The number of IT jobs in the US surpassed the four million mark in April 2011, new figures have shown.

According to analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a total of 5,000 positions in the sector were created over the month.

The report by the TechServe Alliance also revealed that the number of IT jobs rose above four million in February this year, based on upward revisions of previous estimates.

In its monthly index of IT employment, the industry body noted the sector has witnessed 16 consecutive monthly rises in jobs, taking the total to 4.0099 million, 136,000 roles higher than in April 2010.

TechServe Alliance chief executive Mark Roberts declared: "I am heartened by the continued strength of IT employment topping 4 million jobs for the first time since November 2008."

BLS announced earlier this month that a total of 244,000 new posts were created in the US during April this year, while the nation's unemployment rate stood at nine per cent for the month.

Posted by Fiona Summers