Not like its neighbors, but Colorado is still 11th in chipmaking*
10/01/2001
 Maroon Bells, Colorado |
Solid State Technology's tabulation of Colorado fabs (Table 1) shows that there are six semiconductor manufacturers with eight wafer fabs in the state (some are being closed). These range from bipolar discrete device manufacturing to an advanced flash memory fab (Intel). Our estimates show that if all of Colorado's wafer fabs ramp up to full capacity, the combined production would be the equivalent of 75,090 200mm wafers/month or 0.9 million/year. This is approximately 1% of the Semico Research (Scottsdale, AZ) forecast of 101 million 200mm equivalent wafers that may be needed in 2002.
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While semiconductor manufacturing employment is not one of the state's largest sectors (Table 2), employment statistics from Cyberstates 2001 show that Colorado does have the highest concentration of high-tech workers in the US, with 97 high-tech workers/1000 private sector jobs. In addition, Colorado's broad high-technology industry has grown steadily since 1994, adding 75,600 jobs, making it the 4th fastest growing state by job creation between 1994 and 2000.
 Mesa Verde, Colorado |
Colorado's highly skilled and highly educated tech workers are well compensated for their abilities. In 1999, the average high-tech wage in Colorado was $66,400 (8th in the US), 93% more than the average private sector wage of $34,300. High-tech wages in the state grew by 33% or $16,400 between 1994 and 1999. The total high-tech payroll in 1999 was $11.1 billion and 9th nationwide Cyberstates 2001 reports that Colorado exported $4.1 billion worth of high-tech goods, an increase of $1.3 billion from 1997. Exports from the high-technology industry represent 62% of Colorado's total exports. — P.B.
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Reference
- Cyberstates 2001 is part of AeA's cyber report series that includes Cybernation 2.0, CyberEducation, and Cybercities. AeA members may purchase the Cyberstates 2001 report for $95, nonmembers for $190. Contact AeA at ph 800/284-4232.
*Ranking in US based on 1999 employment [1].