Florida’s Tech Industry Adds 6,700 Jobs
2^nd Fastest Growth in the Country
Florida is the 3^rd Largest Cyberstate by High-Tech Exports

Orlando, FL (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.

Florida was the second fastest growing state with high-tech industry employment jumping by 6,700, for a total of 265,500 in 2004, the most current state data available.  The only state to add more tech jobs was Virginia.

In addition to strong employment growth, Florida also experienced an increase in both technology exports and venture capital investments.  Tech exports, which represent 33 percent of Florida's total exports, grew by $1.5 billion in 2005, the largest increase in the nation.  Venture capital investments in Florida also grew by 23 percent in 2005.

"The recent surge in tech employment, tech exports, and venture capital shows that Florida's high-tech industry is vibrant and strengthening,” said Maryann Fiala, Executive Director of the AeA Florida Council.  "This is encouraging news for Florida's economy as these jobs are well compensated.  Tech industry workers earn 71 percent more than the average private sector worker.”

“We can’t be complacent,” continued Fiala.  “Virginia is certainly nipping at our heels.  To remain competitive nationally and globally, Florida must commit to providing a world class education to our students.  Specific focus on math and science is essential to ensure our companies’ workforce needs can be met."

Nationally, Cyberstates 2006 shows that the high-tech industry is edging forward.  High-tech employment was up by 61,100 out 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.

This 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. Visit www.aeanet.org/cyberstates to download the report, or call 408.987.4200.

What Does High Tech Mean for Florida?

• 265,500 high-tech workers (4^th ranked Cyberstate)
   

• 6,700 jobs gained between 2003 and 2004
   

• High-tech firms employed 41 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2004, ranked 31^st nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $58,900 (30^th ranked), or 71 percent more than Florida's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $15.6 billion in 2004, ranked 7^th nationwide
   

• 19,800 high-tech establishments in 2004, ranked 3^rd nationwide
   

• High-tech exports totaled $11.0 billion in 2005, ranked 3rd nationwide
   

• High-tech exports represented 33 percent of Florida’s exports
   

• Venture capital investments of $387 million in 2005, up 23 percent from $315 million in 2004
   

• R&D expenditures of $5.2 billion in 2003, ranked 16^th nationwide

Florida’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 3^rd in telecommunications services employment with 66,000 jobs
   

• 3^rd in engineering services employment with 50,000 jobs
   

• 3^rd in communications equipment manufacturing employment with 11,100 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 segment 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 04/12/06.  
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