Here are the latest available figures on U.S. technology employment compiled by TechUSA, the industry trade group that continues the American Electronics Association, founded in 1943 by Bill Hewlett and David Packard.

(Data are from 2009; 2010 figures are being compiled.)

Total tech employment: 5.9 million, down 245,600 from 2008. The decline was 4 percent, compared with a 5 percent decline for all sectors.

High-tech manufacturing employment lost 112,000 jobs, or 8 percent.

Electronic components lost 37,100 jobs, the biggest loss of any subsector. But space and defense systems lost only 1,200 jobs, the least of any subsector.

Communications services lost 53,000 jobs, up from 11,000 in 2008.

Software lost 20,700 jobs, the first losses since 2002.

Engineering and tech services shed 59,100 jobs, the first losses since 2002.

Electrical engineers unemployment rate: 6.9 percent.

Computer scientist unemployment rate: 6.1 percent.

Average technology salary: $84,400 [2008] vs. $45,400 in non-tech

Big Five states with technology jobs in 2009:

California: 993,300

Texas: 492,400

New York: 312,300

Florida: 292,300

Virgina: 283,400

Manufacturing New York Jobs Unemployment