New Mexico's High-Tech Jobs Total 43,800
High-Tech Products Account for 66 Percent of New Mexico’s Total Exports

Scottsdale, AZ, April 26, 2005 – High-tech employment in New Mexico was 43,800 in 2003, the most recent available state data.  While tech employment edged down by 1,300 jobs in New Mexico, venture capital investment soared, according to Cyberstates 2005:  A State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, a new analytical report released today by AeA.

New Mexico’s economy continues to be highly concentrated in the high-tech industry.  Two-thirds of total exports from New Mexico are high-tech products.  Additionally, 77 of every 1,000 workers in New Mexico work in the high-tech industry, the 6^th highest concentration nationwide.

"The rise in venture capital in 2004 is a strong indication of how eager companies are to create innovation in New Mexico,” said Cory Miller, Executive Director, AeA Arizona Council.  "New Mexico's highly skilled workforce and strong research culture makes it an attractive location for tech companies.  These jobs are well rewarded, with New Mexico's tech workers earning nearly double the average wage of its private sector workers."

Nationally, Cyberstates 2005 shows that the high-tech industry is slowly turning the corner.  High-tech employment was down by only 25,000 jobs out of 5.6 million workers in 2004.  U.S. high-tech exports were up by 12 percent for a total of $191 billion in 2004.  And, technology related venture capital investments were up for the first time in four years.

This eighth annual edition of Cyberstates provides a comprehensive review of the high-tech industry nationally and state-by-state by high-tech employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and trade.  Cyberstates also offers data on venture capital investments and R&D expenditures.

AeA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190.  Visit www.aeanet.org to download the report, or call 800.284.4232 or 408.987.4200.

What Does High Tech Mean for New Mexico?

·      43,800 high-tech workers (28^th ranked cyberstate)

·      1,300 jobs lost between 2002 and 2003

·      High-tech firms employed 77 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2003, ranked 6^th nationwide 

·      High-tech workers earned an average wage of $56,900, or 97% more than New Mexico's average private sector wage (5^th ranked)

·      A high-tech payroll of $2.5 billion in 2003, ranked 28^th nationwide

·      2,100 high-tech establishments in 2003, ranked 35^th nationwide

·      High-tech exports totaled $1.3 billion in 2004, ranked 27^th nationwide

·      High-tech exports represented 66% of New Mexico’s exports

·      Venture capital investments of $28.1 million in 2004, up 325% from $6.6 million in 2003

·      R&D expenditures of $4.7 billion in 2002, ranked 17^th nationwide

New Mexico’s National Industry Segment Rankings:

·      9^th in semiconductor manufacturing employment with 6,200 jobs

·      14^th in R&D and testing labs employment with 13,700 jobs

·      25^th in measuring and control instrumentation manufacturing employment with 2,900 jobs

Source:  Cyberstates 2005

Data are for 2003 unless otherwise noted.

2003 data are the most current for state employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry segment jobs.

Published by AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology

NOTE TO EDITORS: Press releases focusing on U.S. high-tech trade as well as on specific states are available on AeA’s website.

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About AeA
AeA, founded in 1943, is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs.  For more information, please visit http://www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 04/26/05.