Utah’s Tech Industry Adds 3,300 Jobs
Computer Systems Design Employment Up 1,100 Jobs, or 9 Percent in 2006

Broomfield, CO (April 2, 2008) – AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, today released its 11th annual Cyberstates report detailing national and state trends in high-tech employment, wages, and other key economic factors. The report, Cyberstates 2008: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Utah's high-tech industry experienced a net gain of 3,300 jobs – or six percent – in 2006, the most current state data available. Employment in Utah's tech industry totaled 56,000 with a total payroll of $3.3 billion.

Utah's growth was not concentrated in any one particular tech sector, but nearly across the board. Its largest sector, computer systems design services, was also the fastest growing, adding 1,100 jobs in 2006. Engineering services added 800 jobs, R&D and testing labs added 300 jobs, even telecommunications services and high-tech manufacturing added jobs. The only sector to see significant job loss was Internet services, which lost 200 jobs in 2006.

"With three years of consecutive growth, Utah's tech industry employment remains strong,” said Matthew Kazmierczak, Vice President of Research and Industry Analysis, AeA. "The Beehive State offers much to attract companies. Our workforce is highly educated, our tax rates are low, and people can afford to live here. The tech industry is particularly attractive to Utah as the industry pays on average 69 percent more than the average private sector job.”

“We need to enact policies to promote long-term growth of tech jobs in our state,” continued Kazmierczak. “Our state and local leaders need to remain focused on the math and science education of our children. We also need to let our policymakers in Washington know that we need the best and brightest from around the world to come work in our universities and technology companies. These talented individuals help create the innovation that supports job growth and provides opportunities for the entire state."

Nationally, Cyberstates 2008 shows that the high-tech industry added jobs for the third consecutive year. Tech industry employment totaled 5.9 million, after adding 91,400 jobs in
2007. This is on top of job gains of 139,000 in 2006 and 87,400 in 2005.

This 11th edition of Cyberstates provides a comprehensive review of the high-tech industry nationally and state-by-state in terms of high-tech employment, wages, payroll, and establishments. Cyberstates also offers data on venture capital investments and R&D expenditures.

Two other major AeA cyber reports are forthcoming that analyze the U.S. high-tech industry: Cybercities 2008: An Overview of the High-Technology Industry in the Nation’s Top 60 Cities, and Trade in the Cyberstates 2008: A State-by-State Overview of High-Tech International Trade.

AeA members can purchase Cyberstates 2008 for $125; non-members for $250. Visit www.aeanet.org/cyberstates  to download the report, or call 408.987.4200. 

What Does High Tech Mean for Utah?

• 56,000 high-tech workers in 2006 (26th ranked cyberstate)
   

• 3,300 jobs added between 2005 and 2006
   

• High-tech firms employed 57 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2006, ranked 14th nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $58,700 (37th ranked), or 69 percent more than Utah's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $3.3 billion in 2006, ranked 27th nationwide
   

• 4,200 high-tech establishments in 2006, ranked 26th nationwide
   

• Venture capital investments of $182 million in 2007, down three percent from $187 million in 2006, ranked 19th nationwide
   

• R&D expenditures of $1.6 billion in 2004, ranked 32nd nationwide

Utah’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 13th in electromedical manufacturing employment with 1,700 jobs
   

• 12th in software publishers employment with 5,400 jobs
   

• 14th in communications equipment manufacturing employment with 3,000 jobs

Source: Cyberstates 2008

Data are for 2006 unless otherwise noted.

2006 state data are the most current available for employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry sector jobs.

Published by AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology (www.aeanet.org)

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About AeA

AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association, representing all segments of the high-tech industry, 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 http://www.aeanet.org. 

This page was last updated on 03/31/08.   
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