Though technology professionals continue to be highly satisfied with their jobs, more are unlikely to recommend a technology career to others, according to the third Dice Tech Appeal Index, which gauges overall interest in working in the IT field compared to other industries.

According to the report, 91 percent of those surveyed say they are somewhat to very satisfied in their current job and 92 percent intend to stay in the IT field for at least the next six months.

However, 86 percent are likely to recommend technology as a career to others, which is essentially unchanged from the October 2006 study, and more are likely to recommend a career in other industries, such as financial services (56 percent versus 47 percent a year ago) and media/entertainment (44 percent versus 34 percent a year ago.)

“Although the satisfaction and loyalty levels of IT professionals continue to be strong, we’re seeing evidence of the possible retention issues over the long term,” said Scot Melland, chairman, president and CEO of Dice Holdings Inc., parent company of Urbandale-based Dice.

The vast majority (91 percent) of technology professionals associate the field with stress, due to workload, dealing with clients and the pace of the job. An increased percentage of IT professionals (46 percent compared with 39 percent in October 2006) also fear that jobs will outsourced overseas.

Dice surveyed 565 adults employed in IT professions between Aug. 8 and 14.