Americans are optimistic about both the demand for technical professionals in the United States and the country’s standing in the global technology industry, said a report by IT staffing service Motis.
Just over 60 percent of the 1,010 people surveyed believe that the United States is a global leader in the technical industry. Of those that disagree, 56.5 percent believed that a lack of quality education was holding the United States back from claiming the title. Of those who agreed, 79 percent believe that leadership will continue for the next five years, and 94 percent believe that technology education was important to maintain the country’s leadership.
The survey also touched on the 2016 presidential elections before focusing on the careers available for tech talent in the United States. 41.2 percent of the respondents did not feel confident that the 2016 presidential candidates would prioritize establishing the country as a leader in technology.
A majority – 85.1 percent of respondents – are optimistic about the prospects for tech professionals in the next five years, believing that the demand will grow. Healthcare is seen as the industry most likely to need an increased amount of technology talent, followed by education and government.
Most of the people looking for these jobs are willing to move in order to work. More than 60 percent say that they would relocate for a higher salary. Of those respondents, the majority said that the increase would have to be between 20 and 29 percent in order for them to be willing to move.
Most people who expressed willingness to move for a better salary had their eyes on the Northwest region, with the least amount of respondents expressing an interest in the Mid-Atlantic. Several tech giants have their headquarters in the Northwest, but the hot spot of Silicon Valley wasn’t actually a big target: 59.7 percent of respondents disagreed with the idea that Silicon Valley was the only place with highly-paying tech jobs.
The most appealing job benefits in the tech sector were flexible hours, with 50.1 percent of respondents listing this as their top choice.
“Many employers are offering competitive salaries and benefits to garner top talent and help preserve the country’s position as a technology leader,” said Jack Cullin, president of Modis. “However, the tech talent gap will only widen without the necessary education and tools, which is a real concern for many Americans and employers.”
The complete report can be found at Modis.
