by CLC Staff

North Carolina is the #1 state in the nation once again for the percentage of women in the technology industry, with women accounting for more than 37 percent of the workforce. 
This according to the North Carolina Tech Association (NC Tech), which released its 2024 State of the Industry Report yesterday at its annual conference in Charlotte. The average percentage of women in the tech industry workforce nationwide is 33.8 percent. Women represent 51 percent of the population in North Carolina.

Some other key highlights from the report:

• North Carolina is the #10 state in total tech industry employment growth from 2017-2022
• The state saw an increase in tech occupations of almost 29 percent in the last five years, ranking as the 6th fastest in the country
• The state ranked 14th and 12th in both total and business-performed research & development
• The state ranked 12th in venture capital funding per gross state product
• The state had the 5th highest growth rate in STEM education completions from 2017 to 2022, and
• North Carolina had the 3rd largest number of startups that spun out of university technology.

From the report’s introduction:

First produced in January 2015, the report tracks and highlights trends in one of North Carolina’s most important and growing industries. The report identifies results that provide cause to celebrate for NC Tech members, and also raises issues that affect the state’s competitiveness, and should gain the attention of North Carolina’s state and local policymakers.

NC Tech has committed to conducting this research annually. This 2024 report shows the final statistics in the tech sector for 2022, including facts, trends, and insights into North Carolina’s technology industry. Tech’s performance in North Carolina is benchmarked against other states and national trends. This report provides information for companies considering headquarters relocation, operations establishment, or expansions.

It is a source of data and trends for policymakers, and a resource for innovation sector organizations, the economic development community, and for the media. First and foremost, the report highlights the vibrancy and immense economic impact of North Carolina’s technology sector.

To download and read the entire report, click here.