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Annual report also forecasts tech workforce growth in Alabama this year

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Technology employment in the Huntsville metropolitan area 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 in the market will increase by about 450 net new jobs this year, an increase of 1.6%. Both figures would be slightly higher than 2023’s results of 0.6% growth and an increase of about 140 new jobs. Positions in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, software and cybersecurity are expected to be in highest demand this year.

Statewide, CompTIA forecasts an increase of more than 2,300 new jobs 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.

“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 28,683 tech workers in the Huntsville metro area, nearly 11% of the region’s total workforce. Just over 1,000 tech business establishments are located in the market. The tech sector has an estimated economic impact of $3.5 billion, about 10.3% of the local 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 just under 5,100 postings for core tech jobs in the Huntsville market; 5,200 requiring basic digital literacy; and 7,300 openings seeking advanced digital fluency.

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