"The 2012 TAG Report on the state of the technology industry in Georgia underscores the continuing shortage of skilled technologists needed to drive business success. Even with sustained high unemployment across the country, technology skills remain in high demand. We need to do more — and start doing it earlier — to raise awareness of technology as a career destination for young people. The technology field is broad spectrum and highly rewarding, both in terms of the professional challenges it offers and the financial compensation it delivers, which falls well above that of an average Georgia worker." - Tim Smith, President & COO, Thompson Technologies, Inc.

Augusta Population

The Augusta MSA, which includes two counties in South Carolina, added more than 50,000 residents during the decade of 2000-2010, which represented a substantial decline in the region's growth. In the decade of the 90s, the Augusta MSA had added more than 60,000 new residents. Although this region is not expected to keep pace with Georgia's overall growth rate between 2010 and 2015, Augusta is expected to grow 7.4 percent and reach nearly 600,000 citizens.

Augusta Population

Source: Georgia Department of Labor (based on U.S. Census Bureau and Governor's Office of Planning and Budget)