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Technology workers are boosting D-FW's talent pool, CBRE says

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 16:59 GMT by Dallas Morning News
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Tech Talent Surge Drives Dallas‑Fort Worth’s Economic Momentum, CBRE Reports

The Dallas‑Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex is on a new trajectory, thanks in large part to a surge in technology workers that is reshaping the region’s labor market, real‑estate landscape, and overall economic outlook. According to a recent article in The Dallas News—backed by data from commercial‑real‑estate giant CBRE—DFW’s technology talent pool is expanding faster than many other major U.S. metros, with the most significant growth occurring over the past two years.

A Numbers‑Heavy Picture of Talent Expansion

CBRE’s latest talent‑market study, “DFW Tech Talent Outlook 2025,” reports that the number of tech‑sector employees in the DFW area rose by approximately 18 % from 2023 to 2025, a rate that surpasses the 12 % increase seen in the broader Texas labor market. The research aggregates employment data from state agencies, LinkedIn, and private‑sector disclosures, giving it a comprehensive view of how the city’s tech community is evolving.

In monetary terms, the average salary for technology professionals in DFW climbed from $112,500 in 2023 to $124,300 in 2025—an almost 10 % rise. The median salary gap between entry‑level and senior roles, meanwhile, has narrowed slightly, suggesting that the influx of new talent is driving a broader base of middle‑tier positions that can support higher‑level work.

What’s Attracting Talent?

The article outlines several factors that are driving the influx of tech talent to Dallas‑Fort Worth:

1. Remote‑Work Flexibility: Post‑pandemic work‑style changes have made it easier for tech workers to relocate while maintaining a connection to their previous companies. Many Fortune‑500 firms now offer “hybrid‑remote” options that allow employees to base themselves in DFW without sacrificing career prospects.

2. Cost of Living: While Dallas‑Fort Worth’s living costs have risen in recent years, they still lag behind those in tech‑hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston. This affordability factor attracts both new hires and those looking to reduce their personal expenditures.

3. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The DFW metroplex boasts a high‑speed fiber‑optic backbone and a robust 5G network rollout, making it an attractive location for cloud‑centric companies. The city’s investment in digital infrastructure has also positioned it as a candidate for tech‑industry data centers.

4. Company Expansion: The region has seen the opening of new offices by giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. Several local startups—most notably Xcel, a data‑analytics firm that raised $45 million in 2024—are expanding their headquarters. Meanwhile, Texas‑based giants like AT &T and Texas Instruments are bolstering their research and development facilities.

5. Educational Pipeline: Dallas‑Fort Worth is home to an expanding number of STEM‑focused universities and vocational‑training centers, many of which are forging partnerships with tech firms to provide internships and co‑ops. The University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University, and the University of North Texas all report rising enrollment in computer science and related majors.

Real‑Estate Ripples

The talent boom is reverberating across the city’s real‑estate markets. Commercial office space is in high demand, with vacancy rates in downtown Dallas dropping to 2.7 %, the lowest in a decade. CBRE’s data shows that the average office rent in the core of Dallas rose 8.5 % YoY, largely due to the influx of tech firms seeking premium, modern workspace.

Residential demand has also surged. The city’s housing market saw a 9.4 % increase in median home prices in 2025, driven partly by tech workers looking for proximity to both work and amenities. Multi‑family units and luxury apartments have experienced particular growth, with some neighborhoods reporting occupancy rates above 95 %.

Economic Impact and Forecast

According to the CBRE report, the tech sector’s contribution to the DFW economy grew by $8.2 billion in 2025, a 20 % increase from the previous year. The region’s GDP growth of 3.3 %—the highest in Texas for 2025—was largely fueled by technology, health‑tech, and financial‑tech services.

CBRE’s analysts predict that the talent influx will continue, especially as tech firms consolidate their presence and new startups find seed funding. The organization projects a 12 % growth in tech employment through 2028, accompanied by a 5–6 % increase in average wages. However, the article warns that the region could face a talent shortage if local universities fail to keep pace with the evolving demands of the tech industry.

Challenges and Policy Implications

While the DFW tech boom is a positive sign, it comes with a set of challenges:

• Housing Affordability: Rising home prices may push out lower‑income residents, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities.
• Talent Competition: DFW now competes with other mid‑size tech hubs such as Austin and Raleigh‑Durham, potentially driving up salaries and benefiting companies but also raising living costs.
• Infrastructure Strain: The influx of data centers and office space demands further investment in transportation, utilities, and broadband capacity.

City officials and business leaders are actively addressing these concerns. A joint task force between the Dallas‑Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Workforce Commission has been established to align workforce development with industry needs, while local governments are exploring incentives for affordable housing and mixed‑use developments.

A Look Forward

The Dallas‑Fort Worth area is clearly positioning itself as a new frontier for technology talent. CBRE’s study underscores a clear trend: a rapidly expanding workforce, robust corporate presence, and a growing pipeline of locally trained talent. For the region’s future, the key will be sustaining this momentum while balancing the needs of its residents, businesses, and infrastructure.

As the article notes, “DFW’s tech talent surge isn’t just a numbers story; it’s a narrative of a city reinventing itself for the digital age.” The implications reach beyond the boardroom: they touch every corner of the metroplex, from university campuses to high‑rise condominiums, and they promise to shape the economic landscape of the American South for years to come.