Pierce County’s Information Technology Sector

by Christian Reed
Talent Pipeline Manger, Business Solutions

June 25, 2025

Introduction

Pierce County, Washington, is quietly becoming a dynamic technology hub within the larger Puget Sound region. While its tech footprint is smaller than Seattle (just up the road), the county already employs thousands of technology professionals across healthcare, government, logistics, defense, and a growing community of pure-tech firms and startups. Competitive wages, a lower cost of living than King County, and expanding remote-work options make Pierce County an increasingly attractive place to launch or advance an IT career. The following report explores the local landscape, dispels common misconceptions, outlines career pathways, highlights in-demand roles, reviews training resources, and spotlights major employers.

What the IT Landscape Looks Like in Pierce County

Growth and Reach

The information technology workforce in Pierce County is larger than many residents realize. Only a fraction of tech talent appears in the formal “Information” industry classification; far more professionals are embedded in hospitals, public agencies, school districts, financial institutions, logistics companies, and defense contractors. Year after year, the county posts steady growth in tech employment, with job advertisements targeting specialties such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, and network administration.

Ecosystem Characteristics

  • Cross-Industry Demand: Every sizable employer now runs on technology. Whether it is an EHR system in a hospital, a secure communications network on a military base, or an automated warehouse management platform, IT staff keep operations running smoothly.
  • Regional Integration: Tacoma and surrounding cities benefit from proximity to Seattle’s global tech giants. Residents can accept remote or hybrid positions with national companies while enjoying Pierce County’s lifestyle and housing prices.
  • Military and Defense Influence: Joint Base Lewis-McChord anchors a defense-technology ecosystem that drives demand for cybersecurity professionals, network engineers, and software developers with security clearances.
  • Competitive Compensation: Tech wages locally trend well into the five- and six-figure range, often surpassing average county earnings in other industries.

Demystifying IT: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

“Everyone who uses a computer is in IT.”
Using digital tools does not make a role a technology occupation. True IT positions exist to design, build, secure, or maintain the technology itself.

“IT equals coding.”
Programming is one slice of the sector, but many technology professionals focus on support, networking, cybersecurity, data management, hardware, or project leadership with minimal code writing.

“A four-year computer science degree is the only ticket in.”
College can be a powerful path, yet two-year degrees, bootcamps, certifications, and registered apprenticeships also open doors. Skills, experience, and credentials often outweigh the specific degree.

“IT roles are solitary screen-time jobs.”
Modern tech work relies on teamwork, communication, and customer service. Whether resolving a user’s help-desk ticket or collaborating on a cloud migration, soft skills matter as much as technical know-how.

Pathways Into an IT Career

Technical Support to Systems Administration

Many professionals begin at the help desk, mastering troubleshooting and customer service before advancing into systems or network administration. Certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or vendor-specific courses serve as stepping-stones.

Desktop Support to Cybersecurity

A broad understanding of operating systems and enterprise networks provides an ideal foundation for security specializations. Additional training in threat analysis or incident response can lead to cybersecurity analyst roles.

Web Development to Software Engineering

Short, intensive coding programs and self-driven project portfolios allow newcomers to secure junior web development roles. Over time, deeper language expertise can propel them into software engineering, architecture, or leadership positions.

Registered Apprenticeships

Earn-and-learn programs pair classroom study with paid on-the-job experience. Apprentices emerge with industry credentials and work history, eliminating the “no experience” barrier.

Academic Degrees

Associate and bachelor’s programs remain popular for those seeking a comprehensive foundation. Many graduates accelerate into mid-level positions or leverage university networks for internships and mentorships.

In-Demand IT Roles in Pierce County

  • Software Developers & Engineers – design and build the applications that power business, healthcare, and government services.
  • Cybersecurity Analysts & Engineers – guard networks and data against ever-evolving threats, particularly crucial for healthcare providers and defense contractors.
  • Network and Systems Administrators – keep the county’s wired, wireless, and cloud infrastructure humming.
  • IT Support Specialists – provide the front-line assistance that enables thousands of employees to work efficiently and securely.
  • Data Professionals – transform raw information into insights that guide business and public-sector decisions.
  • Web & Digital Media Technologists – craft and maintain the online presence and e-commerce engines that connect organizations to audiences.
  • IT Project Managers – coordinate complex implementations, migrations, and upgrades, blending technical fluency with strong leadership skills.

Training and Education Opportunities

Community & Technical Colleges

Pierce College, Tacoma Community College, Clover Park Technical College, and Bates Technical College all deliver degree and certificate programs in computer networking, cybersecurity, software development, and related fields. Many embed certification test preparation within coursework and partner with employers for internships.

Universities

The University of Washington Tacoma offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity & Leadership, along with a recently launched doctoral program. Central Washington University operates local degree-completion pathways in IT and administrative management.

Coding Bootcamps and Short Courses

Part-time and full-time bootcamps such as Nucamp, the UW Tacoma Coding Bootcamp, and hybrid Seattle-based programs provide rapid upskilling in web, software, and data development. Many tout strong placement support and flexible financing.

Apprenticeships and Workforce Programs

Apprenti, TLG Learning’s veteran-focused pre-apprenticeship, and WorkSource Pierce County’s tuition-assistance initiatives create accessible, debt-friendly routes into the field. High school students tap into Pierce County Skills Center programs, while adult learners can leverage library resources for free online courses and certification study.

Certifications & Self-Learning

Local training centers, continuing-education departments, and the public library system offer virtual labs, instructor-led courses, and extensive digital libraries. Common credentials pursued include CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco’s CCNA, AWS cloud certifications, and Microsoft Azure or M365 tracks.

Major IT Employers in Pierce County

  • Technology Firms & Startups – Companies such as Infoblox, Alliance Enterprises, CloudPWR, and an expanding set of early-stage ventures build software and cybersecurity products from downtown Tacoma to Fife.
  • Public Sector Agencies – Pierce County government, the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Utilities, and state offices hire IT staff to support everything from public-safety communications to utility-grid automation.
  • Defense and Federal Contractors – Joint Base Lewis-McChord and allied contractors sustain a strong market for network engineering, cybersecurity, and specialized software roles.
  • Healthcare Systems – MultiCare Health System and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health employ large IT departments to manage electronic health records, network security, and novel telehealth tools.
  • Logistics and Manufacturing – Port of Tacoma operations, automated cold-storage facilities, and aerospace suppliers rely on high-tech infrastructure, driving demand for control-systems engineers and IT maintenance teams.
  • Financial Institutions, Retail, and Hospitality – Regional banks, credit unions, distribution centers, and casinos each run complex point-of-sale, reservation, and compliance systems that require skilled IT professionals.

Employers across these sectors frequently partner with local colleges and workforce agencies on internships, apprenticeships, job fairs, and scholarship programs, creating a coordinated pipeline from classroom to career.

Conclusion

Information technology in Pierce County is thriving, diverse, and accessible. Far beyond the confines of traditional software companies, tech professionals here bolster healthcare networks, protect public infrastructure, secure military communications, and spark innovative startups – all while earning competitive wages and enjoying a high quality of life. Multiple training routes, from short bootcamps to doctoral programs, stand ready to equip newcomers and up-skill seasoned workers. For workforce system partners, educators, and community leaders, the message is clear: cultivating local IT talent benefits every sector of the county’s economy. For career explorers and job seekers, now is an excellent time to tap into Pierce County’s growing technology ecosystem and claim a future in this rapidly evolving field.

For a deep dive into our region, check out our latest 2025 State of the Pierce County Workforce Report.

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