BELMONT, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A comprehensive study of electronics hobbyists released today found that over 68% of hobbyists believe electronics as a hobby is essential to fueling the American economy. Over 1700 electronics hobbyists participated in the study, the Great American Electronics Hobbyist Census, conducted by electronic component distributor, Jameco Electronics.
In 2014, electronic component shipments in the United States grew to 4.9% according to the Commerce Department—well ahead of the growth of the overall economy. Participants cited component availability and affordability as a driving factor behind future growth in the hobby.
“By all measures, the electronics hobby is booming,” said Greg Harris, Jameco Vice President of Marketing. “Our study found an underlying passion for electronics that builds the kinds of skills that make the American economy strong.” Serious electronics enthusiasts expect growth of the hobby to continue. More than half of the study respondents state they plan to increase the amount of electronics projects they complete over the next five years.
The study also revealed that half of hobbyists surveyed had no professional ties to electronics and that while 19% of engineering students today are women, just 2% of the participating electronics hobbyists were women. The study is broad in scope and reveals topics ranging from the component most revered to the fact that 77% of participants report having blown something up while participating in the hobby.
To read more, or for a free executive results summary, visit www.Jameco.com/ElectronicsHobbyists.
For More Details: Jameco Electronics Hobbyist Study: Electronics Skills Are Critical to Fueling American Economy
