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Annual report forecasts tech workforce growth in the state this year

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Technology employment in Arkansas 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 1,400 new jobs in Arkansas this year.[1] The state’s projected growth rate of 3.3% is slightly ahead of the forecast national rate (3.1%) for 2024. Positions in emerging technologies, software and data science and analytics and cybersecurity are expected to be in highest demand 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.”

Among all states in 2023 Arkansas recorded the fourth highest percentage of tech job growth at 2.9%, a net increase of about 1,200 new jobs. Currently there are more than 43,000 tech workers and 5,700 tech business establishments in the state, creating an economic impact of $4.4 billion, about 3% of the Arkansas 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 5,920 postings for core tech jobs in Arkansas; 13,826 requiring basic digital literacy; and 16,072 openings seeking advanced digital fluency.

States and metro markets are grouped in quartiles based on three key measurements. Arkansas is in the first quartile for cost of living and the second quartile for wage premiums for tech jobs and in 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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