Apr. 2--Despite the recession, the nation's high-tech work force expanded by 77,000 jobs -- or 1.3 percent -- last year, proving the industry stronger than most, according to a new report.

According to Cyberstates 2009, it was the fourth consecutive year of job growth. But a supplemental report shows the effect of the recession, with 38,000 jobs -- or 0.6 percent -- lost nationwide in the fourth quarter.

The annual report was produced by TechAmerica, created by the recent merger of the Information Technology Association of America and AeA.

"Future growth is clearly jeopardized as a result of the current economic downturn and the volatility of global financial markets," the report states. "Our industry has weathered the storm longer than most, but recent announcements of job cuts at tech companies suggest that a fifth straight year of growth is -- at best -- questionable."

The state picture in the report is encouraging but outdated because it focuses on 2007, the latest year for which state-by-state data is available. It shows that the high-tech industry here added 5,500 jobs in 2007, more than all but three states.

Altogether, North Carolina employed 150,600 high-tech workers in 2007.

"North Carolina has a lot to be proud of," said Glen Whitley, executive director of TechAmerica Southeast. "It is 16th overall, and fourth in that growth ranking."

The only states that added more jobs than North Carolina in 2007 were Texas, Georgia and Washington state.

The state data doesn't take into account recent layoffs at more than a dozen local tech companies, including industry giants such as IBM, Lenovo and Nortel Networks.

Other facts from the report, which relies on 2007 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

The average high-tech employee in North Carolina earned $75,900.

Forty-four out of every 1,000 private sector workers in North Carolina were employed at high-tech firms.

North Carolina ranked third in computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing with 14,400 jobs.

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