Number of high-tech Jobs: 292,969

High-tech payroll: $29.4 billion

Average wage: $100,488

Area employers: George Washington University, Georgetown University, LivingSocial

Washington-based coupon site LivingSocial is hiring to fill more than 100 positions around the world. Last year, local job growth in high-tech fell 1 percent when many companies in the area suffered as their main client—the U.S. government—tightened spending. Many area companies focus on computer system design and engineering services. The average tech worker in the Washington area made 69 percent more money than did the average private sector staffer.