- The computer systems design and related services industry is expected to be one of the top 10 fastest growing industries in the economy, adding more than 600,000 jobs between 2002 and 2012.
- Professional and related workers enjoy the best prospects, reflecting continuing demand for higher level skills needed to keep up with changes in technology.
- Computer specialists account for 53 percent of all employees in this industry.
All organizations today rely on computer and information
technology to conduct business and operate more efficiently. Often,
however, these institutions do not have the internal resources to
effectively implement new technologies or satisfy their changing
needs. When this happens, they turn to the computer systems design
and related services industry to meet their specialized needs on a
contract or customer basis. Firms may enlist the services of one of
nearly 146,000 establishments in the computer systems design and
related services industry for help with a particular project or
problem, such as setting up a secure Web site or establishing a
marketplace online. Alternatively, they may choose to contract out
one or more activities, such as the management of their onsite data
center or help-desk support, to a computer services firm.
Services provided by this industry include custom computer
programming services; computer systems design services; computer
facilities management services, including computer systems or data
processing facilities support services for clients; and other
computer-related services such as disaster recovery services and
software installation. Computer training contractors, however, are
grouped with educational services, and establishments that
manufacture and sell computer equipment are included with electronic
equipment manufacturing. Establishments primarily engaged in
providing computer data processing services at their own facility
for others are classified in the data processing, hosting, and
related services industry. Producers of packaged software and
Internet-based software are part of the software publishers
industry, which is discussed elsewhere in the Career Guide.
Telecommunications services, including cable Internet providers,
also are covered in a separate Career Guide statement.
Professional services offered within this industry include custom
programming, computer systems design, and other specialized
consulting. Custom programming establishments write, modify, test,
and support software to meet the needs of a particular customer.
These service firms may be hired to code large programs or install a
software package on a user’s system and customize it to the user's
specific needs. Programming service firms also may update or
re-engineer existing systems. Systems design services firms plan and
design computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software,
and communications technologies. The hardware and software
components of the system may be provided by the design firm as part
of integrated services or may be provided by third parties or
vendors. These firms often install the system and train and support
its users.
Computer facilities management services usually are offered at
the customer’s site. Establishments offering these services
provide onsite management and operation of clients’ computer
systems and data processing facilities, as well as facilities
support services.
Electronic business (“e-business”) is any process that a
business organization conducts over a computer-mediated network.
Electronic commerce (“e-commerce”) is that part of e-business
that involves the buying and selling of goods and services online.
With the growth of the Internet and the expansion of electronic
commerce, some service firms specialize in developing and
maintaining Web sites for client companies. Others create and
maintain corporate intranets or self-contained internal networks
linking multiple users within an organization by means of Internet
technology. These firms design sophisticated computer networks,
assist with upgrades or conversions, custom design special
programming features for clients and engage in continual
maintenance. They help clients select the right hardware and
software products for a particular project, and then develop,
install, and implement the system, as well as train the client's
users. Service firms also offer consulting services for any stages
of development throughout the entire process, from design and
content development to administration and maintenance of site
security.
The widespread use of the Internet and intranets also has
resulted in an increased focus on security. The robust growth of
electronic commerce highlights this concern, as firms seek to
attract as many potential customers as possible to their websites.
Security threats range from damaging computer viruses to online
credit card fraud. Services contracted out to security consulting
firms include analyzing vulnerability, managing firewalls, and
providing intrusion and antivirus protection. Information technology
(IT) security has two important aspects: Computer security, making
software and networks safe; and homeland security, keeping track of
people and information. The need for more secure Internet and
Intranet sites to ensure protection for individuals’ personal
information, and for companies and banks to protect their funds and
infrastructure, has created a new demand for cyberspace security
professionals.
Most workers in this industry work in clean, quiet offices. Those
in facilities management and maintenance may work in computer
operations centers. Given the technology available today, however,
more work can be done from remote locations using modems, fax
machines, e-mail, and especially the Internet. For example, systems
analysts may work from home, with their computers linked directly to
computers at a financial services firm. Although they often relocate
to a customer’s place of business while working on a project,
programmers and consultants may actually perform work from locations
offsite. Even technical support personnel can tap into a
customer’s computer remotely in order to identify and fix
problems.
Only about 6 percent of the workers in computer systems design
and related services firms work part time, compared with 16 percent
of workers throughout all industries. Many workers in this industry
work more than the standard 40-hour workweek—about 1 in 5 work 50
or more hours a week. For many professionals and technical
specialists, evening or weekend work is common to meet deadlines or
solve problems. Professionals working for large establishments may
have less freedom in planning their schedule than do consultants for
very small firms, whose work may be more varied.
Those who work with personal computers for extended periods may
experience musculoskeletal strain, eye problems, stress, or
repetitive motion illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
In 2002, there were about 1.2 million wage and salary jobs, and
an additional 116,000 self-employed workers, making the industry one
of the largest in the economy. Most self-employed workers are
independent consultants.
While the industry has both large and small firms, the average
establishment in computer systems design and related services is
relatively small; over 78 percent of establishments employed fewer
than 5 workers. The majority of jobs, however, are found in
establishments that employ 50 or more workers (chart 1). Many small
establishments in the industry are startup firms that hope to
capitalize on a market niche.
Relative to the rest of the economy, there are significantly
fewer workers 45 years of age and older; this industry’s workforce
remains younger than most, with large proportions of workers in the
25 to 44 age range (table 1). This reflects the industry’s
explosive growth in employment since the early 1980s. The huge
increase in employment afforded thousands of opportunities to
younger workers possessing the newest technological skills.
Table
1. Percent distribution of employment in computer systems
design and related services by age group, 2002
| Age
group |
Computer
systems design
and related
services |
All
Industries |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
100.0% |
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
16-19
|
0.8 |
4.8 |
|
20-24
|
6.1 |
9.9 |
|
25-34
|
37.3 |
21.6 |
|
35-44
|
30.4 |
26.3 |
|
45-54
|
18.1 |
22.9 |
|
55-64
|
6.5 |
11.4 |
|
65
and older
|
0.7 |
3.2 |
Providing a wide array of information services to clients
requires a diverse and well-educated workforce. The majority of
workers in computer systems design and related services are
professional and related workers, such as computer systems
analysts, computer engineers, and computer
programmers (table 2). This occupational group accounts for
59 percent of the jobs in the industry, reflecting the emphasis on
high-level technical skills and creativity. By 2012, the share of
professional and related occupations is expected to be even greater,
while the share of office and administrative support jobs, currently
accounting for 14 percent of industry employment, is projected to
fall.
Programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions,
called programs or software, that computers must follow to perform
their functions. These specialized programs tell the computer what
to do—for example, which information to identify and access, how
to process it, and what equipment to use. Custom programmers write
these commands by breaking down each step into a logical series,
converting specifications into a language the computer understands.
While some still work with traditional programming languages like
COBOL, object-oriented programming languages, such as C++ and Java,
computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools, and artificial
intelligence shells now are being used to create and maintain
programs. These languages and tools allow portions of code to be
reused in programs that require similar routines. Many programmers
also customize a package to clients’ specific needs or create
better packages.
Computer engineers design, develop, test, and evaluate computer
hardware and related equipment, software programs, and systems.
Although programmers write and support programs in new languages,
much of the design and development now is the responsibility of software
engineers or software developers. (See Career
Guide statement on software publishers.)
Software engineers in systems design and related services must
possess strong programming skills, but are more concerned with
developing algorithms and analyzing and solving programming problems
for specific network systems than with actually writing code.
Computer systems software engineers are primarily engaged in
writing, modifying, testing, and developing software to meet the
needs of a particular customer. They develop software systems for
control and automation in manufacturing, business, and other areas.
Professionals involved in analyzing and solving problems include
systems analysts, who study business, scientific, or engineering
data processing problems and design new flows of information.
Computers need to be connected to each other and to a control server
to allow communication among users, thus enhancing use of their
computing power. Systems analysts tie together hardware and software
to give an organization the maximum benefit from its investment in
machines, personnel, and business processes. To do this, they may
design entirely new systems or add a single new software application
to harness more of the computer’s power. They use data modeling,
structured analysis, information engineering, and other methods.
Systems analysts prepare charts for programmers to follow for proper
coding and also perform cost-benefit analyses to help management
evaluate the system. They ensure that the system performs to its
specifications and test it thoroughly.
Database administrators determine ways to organize
and store data and work with database management systems software.
They set up computer databases and test and coordinate changes to
them. Because they also may be responsible for design implementation
and system security, database administrators often plan and
coordinate security measures.
Computer and information scientists work as
theorists, researchers, or inventors. They apply a higher level of
theoretical expertise and innovation and develop solutions to
complex problems relating to computer hardware and software.
Computer and information scientists with advanced backgrounds in
security may be employed as cyberspace security specialists in
disaster recovery situations or in custom security software
installation.
Computer support specialists provide technical
assistance, support, and advice to customers and users. This group
of occupations includes workers with a variety of titles, such as technical
support specialists and help-desk technicians.
These troubleshooters interpret problems, and provide technical
support for hardware, software, and systems. Support specialists may
work either within a company or other organization or directly for a
computer hardware and software vendor. They answer telephone calls,
analyze problems using automated diagnostic programs, and resolve
recurrent difficulties encountered by users.
Other computer specialists include a wide range of related
professionals who specialize in operation, analysis, education,
application, or design for a particular piece of the system. Many
are involved in the design, testing, and evaluation of network
systems, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs),
Internet, and other data communications systems. Specialty
occupations reflect an emphasis on client-server applications and
end-user support; however, occupational titles shift rapidly to
reflect new developments in technology.
Table
2. Employment of wage and salary workers in computer systems
design and related services by occupation, 2002 and projected
change, 2002-12
(Employment in thousands)
|
Occupation
|
Employment,
2002
|
Percent
change,2002-
2012
|
|
Number
|
Percent
|
|
All
occupations
|
1,163
|
100.0
|
54.6
|
|
Management,
business, and financial occupations
|
203
|
17.5
|
59.3
|
|
Chief
executives
|
8
|
0.7
|
52.6
|
|
General
and operations managers
|
32
|
2.7
|
48.4
|
|
Marketing
and sales managers
|
16
|
1.3
|
74.5
|
|
Sales
managers
|
8
|
0.7
|
65.5
|
|
Computer
and information systems managers
|
35
|
3.0
|
68.8
|
|
Financial
managers
|
8
|
0.7
|
52.6
|
|
Engineering
managers
|
7
|
0.6
|
52.6
|
|
All
other managers
|
7
|
0.6
|
52.6
|
|
Employment,
recruitment, and placement specialists
|
6
|
0.5
|
41.5
|
|
Training
and development specialists
|
5
|
0.4
|
60.8
|
|
All
other business operations specialists
|
16
|
1.4
|
67.9
|
|
Management
analysts
|
24
|
2.1
|
68.8
|
|
Accountants
and auditors
|
9
|
0.8
|
51.9
|
|
Professional
and related occupations
|
689
|
59.3
|
60.6
|
|
Computer
and information scientists, research
|
6
|
0.5
|
52.6
|
|
Computer
programmers
|
124
|
10.7
|
33.2
|
|
Computer
software engineers, applications
|
121
|
10.4
|
69.9
|
|
Computer
software engineers, systems software
|
70
|
6.1
|
86.9
|
|
Computer
support specialists
|
86
|
7.4
|
52.6
|
|
Computer
systems analysts
|
100
|
8.6
|
68.4
|
|
Database
administrators
|
15
|
1.3
|
74.8
|
|
Network
and computer systems administrators
|
40
|
3.4
|
68.4
|
|
Network
systems and data communications analysts
|
24
|
2.0
|
91.4
|
|
All
other computer specialists
|
27
|
2.4
|
65.9
|
|
Operations
research analysts
|
5
|
0.5
|
-4.1
|
|
Computer
hardware engineers
|
10
|
0.8
|
52.9
|
|
Multi-media
artists and animators
|
5
|
0.4
|
22.1
|
|
Technical
writers
|
7
|
0.6
|
52.6
|
|
Sales
and related occupations
|
67
|
5.8
|
38.1
|
|
Sales
representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and
scientific products
|
20
|
1.7
|
22.1
|
|
Sales
engineers
|
6
|
0.5
|
22.1
|
|
Telemarketers
|
4
|
0.4
|
14.1
|
|
All
other sales and related workers
|
18
|
1.6
|
52.6
|
|
Office
and administrative support occupations
|
165
|
14.2
|
33.1
|
|
First-line
supervisors managers of office and administrative support
workers
|
11
|
0.9
|
30.9
|
|
Bookkeeping,
accounting, and auditing clerks
|
14
|
1.2
|
30.2
|
|
Customer
service representatives
|
32
|
2.8
|
52.6
|
|
Receptionists
and information clerks
|
6
|
0.5
|
52.6
|
|
Secretaries
and administrative assistants
|
31
|
2.7
|
31.0
|
|
Computer
operators
|
8
|
0.7
|
3.5
|
|
Data
entry keyers
|
8
|
0.7
|
10.3
|
|
Office
clerks, general
|
20
|
1.7
|
32.9
|
|
Installation,
maintenance, and repair occupations
|
21
|
1.8
|
45.6
|
|
Computer,
automated teller, and office machine repairers
|
6
|
0.6
|
37.4
|
|
Telecommunications
equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
|
6
|
0.5
|
45.0
|
|
NOTE:
May not add to totals due to omission of occupations with
small employment.
|
Network systems and data communications analysts,
for example, design, and evaluate network systems, such as LANs,
WANs, and the Internet. They perform network modeling, analysis,
and planning and may deal with the interfacing of computer and
communications equipment. With the explosive growth of the
Internet, this group includes a variety of occupations relating to
design, development, and maintenance of Web sites and their
servers. Web developers are responsible for
day-to-day site design and creation. Webmasters are
responsible for the technical aspects of the Web site, including
performance issues such as speed of access, and for approving site
content.
Network or computer systems administrators
install, configure, and support an organization’s LAN, WAN,
network segment, or Internet system. They maintain network
hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network
to ensure availability to system users. Administrators also may
plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures. In some
organizations, computer security specialists are
responsible for the organization’s information security.
Computer and information systems managers direct
the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, and other
computer-related workers. They analyze the computer and
information needs of their organization and determine personnel
and equipment requirements. These managers plan and coordinate
activities such as the installation and upgrading of hardware and
software; programming and systems design; development of computer
networks; and implementation of Internet and intranet sites.
Due, in part, to the robust growth in electronic commerce, a
growing number of other workers in this industry is in sales and
related occupations. In order to compete successfully and gain
customers and clients in the online world, the presentation and
features of Web sites and other Web-related content becomes
increasingly important. The marketing and sales workers employed
in this industry are responsible for promoting and selling the
products and services provided by the various sectors of this
industry.
Occupations in the computer and data processing services
industry require varying levels of education. The level of
education and type of training required depend on employers’
needs. One factor affecting these needs is changes in technology.
In the past, there has been strong demand for workers with skills
related to the Internet, sending employers scrambling to find
workers capable of implementing “hot” new technologies. As the
job market for computer specialists has become more competitive,
employers have become more selective in the hiring process.
Formerly, employers might hire an applicant with less
computer-related education or experience in efforts to keep up
with the fast growth in this industry. Growth in the numbers of
qualified workers, as well as shrinking of the technology job
market from its peak in 2000, has made employers more selective,
hiring those candidates with more education and more experience.
Another factor driving employers’ needs is the timeframe within
which a project must be completed.
Computer programmers commonly hold a bachelor’s degree;
however, there are no universal educational requirements. Some
hold a degree in computer science, mathematics, or information
systems, while others have taken special courses in computer
programming to supplement their study in fields such as
accounting, inventory control, or other areas of business. Because
employers’ needs are so varied, a 2-year degree or certificate
may be sufficient for some positions, so long as applicants
possess the right technical skills.
Most computer systems analysts and computer engineers, on the
other hand, usually have a bachelor’s or higher degree and work
experience. Many hold advanced degrees in technical fields or a
master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a
concentration in information systems, and are specialists in their
fields. For systems analyst, programmer-analyst, or even database
administrator positions, many employers seek applicants who have a
bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or
management information systems (MIS). For computer and information
scientists, a doctoral degree generally is required due to the
highly technical nature of their work. For some networks systems
and data communication analysts, such as Webmasters, an associate
degree or certificate generally is sufficient, although more
advanced positions might require a computer-related bachelor’s
degree.
Persons interested in becoming a computer support specialist
generally need only an associate degree in a computer-related
field, as well as significant hands-on experience with computers.
They also must possess strong problem-solving and analytical
skills as well as excellent communication skills, because
troubleshooting and helping others are such a vital part of the
job. And because there is constant interaction on the job with
other computer personnel, customers, or employees, computer
support specialists must be able to communicate effectively on
paper, via e-mail, or in person. They also must possess strong
writing skills when preparing manuals for employees and customers.
As technology continues to improve, computer support specialists
must constantly strive to stay up to date and acquire new skills
if they wish to remain in the field.
Computer and information systems managers usually require a
bachelor’s degree in a computer-related occupation, combined
with work experience. Employers, though, often prefer a graduate
degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.
The size of the firm and the local demand for workers also may
influence training requirements for specific jobs. Smaller firms
may be willing to train informally on the job, whereas larger
organizations may pay for formal training or higher education. For
example, many of the marketing and sales workers are able to
secure entry-level jobs with little technical knowledge but
quickly learn the technical knowledge necessary for their company
and product. With more formal education, employees may advance to
completely different jobs within the industry. Education or
training in a specialty area may provide new opportunities for the
worker and allow the establishment to offer new services.
As technological advances in the computer field continue,
employers in all areas demand a higher level of skill and
expertise. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and
universities, private training institutions, or professional
computing societies offer continuing education and professional
development seminars. Technical or professional certification is a
way by which employers ensure the competency or quality of
computer professionals. Certification can be obtained voluntarily,
though many vendors now offer or even require professionals who
work with their products to be certified.
Voluntary certification is available through organizations such
as the Institute of Certification and Computing Professionals (ICCP)
and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Computer Society. Although professional certification is not
mandatory, it may provide a jobseeker a competitive advantage.
ICCP offers the Certified Computing Professional (CCP) designation
to those who have at least 2 years of experience and a college
degree. Candidates must pass a core examination testing general
knowledge, plus exams in two specialty areas, or in a specialty
area and two computer programming languages. The IEEE Computer
Society recently created a certification process for software
engineers who pass an examination.
Entry-level computer programmers usually start working with an
experienced programmer, updating existing code, generating lines
of one portion of a larger program, or writing relatively simple
programs. They then advance to more difficult programming and may
become project supervisors, or move into higher management
positions within the organization. Many programmers who work
closely with systems analysts advance to systems analyst
positions.
Systems analysts may begin working with experienced analysts or
may deal with only small systems or one aspect of a system. They
also may move into supervisory positions as they gain further
education or work experience. Systems analysts who work with one
type of system, or one aspect or application of a system, can
become specialty consultants or move into management positions.
Computer engineers and scientists who show leadership ability also
can become project managers or advance into management positions,
such as manager of information systems or chief information
officer. Technical support specialists may advance by developing
expertise in an area that leads to other opportunities. For
example, those responsible for network support may advance into
network administration or network security.
Consulting is an attractive option for experienced workers who
do not wish to advance to management positions, or who would
rather continue to work with hands-on applications or in a
particular specialty. These workers may market their services on
their own, under contract as specialized consultants, or with an
organization that provides consulting services to outside clients.
Many of the largest firms today have subsidiaries that offer
specialized services to the host company and to outside clients.
Large consulting and computer firms often will hire inexperienced
college graduates and put them through intensive, company-based
programs that train them to provide such services.
Many experienced workers also have opportunities to move into
sales positions as they gain knowledge of specific products. The
emergence of various forms of electronic commerce has resulted in
efforts by technical workers to make Web sites and content
appealing to potential customers, so that they become comfortable
conducting transactions over the Internet. Computer programmers
who adapt prepackaged software for accounting organizations may
use their specialized knowledge to sell such products to similar
firms.
The computer systems design and related services industry grew
dramatically throughout the 1990s, as employment more than
doubled. And despite recent job losses in certain sectors, this
remains one of the 10 fastest growing industries in the Nation.
Wage and salary employment is expected to grow 55 percent by the
year 2012, compared with only 16 percent growth projected for the
entire economy. Given the rate at which the computer systems
design and related services industry is expected to grow and the
increasing complexity of technology available, job opportunities
will be extremely favorable for most workers. The best
opportunities will be for professional and related occupations,
reflecting their growth and the continuing demand for higher level
skills to keep up with changes in technology.
An increasing reliance on information technology, combined with
falling prices of computers and related hardware, means that
individuals and organizations will continue to turn to computer
systems design and related services firms to maximize the return
on their investments in equipment and to fulfill their growing
computing needs. Such needs include the expansion of electronic
commerce, a growing reliance on the Internet, faster and more
efficient internal and external communication, and the
implementation of new technologies and applications. With
increasing global competition and rising costs, organizations must
be able to obtain and manage the latest information in order to
make business decisions. At the same time, employment growth may
be tempered somewhat by an increase in contracting out more
routine services abroad, where labor costs are lower, as companies
strive to remain competitive. For example, firms have been able to
cut costs by shifting more support services operations abroad to
countries with highly educated workers who have strong technical
skills. However, the trend towards contracting out work will
adversely affect employment of only certain types of workers, such
as programmers and computer support specialists, because much of
the work integrating and designing systems needs to be done
onsite.
Within the computer systems design and related services
industry, projected growth varies by sector. The demand for
networking and the need to integrate new hardware, software, and
communications technologies will drive the demand for consulting
and integration. A need for more customized applications
development and support and services to assist users will drive
demand for applications development and facilities support
services. And, as more individuals and organizations are
conducting business electronically, the importance of maintaining
system and network security will increase. Recent events have made
society more conscious of the vulnerability of technology and the
Internet. The increasing need for security related to information
technology will expand employment opportunities for individuals
involved in cyberspace security services such as disaster recovery
services, custom security programming, and security software
installation services.
This increased need for security will help to create more jobs
in the computer systems design and related services industry.
Security specialists will be employed more often to make judgments
on a system’s vulnerability. Custom programmers and designers
will be asked to help develop new antivirus software, programs,
and procedures as preemptive measures to keep “hackers” out
and systems virusfree. Therefore, employment of security analysts
and consultants with security experience and expertise should rise
rapidly.
New growth areas will continue to arise from rapidly evolving
technologies and business forces. The expansion of the Internet,
the proliferation of Web sites, and “mobile” technology such
as wireless Internet have created a demand for a wide variety of
new products and services, including online services, network
design services, and a range of specialized consulting. For
example, the expansion of the wireless Internet, known as WiFi,
brings a new aspect of mobility to information technology. This
new technology will allow people to stay connected anywhere
anytime, in restaurants, shops, hotels, and even on airplanes. As
individuals and businesses rely more on more compact, hand-held
computers and wireless Internet connections, it will be necessary
to integrate the current computer systems with this more mobile
new technology. The expansion of this technology in the next 10
years will lead to an increased need for “mobility
consultants” or service firms that can help companies design and
integrate computer systems so that they will be compatible with
one another.
The way the Internet is used is constantly changing, along with
the products, services, and personnel required to support new
applications. Expanding electronic commerce changed the way
companies transact business, enabling markets to expand and an
increasing array of services to be provided to customers. And, as
the amount of computer-stored information grows, organizations
will continue to look for ways to tap the full potential of their
vast stores of data. Demand for an even wider array of services
should increase as companies continue to expand their
capabilities, integrate new technologies, and develop new
applications. As there are more innovations and new technology is
released, there will be a steady need for computer systems
facilities support services to provide assistance to the users.
Given the increasingly widespread use of information
technologies and the overall rate of growth expected for the
entire industry, most occupations should continue to grow rapidly,
although some will do so faster than others. As firms continue to
install sophisticated computer networks, set up Internet and
intranet sites, and engage in electronic commerce, the most rapid
growth will occur among computer specialists such as systems
analysts, network and computer systems administrators, computer
support specialists, and computer and information systems
managers. Employment of programmers should continue to expand, but
more slowly than that of other occupations, as the proportion of
programmers decreases in relation to other computer specialists.
Employees in the computer systems design and related services
industry generally command higher earnings than the national
average. All production or nonsupervisory workers in the industry
averaged $1,103 a week in 2002, significantly higher than the
average of $506 for all industries. This reflects the
concentration of professionals and specialists who often are
highly compensated for their specialized skills or expertise.
Given the pace at which technology advances in this industry,
earnings can be driven by demand for specific skills or
experience. Workers in segments of the industry that offer only
professional services have even higher average earnings because
there are fewer less skilled, lower paid workers in these
segments. Earnings in selected occupations in computer systems
design and related services appear in table 3.
As one might expect, education and experience influence
earnings as well. For example, annual earnings of computer
software engineers ranged from less than $43,750 for the lowest 10
percent to more than $113,590 for the highest 10 percent in 2002.
Managers usually earn more because they have been on the job
longer and are more experienced than their staffs, but their
salaries, too, can vary by level and experience. Accordingly,
annual earnings of computer and information systems managers
ranged from less than $55,620 for the lowest 10 percent to more
than $145,600 for the highest 10 percent in 2002. Earnings also
are affected by other factors, such as size, location, and type of
establishment, hours and responsibilities of the employee, and
level of sales.
Table
3. Median hourly earnings of the largest occupations in computer
systems design and related services, 2002
| Occupation |
Computer
systems design and related services |
All
industries |
|
General
and operations managers
|
$53.64 |
$32.80 |
|
Computer
and information systems managers
|
45.31 |
40.98 |
|
Computer
software engineers, systems software
|
35.32 |
35.60 |
|
Computer
software engineers, applications
|
34.56 |
34.09 |
|
Computer
systems analysts
|
32.54 |
30.24 |
|
Management
analysts
|
31.79 |
29.01 |
|
Computer
programmers
|
31.56 |
28.98 |
|
Network
and computer systems administrators
|
28.27 |
26.35 |
|
Computer
support specialists
|
19.76 |
18.80 |
|
Customer
service representatives
|
14.01 |
12.62 |
Unionization is rare in the computer systems design and related
services industry; fewer than 2 percent of all workers are union
members or are covered by union contracts, compared with 15 percent
of workers throughout private industry.
Source - Bureau of Labor Statistics
>>
Find A College <<
Back to Top
|
