For years now, the tech industry has seen unemployment rates lower than the national average. Given the bullish nature of the field, many states are positioning themselves so that they can attract business and cash in on this lucrative market. That being the case, while it’s home to Silicon Valley’s legion of startups and well-establish tech giants, California was still only 10th on a list of fastest-growing states for tech jobs over the last six months.
Surprisingly, Minnesota saw the biggest percentage increase in tech job growth, at 8.36 percent. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota’s tech workforce has increased by 37,600 workers so far this year.
Dice.com observes:
“On the flipside, Pennsylvania, Washington, North Carolina and Alabama actually saw their tech workforce decline – by 0.61 percent, 0.63 percent, 2.36 percent, and 3.52 percent, respectively – during the first half of 2015. The dip in North Carolina’s numbers is especially surprising, as the state has positioned Raleigh as an up-and-coming tech hub. But if history has shown anything, it’s that tech employment in a particular state can just as quickly spring back.
Overall, the unemployment rate for tech professionals averaged 2.1 percent in the second quarter, down a bit from 2.3 percent in the first quarter. That’s good news for tech pros, no matter which state they live in; lower unemployment can drive employers to offer better salaries and perks in order to attract and retain top talent.”
This slideshow features the 17 fastest-growing states for tech jobs as identified by Dice.com.
U.S. States with Highest Tech Job Growth
Click through for the 17 fastest-growing states for tech employment in 2015, as identified by Dice.com.
Minnesota
Minnesota saw an increase of 8.36 percent during the first half of 2015. Minnesota cities such as Minneapolis-Saint Paul feature a combination of startups, service providers and major corporations in serious need of tech talent. Moreover, overall tech job growth in these cities has been steady over the past three quarters, suggesting that the local industry is sustainable.
Utah
Lead by strong tech markets in Provo, Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah made the list in second place with a 5.75 percent increase in tech employment over the last six months.
Nebraska
Nebraska came in third on the list of fastest-growing states for tech jobs, with six-month tech employment gains of 5.22 percent.
Michigan
A rebounding economy helped Michigan make the list at no. 4 with an increase of 4.47 percent during the first half of 2015.
Florida
Florida rounds out the top five fastest-growing states for tech jobs with an increase of 4.27 percent.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts routinely makes the lists of top tech markets with a strong concentration of business and higher education in Boston and throughout the state. For the first half of 2015, the state saw a 3.75 percent increase in tech-related jobs.
New York
While New York didn’t top the list of fastest-growing states, it came in second on the list of states that added the most technology positions in the first half of 2015. New York added roughly 3,800 jobs during that period. Given the sizeable technology sector in New York, even the addition of several thousand jobs doesn’t translate into as sizeable a percentage growth as in, say, Minnesota.
Maryland
Maryland joins the list of fastest-growing tech states at no. 8, with a 3.45 percent increase in jobs in the first half of 2015.
Oregon
Oregon follows Maryland closely with an increase of 3.42 percent for the first half of this year.
California
As with New York, California didn’t top the list of fastest-growing states, but did come in first on the list of states that added the most technology positions in the first half of 2015. California added roughly 8,400 jobs during that period. Given the sizeable technology sector in California, especially Silicon Valley, even the addition of several thousand jobs doesn’t translate into as sizeable a percentage growth when compared to some of the smaller markets.
Virginia
No doubt aided by its proximity to the national capital, Virginia made the list of fastest-growing tech job states with an increase of 2.31 percent.
Illinois
Illinois continues its years-long increase in tech jobs with a growth rate of 2.14 over the first half of 2015.
Texas
Focusing its resources on growing its STEM workforce, Texas made the list of fastest-growing tech job states with an increase of 1.97 percent.
Ohio
The Midwest has seen strong investment and growth in tech industries over the past few years, as evidenced by many of the states making this list. Ohio joins this list with a 1.39 percent tech job rate increase for the first six months of 2015.
Missouri
Another strong Midwest state focused on tech investment, Missouri joins the list with a 1.17 percent job growth increase.
Georgia
Lead by a diverse technology market in Atlanta, Georgia joins the list with a 0.96 percent increase.
New Jersey
Last, but by no means least, New Jersey saw a tech job increase of 0.43 percent during the first half of 2015.
