The Big Apple's overall job market has gone a bit mushy recently, but the IT outlook remains as bright and vibrant as Times Square. The financial services sector has had its share of mergers and acquisitions, and the roller-coaster stock market has resulted in some layoffs. But IT professionals have managed to avoid the ax so far, given the demands of year 2000 and euro conversions and the explosion of electronic commerce, online trading and home banking. Database and Net skills are particularly hot. Entertainment and media companies, pharmaceuticals firms and the new media marketplace, dubbed Silicon Alley, are also keeping demand for IT professionals high in spite of softening of the overall market, says Scott Dinsdale, senior vice president and CIO at BMG Entertainment.
Salaries are high, but so are housing costs.
If you just adore a penthouse view, expect to pay for it. IT professionals don't have to leave their hearts in San Francisco. With the ample number of high-tech, multimedia, retail and financial services firms in the Bay Area, there's no reason to leave. And most transplants to the area say it's love at first sight. Employers also are hip to a balance of work and family life, allowing telecommuting and flex time and providing on-site day care, Jenson says.