Here's some news that you didn't expect from the battered financial services industry.

Charles Schwab Corp. announced plans Thursday to add more than 500 new jobs in Colorado over a three-year period starting in mid-2009.

The average salary for the primarily information technology jobs: $75,000.

"Even if the economy wasn't in dire straits, this would be a major economic development deal," Gov. Bill Ritter said at a news conference at the state Capitol.

The San Francisco-based financial services company will base the positions in Douglas County's Inverness Business Park.

The news comes on the heels of a record number of jobless claims for the state. Colorado's unemployment rate climbed to 5.8 percent in November and is expected to continue rising in coming months.

Schwab's expanded presence will bring roughly $157 million in annual economic benefit to the state. It plans to invest about $2.7 million on technology equipment and refurbishing and furnishing the facility it will lease to house the new employees.

"This is big deal," said John Brackney, president of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. "This is a good sign for Colorado."

The company already has 1,300 employees in Colorado, although company officials said it has been scaling back in some areas here and in other states to cut expenses. The plan to add tech jobs here is part of a "long-term geographic strategy," said Sherri Kroonenberg, senior vice president of Schwab Investor Services.

She said most of the jobs will be filled with new hires, while a small percentage will be taken by employees who relocate to Colorado.

Schwab will receive a yet-to-be- determined cash payment from the state, which competed with others to woo the company, once it creates the jobs and keeps them here. The economic development incentive comes from money raised through the state's gaming sector.

"The exact amount (Schwab will get) will depend," said Don Elliman, head of the state's economic development office. "It could hit seven figures . . . the first number of those seven figures is likely to be a low one."

kelleyj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5068

WHAT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES GIANT PLANS TO DO

* Who: Charles Schwab Corp., the San Francisco-based financial services giant

* What: Plans to create 500 new jobs in Colorado, mainly information technology positions that will bring about $157 million in economic benefit to the state

* Why: The firm already has a presence in the Denver area and its long-term strategy is to spread jobs throughout its various locations

* When: Over three years starting in mid-2009

* Where: Inverness Business Park in Douglas County

* How: Interested parties can get started online at: aboutschwab.com/careers