Best And Worst States 2014: Where The Information Technology Jobs Are

Where The IT Workers Are -- And Aren't

Recruiting IT talent can be a challenge for startup and established solution providers alike. The task is easier, of course, if the company is based in a state where IT workers make up a bigger share of the total workforce.

Here are the five best states -- and the five worst states -- for information technology jobs, defined as employment in IT occupations in non-IT industries as a percentage of private sector employment. The U.S. average is 1.8 percent, according to "The 2014 New State Economy Index" report upon which these rankings are based. These numbers were part of the "innovation and growth" criteria in this year's CRN analysis of the best and worst states in which to start a solution provider business.

The states with the highest concentration of IT workers are listed from No. 5 to No. 1. The states with the lowest concentration of IT workers are listed from No. 46 to No. 50 -- the state with the lowest percentage of IT workers.

Best States No. 5 (Tie): Maryland

IT workers represent 2.9 percent of the workforce in the "Old Line State."

Best States No. 5 (Tie): Massachusetts

IT workers make up 2.9 percent of the workforce in the "Bay State."

Best States No. 3: Delaware

IT workers account for 3 percent of the workforce in the "First State."

Best States No. 2: Washington

IT workers make up 3.1 percent of the workforce in the "Evergreen State."

Best States No. 1: Virginia

IT workers account for 3.3 percent of the workforce in the "Old Dominion State." The comparatively high concentration of IT workers was a key factor in Virginia's overall No. 1 ranking in this year's CRN analysis of the best and worst states in which to start a solution provider business.

Worst States No. 46 (Tie): Montana

IT workers account for 1.1 percent of the workforce in the "Treasure State."

Worst States No. 46 (Tie): Nevada

IT workers represent 1.1 percent of the workforce in the "Silver State."

Worst States No. 48 (Tie): Louisiana

IT workers account for 0.9 percent of the workforce in the "Pelican State."

Worst States No. 48 (Tie): Wyoming

IT workers make up 0.9 percent of the workforce in the "Cowboy State."

Worst States No. 50: Mississippi

IT workers make up 0.7 percent of the workforce in the "Magnolia State." The comparatively low concentration of IT workers was a key factor in Mississippi's overall No. 49 ranking in this year's CRN analysis of the best and worst states in which to start a solution provider business.