Among declines in most other industries, Florida technology jobs are holding their own.
TechAmerica recently ranked Florida as the fourth-largest state for technology employment. Although the technology industry lost 38,000 jobs, or decreased by .6 percent, during 2008, it stayed ahead of other industries. The high-tech industry has added 383,000 jobs during the last four years, as well as an additional 77,000 net jobs during 2008.
In 2007, Florida employed 280,300 workers in the tech industry and paid out $19 billion in payroll. The state’s computer systems design and related services sector added 4,100 net jobs the same year, according to an article by the South Florida Business Journal.
“The technology sector is critical to Florida’s economy,” Maryann Fiala, executive director of TechAmerica Florida, said in the article. “The 2008 national data show that America’s tech sector is stronger and more resilient than the overall economy, and may be better positioned to stage a comeback after the recession if it can tap into the federal stimulus package, which includes significant technology infrastructure investments, to boost job creation and facilitate recovery in Florida.”
The tech market lost 1,700 net Florida jobs, or about 1 percent, during 2007. Also, tech workers only earn an average of $66,900 per year, 31st in the nation, but 72 percent more than the average private sector wage.
Florida came in first for computer training employment, with 1,600 jobs; third in communications services employment, with 84,900 jobs and third in engineering services employment, with 59,200 jobs.
Tags: Florida technology jobs