According to CompTIA’s IT Industry Outlook 2018; Analysis of the tech workforce begins with an important distinction. As depicted in the Venn diagram below, there are two components to the tech workforce. All workers employed by U.S. technology companies represent tech industry employment. In 2017, an estimated 6.1 million workers were employed in this category, an increase of 2.0% over 2016. For 2018, the growth outlook should roughly mirror the previous year. Tech industry employment includes technical positions, such as software developers or network administrators, as well as nontechnical positions, such as sales, marketing, and HR. The other component of the tech workforce consists of the technology professionals working outside of the tech industry. While the tech industry is the largest employer of technology professionals, with 44 percent of its workforce meeting these criteria, the majority of technology professionals work in other industry sectors, such as healthcare, finance, media, or government.
Because technology now permeates every industry sector and an increasing number of job roles, the lines have blurred noticeably, making it more difficult to precisely quantify the tech workforce. The expanded spheres circling the Venn diagram is one way of thinking about the new segments’ workers that cannot be adequately accounted for due to limitations in government data sources.
BMA TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE INSIGHTS:
Observation Baltimore recently conducted a survey that captured the opinions of Tech industry workers who fall into both the Tech Industry Employment & Tech Occupation Employment buckets. The survey captured the insights of 162 Baltimore Metropolitan Area (BMA) residents who are currently employed in the Technology field. Below are some of Observation Baltimore’s survey findings:
72% of those surveyed “Agree” that they are satisfied with their choice of a career in Tech.
Technology industry breakdown by sector:
Employee benefits offered in the Tech industry: 51% of those surveyed indicated their employer offers the option to work from home.
Certifications obtained in the Tech field: 53% of those surveyed report being certified in one of the following areas.
About Observation Baltimore:
At Observation Baltimore, we understand that the success of your research is directly tied to the quality of your participants. Recognized as one of the top Maryland market research facilities, we believe that Experienced Recruiting Makes the Difference. Our experienced recruiting is the foundation of our mission, as well as courteous and proactive hospitality and client services. Just six minutes from BWI airport and AMTRAK, our Baltimore research facility has a great location. Most importantly, we understand market research!
To request a summary of the survey data collected for this article, contact molly@obaltimore.com. If you would like to learn more about Observation Baltimore and how we can help with your next project here in Baltimore, contact us today. Visit www.observationbaltimore.com or call 410-332-0400 and ask for Karly.