With the release of the 2022 Job Vacancy Survey results, data show that demand for Information Technology (IT) workers remains near record high levels in Southwest Minnesota. Employers across the 23-county region reported about 100 immediate openings for computer occupations in 2022, due to the increasing use of technology and continued needs arising from the shift to remote work.

Technology is an essential part of every industry, but IT workers are most likely to be employed in Professional & Business Services, followed by Financial Activities, Information, Manufacturing, and Education & Health Services (see Figure 1). In sum, there are nearly 2,000 people currently employed in Computer Occupations in Southwest Minnesota, with a median hourly wage of nearly $40 per hour.

The job in highest demand right now is Computer User Support Specialists, with more than 50 vacancies and a median wage offer of $27.20 per hour. Sometimes referred to as Help Desk or IT Support professionals, these workers provide technical assistance to computer users, answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically, and may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software. Typically, applicants for these jobs would need an associate's degree or industry certification, plus some prior work experience. There are currently 370 people employed in this occupation in the region, making it the second most common IT position in Southwest Minnesota. Wages range from $19 for entry-level workers to $37.75 at the high-end.

With 450 people currently employed and about 25 open vacancies, the largest employing IT occupation in Southwest Minnesota is Software Developers. Typically requiring a bachelor's degree, wages range from $31 an hour to more than $68 at employers in the region. Software Developers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. They also analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis, as well as update software or enhance existing software capabilities. They may also work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. Additionally, they may maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Computer Systems Analysts, who improve existing computer systems, review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations, and perform systems management and integration functions, as well as analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns, had around 10 vacancies in 2022 in Southwest Minnesota. There are already 220 people employed in the region, with wages ranging from nearly $33 an hour to nearly $65 per hour.

Finally, another key IT role is Computer & Information Systems Managers, with more than 160 people employed in the region. As high-level executives, wages are extremely high for these positions with an average hourly wage of $62.42 and a range from $40 to a high of nearly $85 per hour. These jobs require a bachelor's degree or higher plus several years of experience, and are responsible for planning, directing, or coordinating activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

For More Information

Contact Luke Greiner at luke.greiner@state.mn.us or Amanda O'Connell at amanda.oconnell@state.mn.us.