Rural communities in the West have lost jobs in traditional (i.e., resource based) industries, a change that has prompted a search for new employment opportunities. High-tech manufacturing has been the focus of considerable attention because of its potential for continued rapid growth. Many high-tech industries are dispersing geographically to small urban areas and nonmetropolitan counties. The growth, employment, and decentralization characteristics of high-tech manufacturing industries indicate their potential to generate employment opportunities in nonmetropolitan economies. This report, the product of a study that surveyed 280 high-tech and 301 low-tech establishments in nonmetropolitan counties in 11 western states presents the following conclusions: (1) small towns and rural counties are not at any particular disadvantage although greater percentages of large plants and branch plants locate in metropolitan-adjacent counties; (2) high-tech plants generate as many jobs as traditional plants; (3) the structure of occupations differs between high-tech and low-tech and between branch and single unit plants; (4) high-tech plants employ higher percentages of women, concentrated in lower skilled production occupations; and (5) high-tech plants purchase a lower percentage of local nonlabor inputs than low-tech plants. Statistical data are reported in tables and graphs. A list of high technology industries is included as an appendix. This report contains 10 references. (ALL)