Why Denver Is One Of The Best Places For Tech Jobs In 2017

by Aaron Mills on April 24, 2017 in Candidate Job Search, EdgeLink Denver

A ROBUST STARTUP COMMUNITY

Denver is home to a healthy tech startup community that serves as a breeding ground for the brightest minds in IT while simultaneously providing many opportunities for those in the industry. Startups are willing to take chances while investing in cutting-edge technologies, and they look to hire those with big ideas and the drive to succeed. With tech workers leaving Silicon Valley at increasing rates, they are looking to take their talents and ideas to cities like Denver. This migration has resulted in Colorado now having the distinction as the state with the largest number of tech patents outside California.

Best of all, these startups are not temporary pop-up shops or limited-run engagements. These businesses are succeeding and growing, with tech firms in Denver leasing more commercial real estate than any other industry. As these startups thrive and become larger organizations, they keep the same mentality and eagerness that helped them succeed in the first place by chasing innovation while also focusing on teambuilding, charity, and fun. Needless to say, a Denver tech startup is a dream career destination for many in IT.

TREMENDOUS NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

The allure of a great job in an innovative organization is attractive to job seekers, but the tremendous networking opportunities available for Denver IT workers further solidify it as one of the best places for tech jobs. There are a number of informative conferences throughout the year where mingling with tech peers is strongly encouraged, with the IT Summit being the most recent. For those working remotely, there are also great coworking spaces throughout the city where tech minds can connect.

When it comes to mixing a little extra fun into networking, Denver again does not disappoint. Ski day events make great use of the city’s favorite pastime. Hackathons, meetup groups like Hiking with Geeks, and charity events bring further opportunities to meet peers, and the University of Colorado participates in many of these occasions. All these avenues for networking create a compelling case for Denver as the new tech capital of the U.S. A recent survey of California tech workers found that nearly half were interested in relocating to places like Denver, proving that both the jobs and networking opportunities are some of the best in the country.

A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT

Denver’s high population of young adults makes it a refreshing and welcoming city for tech job seekers. Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers in Denver, making it the largest population group in the city. When it’s hard for younger workers to break into certain cities with an “old school” mentality, Denver provides a hip place that listens to the voice and ideas of the younger generation. Outside of the actual work itself, Denver caters to what Millennials are looking for in a living environment, such as Denver’s recent distinction as one of America’s healthiest cities.

But it’s not just Millennials that are enjoying the demand of their IT skills. Other groups that are traditionally underrepresented in tech are reaping benefits as well. Denver ranks in the top 10 cities for women in IT jobs, with the gender pay gap closing in the area and pay above the national average. The opportunities for women are abundant, with local events such as the Women in Technology (WIT) Conference and T9 Hacks Women’s Hackathon providing the support and career growth that other metropolitan areas lack.

Those with disabilities are likewise embraced into the Denver IT family. While the country’s unemployment rate for blind job seekers is at 80%, the local Blind Institute of Technology is making sure visually-impaired tech talent in Denver have a fair chance at a job. A free resource, the organization has partnered with several tech businesses, schools, and organizations to offer vocational training that results in career growth and job opportunities.

DENVER IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES FOR TECH JOBS

It’s not by mistake that Denver has made countless lists of the best places for tech jobs. The vibrant and inclusive IT community, combined with the area’s lifestyle and recreation options, provide job seekers unrivaled professional and personal growth opportunities. While those with experience in software development and QA Automation with technologies like Java, Ruby, C#.Net and PHP are highest in demand, the Mile-High City is ready and willing to give any aspiring IT pro a chance.

Looking for a new tech job in Denver? Check out our open roles here.