Phoenix Ranks In Top 12 Cities For Tech Hiring In First Half Of 2018

PHOENIX, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology hiring in Phoenix should start strong in 2018, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-two percent of CIOs surveyed here said they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams in the first half of the new year, up 8 percentage points from a year ago. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand and CIOs' top priorities for the first six months of the year.

"The first few months of the year are typically some of the busiest for tech hiring, as budgets have been approved, projects are getting off the ground and companies need to fill open roles," said Kathleen French, metro market manager for Robert Half Technology in Phoenix. "Network administration, development and telecom projects are driving hiring right now. And, as our city continues to grow, we anticipate the demand for skilled technology professionals will only continue to rise in 2018."

Top 12 Cities for Tech Hiring in 2018 
In addition to the forecasted 22 percent hiring growth, 61 percent of technology leaders here expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. The demand for talent places Phoenix on the list of U.S. cities where tech hiring is expected to grow the most in the first half of 2018:

1. San Diego
2. Atlanta
3. New York
4. Austin, Texas
5. Charlotte, North Carolina
6. Minneapolis
7. Philadelphia
8. Des Moines, Iowa
9. Miami
10. Cleveland
11. Phoenix
12. Salt Lake City

Hiring Challenges and Skills in Demand
It continues to be a competitive hiring environment: 64 percent of CIOs in Phoenix said that it's challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market. The skills in greatest demand within their organizations, according to respondents, include:  

1. Network administration (51 percent)
2. Telecommunications support (50 percent)
3. Desktop support (46 percent)

Top Priorities
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 28 percent of Phoenix CIOs said they will be focused on maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information. Other priorities will include:  

• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (21 percent)
• Innovation and helping to grow their businesses (21 percent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (18 percent)
• Staff retention (13 percent)

About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.com/technology. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2018 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions.

Survey Methodology
The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by number of employees. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology

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