When considering a career (and an education) in Information Technology, it's important to examine the jobs outlook. Despite occasional ups and downs, the technology sector in Washington state continues to thrive and grow. The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) reports that the tech sector is the fastest growing job sector in Washington, representing 22% of the state economy.
(May 2023 | Technology Sector Economic Outlook in Washington State and the Greater Seattle Region)
Statistics Show Growth in WA Tech Sector
According to the WTIA report from 2023:
- Between 2015 and 2020, the tech sector was responsible for 46% of all wage and salary growth and 71% of net job growth.
- Washington’s tech sector accounts for 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs.
- Tech sector jobs in WA have grown 155% since the Great Recession of 2010.
- For each new tech job created, three additional auxiliary jobs are created.
- Washington’s tech sector represents 22% of the state economy, higher than any other state in the union.
- While statewide employment shrank by 5.3% during the pandemic, tech employment grew by 7.7%.
- Recent layoffs can be attributed to reevaluating and recalibrating business models in the post COVID era. The layoffs were offset by new job creation, putting current tech job numbers back up to the 2022 level with many positions unfilled.
Washington's Cybersecurity Jobs
According to Cyberseek.org, the average number of unfilled cybersecurity-related jobs in Washington state from May 2023 through April 2024 was 8,780.
Drilling down to the specific role of Information Security Analyst, the WTIA reports that 4,200 people in WA are employed in this role. Of those jobs, 2,600 are inside of the tech sector, and 1,600 are within other industries. The projected job growth for Information Security Analysts is 2.8% from now till 2030. This is ranked 5th out of the 15 tech occupations listed.
Automation and cloud solutions are being rapidly adopted by many industries - in both tech firms and non-tech. Businesses must continue to secure these technologies and keep them in compliance with evolving laws and regulations. Therefore, cybersecurity skills will stay in demand here in Washington.
Key Skills Demanded in Future Tech Jobs
The tech employers interviewed by WTIA highlighted the emerging technology trends they believe Washington should foster and grow locally. Their projections are based upon current technological developments in WA, such as new projects and trends and noticing where the venture capital flows. These technologies are:
- Generative AI. Interviewees emphasized the role of AI as a “copilot” to human workers, helping to increase productivity. Many employers will adopt AI in their toolsets and will need workers who can seamlessly utilize them.
- 5G, edge computing and digital transformation. Advancements in these areas make it possible for IoT to be employed in factories, dramatically increasing efficiency and eliminating human error. Innovations and venture capital funds are pouring into the greater Seattle area (including the maritime space) in support of this transformation.
- Cloud technology. Washington is the birthplace of cloud computing and home to some of the largest cloud computing services in the world.
- Satellite broadband.
- Information and Computing Technology (ICT) in Healthcare.
- Maritime sector and ICT. Washington-based firms are leading the digital transformation of maritime through machine learning-based analytics platforms for vessels and integration of 5G into port operations.
- Clean Energy, ICT, and commitment to climate action.
Skill Hardest to Recruit For: Cloud Security
A year earlier, in May of 2022, the WTIA published a Cloud Computing Skills Demand Analysis. Industry stakeholders such as cloud providers and cloud service clients were surveyed. As employers, they were asked about their hiring strategies and struggles. Here are some interesting highlights of the 19-page report.
All respondents reported recruiting new-hires from WA-based educational institutions or training programs. By far the most difficult skill to recruit for in the entry-level job space is cloud security and 19% of respondents said that experience with multiple cloud platforms is very important to them.
For entry-level hires, 8% of respondents indicated that cloud-based certifications were “most important,” and roughly 41% said that these certs are “somewhat important." Forty-five of the 49 respondents indicated that they sometimes pay all or part of the cost of cloud-based certifications for their workers.
Other skills listed as majorly important are communication and teamwork.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, the WTIA report reveals a dynamic and growing tech sector in Washington, crucial for the state’s economy. Key areas like generative AI, 5G, and cloud security are central to future growth. Addressing the skills gap, especially in cloud security, is essential. By aligning education with industry needs and supporting ongoing certification, Washington can maintain its tech leadership and drive sustained economic prosperity.
