Americans Confident U.S. Is A Global Technology Leader

global-technology
Source: Modis – IT Staffing Agency

More than 60 percent of Americans agree that the U.S. is a global leader in the technology industry, according to a new survey conducted by Modis, an information technology staffing company. Among those that disagreed, a lack of quality education was the reason most cited as contributing to the U.S. not being a global leader in the technology industry (56.5 percent).

The survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, “America Weighs in on the Current State of Tech,” explored the behaviors, perceptions and attitudes toward technology, desirable job benefits, the willingness to relocate, and other IT employment-focused themes. In an increasingly competitive talent landscape, the survey results provide valuable insight for today’s businesses as well as technology job seekers.

“There is tremendous opportunity across a range of industries and U.S. regions for those seeking technology positions,” said Jack Cullen, president of Modis. “In this candidate’s market, many employers are offering competitive salaries and benefits to garner top talent and help preserve the country’s position as a technology leader. However, the tech talent gap will only widen without the necessary education and tools, which is a real concern for many Americans and employers.”

Key insights from the survey include:

  • The U.S. is a global leader in the technology industry. Of the 60.9 percent who agree with this statement, 79 percent (79.1%) feel this leadership will continue for the next five years. Additionally, 94 percent felt that technology education was important in maintaining the U.S.’ leadership in the technology industry.
  • 2016 presidential elections.  41.2 percent of respondents were not confident that establishing the U.S. as a leader in technology is a priority to the candidates.
  • Anticipated demand for tech talent for the healthcare, education and government industries.  85.1 percent of respondents felt that demand for tech professionals in the U.S. would grow over the next five years.  Additionally, 46 percent of respondents ranked healthcare as the leading industry that will have the greatest need for increased technology talent in the next five years.  The education industry ranked second with 16.1 percent followed by the government with 13.4 percent.
  • Will relocate for work.  61.4 percent of respondents were willing to relocate for a higher salary.  Of those respondents who were willing to relocate, the largest group (35 percent) indicated they would expect a salary increase of between 20 – 29 percent after relocating. Across the country, the Northwest was the most desirable region for relocation and the Mid-Atlantic region the least.
  • Flexible hours wanted.  When asked about the most appealing job benefits, flex-hours had a landslide majority with 50.1 percent of responses.
  • Not in Silicon Valley? No problem.  Respondents did not see technology jobs being limited to Silicon Valley. In fact, nearly 60 percent (59.7%) of respondents disagreed with the idea that the Silicon Valley market was the only place with high paying tech jobs.

The survey provides insight into the American perspective on the IT employment landscape as well as the types of opportunities today’s candidate pool finds most appealing.

“We are committed to helping leading companies find the best IT professionals critical to their business success, expansion and competitiveness,” continued Cullen.  “Our annual Modis Salary Guide is an excellent resource for employers to have their finger on the pulse of today’s tech talent to ensure they are offering competitive compensation packages.”

The full 2016 Modis Salary Guide featuring insights in leading tech and IT positions around the U.S. is available online here.