This indicator represents the percentage of computer and mathematical scientists in a state's workforce. The occupations in this group include computer and information research scientists; computer systems analysts; information security analysts; computer programmers; software developers, applications; software developers, systems software; Web developers; database administrators; network and computer systems administrators; computer network architects; computer user support specialists; computer network support specialists; mathematicians; operations research analysts; statisticians; mathematical technicians; other computer and mathematical science occupations; and postsecondary teachers in these fields.

Data on individuals in computer and mathematical science occupations and total occupations come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Survey, a survey of workplaces that assigns workers to a state based on where they work. Estimates are developed by BLS from data provided by state workforce agencies. The OEWS Survey covers all full-time and part-time wage and salary workers in nonfarm industries. The survey does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers, or unpaid family workers. Estimates for states with smaller populations are generally less precise than estimates for states with larger populations.

There is a significant concentration of computer- and math-intensive occupations in the District of Columbia and the adjacent states of Maryland and Virginia. This may be due to the presence of many federal government offices, colleges and universities, and government contractors in the area that employ scientists and engineers, especially computer and mathematical scientists. In addition, the technology-intensive economies of Washington and Colorado have significant concentrations of computer and mathematical scientists.

Data source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey.