October 26, 2015

Charleston’s Tech Economy Robust in 2015

Annual Wage and Job Growth Data Consistent Since 2004

Charleston, South Carolina – In its 12th Wage and Job Growth survey, the Charleston Digital Corridor is pleased to announce that the annual average wage for tech companies participating in the survey is $69,580. This average is 1.76 times the State of South Carolina and 1.62 times the Charleston Region per-capita wages. In perhaps the best indicator of industry strength, just over 70% of the companies hired staff in 2015 with 94% of these companies expecting to continue hiring in 2016.

In 2015, the Milken Institute ranked the Charleston metropolitan area 4th in the nation for high tech GDP growth over the past five years. Charleston's tech economy is the most rapidly growing sector in the Charleston Region and now accounts for approximately five percent of the regional economy.

"It is extremely gratifying to see the consistent year over year level of strength and growth being demonstrated by Charleston's tech economy," said Kirk King, Charleston Digital Corridor Foundation Chairman.

Like any community seeking to grow a high-wage tech economy, attracting and developing technical talent is the biggest challenge with sustaining and propelling growth. This is no different in Charleston, South Carolina. "More than any issue, accelerating Charleston's tech economy is directly related to how well we execute our three-prong talent strategy," said Digital Corridor Director, Ernest Andrade.

About the Charleston Digital Corridor

The Charleston Digital Corridor is a community-sourced initiative to attract, nurture and promote the regions tech economy through an array of impactful programs, products and events while leveraging Charleston's renowned livability. More: www.charlestondigitalcorridor.com