The Randstad Technologies IT Employee Confidence Index rose again in the third quarter to a reading of 60.4, a 6.8-point jump from the second quarter and its highest level since the survey began in 2005. The index measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment.

“It’s a good time to be in the tech sector. Hiring needs have picked up as clients are continuing to invest more in a contingent workforce, as well as in permanent staff,” said Bob Dickey, group president, technology and engineering. “At the same time, we are also seeing companies face challenges in attracting and retaining talent.”

The index found that 52 percent of IT workers are confident in their ability to find new jobs, up from 47 percent in the prior quarter. However, fewer employees plan to look for a new job in the next 12 months, falling to 37 percent in the third quarter from 43 percent in the second quarter.

Sixty-one percent of IT professionals are confident in the future of their employers, up from 56 percent last quarter. And the percentage who believe the economy is getting stronger rose 12 percentage points to 42 percent.

Seventy-seven percent of IT workers reported it is not likely they will lose their job in the next 12 months, up 19 percentage points from the previous quarter.

The index is based on an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad Technologies in July, August and September 2013. It included 195 respondents employed in IT.