Have you always wanted to work in technology, but wasn’t sure how? Consider starting or growing your career in technology and innovation in the West Virginia tech ecosystem.
West Virginia has a hub of technology companies, tech-focused accelerators, high-tech parks, community colleges and higher education systems. The tech industry is a thriving part of the state, generating $2.5 billion in new job opportunities.
For entrepreneurs, WV fosters tech startups with access to a variety of funding sources.
Sound like something you’d be interested in? Read on to learn more about the technology industry and job openings in #YesWV!
Why you want to work in tech in YesWV
Get the work-life balance you want
In addition to being a good place for work, Almost Heaven, West Virginia is a great place to play, raise a family and build a life.
WV provides high quality of life, with neighborly small towns and four seasons of recreational opportunities, including white water rafting, golfing, skiing, hiking and biking.
Dedicated programs for start ups and entrepreneurs
Pursuing a career in tech in WV offers you a unique chance to evolve and polish your entrepreneurial skills. In fact, West Virginia is one of few states that has passed a “Sandbox Legislation” to encourage startup activities and entrepreneurship.
This law allows startup businesses a 24 month period to test innovative financial products or services, and provided that the product is successful, the entity would be able to continue operating in West Virginia after the sandbox period.
Access to higher education and training
West Virginia is home to 35 higher education IT programs. Workforce training programs, community college, or any of West Virginia’s four-year institutions will get you what you need to land the tech job of your dreams.
Who is hiring now in West Virginia?
Technology and Information Services is an emerging industry in West Virginia. Believe it or not, #YesWV is home to some prominent names in the tech industry. Businesses like Leidos, IBM, and Keylogic are just a few examples.
Leidos, Inc.
Morgantown, WV is home to the Leidos, Inc. center of excellence in agile software development. The Fortune 500 company is a global leader in integrating and applying information technology, engineering, and science. Leidos partners with West Virginia University to drive innovation and develop the company’s workforce for the future.
Click to see which positions Leidos is currently hiring for!
9 more tech companies hiring now in West Virginia
Core 10 – Excellent APIs and implementations don’t build themselves. Build your career at Core 10.
IBM – Apply intelligence, reason and science, to improve business at this tech giant’s WV locations.
Advantage Technology – WV largest full-service IT company is always recruiting talent for cyber security, cloud computing, professional services, and more.
TMC Technologies – Software and application engineers are in demand to build agile, secure, intelligent solutions.
Northrop Grumman – Northrop Grumman is a leader in science, technology, and engineering that has a range off roles from internship to leadership.
ManTech Whether you’re a scrum master, systems administrators, or a different kind of technologist, you can find your next adventure at ManTech.
MITRE – Mitre’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Pick from three different career paths based on your level of expertise.
KeyLogic – Try new roles, learn new things, and take on new missions by joining this rapidly growing mid-tier enterprise.
Oktana – Seeking developers of all types interested in learning how to integrate and build with Salesforce technologies to join the Oktana family
Are you an entrepreneur looking for your next adventure? Look no further!
A robust tech ecosystem, combined with the state’s skilled workforce, low cost of doing business and high quality of life, make West Virginia a great place to relocate, invest and expand. Read on to find out why #YesWV is a great fit for your startup!
Key credits and tax advantages for technology businesses
- High Technology Valuation Act (Data Centers): Tangible personal property, including servers, directly used in a high-technology business or an Internet advertising business, is valued for property tax purposes at 5% of the original cost of the property.
Plus, there is a sales tax exemption for all purchases of prewritten computer software, computers, computer hardware, servers, building materials and tangible personal property for direct use in a qualified high-technology business or internet advertising business.
- Research and Development Sales Tax Exemption: Purchases of tangible personal property and services directly used in research and development are exempt from the consumer sales tax.
- High-Tech Manufacturing Credit: Businesses that manufacture certain computers and peripheral equipment, electronic components or semiconductors and which create at least 20 new jobs within one year after placement of qualified investment into service can receive a tax credit to offset 100% of the corporate net income tax, and personal income tax on certain pass-through income for 20 consecutive years. Jobs must have a median compensation of $55,800 (for 2020), adjusted for inflation each year.
Start your tech job in West Virginia today
With such a wealth of tech opportunities and companies across the state that are actively hiring, start your WV job search today.
Stay current with West Virginia
Keep up to date with the [great things happening in West Virginia with informative podcasts and more!] (https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx)
This article is sponsored by WorkForce West Virginia. All opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.