South Carolina’s technology cluster has a total economic impact of $89 billion. That’s according to the inaugural SC Tech Economic Impact Study released by the SC Council on Competitiveness this week. The study reveals the size and scope of the technology sector in the state, identifying tech companies and top tech occupations, as well as highlighting the growing importance of technology across all industries.
With an in-depth look at the full range of occupations and firms that fall into the tech industry, the study provides regional breakdowns that are essential to understanding the true impact of technology in S.C. The report highlights that more than 180,000 South Carolinians are either employed in technology firms or serve tech functions in non-tech firms. And, the study also reports that the average salary for tech employees is more than $78,000, higher than the state average.
“With this study, we are able to show just how valuable the technology industry is to our state,” says SC Tech Director Kim Christ. “The benefits of this study are countless. From being able to pinpoint areas of potential firm growth to identifying where to focus workforce programs, this study helps us better support the technology industry and therefore the state’s competitiveness as a whole."
The 2020 SC Tech Economic Impact Study can be viewed here.