Scotland’s two largest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, are both booming hubs of employment, but if you’re considering a move or a career change, you might wonder: Which Scottish city offers more job opportunities?

The answer depends on various factors, including the number of vacancies, unemployment rates, and the dominant industries in each location. While there are generally more jobs in Glasgow, Edinburgh offers lower unemployment rates and strong job density, particularly in finance and technology.

More Vacancies in Glasgow, but Lower Unemployment in Edinburgh

If we look purely at the number of job vacancies, Glasgow comes out on top. The city has a larger working population and more available roles across various sectors, making it an attractive place for job seekers.

A quick search on Total Jobs, Indeed or your jobs board of choice will suggest that Glasgow has more job opportunities. However, according to a report by Glasgow City Council on Employment and Occupation in the city, Glasgow still lags behind the Scottish overall employment rate.

On the contrary, Edinburgh has a stronger employment rate (82.1%, according to the latest ONS data on Employment, Unemployment and Economic inactivity in the City of Edinburgh), meaning a higher proportion of its working-age population is actively employed.

An all-female panel interviews a male candidate for a new job in Glasgow — While Glasgow has more vacancies, candidate competition is higher in Glasgow than in Edinburgh.

Delays in hiring are another big challenge for job seekers and hiring managers in these locations. With Aberdeen, these locations lead the list of slowest job markets in Great Britain. Glasgow’s average time-to-fill is 34.5 days, while Edinburgh was 33.8 days. Working with specialist recruitment agencies, employers can speed up their recruitment processes to reduce hiring times drastically. Job seekers can target and fast-track their job search to not lose motivation.

Are there More Tech Jobs in Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Both cities have seen significant growth in the tech sector, but Edinburgh has the edge in technology jobs. The latest big report by the UK government declared that over 30% of all job vacancies in Edinburgh were in tech, the highest proportion in the UK. Glasgow wasn’t far behind, though, with 28% of its job listings in the tech industry.

Edinburgh has positioned itself as a leading UK tech hub, home to major players like Skyscanner and Rockstar North, and is home to some FinTechs demanding software development and cybersecurity talent.

Glasgow, on the other hand, has a growing tech scene, particularly in fintech, green energy, manufacturing and digital transformation, with major companies like JPMorgan Chase establishing significant operations there. There’s also a growing availability of IT support jobs in Glasglow. LinkedIn recently reported a rise in demand for Field Services Engineers to provide technical support for machinery and appliances.

Are there more Marketing jobs in Glasgow or Edinburgh?

If you’re looking for a Marketing job in Scotland, Glasgow is the place to be. Recent job listings show Glasgow has nearly twice as many marketing vacancies as Edinburgh. Glasgow’s strong creative industries and digital marketing agencies create demand for marketing professionals in roles such as content creation, digital strategy and brand management.

Edinburgh also offers solid opportunities in marketing, especially within its financial and tech sectors. Large firms in finance and software often require in-house marketing teams, and the city’s tourism industry also drives demand for marketing professionals.

A female Digital Marketing Manager in Glasgow oversees a campaign with her marketing team, including two men, on the iMac of one of them. — LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025 named PR Manager and Digital Marketing Manager as two of the fastest-growing roles in Glasgow

Are there more Data and Digital jobs in Edinburgh or Glasgow?

The digital and data industries are growing in both cities. Edinburgh is home to a growing number of Data Analysts and AI-focused roles, partly due to its strong academic institutions and government-backed initiatives supporting digital innovation. According to LinkedIn’s data, there’s an increasing demand for Data Engineers in Edinburgh right now.

Glasgow, meanwhile, has a strong market for Data Science and Digital Transformation roles, with companies investing in analytics, automation, and cloud computing.

Where are the Jobs in Edinburgh?

If you’re wondering where the top jobs in Edinburgh are, you’ll find that the city’s economy is driven by a few dominant sectors:

Financial services: Edinburgh is the UK’s second-largest financial centre after London, with major institutions like the Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, and Standard Life headquartered there.
Technology and software: With over 100 software companies, including Robotical, Codebase, FanDuel or Codeplay, Edinburgh is a major hub for software development, AI research, and cybersecurity.
Life sciences: The Edinburgh BioQuarter is a key player in the UK’s life sciences sector, driving biotechnology and medical research innovation.
Tourism and hospitality: Edinburgh’s tourism industry generates significant employment opportunities as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Edinburgh City Centre is home to major festivals, such as The Fringe.

Where are the Jobs in Glasgow?

Glasgow has transformed from its industrial roots into a growing economic centre with diverse sectors, including:

Financial and business services: Glasgow has a strong banking and insurance presence, with institutions like Barclays and Morgan Stanley operating from here.
Creative industries: Glasgow is a hotspot for design, media, and digital content, with a booming arts and entertainment scene, reflected in the abundance of digital marketing jobs in Glasgow.
Engineering and manufacturing: Glasgow still retains its strong engineering heritage, focusing on advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, and renewables, which offers opportunities for those looking for Software Engineering and IT Support jobs in Glasgow.
Life sciences and biotechnology: With a growing medical research sector, Glasgow is also emerging as a player in biotechnology and clinical research.

Adria Solutions Edinburgh Recruitment agency — Edinburgh, in the image, is particularly noted for its technology and tourism sectors, whereas Glasgow stands out in creative industries and engineering.

Which City is Best for Your Career?

Choosing between Edinburgh and Glasgow depends on your industry, career goals, and personal preferences. If you’re looking for opportunities in finance, technology, or life sciences, Edinburgh may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re in digital marketing, creative industries, or engineering, Glasgow might be a better choice for you.

Whichever city you choose, Adria Solutions can help. Whether you’re a candidate looking for your next role or an employer seeking top talent in Scotland, we specialise in connecting professionals with the right opportunities. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you.