Maryland's Tech Industry Adds 2,800 Jobs
3^rd Fastest Growth in the Country
Maryland's Tech Exports Up by $200 Million in 2005

Washington, DC (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.

Maryland's high-tech industry added 2,800 net jobs, for a total of 157,800 in 2004, the most current state data available.  Only Virginia and Florida added more tech jobs in 2004.  This growth was driven by increases in multiple sectors, such as computer systems design, engineering services, and research and development and testing labs.

"Marylanders know that high tech is synonymous with good jobs and high wages,” said Gregory Poersch, Executive Director of the AeA Potomac Council.  "The tech industry in Maryland pays the ninth highest wage in the nation, averaging $75,000.  This is 83 percent more than the average private sector wage in our state.  With a large population of highly educated individuals, Maryland is a great place for technology companies to innovate."

The tech industry in Maryland exported some $1.4 billion of merchandise in 2005, representing 20 percent of the state’s total exports.  This is up $200 million from 2004.

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 Maryland?

• 157,800 high-tech workers (13^th ranked Cyberstate)
   
• 2,800 jobs gained between 2003 and 2004
   
• High-tech firms employed 78 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2004, ranked 5^th nationwide
   
• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $75,000 (9^th ranked), or 83 percent more than Maryland's average private sector wage
   
• A high-tech payroll of $11.8 billion in 2004, ranked 13^th nationwide
   
• 9,500 high-tech establishments in 2004, ranked 13^th nationwide
   
• High-tech exports totaled $1.4 billion in 2005, ranked 27^th nationwide
   
• High-tech exports represented 20 percent of Maryland’s export
   
• Venture capital investments of $438 million in 2005, down 23 percent
   
• R&D expenditures of $10.2 billion in 2003, ranked 9^th nationwide

Maryland’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 5^th in computer systems design and related services employment with 51,900 jobs
   
• 5^th in measuring and control instruments manufacturing employment with 10,900 jobs
   
• 8^th in communications equipment manufacturing employment with 6,300 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.

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 05/30/06.    
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