Information Technology continues to be a growing and high-wage sector of great importance to the finance, healthcare, and high tech industries. About 79,886 people are currently employed in IT roles, with about 7% of these found in state or local government. Employers continue to seek candidates with credentials; 98% of online job postings advertised during the 4th quarter of 2017 required a certificate or some college education. Sector employment is expected to grow by 1% annually through 2020, but if growth conditions improve, could rise by 2.2% to about 85,183.