Information & Computer Technology

The Information and Computer Technology industry was selected to be part of Governor Perry's cluster initiative because of its powerful potential for future economic growth and because it is an important contributor to the other five clusters. The IT cluster encompasses many industry segments, including computers, software, telecommunications, and IT services. Major IT employers in Texas include Dell, Alcatel U.S.A., Texas Instruments, Nokia, Fujitsu Network Communications, Freescale Semiconductor, and Ericsson Inc.

1. Texas ranks second in the nation in high-tech employment with 456,500 workers.
2. High-tech payroll in Texas in 2010 was $38.7 billion, ranking second in the nation.
3. Texas is home to 27,900 high-tech industry establishments, adding 500 establishments in 2010.
4. The average wage for a high-tech worker in Texas is $84,837.
5. Dell Computers, originated in Austin when Michael Dell was a student at the University of Texas, is number 41 on the Fortune 500 list.
6. Texas is the birthplace of the handheld calculator, invented by Texas Instruments in 1967.