California leads nation in highest-paying tech jobs, study finds

Californians working in the tech industry are poised to earn the highest average salaries in the nation, according to a new study.

Tech salaries in the state average $142,270 annually, according to a report published Monday by software company Zibtek .

Which states have the highest average tech industry salaries?

California is followed by Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York.

"These states are home to a cluster of tech hubs driving the U.S. economy," the authors noted.

"California, the undisputed tech behemoth, boasts a trio of tech epicenters: San Francisco, the heart of Silicon Valley; Los Angeles, a hub for entertainment technology; and San Diego, a rising star in biotech and life sciences," according to the report.

Which states have the lowest average tech industry salaries?

The data shows the lowest average wages for tech industry workers is Mississippi, at $76,010.

Mississippi was followed by Kentucky, Arkansas, South Dakota and North Dakota.

"The tech industry has become a driving force in the U.S. economy, and with it comes a digital gold rush for talent," the Zibtek study found. "As tech companies continue to expand and innovate, competition for skilled workers has intensified. This has led to a wide disparity in tech salaries across the country."

The disparity in salaries can partially be attributed to "smaller tech ecosystems," along with lower costs of living and economies reliant on other industries, the report said.

How do tech jobs compare to other industries?

In addition to tracking the highest and lowest total salaries, the report also looked at which states saw the largest discrepancies between tech industry jobs and other occupations.

Idaho topped the list, with tech workers making an average of 86% more than those working in other fields. It was followed by New Mexico, Rhode Island, Maryland and Deleware.

But in Connecticut, tech jobs fetch an average of 31% higher than other jobs. Other states with the smallest recorded increase compared to other industries include North Dakota, New York, Massachusetts and Alaska.

Data for the report was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: California leads nation in highest-paying tech jobs, study finds