Quantum technology is expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the Midwest by 2035, with roles spanning a variety skillsets, industries, and education levels.
The number of quantum technology jobs is expected to skyrocket over the next decade as quantum startups continue to launch and grow, end-use companies adopt the technology, and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is built and opens on Chicago’s South Side.
A 2024 analysis by Boston Consulting Group for the Chicago Quantum Exchange projected as many as 191,000 quantum technology jobs in the Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana region by 2035.
This growth, however, assumes continued government investment. Right now, the region has an advantage — and, with support, it is on pace to become the nation's leading zone for quantum innovation.
- Analysts predict as many as 191,000 quantum tech jobs in the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region by 2035, if government investment continues.
- Jobs will be open to workers at a range of education levels. By 2035, as many as 136,000 jobs — more than 70% — will be open to people to people who do not have graduate degrees.(The trend is already moving in this direction: a recent CQE study showed that about two-thirds of quantum jobs at companies are open to candidates with a bachelor's degree or less).
- By 2035, nearly a third of quantum jobs in the region are projected to be open to people with associates degrees or technical training.
- The growth is expected to be fast: Jobs are predicted to grow more than 200% from 2027 to 2030 — and then more than 550% between 2030 and 2035.