The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that U.S. semiconductor industry jobs stretch across almost every region of the country and into the majority of states, according to an analysis of government data. California leads all states with 47,100 semiconductor jobs, followed by Texas (28,800), Oregon (23,400), Arizona (18,800) and Massachusetts (10,100).
"The U.S. semiconductor industry has broadened its reach and now employs Americans in most states and regions of the country," said Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. "From California and Texas to Florida and the Northeast, semiconductor workers across America are creating the breakthroughs that improve our lives, strengthen our country and build our future. With effective government policies that promote growth and innovation, the U.S. semiconductor industry will continue to boost America's economic strength, national security and global competitiveness."
New York ranks sixth among all states with 7,600 semiconductor jobs. Rounding out the top 10 are Idaho (7,400), Florida (7,100), Vermont (5,100) and New Mexico (4,500). All employment figures reflect recently-released 2011 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
According to BLS, the U.S. semiconductor industry's workforce grew by 3.7 percent over the previous year. In comparison, jobs throughout the broader U.S. economy increased by 1.2 percent over the same time period.
In November, SIA reported that total direct semiconductor employment in the U.S. is estimated at 244,800. This figure includes the semiconductor job total reported by BLS plus an estimate of jobs in the fabless semiconductor design sector, which BLS currently does not include in its semiconductor industry data. Additionally, as the backbone of modern technology, the semiconductor industry has a substantial positive effect on job creation in other sectors throughout the U.S. economy.