Since 2005, the size of South Carolina’s technology industry has doubled, leaving an economic footprint of $ 89 billion, according to the first SC Tech Economic Impact Study of the SC Council on Competitiveness.
The study, conducted by University of South Carolina research scientist Joey Von Nessen, investigated key industry occupations and job growth figures across the state were released together with a map that identifies technology companies across the country. state.
“This is the first time that we can take the broader technological trends that we see at the national and regional level and connect them to what is happening in South Carolina in individual companies,” said Von Nessen, adding that the study asks: “Who it’s the companies that are involved in setting these trends and changing those trends – this approach starts on the ground. “
Overall, the state’s technology industry employs 180,801 employees, with 72,525 working outside a technology-focused company. Computer user support specialists top the list of occupations with the largest number of jobs, with 8,240 employees, followed by computer systems analysts (7,650), industrial engineers (7,490), network administrators and computer systems (6,100) and mechanical engineers (5,890).
Telecommunications, electronics and computer products manufacturing and other information services industries host the highest concentrations of technology positions in the state, but the leisure and hospitality, transportation, finishing and health sectors have also experienced a greater than 100% increase in dependency technology firms since 2010.
“We see technology being very involved in most sectors of the industry, and it is getting more and more,” said Von Nessen. “We have seen these changes over the past decade and see how it permeates many of the high growth sectors in South Carolina and will likely continue to do so again in the next decade.”
The sector generates about $ 14.3 billion in terms of income from work across the state, with an average individual salary of $ 78,977, or about 75% higher than the state average for all professions, from according to Kim Christ, director of the council’s newest initiative, SC Tech.
“It’s remarkable to see the numbers … and how much South Carolina’s major industries have grown in their dependence on technology, the growing number of technology companies since the year 2000,” she said. “It is quite impressive.”
As indicated by a 254% increase in technology companies in the state of Palmetto since 2000, employment in the sector continues to grow rapidly. Charleston has the highest annual job growth with 15.5%, followed by the Aiken / Augusta area with 14.9% and Grand Strand with 10.1%. Almost 44.1% of all technology companies are located in Lowcountry, with 22.1% in Midlands.
“Charleston stands out overwhelmingly as number one, especially when you take the region out of Aiken / Augusta,” said Von Nessen when presenting the regional employment growth figures during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. “They have also seen strong job growth, but they are coming from a much lower base in terms of absolute numbers.”
While Upstate serves as a haven for 33.8% of the state’s technology companies, employment in the region has grown by only 1.9%. Rock Hill experienced more activity at 6.0%.
CompTIA and other reference tools at the national sector level also offer data at the state level, but the SC Tech study is isolated in its regional division of industry growth and its list of occupations and companies that fall into the technology category, according to today’s statement from the Competitiveness Council.
“We are in the middle of a construction boom at SC Tech and the economic potential of South Carolina. Important things are happening here and we are just getting started,” said Susie Shannon, president and CEO of the Competitiveness Council, in the statement. “This study will serve as a starting point for working with our public-private sector to build a statewide strategic plan that supports the technology cluster and allows more companies to see the benefits of doing business in South Carolina.”
Talk to Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1223.