WASHINGTON, DC -- October 10, 2002 – A study released today by AeA shows the nation’s high-tech industry fell by 113,000 jobs, or by two percent, for the first six months of 2002. The study is based on recently released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

"This new report captures the downturn of the tech industry," said AeA’s President and CEO William T. Archey. "We are, however, cautiously optimistic as the latest monthly drop between May and June 2002 shows a decline of just 700 jobs—by far the smallest drop over the last year and a half. This was also the second consecutive month of decline in the loss of high-tech jobs."

"Furthermore," Archey noted, "software services rebounded by gaining 3,000 jobs during the first half 2002."

High-technology manufacturing employment had the largest decline, falling by 58,000 jobs during the first six months of 2002. Electromedical equipment was the only manufacturing sector to gain employment, jumping by 1,600 jobs during this time.

High-technology services employment also fell over the first six months of this year. Not surprisingly, communications services shed 36,000 jobs, while software and computer-related services declined by 18,700 jobs. Software services, by itself, as noted above, was the only services sector to gain jobs during the first half of this year.

AeA’s Special Midyear 2002 Tech Employment Report provides a snapshot of up-to-date technology statistics. The report quantifies monthly high-tech job changes for the 18-month period between January 2001 and June 2002. Download this report from AeANET.  This report is available to AeA members for $10 and to non-members for $20. Or, contact AeA customer service at  800.284.4232 to obtain a copy of the report. 

Total High-Tech Industry, by month

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Advancing the business of technology, AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. AeA represents more than 3,000 companies with 1.8 million employees. These 3000+ companies span the high-technology spectrum, from software, semiconductors, medical devices and computers to Internet technology, advanced electronics and telecommunications systems and services. With 17 regional U.S. councils and offices in Brussels and Beijing, AeA offers a unique global policy grassroots capability and a wide portfolio of valuable business services and products for the high-tech industry. AeA has been the accepted voice of the U.S. technology community since 1943.

This page was last updated on 10/10/02.