A national group working to promote entrepreneurship says Augusta has the second highest growth rate of high tech jobs in the past five years.

Only Boise, Idaho grew tech jobs faster.

San Francisco based Engine Advocacy says between 2006 and 2011, Augusta increased its technology sector jobs by 81%.

City officials credit the area's low cost of living.

Sue Parr of the Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce says the region also has several medical facilities and military installations that produce jobs requiring advanced degrees.

"We have a large number of hospitals and health care providers here in our community that are transitioning and needing to increase their capacities for technology," Parr says.

Augusta-Richmond County recently started a "collaboration center" to promote high tech job growth.

Parr credits medical and military jobs plus growth a call center for New Jersey based ADP.

"As our business community continues to grow we've had great success here in the customer care management center and I believe that our health care sector and our military sector is what is really moving that needle."

Engine Advocacy uses a federal definition of high tech jobs that includes scientists, technicians and engineers.

Tags: GPBnews, orlando montoya, Sue Parr, ADP, Engine Advocacy, Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce