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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.

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/

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CompTIA
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