AeA Report: New Mexico's High-Tech Jobs Total 43,800; High-Tech Products Account for 66 Percent of New Mexico's Total Exports.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- High-tech employment in New Mexico was 43,800 in 2003, the most recent available state data. While tech employment edged down by 1,300 jobs in New Mexico, venture capital investment soared, according to Cyberstates 2005: A State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, a new analytical report released today by AeA.

New Mexico's economy continues to be highly concentrated in the high-tech industry. Two-thirds of total exports from New Mexico are high-tech products. Additionally, 77 of every 1,000 workers in New Mexico work in the high-tech industry, the 6th highest concentration nationwide.

"The rise in venture capital in 2004 is a strong indication of how eager companies are to create innovation in New Mexico," said Cory Miller, Executive Director, AeA Arizona Council. "New Mexico's highly skilled workforce and strong research culture makes it an attractive location for tech companies. These jobs are well rewarded, with New Mexico's tech workers earning nearly double the average wage of its private sector workers."

Nationally, Cyberstates 2005 shows that the high-tech industry is slowly turning the corner. High-tech employment was down by only 25,000 jobs out of 5.6 million workers in 2004. U.S. high-tech exports were up by 12 percent for a total of $191 billion in 2004. And, technology related venture capital investments were up for the first time in four years.

This eighth annual edition of Cyberstates provides a comprehensive review of the high-tech industry nationally and state-by-state by high-tech employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and trade. Cyberstates also offers data on venture capital investments and R&D expenditures.

AeA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190. Visit www.aeanet.org to download the report, or call 800.284.4232 or 408.987.4200.

AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. Founded in 1943, AeA utilizes an extensive international network of offices to serve its members through advocacy, training, research, and business services. www.aeanet.org

What Does High Tech Mean for New Mexico?

--43,800 high-tech workers (28th ranked cyberstate)

--1,300 jobs lost between 2002 and 2003

--High-tech firms employed 77 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2003, ranked 6th nationwide

--High-tech workers earned an average wage of $56,900, or 97% more than New Mexico's average private sector wage (5th ranked)

--A high-tech payroll of $2.5 billion in 2003, ranked 28th nationwide

--2,100 high-tech establishments in 2003, ranked 35th nationwide

--High-tech exports totaled $1.3 billion in 2004, ranked 27th nationwide

--High-tech exports represented 66% of New Mexico's exports

--Venture capital investments of $28.1 million in 2004, up 325% from $6.6 million in 2003

--R&D expenditures of $4.7 billion in 2002, ranked 17th nationwide

New Mexico's National Industry Segment Rankings:

--9th in semiconductor manufacturing employment with 6,200 jobs

--14th in R&D and testing labs employment with 13,700 jobs

--25th in measuring and control instrumentation manufacturing employment with 2,900 jobs

Source: Cyberstates 2005

Data are for 2003 unless otherwise noted.

2003 data are the most current for state employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry segment jobs.

Published by AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology (www.aeanet.org)