Tech job postings slipped nationally in Q3. Here’s how they fared in Arizona

Employers continued posting droves of technology jobs in the third quarter, but the frantic pace has abated slightly compared to earlier in 2021.

According to a CompTIA analysis of Burning Glass Technologies Labor Insights data, 77% of the nation’s largest metro areas posted at least a 20% increase in tech job postings in the third quarter compared to a year ago. Only three of the 70 metros in the analysis had fewer postings compared to a year ago. 

But the majority of large metros (58%) had fewer job postings in the third quarter than in the second quarter. Nationally, postings decreased by 1% between the second and third quarters. About 10,000 fewer tech jobs were posted nationally.

That was true for the Phoenix metro as well, but only slightly. Job postings were down by just 2% from Q2, which amounted to a drop of 400 postings, from 21,517 in the second quarter to 21,117 in the third.

That third-quarter figure, however, was still 30% higher — or nearly 5,000 more postings — than the Valley’s number in the third quarter of 2020. Phoenix’s Q3 2021 postings were the 11th highest among U.S. metros, and Phoenix’s year-over-year increase was the 12th highest.

In contrast, Tucson’s postings dipped 14% between Q2 and Q3, dropping by 332 from 2,347 to 2,015. But Tucson’s third quarter was still up 50% over the same period last year, with 675 more postings. Tucson ranked 22nd for year-over year growth.

The Business Journals used the CompTIA data to create a list of the top markets for technology job growth over the past year. You can view the top 30 in the gallery above. 

The hiring picture

While numerous industries are grappling with labor shortages, the battle for talent has been particularly intense for those with tech skills because those individuals are in demand across a broad spectrum of industries. 

Data from CompTIA shows significant spikes in postings for roles in cybersecurity, in particular. 

Cybersecurity positions accounted for about 20% of postings in IT occupations. Cybersecurity postings are also up about 17%.

“It’s been an especially challenging period on the cybersecurity front with attacks on critical infrastructure, the growing threat of ransomware, and of course, new vulnerabilities brought on by the pandemic” said Tim Herbert, executive vice president for research and market intelligence at CompTIA. “The persistently tight labor market for cybersecurity professionals means employers must cast an even wider net and look internally to develop talent from within their own ranks.“

The labor market has resulted in employers raising wages, offering bonuses and work-from-home flexibility and looking for ways to differentiate themselves from the pack.

Rising stars

While some of the nation’s largest business centers were among the top markets for growth, a number of emerging markets made the cut, including Springfield, Massachusetts; Lansing, Michigan; and Tallahassee, Florida. 

Among rising star markets for tech jobs, major universities were often a common thread, as illustrated by markets like Tallahassee (Florida State University), Lansing Michigan (Michigan State University) and Boulder, Colorado (University of Colorado). 

Heavy hitters

In terms of total job postings, New York City (60,916), Washington, D.C. (50,039), and Dallas (49,059) led the way, outpacing both San Francisco (35,278) and Silicon Valley (24,544). 

Overall, most California markets didn’t fare well in terms of growth in postings. 

Tech job postings in San Jose were only up 4% between Q3 2020 and Q3 2021. San Francisco posted just a 15% increase. 

Since the second quarter of 2021, tech job postings actually decreased 15% in San Jose.  

Dallas (17,080) and New York City (12,572) also led the way for the raw increase in postings compared to the prior year. 

Who’s hiring for tech jobs?

CompTIA’s data showed the top employers for tech job postings in September spanned a range of industries.

General Dynamics (7,942) had the most postings, but Big Four accounting firm Deloitte (5,552), Microsoft Corp. (4,037), health care giant Humana (3,094) and Wells Fargo & Co. were among the top 10.