Survey: San Diego Top City For Tech Hiring In First Half Of 2018

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology hiring in the San Diego area is expected to start strong in 2018, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-nine 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 14 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.

"It's been a transformational year for San Diego's tech market," said Kyle Houston, branch manager for Robert Half Technology in San Diego. "As more businesses build a presence here, we expect continued demand for project and full-time professionals with skills in web development, DevOps and cybersecurity to support the growth of internet-based companies and the already strong start-up market."

Top 12 Cities for Tech Hiring in 2018

In addition to the forecasted 29 percent hiring growth, 51 percent of technology leaders here expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. The demand for talent places San Diego at the top of 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: 61 percent of CIOs in San Diego 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. Cybersecurity (60 percent)
2. Wireless network management (52 percent)
3. Database management (50 percent)

Top Priorities

When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 26 percent of San Diego CIOs said they will be focused on maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information. Other priorities will include: 

• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (21 percent)
• Innovation and helping to grow their businesses (21 percent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (17 percent)
• Staff retention (14 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