Idaho’s Tech Industry Adds 1,000 Jobs
Idaho Has the 2^nd Highest Tech Wage Differential

Redmond, WA (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.

Idaho's high-tech industry added 1,000 net jobs, for a total of 35,000 in 2004, the most current state data available.  Not only was tech employment up, but venture capital investments more than tripled in 2005. 

"The high-tech industry and the economy of Idaho are inextricably linked,” said Terry Byington, Executive Director, AeA Washington Council.  "Over two-thirds of Idaho's exports are tech related and the tech industry pays over $2 billion every year in payroll in the state.  Plus, tech industry workers are paid twice as much as the average private sector worker; the only state with a larger differential is California.  With data like this, it is clear that Idaho welcomes the tech industry."

High-tech exports from Idaho increased by 16 percent, from $1.9 billion in 2004 to $2.3 billion in 2005.  Tech exports are crucial to Idaho's economy, comprising 69 percent of the state's total exports.  Idaho has the third highest concentration of tech exports in the country.

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 Idaho?

• 35,000 high-tech workers (35^th ranked cyberstate)
   

• 1,000 jobs gained between 2003 and 2004
   

• High-tech firms employed 73 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2004, ranked 7^th nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $60,500 (28^th ranked), or 106 percent more than Idaho's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $2.1 billion in 2004, ranked 33rd nationwide
   

• 1,600 high-tech establishments in 2004, ranked 41^st nationwide
   

• High-tech exports totaled $2.2 billion in 2005, ranked 22^nd nationwide
   

• High-tech exports represented 69 percent of Idaho’s exports
   

• Venture capital investments of $8 million in 2005, up 220 percent from $2.5 million in 2004
   

• R&D expenditures of $1.2 billion in 2003, ranked 36^th nationwide

Idaho’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 6^th in semiconductor manufacturing employment with 11,000 jobs
   

• 8^th in computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing employment with 4,400 jobs
   

• 21^st in R&D and testing labs employment with 7,800 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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