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Digital skills are an increasing requirement in NYC jobs beyond tech, report finds
By
Walter Wuthmann
Published Nov 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
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Oscar Wong via Getty Images
By
Walter Wuthmann
Published Nov 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
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A new report finds that nearly half of all job postings in New York City now seek digital skills, including home health care, construction and retail jobs.
Forty-four percent of job postings in the city now seek applicants proficient with things like productivity software and AI, compared to 35% a decade ago, according to a study released earlier this month by the Center for an Urban Future, an independent think tank.
“ These are jobs that have long provided a foothold in the economy, and they're becoming harder to access,” said Eli Dvorkin, the center’s editorial and policy director. “The danger is that there is a new barrier to opportunity for New Yorkers who are already struggling, in many cases, to get ahead.”
Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of public job postings between 2015 and 2025. The report found that the share of job listings asking for digital skills increased in nearly every sector the study tracked.
For home health care services, where over half of workers have a high school diploma as their highest level of education, the report found nearly a quarter of job listings now ask applicants for digital proficiency.
“For years as a city, we've thought about the digital divide largely in terms of who has a computer or an internet connection,” Dvorkin said. “Those things still matter, but the new digital divide is about who has the skills to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.”
Data shows the top five in-demand digital skills were Microsoft Office, Data Analysis, Python coding language, Microsoft Outlook and familiarity with AI software.
The report also found roles that required electronic proficiency correlated with higher wages. Full-time job postings asking for at least one digital skill had a median salary of $110,000, compared to $87,900 for those that did not seek digital skills, according to the report.
The report authors argue the city needs to put more resources toward workforce development programs, educational institutions and libraries to better train potential applicants.
“ If Mayor Mamdani is to succeed in making New York more affordable, it's not going to be enough to only focus on lowering the cost of living. Policymakers are also going to need to help more New Yorkers qualify for better-paying jobs and building digital skills across our economy,” Dvorkin said.
City Hall and the city Economic Development Corporation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tagged
economy
Walter Wuthmann
Walter Wuthmann is a reporter covering public safety and the legal system.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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