community is ready to welcome new talent with open arms.

The future here isn't just bright - it's blazing!