San Diego CIOs Reveal Increase In Hiring Plans For Second Half Of 2017

SAN DIEGO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego-area technology hiring is on the rise for the second half of 2017, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-one percent of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams, up six points compared to the previous report released in December 2016. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Overall, demand for skilled IT talent remains high and many San Diego companies seem optimistic about the second half of the year," said Kyle Houston, branch manager for Robert Half Technology in San Diego. "Companies are hiring for initiatives such as SharePoint Online, Office 365 and SCCM-related implementations, in particular."  

Hiring Plans and Challenges
In addition to the 21 percent of CIOs forecasting hiring growth, 62 percent of CIOs expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 61 percent of San Diego hiring leaders say that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market.

Factors Leading to Tech Hiring in San Diego
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, 31 percent of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in San Diego include:

• Increased cloud or big data initiatives (24 percent)
• Increased digital marketing initiatives (22 percent)
• Increased mobile initiatives (21 percent) 

Skills in Demand
According to respondents, the skills in greatest demand within their organizations include:

1. Network administration (62 percent)
2. Database management (58 percent)
3. Desktop support and wireless network management (tie at 56 percent)
4. Windows administration and telecommunications support (both 55 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 23 percent of San Diego CIOs said they will be focused on innovation or helping grow the business, and another 23 percent said they will be focused on technology innovation and investing in new technologies. Other priorities will include:  

• Staff retention (21 percent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (17 percent)
• Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (16 percent)

"San Diego sits in a uniquely favorable position, with the likes of Amazon and other companies quickly growing their local footprint and attracting top talent from other local organizations," continued Houston. "We're beginning to attract top talent from other tech hubs like San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. We're also seeing movement from local technology professionals who are looking to improve their current career situations through new opportunities."

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 2017 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

Related Links

https://www.roberthalf.com/technology