May is Tech Month
May is Tech Month in Minnesota, so our regional analysts put together a series of blogs related to Information Technology (IT) jobs across the state. To find out even more about IT jobs, view Tech Month events, and learn how Minnesota benefits from technology, please visit CareerForceMN.com/TechMonth. For more local information, reach out to your Regional Analyst!
No longer is knowledge of Information Technology (IT) reserved for a small subset of people staring at computer screens, it's everywhere, including our jobs, no matter what industry we work in. The ability to connect such a wide variety of devices to the internet, local networks, and to other peripheral devices has prompted a substantial need for basic understanding of IT to be successful in the workplace.
According to the DEED's Job Vacancy Survey (JVS), employers across the Twin Cities Metro Area reported just over 3,800 Computer & Mathematical job openings in 2022, which is the second highest number reported in the region over the past decade. As such, the Metro Area accounts for a high share of Minnesota's IT jobs. While the region's employers reported just over half (53.3%) of the state's total job vacancies in 2022, it held six-out-of-seven (86.0%) Computer & Mathematical job vacancies
Nationwide, Computer & Mathematical occupations account for 3.4% of total jobs. In Minnesota, the tech-centric occupational group accounted for a slightly larger 3.5% share of total jobs. Northeast Minnesota, despite having the second lowest number of Computer & Mathematical jobs among Minnesota regions, has the third highest concentration behind only the Twin Cities Metro and Southeast.
Recent news of layoffs at well-known U.S. tech companies include Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Alphabet, Zoom, Dell, Spotify, and PayPal. News coverage of high-profile layoffs describe them as a reset from massive hiring during the pandemic to support remote work, e-commerce, and at-home socializing and entertainment. However, as these so-called "tech companies" cut costs, not all of the layoffs are computer jobs, also hitting sales and office occupations. Besides, computer occupations are found in all industry sectors, labor markets are still extremely tight, and tech workers remain in high demand nationwide and in Northwest Minnesota.
Southeast Minnesota offers promising opportunities for those interested in technology jobs. These occupations tend to have higher median wages than most other occupations in the region. While Computer & Mathematical jobs make up a relatively small portion of total job vacancies in Southeast Minnesota, they are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade with over 3,000 total openings anticipated from 2020 to 2030.
Technology is an essential part of every industry, but Information Technology workers are most likely to be employed in Professional & Business Services, followed by Financial Activities, Information, Manufacturing, and Education & Health Services. In sum, there are nearly 2,000 people currently employed in Computer Occupations in Southwest Minnesota, with a median hourly wage of nearly $40 per hour.
Labor Market Training Sessions
DEED's Regional Analysts have scheduled a set of Labor Market Information training sessions for the spring and summer of 2023. These hands-on training sessions - whether virtual or in-person - will help attendees learn where to find and how to use DEED’s labor market information data tools. Attendees will navigate data tools on our website (www.mn.gov/deed/data/) and learn how to use them to understand the local economy and provide guidance to jobseekers and others.
Please note that there are a variety of options available for different audiences including DEED and partner staff; workforce development, human resource, and economic development professionals; and other partners in the system. Check the title and location when registering for the session that works best for you.
Depending on the session, topics covered may include:
- Occupations in Demand and Current Job Vacancy Results
- Occupational and Industry Employment Trends and Projections
- Cost of Living and Wage and Salary Data
- Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Statistics
- Demographic and Social Characteristics
- Graduate Employment Outcomes and Career Exploration
Please reach out to your regional analyst if you or your staff would be interested in having a customized LMI training session. We would be happy to accommodate your training requests, either on LMI Data Tools or local economic conditions!
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