Europe draws US tech talent
US tech workers are now moving to Europe in greater numbers than the reverse; France, the UK and Switzerland lead gains; Mid-career hires dominate flows.
Europe is now attracting more tech workers from the United States than it is losing, reversing a long-standing talent flow.
Analysis from Revelio Labs, in collaboration with The Economist, shows that while transatlantic mobility has slowed since 2023, movement from the US to Europe now exceeds the reverse.
France remains the largest net destination for US tech workers. The United Kingdom and Switzerland are seeing the fastest inward growth. Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark are also increasing their share.
Those relocating are typically experienced hires. Mid-career and senior professionals account for a larger share of movers than in the broader population of US workers heading to Europe. Many are taking on more senior roles or moving into markets where their experience carries greater weight.
Europe’s gains in experienced tech talent contrast with weaker inflows of early-career PhD graduate talent, where previous analysis shows hiring has lagged despite rising demand.
Pay levels fall in absolute terms, but relative position improves. In Spain, US tech workers move from the upper two-thirds of the wage distribution to closer to the top quartile. Smaller gains are recorded in France and the Netherlands. Lower living costs further increase purchasing power.
The shift comes as hiring slows in the US tech sector following the pandemic surge, while European tech hubs continue to expand. Visa routes and the normalisation of hybrid working are also influencing location decisions.
Global competition for tech talent is becoming more balanced, with Europe attracting a growing share of experienced workers rather than early-career movers.