Huntsville, AL, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville has been recognized as the leading U.S. market for tech talent growth, with a 17.9% increase in tech employment over five years. The city boasts a tech workforce of 25,910 and an average software developer salary of $108,232. Continued investment in technology and key institutions contribute to Huntsville’s booming job market, positioning it as a competitive hub for tech professionals seeking affordable living and high-quality opportunities.
Huntsville Named Top Emerging Tech Talent Market, Showcasing Strong Growth in Software Development
Huntsville has emerged as the leading market for tech talent growth in the United States, as highlighted in CBRE’s annual Scoring Tech Talent report. The city has been recognized for its significant progress in software development, achieving a remarkable 17.9% growth in tech employment over the past five years. This booming job market is supported by an impressive total tech workforce of 25,910 individuals.
Software developers in Huntsville enjoy a lucrative average salary of $108,232 annually, which, when adjusted for cost of living, reflects a purchasing power exceeding $120,000. The upward trend continues, as salaries have risen by 9.7% since 2018, currently averaging $113,774. This growth aligns with Huntsville’s position as a competitive and affordable location for tech professionals.
Key institutions such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command contribute significantly to the tech landscape. In addition, the city hosts over 5,920 software developer jobs, further reinforcing its reputation as a tech hub.
Economic Development and Educational Infrastructure
Huntsville’s success as a tech market is underpinned by a vibrant STEM community, primarily through Cummings Research Park, which is the second-largest science and engineering research park in the U.S. The continued growth in the region is attracting more talent, evidenced by the 988 tech degree graduates in 2022. Local institutions such as the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Alabama A&M University play vital roles by providing advanced degrees in relevant STEM fields.
The city’s technology sector has witnessed a 19.6% increase in tech wages during the same five-year period. With an average tech wage of $114,085, Huntsville ranks fourth among emerging tech markets. The overall rise in tech talent showcases an increasing demand for specialized skill sets, including those in artificial intelligence (AI).
National Trends and Future Outlook
Nationally, the tech labor market is experiencing a general slowdown, with job growth predicted at 3.6% for 2023 compared to 7.3% in 2022. Interestingly, non-tech industries, such as professional services and transportation, are now employing 60% of the U.S. tech talent, further expanding tech hiring opportunities.
Despite nationwide trends, Huntsville’s tech sector is expected to thrive due to ongoing public and private investment in technology. The city’s reputation as a desirable location for tech professionals is bolstered by factors like high-quality job offerings, affordability, and a supportive community.
Conclusion
The emergence of Huntsville as a top-tier tech talent market signifies a bright future for software development and technology professionals in the region. With significant investment and institutional support, Huntsville is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation.
FAQ
What is the average salary for software developers in Huntsville?
The average salary for software developers in Huntsville is $108,232 per year. When adjusted for living costs, this figure exceeds $120,000 in purchasing power.
What contributed to Huntsville’s growth in the tech sector?
Huntsville’s growth can be attributed to a booming engineering and aerospace industry, a vibrant STEM community, key institutions like NASA and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, and significant investment in technology.
How many software developer jobs are available in Huntsville?
Huntsville currently hosts over 5,920 software developer jobs, demonstrating its expanding tech workforce.
Key Features of Huntsville’s Tech Market
| Feature | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | $108,232 (over $120,000 adjusted for living costs) |
| Tech Employment Growth | 17.9% over the past five years |
| Total Tech Workforce | 25,910 |
| Software Developer Jobs | 5,920 |
| Tech Wages Increase | 19.6% over the past five years |
| Tech Degree Graduates (2022) | 988 |
| Average Tech Wage | $114,085 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huntsville City Schools to Open New Career Tech Center
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Loftis Steel & Aluminum Invests $6.5 Million in Decatur, Alabama
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Additional Resources
- CBRE: Huntsville Named a Top City for Tech Talent Growth
- Hville Blast: Huntsville Top City for Tech Talent in New Study
- Stacker: Huntsville Alabama Has 5 Highest Concentration Software Developers in US
- Wikipedia: Technology in Alabama
- AL.com: Huntsville-Born Software Engineer Mapping License Plate Readers Nationwide
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
