Computer: Schools and Careers

Computer - Career Information

Computer Career Overview

The Computer profession encompasses an ever-growing number of specializations and career opportunities. The widespread proliferation of the information technology industry has spawned a huge variety of occupations spanning the areas of product development, design, support, testing, research, and more. Individuals with computer-related careers might find themselves in a variety of environments including academia, industry, government, manufacturing, business, and health care organizations. While there are many specialties and sub-specialties in the field, computer-related careers can be divided into a few major groupings:

Computer engineers (software or hardware): This is the broadest grouping of computer professional and also the most in demand. Software engineers design all types of widely-used systems and applications. Based on users' needs, they develop, construct, test, and maintain software for compilers, operating systems, control systems, data compression and transmission technology, artificial intelligence, networking, and many varieties of applications. Hardware engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of computer hardware such as circuit boards, computer chips, modems, keyboards, and printers.
Computer support specialists: These professionals help people use computers. They troubleshoot problems and either fix them or assist clients in fixing them. They also install software and peripheral devices such as printers and modems, and often perform preventative or routine maintenance on computer systems.
Systems analysts: This variety of professional plans and tests a system or a network of systems to perform a required set of tasks for the client. They often advise businesses which computers and software to buy and then get the components to work together. They plan how information will get into the system, how it will be processed, and how it will get to the parties who need it.
Website managers: These people construct and maintain websites. In doing so, they often combine technical and artistic expertise to create Internet sites that are both functional and attractive. They also need to optimize the speed and size of the site so that it operates to maximum efficiency. In many cases, website managers will work closely with artists, writers, and designers to decide how the site will look.
Database administrators: These professionals set up large computer databases and then store, organize, and manage the information contained in them. In doing so, they need to actively address issues such as security, data integrity, and data backup as part of their job.

Computer Career Education

Educational requirements vary widely in this field and depend on exactly what type of computer profession an individual wishes to pursue. Those wishing to become computer engineers will need a bachelor's degree in a related area. Software engineers should get their degree in computer science, software engineering, or applied mathematics. Ideally, hardware engineers should obtain an engineering degree, although a science or math degree may suffice for some jobs. Some of the more complex jobs in either area may require a graduate degree. While a degree is not mandatory for a support specialist job, it would make things easier when seeking employment. Many support specialists earn associate degrees, although some prepare for jobs by passing a certification test using knowledge derived from their experience working with computers.

Systems analyst jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science, information science, or management information systems. Some analysts get their degree in other subjects and take computer classes to acquire computer experience. A very helpful asset for a systems analyst is a master's degree in business, which will help provide an understanding of the types of computers that businesses need. Website managers should plan on going to college for at least two years to earn an associate degree, although some jobs in this area require a four-year bachelor's degree, especially if the job is complicated, high paying, or includes supervising others. Website managers can enhance their marketability by supplementing their degree program with art and design courses.

Education requirements for database administrator jobs vary by employer. Some jobs require only a two-year associate degree in computer science or a related information technology field. Others require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). And for some jobs, employers seek workers with a master's degree in business administration (MBA) and a concentration in information systems.

Schools for Computer are listed in the column to the left.

Careers and Salary Data

This table shows summary data on occupations in the US. Clicking on any occupation name brings you to a page showing job prospects and salaries for that occupation in hundreds of metro areas across the country, with data updated through 2008.(Where data is denoted by an asterisk (*), summary info was not available.

The green bars in the table below indicate the relative salary levels and growth rates of each occupation, compared to the others. The levels are determined by sorting the occupations (by salary or growth rate, separately) and then dividing them into ten groups corresponding to the the ten possible green bar levels. So a single bar means the occupation is in the bottom 10% for that characteristic compared to others on this page.

Click each Occupation title for more details.

Computer

Occupation	Jobs	Median Pay	% Growth 2006-2016
Computer and Information Scientists	26,610	$97,970	21.5%
Computer Operators	107,450	$35,600	-24.7%
Computer Programmers	394,230	$69,620	-4.1%
Computer Support Specialists	545,520	$43,450	12.9%
Computer Systems Managers	276,820	$112,210	16.4%
Database Administrators	115,770	$69,740	28.6%
Network and Communications Analysts	230,410	$71,100	53.4%
Network and Systems Administrators	327,850	$66,310	27.0%
Operations Research Analysts	60,860	$69,000	10.6%
Software Engineers For Applications	494,160	$85,430	44.6%
Software Engineers For Systems	381,830	$92,430	28.2%
Systems Analysts	489,890	$75,500	29.0%