21,400 IT jobs added in California in 2006, 5.9 mln Americans were employed by tech

California’s high-tech industry added 21,400 net jobs - a 2% increase - for a tech industry total of 940,700 in 2006, the most current state data available. Leading the way in job creation were the computer systems design and related services sector (+12,600 jobs) and the engineering services sector (+6,100 jobs). California’s tech workers had the highest average wage at $101,200, which is 112% above the state’s average private sector wage.

Venture capital investments increased 8% to $13.8 bln in 2007, accounting for 47% of all venture capital in the country. Nationally, the high-tech industry added jobs for the third consecutive year. Tech industry employment totaled 5.9 mln, after adding 91,400 jobs in 2007. This is on top of job gains of 139,000 in 2006 and 87,400 in 2005.