Over the past year, nearly two dozen new tech companies have established roots in Eugene and Springfield.

These new additions to the economy are creating an incredible number of new high-paying local job opportunities, with an average annual pay of $74,343. Later this month, many of these companies will open their doors to anyone who wants to learn more.

Job seekers, technology enthusiasts, students and people who are simply curious about local tech companies will get a chance to tour them on Sept. 20 at an event called Tech Tours.

Similar in style to a traditional open house, tech companies will open their doors to the public. The event creates a unique opportunity to see the products, meet the people, and experience the culture behind greater Eugene’s fastest growing industry.

Among the dozens of companies set to participate in Tech Tours is hot new video game startup Game Closure. Backed by more than $33 million in venture capital, the company is the creator of game titles including EverWing and Battle Cats Galaxy on Facebook's Instant Games platform.

Randall Dersham, who manages the new Eugene studio, says that “Game Closure heard about the rich history and community of game makers in Eugene, which encouraged us to learn more. In our research we discovered the great quality of life in Eugene and came to realize that it was also a fantastic place to invest in expanding our company.”

Another new local startup participating in Tech Tours this year is HighLevel, an all-in-one platform that helps turns customer feedback into insights, insights into action, and customer happiness into revenue.

Entrepreneur Shawn Clark founded HighLevel in Eugene “because it's a great place if you're looking for a flexible work-life balance and a rich local resource of talent from the surrounding community, University of Oregon and Lane Community College.”

Other notable local companies participating this year include Arcimoto, makers of the words first Fun Utility Vehicle, or FUV; Pipeworks Studio, the largest video game studio in Oregon; CBT Nuggets, which many call the Netflix of online training; AHM Brands, the creative agency behind brands like Hop Valley and Papé; and IDX, which has a reputation for being one of the best employers to work for in the nation.

If working for a tech company interests you, but you feel like you may not have the skills, do not count yourself out so quickly. Nearly all local tech companies are hiring for a variety of roles.

Current local job openings at tech companies include opportunities in sales, marketing and finance in addition to more technical occupations.

Several organizations participating at Tech Tours even specialize in helping individuals get the skills necessary to access high-demand jobs at tech companies.

There has never been a better time to see for yourself what all the buzz is about.

Matt Sayre is vice president of the Technology Association of Oregon. He lives in Springfield.