The New York/New Jersey region is reinforcing its position as a leading U.S. life sciences hub, driven by renewed hiring, record employment levels and increasing investor interest, according to CBRE’s 2026 Life Sciences Talent Trends report.
That’s no surprise to the leaders of associations connected to the sector.
Debbie Hart, the CEO of Bio NJ, and Chrissy Buteas, the CEO of the Healthcare Institute of New Jersey, both said the CBRE report reinforces what they see in the sector and plays to the state’s greatest strength — a highly educated workforce.
“Talent is the catalyst for every medical breakthrough, and this report reinforces that New Jersey is home to one of the nation’s deepest, most experienced and highly skilled life sciences workforces — with an unparalleled concentration of scientific, clinical, manufacturing and commercial expertise,” she said. “It’s this extraordinary talent that continues to attract investment, fuel growth and reinforce our region’s leadership in life sciences.”
Buteas said the state has everything companies covet.
“With one of the most educated workforces anywhere, the number one-ranked K-12 school system, world-renowned colleges and universities, one of the most highly skilled construction trade communities in the nation, and close proximity to capital markets, New Jersey is the prime location for life sciences research, development, and manufacturing,” she said.
“With its renewed commitment to improving its business and regulatory environments, New Jersey can maintain its mantle of “Medicine Chest of the World” for generations to come.”
According to 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 to the top 14 major cities in the nation. 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.
Overall, the New York and New Jersey markets ranked fourth in the nation for life sciences talent and investment behind Boston-Cambridge, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC-Baltimore.
“The region continues to distinguish itself as one of the nation’s most dynamic life sciences markets,” CBRE Senior Vice President David Stockel said. “With 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.”
Nationally, core life sciences sectors, including biotechnology research and development and pharmaceutical manufacturing, recorded their strongest pace of job growth in nearly three years in early 2026. Biotechnology research and development employment, in particular, rose 2.7% year over year, reflecting renewed demand for highly skilled talent and supporting future growth in life sciences real estate.
The New York/New Jersey region offers occupiers access to a large, established workforce spanning research, development, manufacturing and medical technology disciplines. For investors, its scale, talent depth and manufacturing strength position the market for continued expansion as the life sciences sector enters its next growth phase.
The next-generation idea is playing out at the HELIX in New Brunswick.
The New Jersey Innovation Hub, powered by Portal Innovations, just announced its first cohort, which includes 16 companies.
DEVCO President Chris Paladino, the master developer of the site, said the large number of startups (and more are coming) is the ultimate proof of concept for the site – and the state.
“It was unmet demand,” he said.
