Raleigh’s National Recognition as a Tech Leader
In its 2025 State of the Tech Workforce report, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) ranked Raleigh-Cary, NC among the Top 5 U.S. metros for the economic impact of the technology sector. Specifically, the region ranked #5 in the nation for the share of the local economy driven by tech, with 16% of Raleigh’s economy attributed to the technology industry.
CompTIA’s annual report is a benchmark for analyzing tech’s role in local and national economies, offering insight into employment trends, business growth, wages, and workforce competitiveness. For Raleigh, the report confirms what many in the business and investment communities have long known: this is a metro area with serious momentum.
By the Numbers: Raleigh’s Tech Powerhouse Profile
The 2025 report highlights several key statistics that elevated Raleigh to the top tier:
- Net Tech Employment: 75,415 workers
- Direct Economic Impact of Tech: $19.2 billion
- Tech’s Share of the Local Economy: 16% (5th highest in the U.S.)
- Median Tech Wage: $108,502 (109% above the metro median wage)
- Number of Tech Establishments: 6,049
- Projected Tech Occupation Growth (2025): +1.5%
- 2024 Job Postings: 26,124, including nearly 3,000 requiring AI skills
Raleigh also earned #1 national rankings in several competitiveness categories:
- Tech Wage Premium
- Job Postings per Capita (indicating high hiring demand)
- Cost of Living Index (most favorable among major tech metros)
- Overall Workforce Competitiveness
These rankings underscore Raleigh’s strong mix of affordability, talent, and business opportunity.
Why This Fuels Demand for Housing and Retail
A thriving tech sector does more than create jobs—it reshapes how and where people live, shop, and build community.
With tens of thousands of high-earning professionals in the Raleigh-Cary area, and a steady influx of new residents chasing tech opportunities, the demand for quality rental housing continues to rise. Well-located multifamily communities near employment centers or transit corridors are positioned for long-term appreciation and occupancy stability.
At the same time, Raleigh’s population growth and wage strength support investment in neighborhood shopping centers that meet daily needs—grocery stores, health services, restaurants, and local retail. These centers benefit from foot traffic and spending power tied directly to Raleigh’s professional workforce.
For investors seeking stable, long-term opportunities in a market with strong fundamentals, Raleigh offers a compelling case. It’s a city where economic vibrancy and livability converge, making it one of the Southeast’s premier destinations for smart real estate investment.
Win Coleman, CCIM, is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds both North Carolina and South Carolina Real Estate Licenses and was awarded the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2008.
Win served on the board of directors of The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) where he co-chaired The Independent Rental Owner’s Council (IROC). He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR) and the Raleigh Kiwanis Club.
While a specialist in site identification, evaluation and acquisition for investors and businesses, he also has extensive experience in brokerage, leasing, property management and investment sales.
Win assists in managing The Coleman Group, LLC, which owns a portfolio of investment properties, and he is a member of our acquisitions committee. He has lifelong experience and love for historic properties including the one he restored and where he resides in Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh.