12. Provo-Orem, UT
> Advanced industries, share of employment: 12.0%
> Advanced industries, share of output: 23.2%
> Annual avg. wage: $39,940
> Largest advanced industry: Computer Systems Design and Related Services

Over the first nine months of 2014, there were nine venture capital tech startup investments in the Provo metro worth a total of $462 million, according to the Associated Press. The level of investments in the area, as in other regions in Utah, is beginning to rival the levels in traditionally dominant tech centers such as Silicon Valley and the Boston region. The contribution to total economic output from the area’s advanced industries grew at an annualized rate of 7.2% between 2010 and 2013, nearly twice the comparable national growth rate, and the 12th fastest among large metro areas. Similarly, employment in advanced industry grew 5.9% per year, the 13th fastest among large metro areas. The unemployment rate of 3.0% in November was nearly the lowest nationwide. While the regional economy is very strong, wages remain relatively low. The average wage among all residents was less than $40,000 in 2013, nearly the lowest. The average wage among advanced industry workers was $70,990, also lower than wages of such workers in other areas.

11. Austin-Round Rock, TX
> Advanced industries, share of employment: 12.1%
> Advanced industries, share of output: 24.9%
> Annual avg. wage: $53,510
> Largest advanced industry: Computer Systems Design and Related Services

The economic output from advanced industries in the Austin-Round Rock metro area has grown at a healthy pace since at least the 1980s. Between 1980 and 2013, the industry’s economic output grew at an annualized rate of 9.9%, three times the comparable national growth rate and the highest rate among large metro areas. The economic output of all industries in the Austin area grew at an annualized rate of 5.7% between 1980 and 2013, also the fastest such growth rate among all large metros. Computer systems design and related services employed 21,690 area residents in 2013, the most compared to other types of advanced industries. Companies operating in these fields had a large pool of well educated residents in the area. More than 41% of area adults had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2013, the eighth highest attainment rate. The region is also home to the University of Austin, a large research institution and a major employer, with 21,000 employees.

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10. San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
> Advanced industries, share of employment: 12.3%
> Advanced industries, share of output: 21.2%
> Annual avg. wage: $58,850
> Largest advanced industry: Scientific Research and Development Services

In 2013, 12.3% of the workforce in the San Diego-Carlsbad metro area was employed in advanced industries, the 10th highest share among large metro areas. By contrast, 8.7% of the nation’s workforce was employed in such industries. The largest advanced industry in the area is involved with scientific research and development services. The area is home to the University of California San Diego, one of the area’s largest employers and a major research institution. Communications firm, Qualcomm, is headquartered in San Diego and is also among the region’s largest employers. Like most metro areas with high shares of advanced jobs, San Diego workers are on the whole relatively well compensated. The average wage was $58,850 in 2013, 12th highest among large metro areas and well above the average national wage of $50,130 that year.