Explore the best U.S. metropolitan areas in 2025 that offer exceptional opportunities and support for women pursuing tech careers.

Introduction

The technology sector has long been a male-dominated field, but the landscape is shifting. In 2025, women are making significant strides, both in representation and in leadership roles within the tech industry. The choice of metropolitan area plays a crucial role in this progress, as certain cities provide more robust support systems, higher salaries, and greater opportunities for female tech professionals. This blog explores the top U.S. metros where women can thrive in their tech careers, backed by recent industry trends and comprehensive analysis.

The Current Landscape for Female Tech Professionals

As of 2025, women constitute approximately 35% of the workforce in tech jobs, a remarkable increase from just 9% in the early 2000s. This progress is the result of focused diversity initiatives, mentorship programs, and a growing recognition of the value that diverse teams bring to the tech industry. However, the journey towards gender equality in tech is far from complete. Women still face challenges such as limited access to leadership roles, pay disparities, and the need for more tailored networking opportunities.

Top U.S. Metros for Women in Tech in 2025

Large Metros

1. San Jose, CA

San Jose remains the premier large metro for female tech professionals, boasting the highest median annual earnings of $161,000. Women represent 29% of the tech workforce here, driven by the presence of tech giants like NVIDIA and Meta. The abundance of job opportunities, with 58 tech jobs per 1,000 workers, makes San Jose an attractive destination for women seeking lucrative and stable careers in technology.

2. Washington, D.C.

Climbing to the second spot, Washington, D.C. offers a vibrant tech scene with a median salary of $113,000 for female tech professionals. The metro’s strong network of job opportunities, coupled with nearly 48 tech jobs per 1,000 workers, provides women with both financial stability and career growth prospects. Additionally, 64% of female tech workers here have access to health insurance, ensuring comprehensive workplace benefits.

3. Columbus, OH

Columbus has emerged as a rising tech hub in the Midwest, ranking third with 29% female representation in its tech workforce. Major investments from companies like Amazon, Intel, and Google have fueled job growth and diversity within the industry. With 60% of female tech professionals receiving health insurance and a cost of living 5.5% below the national average, Columbus offers both affordability and opportunity.

4. Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is rapidly gaining traction with 33% of its tech workforce being female, the third-highest among large metros. The city’s expanding job market, featuring nearly 30 tech jobs per 1,000 available positions, makes it a prime location for women in tech. Additionally, 58% of female tech professionals in Charlotte benefit from health insurance, enhancing job security and satisfaction.

5. Raleigh, NC

Raleigh stands out with 25% female representation in its tech sector and 64% of women enjoying health insurance benefits. The presence of the Research Triangle Park and a growing number of startups contribute to Raleigh’s status as a leading metro for women in technology. Despite a slight dip in female representation from the previous year, Raleigh remains ahead of many other metros in fostering gender diversity.

Mid-Sized Metros

1. Durham, NC

Durham leads among mid-sized metros with 31% female representation in tech and a significant increase in female tech earnings to $101,000. The city’s strong focus on mentorship and community support, along with major investments from leading tech firms, make Durham a top choice for women looking to advance their tech careers.

2. Madison, WI

Madison maintains a strong presence in the tech sector, with 21% of its tech workforce being female. Despite a slight decrease in both female representation and earnings, Madison offers a stable job market and robust health insurance coverage for 69% of its female tech professionals.

3. Provo, UT

Provo has surged in popularity, with a 140% increase in female tech earnings, now averaging $75,000. Supported by major universities and a thriving startup ecosystem, Provo is becoming an attractive destination for women seeking growth and innovation in the tech industry.

4. Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is emerging as a notable tech hub, with 25% female representation and strong health insurance coverage for 67% of female tech workers. The city’s expanding tech infrastructure, including substantial data centers by Microsoft and Facebook, provides ample opportunities for women in tech.

5. Portland, ME

Portland has climbed the ranks with a 32% share of women in tech and female tech earnings rising to $79,000. The city’s low unemployment rate and supportive job market make it a secure and promising location for female tech professionals.

Small Metros

1. Lexington Park, MD

Lexington Park tops small metros with 41% female representation in tech and an impressive 167% increase in female tech earnings, reaching $103,000. The high number of tech job openings and strong health insurance coverage bolster Lexington Park’s appeal for women in technology.

2. Champaign, IL

Champaign showcases significant growth with a 141% increase in female tech earnings and 28% of the tech workforce being female. The expansion of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s computer science program has played a pivotal role in enhancing opportunities for women in this metro.

3. Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville offers some of the highest salaries for female tech professionals, averaging $136,000. With 29% female representation in tech jobs and a low unemployment rate, Charlottesville provides both financial rewards and job security for women in the industry.

4. Lansing, MI

Lansing boasts a 34% female participation in its tech workforce and a 75% increase in female tech earnings, averaging $81,000. The city’s lower cost of living ensures that earnings go further, making Lansing an attractive option for female tech professionals.

5. Boulder, CO

Boulder, known for its innovative spirit, has 29% female representation in its tech sector and offers a supportive startup culture. With average earnings of $84,000 and strong job security, Boulder remains a solid choice for women seeking collaborative and growth-oriented tech environments.

Key Factors Contributing to Metro Success

Several factors contribute to the attractiveness of these metros for female tech professionals:

Salary Growth: Competitive salaries and significant wage growth in female tech earnings incentivize women to pursue and stay in tech careers within these metros.
Gender Representation: Higher percentages of women in tech roles foster inclusive environments and provide role models, making these metros more welcoming.
Health Insurance and Job Security: Comprehensive benefits and low unemployment rates ensure that female tech professionals have the necessary support and stability.
Cost of Living: Affordable living costs in many of these metros enhance the appeal by allowing women to enjoy a better quality of life alongside their careers.
Networking and Community Support: Strong networks, mentorship programs, and active communities provide invaluable support for career advancement and personal growth.

EmpowerHer Summit: Supporting Women in Tech

The EmpowerHer Summit plays a critical role in fostering the growth and success of female tech professionals. By uniting women from diverse backgrounds, the summit focuses on education, empowerment, and networking. Participants gain access to tailored workshops, mentorship programs, and an online platform that connects them with industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. The summit’s pitch contest offers a unique opportunity for women to present their innovative ideas, securing funding and mentorship to bring their projects to fruition.

Moreover, the EmpowerHer Summit emphasizes the importance of diversity in technology, equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. By creating an engaging and supportive virtual environment, the summit redefines what is possible for women in tech and business, cultivating future leaders who drive innovation and positive change.

Conclusion

The tech industry is evolving towards greater inclusivity, and women are at the forefront of this transformation. The top U.S. metros for female tech professionals in 2025 offer a blend of high salaries, strong gender representation, and supportive environments that enable women to thrive. From established hubs like San Jose and Washington, D.C., to emerging cities such as Provo and Lexington Park, opportunities are expanding across the country. As these metros continue to champion diversity and support for women in tech, the future of the industry looks promisingly inclusive and equitable.

Join the Movement

Ready to take the next step in your tech career? Join the EmpowerHer Summit and connect with a network of inspiring female tech professionals. Empower yourself with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to succeed in the tech industry.

EmpowerHer Summit: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact

The EmpowerHer Summit aims to unite women from various backgrounds and professions, harnessing the collective power of technology, innovation, and community engagement. Building on the success of the Your Next Win IWD Summit, this project focuses on education, empowerment, and networking. Participants gain access to tailored workshops, mentorship programs, and an online platform that connects women leaders with aspiring entrepreneurs. The summit’s star attraction is a pitch contest, where participants can present their ideas for a chance to win funding and mentorship. By creating an engaging and supportive virtual environment, EmpowerHer redefines what is possible for women in tech and business, cultivating future leaders who drive innovation in their communities and industries.

Author: Andreea Neculae

Andreea Neculae is a creative writer at CoworkingCafe and CoworkingMag, passionate about bringing human-interest stories to light. Her work has been featured in The Business Journals, The New York Times, and Forbes. With a background in Language Arts, Andreea continually seeks to develop new skills and expand her knowledge. A writer by day and bookworm by night, she enjoys reading and reviewing a wide range of genres, from classics to sci-fi and fantasy. Her writing is complemented by a keen interest in graphic and web design.

Empower Your Career Today!

Empower your journey in the tech industry by joining the EmpowerHer Summit. Connect, learn, and grow with a community dedicated to supporting women in technology.