Annual report forecasts tech workforce growth in the state this year
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Technology employment in Alabama is projected to continue on a growth trajectory in 2024, according to new research published by CompTIA, the nonprofit trade association for the global information technology (IT) industry and workforce.
CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce 2024” report estimates that net tech employment will increase by more than 2,300 new jobs in Alabama this year.[1] The state’s projected growth rate of 2.5% is up from last year (1.9%, 1,700 net new jobs), but slightly less than the forecast national rate (3.1%) for 2024. Positions in software, emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data science and analytics and cybersecurity are expected to be in highest demand in Alabama this year.
“After periods of overperformance and underperformance, the overarching tech story remains positive,” said Tim Herbert, chief research officer, CompTIA. “Ensuring a thriving, globally competitive workforce means further committing to developing the country’s base of tech and digital talent through time-tested and alternative pathways.”
Currently there are an estimated 93,600 tech workers in Alabama, about 4.3% of the total workforce. More than 8,100 tech business establishments are located in Alabama. The state’s tech sector has an estimated economic impact of $10.6 billion, about 4% of the state’s economy.
CompTIA has expanded this year’s report with several new metrics, including breakdowns of the tech workforce by age cohorts.
|
| AL Tech Workforce
| AL Total Workforce
| US Tech Workforce
| US Total Workforce
|
| Millennial / Gen Z | 56% | 54% | 61% | 53% |
Also added this year are employer job postings reported in three categories: core technology occupations, jobs requiring basic digital literacy and jobs requiring advanced digital fluency. In Q1 2024 there were 11,800 postings for core tech jobs in Alabama; 24,400 requiring basic digital literacy; and 27,000 openings seeking advanced digital fluency.
States and metro markets are grouped in quartiles based on three key measurements. Alabama is in the first quartile for cost of living and wage premiums for tech jobs, and in the second quartile for the ratio of tech jobs postings compared to its base of tech workers.
CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce” is the most comprehensive source of data on the size and scope of the U.S. technology industry and workforce. The report includes data on employment, wages, business establishments, job postings, workforce diversity, emerging tech metrics and more. Access the full report at https://www.comptia.org/content/research/state-of-the-tech-workforce.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world’s leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Millions of current and aspiring technology workers around the world rely on CompTIA for the training, education and professional certifications that give them the confidence and skills to work in tech. https://www.comptia.org/
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
+1 630.678.8468
[1] Net tech employment is a measure developed by CompTIA to quantify the net impact of workers employed within the tech sector and tech workers employed across every sector of the economy |U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast
Steve Ostrowski
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(630) 678 - 8468
sostrowski@comptia.org
Roger Hughlett
Director, Corporate Communications
(202) 503 - 3644
rhughlett@comptia.org
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Access Now$2 trillion – Estimated direct economic impact of the U.S. tech industry, representing 8.8% of the national economy.
582,000 – Number of tech business establishments in the U.S.
9.1 million – U.S. net tech employment at the end of 2022.
286,400 – Estimated number of new technology jobs added in the U.S. in 2022.
4.1 million – Number of postings by U.S. employers for tech job openings during 2022.
