Wisconsin's Tech Exports Grew by 34 Percent in 2005
Wisconsin's High-Tech Industry Adds Jobs, for a Total of 77,800

Oakbrook Terrace, IL (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.

The report found that technology exports from Wisconsin jumped by 34 percent in 2005, for a total of $3.5 billion.  Tech products account for 23 percent of total exports from Wisconsin.

"The recent surge in tech exports from Wisconsin is a strong sign that things are going well,” said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director, AeA Midwest Council.  “International trade spurs job growth and will assure that the Badger State continues to be a home to many innovative companies and high-paying jobs.”

The report found that Wisconsin's high-tech industry employment grew by 600 jobs, to 77,800 in 2004, the most current state data available.  This is positive for the state’s economy, as tech industry jobs in Wisconsin pay 64 percent more than average private sector wages. 

At the sector level, Wisconsin remains a critical state for electromedical equipment manufacturing, with nearly 10 percent of all employment in this vital field being located in Wisconsin.  Wisconsin also experienced a 19 percent jump in venture capital investments in 2005.

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.

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


What Does High Tech Mean for Wisconsin?

• 77,800 high-tech workers (21^st ranked cyberstate)
   

• 600 jobs gained between 2003 and 2004
   

• High-tech firms employed 33 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2004, ranked 37^th nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $56,300 (34^th ranked), or 64 percent more than Wisconsin's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $4.4 billion in 2004, ranked 22^nd nationwide
   

• 4,700 high-tech establishments in 2004, ranked 22^nd nationwide
   

• High-tech exports totaled $3.5 billion in 2005, ranked 14^th nationwide
   

• High-tech exports represented 23 percent of Wisconsin’s exports
   

• Venture capital investments of $68 million in 2005, up 19 percent from $57 million in 2004
   

• R&D expenditures of $3.6 billion in 2003, ranked 21st nationwide

Wisconsin’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 3^rd  in electromedical equipment manufacturing employment with 6,400 jobs
   

• 10^th in electronic components manufacturing employment with 6,600 jobs
   

• 14^th in Internet services employment with 8,500 jobs

Source: Cyberstates 2006

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

Data throughout this press release are rounded.

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 04/18/06.               
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