U.S. Semiconductor Employment Reaches Nearly 250,000

Semiconductor manufacturing jobs increase by 3.7 percent over previous year, outpace overall U.S. job growth

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that the U.S. semiconductor industry now employs almost a quarter of a million workers and added jobs three times faster than the rest of the U.S. economy, according to an analysis of government data. Total direct U.S. semiconductor employment is estimated at 244,800.

"Semiconductor workers – a quarter of a million strong and growing – are creating the technology breakthroughs that improve our lives, strengthen our country and build our future," said Brian Toohey , SIA president and CEO. "Through their hard work, the U.S. semiconductor industry continues to create jobs and spur growth despite a challenging national economy."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the semiconductor industry's manufacturing workforce grew by 3.7 percent over the previous year. In comparison, jobs throughout the broader U.S. economy increased by 1.2 percent over the same time period.       

All employment figures reflect recently-released 2011 BLS data. Total semiconductor employment data is based on the number of semiconductor employees in the U.S. manufacturing sector as reported by BLS, plus an estimate for the number of semiconductor workers employed by semiconductor fabless firms, which BLS currently counts in the wholesale trade sector. For more detailed information, please view SIA's Employment Issue Paper.

"Semiconductor job growth is an encouraging sign for our industry and the U.S. economy," said Toohey. "With effective government policies that encourage growth and remove barriers to innovation, the semiconductor industry will continue to drive America's economic strength, national security and global competitiveness."

About the SIA
The Semiconductor Industry Association, SIA, is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries and a bellwether measurement of the U.S. economy. Semiconductor innovations form the foundation for America's $1.1 trillion dollar technology industry affecting a U.S. workforce of nearly 6 million. Founded in 1977 by five microelectronics pioneers, SIA unites companies that account for 80 percent of the semiconductor production of this country. Through this coalition SIA seeks to strengthen U.S. leadership of semiconductor design and manufacturing by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry groups. The SIA works to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition in order to maintain a thriving semiconductor industry in the United States. Learn more at www.sia-online.org

Media Contact
Dan Rosso
Semiconductor Industry Association
drosso@sia-online.org
202-446-1719

SOURCE Semiconductor Industry Association

RELATED LINKS
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