Careers in the information technology cluster involve working with computer hardware, software, or network systems. Nearly all of the computer and information technology occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) are assigned to this cluster.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counted about 3.5 million jobs in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations that are assigned to the information technology cluster. Median annual wages for these occupations ranged from $46,620 for computer user support specialists to $101,410 for systems software developers.

Most occupations in this cluster typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry. However, specific designations range from some college but no degree and moderate-term on-the-job training for computer user support specialists to a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of work experience in a related occupation for computer network architects.

BLS projects more than half of all job openings in occupations assigned to the information technology cluster to be in the programming and software development pathway. The occupation projected to have the most job openings in the cluster is applications software developers.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Innovation and entrepreneurship is at the foundation of the Kansas City region and drives the tech landscape here. The industrious spirit of KC has led to innovations impacting the world in healthcare, finance, supply chain and logistics, animal health and bioscience, cyber security, engineering, telecommunications and more.

At a time when development and attraction of tech talent is a key driver of economic competitiveness, the Kansas City region recognizes the importance of cultivating the digital workforce of the future. The Kansas City region is embracing and even pioneering technological advancement. This will allow the region to be an asset for any company looking to gain a technological edge.

With the most geographically centric technology industry in the nation, Kansas City is a unique home for multinational corporations and startups alike. The crossroads of all the nation’s fiber, KC has long been a destination for innovators and pioneers. Kansas City’s tech sector is growing faster than the national average, directly contributing almost 10% to our regional economy.

The diverse and well-balanced economy, network infrastructure and skilled workforce of KC makes it attractive to the technology industry. There are certain sectors with particular strengths in KC:

• Fintech

• Cybersecurity

• Integrated Solutions

• Entrepreneurship

• Telecommunications

One in every 10 workers in Kansas City is employed by the tech industry. There are 3,918 tech companies in our region, from nimble start-ups to global enterprises. The Kansas City Area Development Council works closely with the KC Tech Council to attract, retain and grow of technology companies and highly skilled tech talent. Human capital is one of the key drivers of economic competitiveness. The Kansas City region recognizes the importance of redefining the workforce of the future through education and attraction.

Source: Kansas City Area Development Council