Arizona Gains 1,300 Tech Jobs, Totaling 110,800
Arizona is the 4^th Largest Cyberstate by Semiconductor Employment

Scottsdale, AZ (April 19, 2006) – AeA, the nation’s largest trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, today released its ninth annual Cyberstates report detailing national and state trends in high-tech employment, wages, exports, and other key economic factors.  The report, Cyberstates 2006: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Arizona's high-tech industry added 1,300 net jobs to its economy, totaling 110,800 in 2004, the most current state data available.  These jobs also are high paying, with the average tech worker earning $66,100 in 2004 or 83 percent more than the average private sector wage.

Arizona remains a critical location for the semiconductor industry with 22,500 jobs in this industry in 2004, making it the 4th ranked state nationwide in this industry.  Semiconductors also help to make Arizona the 6th ranked state by high-tech exports.  Arizona exported $7 billion in high-tech goods in 2005, accounting for nearly half of all exports from the state. 

"The upswing in technology jobs and the surge in venture capital investments in Arizona confirm that Arizona's economy is strong,” said Cory Miller, Executive Director, AeA Arizona Council.  "Venture capital jumped in Arizona by 81 percent, to $148 million.  Arizona remains an attractive location for technology companies to innovate."

Nationally, Cyberstates 2006 shows that the high-tech industry is edging forward.  High-tech employment added 61,100 net jobs for a total of 5.6 million workers in 2005, the first increase in tech jobs in four years.  U.S. high-tech exports were also up by four percent for a total of $199 billion in 2005.

The ninth 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.  Please visit www.aeanet.org/cyberstates to download the report, or call 408.987.4200. 


What Does High Tech Mean for Arizona?

• 110,800 high-tech workers (18^th ranked cyberstate)
   

• 1,300 jobs gained between 2003 and 2004
   

• High-tech firms employed 56 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2004, ranked 16^th nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $66,100 (22^nd ranked), or 83 percent more than Arizona's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $7.3 billion in 2004, ranked 18^th nationwide
   

• 5,800 high-tech establishments in 2004, ranked 18^th nationwide
   

• High-tech exports totaled $7.0 billion in 2005 (6^th ranked nationwide), up 11 percent
   

• High-tech exports represented 47 percent of Arizona’s exports
   

• Venture capital investments of $148 million in 2005, up 81 percent from $82 million in 2004
   

• R&D expenditures of $3.6 billion in 2003, ranked 22^nd nationwide

Arizona’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 4^th in semiconductor manufacturing employment with 22,500 jobs
   

• 4^th in defense electronics manufacturing employment with 8,800 jobs
   

• 17^th in engineering services employment with 15,200 jobs

Source: Cyberstates 2006

Data are for 2004 unless otherwise noted.

2004 data are the most current for state employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry sector jobs.

Published by AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology (www.aeanet.org)

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About AeA

AeA, founded in 1943, is a nationwide 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 www.aeanet.org.  

This page was last updated on 04/24/06.    
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