The New York\/New Jersey region is reinforcing its position as a leading U.S. life sciences hub, driven by renewed hiring, surging employment levels and increasing investor interest, according to CBRE\u2019s 2026 Life Sciences Talent Trends report.<\/p>\n
In the CBRE report, the New York City market, which includes Long Island, Westchester and adjacent counties to the north, posted the second-highest rate of job growth at 2.9% over the past year behind Chicago, when compared with the top 14 major cities in the nation.<\/p>\n
Specifically, the workforce saw above-average growth over the last year in its core sectors of pharma and biotech, reaching a record of 23,643 jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe region continues to distinguish itself as one of the nation\u2019s most dynamic life sciences markets,\u201d said\u00a0David Stockel, senior vice president, CBRE. \u201cWith record employment levels, a deep and diverse talent base, and continued leadership in life sciences manufacturing, the real estate sector is well-positioned to capture future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Overall,\u00a0the New York\u00a0and New Jersey markets ranked fourth in the nation for life-sciences talent\u00a0and investment\u00a0behind Boston-Cambridge, San Francisco\u00a0Bay Area and\u00a0Washington D.C.-Baltimore.<\/p>\n
Nationally, core life sciences sectors, including biotechnology research and development and pharmaceutical manufacturing, recorded their strongest pace of job growth in\u00a0nearly three\u00a0years in early 2026. Biotechnology research and development employment, in particular, rose\u00a02.7% year over year, reflecting renewed demand for highly skilled talent and supporting future growth in life sciences real estate.<\/p>\n
The New York\/New Jersey region offers occupiers access to a large,\u00a0established\u00a0workforce spanning research, development,\u00a0manufacturing\u00a0and medical technology disciplines. For investors, its scale, talent\u00a0depth\u00a0and manufacturing strength position the market for continued expansion as the life sciences sector enters its next growth phase.<\/p>\n
The CBRE report reinforces the findings of a Colliers market study<\/a> earlier this year that said the life sciences sector was growing steadily. That report said New Jersey is home to eight of the world\u2019s top 10 biopharmaceutical companies.<\/p>\n