BELFAST is the best place to be a skilled tech worker in the UK outside of London, new figures reveal.
THE growing digital tech sector in the city now employs over 60,000 people and offers salaries well above the UK average, according to research for the UK Government’s Digital Economy Council by Tech Nation.
The Bright Tech Future report shows the sector is rapidly growing, with 16,853 digital economy job openings reported last year and demand up 120 per cent over the past four years.
Salaries are also on the rise, with the median of £40,000 in Belfast 17 per cent above the national average and only behind London.
Coupled with the lower cost of the living it makes the city an attractive proposition for tech workers according to the report.
The figures further show that Belfast is the best place in the UK to find a job as a software developer or a full stack developer.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley believes the figures shine a light on a "booming" local industry.
"I welcome the fantastic findings from Tech Nation that Belfast is the best place to be a skilled tech worker outside London," she said
"This shows that the industry is booming and companies are keen to tap into the tremendous talent in the region. These findings show that Northern Ireland is a great place to start and grow a tech business and invest in world-class talent."
Sabby Gill, managing director for the UK and Ireland at Sage added:
“The Bright Tech Future report reveals the extent to which well-paid digital tech jobs are proliferating right across the UK. You no longer need to move to London or the Thames Valley for a good job because there are tens of thousands of jobs available in cities right across the country."
