October 15, 1999
High-technology jobs continue to be among the hottest in San Diego, according to a survey released by the San Diego Workforce Partnership. The study polled local employers to determine the highest growth fields and the best paying jobs in San Diego.
Specific occupations of Electronic Data Processing System Analysts, Network Engineers/Administrators, Computer Programmers and Drafters are projected to have a growth rate of up to 38 percent in the coming year. For those outside the high-tech industry, Medical Secretaries and Scientific Product Sales Representatives are also expected to provide a large number of jobs.
Results reveal that the best paying occupations for qualified individuals with no experience are Electrical and Electronic Engineers ($40,300), Registered Nurses ($38,150), Cost Estimators ($36,700) and Computer Engineers ($36,350). For those with previous experience, the best paying occupations include Dental Hygienists ($68,000), Computer Engineers ($60,000), Electrical and Electronic Engineers ($54,300) and Civil Engineers ($52,950).
"The information in this study provides a snapshot of the San Diego region's current employment landscape," said Lawrence G. Fitch, president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Inc. "This up-to-date labor market information is a valuable tool for employers, job seekers and workforce professionals."
Data was gathered to allow for additional analysis by industry cluster. In San Diego, there are 16 identified main clusters that drive growth and income (i.e. Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, Business Services, Communications, Computer and Electronics Manufacturing, Software and Computer Services, Tourism). Of these clusters, preliminary data reveals the three highest paying clusters to be 1) Software and Computer Services, with an average hourly wage of $15.82 for inexperienced new hires and $24.90 for experienced hires; 2) Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, paying $12.35 an hour for inexperienced new hires and $19.12 for experienced hires; and 3) Communications, offering $12.79 an hour for individuals with no experience and $15.98 for those with experience.
"This study is one resource in the wealth of labor market and employment information that the Workforce Partnership provides to the community," said Fitch. "We are pleased to make it available to employers and those seeking to enhance their careers."
The survey, which was conducted during the month of June, reached more than 6,400 employers who provided information on hiring and growth trends, educational requirements and wage information, industry job sources and job-related education and training sources for over 200 occupations. The information complements other labor market data provided by the Workforce Partnership, including the annual Occupational Outlook report, which forecasts growth and salary levels for approximately 35 occupations.
The data is available through the Workforce Partnerships' web site, www.workforce.org, allowing users to search by county sub-regions and industry clusters, and to make occupational comparisons.
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