TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The number of available online job openings in STEM-related fields in Florida is up sharply over the previous year, with more than 64,000 postings in September 2012 (the most recent month available). Over-the-year job postings are up almost 9 percent compared to September 2011.

“Jobs in STEM-related fields are high skill positions that are helping to further grow and diversify our economy,” said Governor Rick Scott. “Seeing an increase in the demand for these jobs shows that we’re making significant strides and ensuring that Florida is a leader in growing industries.”

According to the Help Wanted OnLine data series from The Conference Board, the number of STEM-related job postings in Florida in September 2012 increased by over 5,000 from the previous September. Major occupational groups with the most online ads in September were healthcare practitioners and technical occupations; computer and mathematical occupations; and business and financial operations occupations. Hillsborough County led all Florida counties in job postings followed by Miami-Dade, Orange, Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties.

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and STEM-related jobs are ones that are considered high wage and high skill. Workers in STEM occupations use science and math to drive our state’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, new companies and new industries.