By Selena Romero, VelocityOKC.com
This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
Oklahoma City has earned a spot as one of North America’s top 50 up-and-coming tech talent markets, ranking 19th in CBRE’s latest “Scoring Tech Talent” report. The city is rapidly closing the gap with leading tech hubs like Omaha and Huntsville, thanks to a robust and growing workforce of 22,590 tech employees, recognized as the third largest among the markets identified in the report.
Over the past five years, Oklahoma City has seen tech wages rise by 17%, a clear indicator of the city’s increasing competitiveness and appeal for both employers and employees. This wage growth reflects the city’s efforts to create an environment that fosters technological advancement, attracting both local talent and new tech-focused businesses to the area.
Tech talent production is another bright spot for Oklahoma City, with the city generating over 1,000 tech graduates annually. This achievement has placed Oklahoma City 9th in tech talent production among up-and-coming markets. Local universities, educational institutions alongside workforce training programs, assist in playing a key role in preparing graduates for the evolving tech industry, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for employers looking to tap into the city’s talent pool.
The recognition in CBRE’s report points out the city’s dedication to nurturing innovation, encouraging tech-driven growth, and maintaining its growth status, stepping up as a competitive player in the broader North American tech ecosystem. As Oklahoma City continues to invest in the development of its tech sector, the city is poised for a bright future, building on this strong foundation of talent, opportunity and innovation.
For more insights on North America’s emerging tech markets, visit CBRE’s full report at CBRE 2023 Scoring Tech Talent Report.