While national headlines might paint a bleak picture of the job market, that’s not the full story in Ann Arbor. According to Ben Ernst of Ann Arbor SPARK, the region is not only weathering economic uncertainty, it's quietly thriving — especially in tech and innovation.
“We’re still seeing strong hiring activity, particularly in tech and medical innovation,” said Ben. “This region continues to punch way above our weight.” We caught up with Ben to talk about talent trends, emerging sectors, and how SPARK is continuing to connect job seekers with high-quality opportunities.
Ann Arbor is often overlooked in conversations about major tech cities, but its ecosystem is uniquely positioned for growth — especially as other hubs become more expensive and oversaturated.
“There's an extraordinary amount of talent here, thanks in part to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and Washtenaw Community College,” Ben explained. “And when you combine that with the affordability and quality of life, Ann Arbor really stands out as an alternative to places like Silicon Valley.”
The region’s economic stability is rooted in a diverse mix of industries and occupations, along with a high concentration of knowledge-based jobs. Its proximity to top-tier universities continues to attract innovative companies and top talent. Ann Arbor offers the assets of a major research hub, with the feel of a connected community. Companies are drawn to its pipeline of innovation, while professionals choose to stay for the lifestyle.
SPARK’s work centers around making those connections between talent and opportunity easier and more accessible, and the team has just launched a new job portal to help with that.
“We just rolled out our new job portal that’s already featuring over 520 tech-oriented jobs from 286 companies,” Ben said.
The portal pulls listings from curated companies in the region, focusing on roles in tech, mobility, medical innovation…just to name a few. It also offers LinkedIn integration, allowing job seekers to showcase their experience and be searchable by local hiring managers.
Whether you're an experienced data scientist, systems engineer, or early-career professional, the opportunities are wide-ranging — with roles at companies like Woven by Toyota and other high-growth startups.
As technology evolves and AI takes on more technical tasks, employers are placing greater value on soft skills like communication, collaboration, and adaptability.
“A lot of niche technical skills can be taught on the job,” Ben shared. “But things like teamwork, initiative, and the ability to communicate clearly are harder to teach and have become essential.” He also emphasized the importance of showing up. Not just to interviews, but to the community. “Networking remains one of the most powerful tools for job seekers. Go to events. Make connections. That’s where a lot of doors open.”
SPARK regularly hosts events that bring together hiring companies, university talent, and local professionals, including their annual Tech Homecoming event, which combines the feel of a job fair with the warmth of a community reunion.
If there’s a theme to Ann Arbor’s job market right now, it’s opportunity. From connected vehicle technology to medical innovation, there’s no shortage of meaningful work to be done.
And the setting? That’s just a bonus. “You get the culture, the recreation, the water, and the affordability,” Ben said. “Plus a strong sense of community. People really want to see each other succeed here.”
While the national market might feel uncertain, Ann Arbor is proving that momentum still exists, especially in emerging tech hubs where connection and collaboration lead the way. Whether you're actively job searching or just curious about what's next, now’s a great time to explore what’s happening in Ann Arbor.
Learn more about Ann Arbor and up and coming opportunities.