Observed Signal · Aug 21, 2026 · Industry Report · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
New York Tops San Francisco for Tech Talent — CBRE
A CBRE report finds New York's office market now hosts the most tech workers in the U.S. and Canada for the first time in 13 years of the analysis, with New York at 394,300 tech-talent jobs versus the San Francisco Bay Area's 375,730. Rapid growth in AI-related roles is a major factor: AI tech roles grew 45% year-over-year across the U.S. and Canada, with San Francisco and New York each adding more than 20,000 AI-specific jobs since mid-2025. As of June, CBRE counts 751,000 AI-related workers across the two countries, and AI roles now represent nearly one-third of U.S. tech-talent job listings. CBRE also reports increased office leasing in markets where AI workers are concentrated, including San Francisco, Manhattan, Boston and Seattle.
CBRE's market-level data shows a notable geographic shift in tech talent driven by rapid AI job growth, which affects hiring, real estate demand, and regional tech ecosystems; relevant to firms tracking AI workforce distribution and office demand.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- CBRE reports New York has 394,300 tech-talent jobs, surpassing the San Francisco Bay Area's 375,730.
- CBRE's analysis covers tech-specific workers in 75 metropolitan markets across the U.S. and Canada and marks the first time in 13 years New York leads.
- AI-related tech roles grew 45% in the past year across the U.S. and Canada; San Francisco and New York each added over 20,000 AI-specific jobs since mid-2025.
- As of June, CBRE counts 751,000 AI-related workers across the U.S. and Canada; AI roles account for nearly one-third of U.S. tech-talent job listings.
- CBRE finds AI firms accounted for 58% of San Francisco leasing in H1 2026 and about 30% of leasing activity (~10 million sq ft) since 2023; office leasing is rising where AI workers are most in demand.
Connected Companies & Entities
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