MO tech industry growth among top in nation

Missouri's technology industry added 2,800 net jobs in 2012, representing the ninth-highest increase in the nation.

In its 15th edition of Cyberstates - a look at tech employment, wages and other factors on a state-by-state basis - the TechAmerica Foundation reported Missouri's tech industry employed 92,100 people last year, accounting for 4.2 percent of the state's private sector workforce. The technology nonprofit relies on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, according to a news release.

Last year throughout the U.S., tech employers added 67,400 net jobs, growing the industry by 1.1 percent to 5.95 million workers. Within the industry, the average wage was $93,800, compared to $47,700 for the average private sector employee. In Missouri, tech workers earned an average wage of $80,800, 96 percent more than the state's average private sector wage. The total tech payroll equaled $7.4 billion, ranking the state No. 20 nationwide, according to the foundation.

"With balanced budgets, an AAA credit rating, world-class higher educational institutions and a skilled workforce, Missouri will continue to attract high-tech jobs and investment to the state," Gov. Jay Nixon said in the release.[[In-content Ad]]