Colorado's Tech Industry Totals 159,800 Jobs
Colorado Has the Most Tech Workers Per Capita in the Nation 

Broomfield, CO (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.

Colorado's high-tech industry employment fell by 2,500 to 159,800 in 2004, the most current state data available.  However, Colorado remained the Cyberstate with the highest concentration of tech industry workers, with 89 of every 1,000 private sector workers in tech.  They are well compensated for their skills, earning on average $76,400 or 90 percent more than the average private sector worker.

"Colorado's tech sector remains a strong and critical part of our state economy,” said Jessica Wright, Executive Director, AeA Mountain States Council.  "In 2005, over half of Colorado's exports to the world came from the tech industry and the state's venture capital investments jumped by 47 percent.”

“While Colorado is well positioned for growth, we also need to focus on the long term,” continued Wright.  “We need improved math and science education in our schools to ensure we have a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the 21^st century.  For many years, Colorado has had the highest concentration of tech workers in the country, but that distinction is no longer assured."

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 Colorado?

• 159,800 high-tech workers (12^th ranked Cyberstate)
   

• 2,500 jobs lost between 2003 and 2004
   

• High-tech firms employed 89 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2004, ranked 1^st nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $76,400 (8^th ranked), or 90 percent more than Colorado's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $12.2 billion in 2004, ranked 11^th nationwide
   

• 10,300 high-tech establishments in 2004, ranked 11^th nationwide
   

• High-tech exports totaled $3.7 billion in 2005, ranked 11^th nationwide
   

• High-tech exports represented 55 percent of Colorado’s exports, ranked 4^th nationwide
   

• Venture capital investments of $615 million in 2005, up 47 percent from $418 million in 2004
   

• R&D expenditures of $5 billion in 2003, ranked 17^th nationwide

Colorado’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 5^th in software publishers employment with 13,700 jobs
   

• 7^th in computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing employment with 11,800 jobs
   

• 10^th in telecommunications services employment with 32,500 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 04/18/06.  
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