| April 2007 |
 |
| Financial services and software have positions, but don’t forget to look at burgeoning startups, too |
|
| With relatively low overall unemployment, a vibrant service-based economy, and rising IT salaries, Chicago IT workers should feel optimistic as the winds of winter give way to the spring thaw.
|
|
Fred Hoch, president of the Illinois IT Association (ITA), said that the Windy City is fertile ground for those looking to take their IT careers to the next level. "Since Chicago has a very diverse business environment, jobs in IT cut across many industries. We are seeing growth in a few key areas, especially financial services and software engineering. What's surprising to many people, though, is the need for IT professionals in the technology industry itself. Chicago has a robust startup community, and those players are looking for IT and development professionals."
There is pent up demand for workers in Chicago, according to Hoch. "Companies are desperately looking for skilled workers in all aspects of IT and software development. While it's true that big offshoring movements make the headlines, the fact is that there are many unfilled positions here in the metro area, and I expect that available positions will grow steadily over the next few years as traditional industries begin to embrace technology to a greater extent."
|
|
| "Companies are desperately looking for skilled workers in all aspects of IT and software development" |
| - Fred Hoch, president of the Illinois IT Association |
|
For now, Chicago-area employers expect to hire at a steady pace during the second quarter, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, which covers all industries. From April to June, 25% of the companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, according to Manpower spokesperson Anne Edmunds. IT staffing consultancy Robert Half Technology, whose first-quarter IT Hiring Index was just released, finds that 12% of Chicago CIOs plan to add IT staff this quarter.
Lou De Angelis, Chicago branch manager for recruiter Sapphire Technologies, strikes a more cautious tone, saying he believes the market "has leveled off a bit," but he offers the encouraging news that he's seeing more employers leaning toward hiring for permanent positions rather than short-term contracts.
Another recruiter, Michael Ruter, managing director of Spherion Professional Services in Chicago, agreed. “Given what we’re currently seeing in the market, IT job hunters have little to be concerned about. Jobs are being created at a steady pace,” said Ruter. “We’re not seeing widespread layoffs, and we believe these trends will remain consistent for the foreseeable future.”
At Dice, the New Year brought a surge in Chicago job listings, and by the end of the quarter, listings were up 19% over the previous quarter. And those new positions should be paying fairly well. Salaries are rising. The 2006 Dice Salary Survey pegged the average Chicago IT salary at $75,154, up 5.12% over 2005.
The ITA's Hoch can't help but put out a big welcome mat. "Think about all the industries in Illinois: manufacturing, financial services, real estate, retail. They're all looking for good people. They may not always be the most sexy industries, but one good IT person can have a profound impact in changing the way they do business. The ability to mesh IT and business is a skill that will be indispensable for some time to come." Now that sounds encouraging.
Comments on this article? Share your feedback on our discussion forum, Dice Discussions.
*Please note, you must be a registered job seeker in order to submit your question to Dice Discussions.
If you would like to be interviewed for the next Dice market report, please contact us at feedback@dice.com.
|
|
|
|
|
| Dice job postings in Chicago are up 19% since Dec. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
