Key Takeaways
- New York now leads in tech jobs, surpassing San Francisco.
- AI roles account for nearly one-third of tech job listings in the U.S.
- Office leasing is increasing in areas with high demand for AI workers.
- AI job growth has been significant in both the U.S. and Canada.
New York Takes the Lead
A recent report from CBRE reveals that New York’s office market now hosts more tech workers than San Francisco for the first time in 13 years. This shift is largely attributed to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence roles.
According to the findings, New York boasts 394,300 tech talent jobs, compared to 375,730 in the San Francisco Bay Area. This analysis covers tech-specific employment across 75 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada.
Impact of AI on Job Markets
Colin Yasukochi, executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights Center, noted that layoffs in the Bay Area have led to a contraction in its tech workforce. Meanwhile, New York’s finance sector has actively recruited tech talent, particularly in AI.
AI roles have surged by 45% over the past year, with both New York and San Francisco adding over 20,000 AI-specific jobs since mid-2025. Currently, there are 751,000 AI-related workers across the U.S. and Canada, which includes new positions and transitions from other roles.
Regional Job Distribution
While New York leads in total tech talent, the San Francisco Bay Area still holds the majority of AI jobs, accounting for 37% of such positions in the U.S. In Canada, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver collectively represent 60% of AI employment.
Office Leasing Trends
As demand for AI talent grows, so does office leasing in key markets. In San Francisco, AI companies accounted for 58% of all leasing activity in the first half of this year, totaling around 10 million square feet since 2023.
The shift towards AI has revitalized the Bay Area’s office market, which had seen many tech workers transition to remote roles during the pandemic. Unlike other tech sectors, AI tends to favor in-office work, with many employees returning to the office five or six days a week.
Future Outlook
Despite initial concerns that AI might lead to job reductions and decreased office space needs, the opposite appears to be true in the short term. Yasukochi emphasized that AI is more likely to transform existing jobs and create new ones, especially within the finance sector.
