Main image of article Tech Unemployment Continues to Fall
Unemployment among tech pros dropped to 1.9 percent in April, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s the lowest unemployment rate since June 2008. Not all technology segments saw unemployment dip: Computer and electronic-product manufacturing lost 1,000 jobs in April. But that was more than offset by the 9,100 positions added to technology consulting. Data processing, hosting, and related services also gained 100 jobs during the month. The unemployment rate for tech pros has steadily declined over the past year, hinting at increased hiring momentum among companies large and small. From an employer and recruiter standpoint, a lower unemployment rate and burgeoning economy only mean more competition for the most skilled tech pros, who expect higher salaries and more benefits. Beyond the technology sector, the U.S. economy created 223,000 jobs, below expectations, but enough to lower the general unemployment rate to 5.4 percent.