Despite the unpleasant economy, Florida techies have reasons to cheer.
In an annual state-by-state ranking of high-tech job growth released today Florida is the eighth fastest-growing "cyberstate'' in the country. Overall, the trade group AeA said Florida remains the fourth-largest state for tech industry employment.
Nationally, in creating 91,400 jobs in 2007, the tech industry experienced a slower growth rate than in the previous two years.
"AeA is concerned that future growth is being jeopardized unless the United States prepares itself for a vastly more competitive global marketplace," said Christopher Hansen, president and chief executive of AeA, formerly known as the American Electronics Association.
He said investment in scientific research, a solid education system and policies that allow hiring from a global talent pool are the solutions to the problem.
California led the nation, adding 21,400 net jobs in 2006, the most recent data available.
In Florida, the high-tech industry continued its upward swing, adding 5,700 net jobs. The jobs were mostly concentrated in engineering and computer systems design and related services. Florida did well in attracting high-wage jobs. The average tech worker earned $64,400 in 2006, or 70 percent more than the state's average private sector.
"Florida's high tech industry continues to ride the crest of a wave," said Maryann Fiala, executive director of the AeA Florida Council. This is the third straight year of job growth in the state.
Kaushal Chari, professor and the chair of Information Systems & Decision Sciences Department at the University of South Florida, says the presence of large defense contractors, financial firms and NASA have propelled much of the growth and stabilized the economy. But, he added, the state was on track for bigger things.
"There's been a slowdown because of the real estate market," he said. "There's definitely some softness because of that."
Fiala said that the job market would have been more robust if the state had a good pool of qualified workers.
"Many tech companies have far more open positions than they are able to fill," she said. "Unfortunately, many of these companies are having to grow their business outside Florida."
Chari agrees about the dearth of talent. He doesn't foresee the problem disappearing anytime soon.
"Enrollment in the IT sector has been on the decline throughout the nation, and Florida is no exception," Chari said. "We have companies knocking on our doors, but we can't supply enough qualified students."
Madhusmita Bora can be reached at mbora@sptimes.com or (813) 225-3112
Florida highlights
• 282,100 workers in 2006 (4th)
• 5,700 jobs added between 2005 and 2006 (8th)
• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $64,400 (30th)
• 22,100 high-tech establishments in 2006 (3rd)
[Last modified: Apr 03, 2008 12:53 PM]
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