26 Sep U.S. tech industry adds 118,500 jobs in first half of 2007
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. high-tech industry added 118,500 jobs between January and June of 2007, a two percent rise, for a total of 5.94 million jobs, according to a report released by AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association.
According to the data, which was compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is less than the 143,000 tech jobs added in the first half of 2006, but it marks the first time since the bursting of the high-tech bubble that all four tech sectors experienced job growth.
The four sectors are high-tech manufacturing, engineering and tech services, software services, and communications services.
William T. Archey, president and CEO of AeA, said in a release that 2007 is the third consecutive year the U.S. tech industry has seen job growth.
“This benefits the U.S. economy greatly because tech industry wages pay 86 percent more than the average private-sector wage and support numerous other jobs,” he said.
Among the high-tech sectors:
• Technology manufacturers added 1,800 net jobs, good for a total of 1.34 million jobs and a slight 0.1 percent increase.
• Within high-tech services, the most significant growth occurred in engineering and tech services, which added 52,600 jobs, a 3.3 percent jump.
• Software services added 51,100 jobs, also a 3.3 percent rise.
• Communications services increased by 12,900 jobs, or 1.0 percent.
Archey said technology job growth would be even more robust if U.S. policymakers were dealing with the challenges posed by heightened global competition and the lack of available qualified workers, a reference to the America Competes Act.
The legislation, which has bipartisan support, expands programs to attract undergraduates to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math – the STEM disciplines. It also introduces programs to improve the skills of math and science teachers.
“Companies continue to have thousands of unfilled positions across the country,” Archey said. “It is now up to Congress and the President to fully fund the America Competes Act.”
Related stories
• While schools combat low tech enrollment, are businesses contributing to IT workforce woes?
• IT workforce development: A little workforce planning goes a long way
• Tom Still: What does business want from the schools? Some answers may be surprising
• Tony DiRomualdo: Shades of gray: Business impacts of an aging workforce