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Abstract
This paper utilizes data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment
Survey (OES) to estimate relative cost-of-living (COL) indices for each state. Information
Technology (IT) activity (as opposed to industry) is defined by employment in computer
and math-related occupations (SOC 15). Occupational location quotients were calculated to
identify the current distribution of IT. Money wages for these occupations were deflated by estimated
state COL’s to obtain real wages. Under the assumption that capital flows respond to
relative money wages while labor responds to real salaries, future growth trajectories for currently
specialized states as well as potentially specializing states are investigated. Results indicate
a likely geographic dispersal of IT. Finally, policy recommendations are made.