Greater Sacramento: A top market for diverse talent

Greater Sacramento has one of the most diverse talent pools in the country. It’s not only the #2 most diverse city in the country (U.S. Census 2020), but also the #3 region for diversity in tech and STEM (Comp TIA). We’re among the most diverse and productive regions in California – all at a fraction of the cost of other major metros. We’re also diligently working on positioning ourselves for success in the future of work. The region’s Digital Upskill pilot program quickly and cost-effectively trained people from underrepresented communities for lucrative careers in tech. Now, we’re pivoting to scale the program as well as apprenticeships across the region.

Among the most diverse and productive regions in California

Greater Sacramento offers comparable quality and diversity of talent with a lower cost of living than other leading markets in California.

Greater Sacramento is among the top quartile of U.S. markets for diverse tech talent diversity:

Greater Sacramento’s tech employment is comparable in size and productivity to that of Los Angeles:

Greater Sacramento is half as expensive as Los Angeles:

Table sources: Cyberstates, 2021, Council for Community and Economic Research, 2020.

A top market for diverse talent in tech

Greater Sacramento’s workforce isn’t just diverse, it’s also highly educated. The region is outpacing the nation and state of California in degree achievement.

#2 region for females in tech

(CBRE)

#3 region for diversity in tech

(Comp TIA)

#3 region for diversity in STEM

(Comp TIA)

We’ve found a lot of talent not only in the technology area, but also that has a different kind of background that fit well with our design services.

– Mark Noriega (Managing Director, Accenture)

35% faster growth in professionals with bachelor’s degrees than the nation

Source: Emsi

Percent of population with degrees is comparable to major markets

Source: Emsi 2018

Leading the future of work through diversity, equity and inclusion

Greater Sacramento is tackling the war for talent head-on by expanding our pipeline through upskilling initiatives and apprenticeship programs.

Using CARES Act funding, our team worked with the Urban League, Merit America and General Assembly to launch the Digital Upskill program, an innovative workforce development initiative that quickly and cost-effectively trained people from underrepresented communities for lucrative careers in tech.

The Digital Upskill program was hugely successful with graduation and placement rates over 90% at wages 50% higher than traditional job placement. Students have been placed at companies like Accenture, HCL Technologies, VSP and Centene.

Learn more

Interested in learning more about Greater Sacramento’s diverse talent pool and business advantages? Our team is here to assist with custom research, talent development, site selection and more. Get in touch today.