Technology-related employment in Georgia grew by more than 11,000 new jobs in 2018 and the tech sector increased its contribution to the state's economy, according to Cyberstates 2019,  the definitive guide to national, state and metropolitan area tech sector and tech workforce analytics published annually by CompTIA, the leading technology industry association.

Net tech employment grew by an estimated 11,302 jobs in 2018, a 3.2 percent increase over 2017.¹ Since 2010 net tech employment has grown by more than 68,000 new jobs. With nearly 362,000 workers, tech accounts for approximately 7.7 percent of Georgia's workforce.

The tech sector has an estimated direct economic impact of $52.6 billion, or about 10.2 percent of Georgia's total economy.

"Clearly the broad-based impact of the tech industry touches virtually every community, industry and market across Georgia, especially when you consider the thousands of knowledge workers who rely on technology to do their jobs," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA.

The outlook for future employment growth remains positive. The state saw a 75 percent increase in the number of job postings related to emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things, smart cities, drones, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and blockchain.

Cyberstates projects the base of tech occupation employment – a subset of net tech employment will grow by 9.9 percent in Georgia by 2026. Retirements will add even more pressure to meet the need for tech talent.

"The findings attest to a tech labor market that will remain tight as employers balance short-term needs with an eye towards the future," said Tim Herbert, senior vice president for research and market intelligence at CompTIA. "As digital-human models begin to unfold, employers and employees alike will face new challenges – and opportunities, in shaping the workforce of tomorrow."

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Georgia ranks 12^th nationwide in net tech employment; 8^th in net tech jobs added last year; and 9^th in the Cyberstates Innovation Score, based on venture capital investments, tech startups and new business formations and other factors.

Tech occupations with year over year growth in Georgia included software and web developers (+ 4.2 percent) and computer support specialists (+ 3.3 percent).

The median tech occupation wage in Georgia is $80,260; 99 percent higher than the median wage for all occupations in the state.