Connecticut’s Tech Industry Jobs Adds 1,000
Job Growth Led by Strong Gains in Computer Systems Design Sector

Woburn, MA (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.

Connecticut's high-tech industry employment rose by a net 1,000 to 68,100 representing a two percent increase in 2006, the most current state data available. The largest growth came in the computer systems design and related services sector, which added 1,300 jobs, offsetting losses in other sectors. The average high tech wage remains strong at $78,900, or 41 percent more than Connecticut’s average private sector wage.

Venture capital investments in Connecticut totaled $277 million in 2007, up five percent from $264 million in 2006, ranking the state 17th nationwide by this metric.

“We are very pleased to see Connecticut add tech jobs,” said Anne Doherty Johnson, AeA New England Executive Director. “Venture capital investment is also up for the second year in a row, a good leading indicator of future growth. But investment is only effective if Connecticut companies have access to highly qualified scientists and engineers graduating from our universities and this depends on our leaders in Hartford and in Washington, DC supporting improved math and science instruction in Connecticut’s K-12 system.”

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 Connecticut?

• 68,100 high-tech workers in 2006 (24th ranked cyberstate)
   

• 1,000 jobs gained between 2005 and 2006
   

• High-tech firms employed 48 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2006, ranked 22nd nationwide
   

• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $78,900 (13th ranked), or 41 percent more than Connecticut's average private sector wage
   

• A high-tech payroll of $5.4 billion in 2006, ranked 21st nationwide
   

• 4,900 high-tech establishments in 2006, ranked 21st nationwide
   

• Venture capital investments of $277 million in 2007, up five percent from $264 million in 2006, ranked 17th nationwide
   

• R&D expenditures of $8.0 billion in 2004, ranked 11th nationwide

Connecticut’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 14th in measuring and control instruments manufacturing employment with 5,600 jobs
   

• 19th in communications equipment manufacturing employment with 2,300 jobs
   

• 19th in computer systems design and related services employment with 20,200 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.   

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