Industry Information
Computer Systems Design and Related Services Industry
- Nature of the Industry
- Working Conditions
- Employment
- Occupations in the Industry
- Training and Advancement
- Outlook
- Earnings
- Sources of Additional Information
Significant Points:
- The computer systems design and related services industry is expected to experience rapid growth, adding 453,000 jobs between 2004 and 2014.
- 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.
Nature of the Industry |
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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 faced with these limitations, organizations 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 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, these firms 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 included in the Career Guide statement on educational services, and establishments that manufacture computer equipment are included in the Career Guide statement on computer and electronic product 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.
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 to 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 reengineer 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 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 e-commerce, some service firms specialize in developing and maintaining sites on the World Wide Web (see below) for client companies. Others create and maintain corporate intranets or self-contained internal networks linking multiple users within an organization by means of Internet or, more recently, wireless 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 e-commerce highlights this concern, as firms seek to attract as many potential customers as possible to their Web sites. 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 protection against intrusion and software ?viruses.? Information technology (IT) security involves 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 to allow companies and banks to protect their funds and infrastructure has created a new demand for cyberspace security professionals.
Working Conditions |
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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.
Employment |
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In 2004, there were about 1.1 million wage and salary jobs, and an additional 132,000 self-employed and unpaid family workers. 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; about 78 percent of establishments employed fewer than 5 workers in 2004. The majority of jobs, however, are found in establishments that employ 20 or more workers (chart 1). Many small establishments in the industry are startup firms that hope to capitalize on a market niche.
Compared with 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 over the last two decades. The huge increase in employment afforded thousands of opportunities to younger workers possessing the newest technological skills.
| Age group | Computer systems design and related services |
All industries |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| 16-19 | 0.5 | 4.2 |
| 20-24 | 6.3 | 9.9 |
| 25-34 | 32.4 | 21.8 |
| 35-44 | 30.8 | 24.8 |
| 45-54 | 20.8 | 23.3 |
| 55-64 | 8.6 | 12.4 |
| 65 and older | 0.7 | 3.5 |
Occupations in the Industry |
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Providing a wide array of information services to clients requires a diverse and well-educated workforce. The majority of workers in the computer systems design and related services industry are professional and related workers—overwhelmingly computer specialists such as computer systems analysts, computer software engineers, and computer programmers (table 2). This occupational group accounts for 60 percent of the jobs in the industry, reflecting the emphasis on high-level technical skills and creativity. By 2014, 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 that the computer understands. While some still work with traditional programming languages, such as COBOL, most programmers today use object-oriented programming languages, such as C++ and Java, computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools, and artificial intelligence shells, which are increasingly 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 the Career Guide statement on software publishers.) Software engineers in the systems design and related services industry 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 primarily write, modify, test, and develop 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, these workers 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 to evaluate the system. These analysts also ensure that the system performs to its specifications by testing 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 or 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.
| Occupation | Employment, 2004 | Percent change, 2004-14 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | ||
| Total, all occupations | 1,147 | 100.0 | 39.5 |
| Management, business, and financial occupations | 201 | 17.5 | 38.7 |
| Chief executives | 8 | 0.7 | 35.6 |
| General and operations managers | 33 | 2.9 | 34.2 |
| Marketing managers | 9 | 0.8 | 44.1 |
| Sales managers | 8 | 0.7 | 45.1 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 36 | 3.1 | 42.0 |
| Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists | 15 | 1.3 | 41.8 |
| Management analysts | 24 | 2.1 | 35.6 |
| Accountants and auditors | 12 | 1.0 | 37.3 |
| Professional and related occupations | 688 | 59.9 | 45.5 |
| Computer and information scientists, research | 8 | 0.7 | 35.6 |
| Computer programmers | 112 | 9.8 | 10.6 |
| Computer software engineers, applications | 133 | 11.6 | 62.7 |
| Computer software engineers, systems software | 87 | 7.6 | 62.2 |
| Computer support specialists | 83 | 7.2 | 35.6 |
| Computer systems analysts | 87 | 7.6 | 49.2 |
| Database administrators | 14 | 1.2 | 56.4 |
| Network and computer systems administrators | 40 | 3.5 | 58.1 |
| Network systems and data communications analysts | 29 | 2.5 | 81.5 |
| Computer specialists, all other | 15 | 1.3 | 35.6 |
| Computer hardware engineers | 12 | 1.0 | 37.3 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 7 | 0.6 | 37.3 |
| Multi-media artists and animators | 4 | 0.4 | 35.6 |
| Technical writers | 8 | 0.7 | 35.6 |
| Sales and related occupations | 67 | 5.9 | 24.5 |
| Sales representatives, services | 20 | 1.8 | 35.5 |
| Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing | 30 | 2.6 | 14.8 |
| Sales engineers | 6 | 0.5 | 39.2 |
| Office and administrative support occupations | 160 | 13.9 | 22.3 |
| First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers | 10 | 0.9 | 22.9 |
| Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks | 16 | 1.4 | 22.0 |
| Customer service representatives | 36 | 3.1 | 40.6 |
| Secretaries and administrative assistants | 29 | 2.5 | 20.7 |
| Office clerks, general | 24 | 2.1 | 20.7 |
| Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations | 20 | 1.7 | 31.3 |
| Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers | 14 | 1.2 | 29.1 |
| 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 Internet systems. 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 worker group has come to include 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 functions. 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 construction of Internet and intranet sites.
Due, in part, to the robust growth in e-commerce, a growing number of workers in this industry are employed in sales and related occupations. In order to compete successfully and gain customers and clients in the online world, marketing and sales workers contribute to the presentation and features of Web sites and other Web-related content. These workers are vital for the successful promotion and sales of the products and services offered by the industry.
Training and Advancement |
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Occupations in the computer systems design and related 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 number of qualified workers, as well as shrinking of the technology job market from its peak earlier in the decade, has allowed employers to become more selective, hiring those candidates with more education and more experience.
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 the 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 in order to prepare manuals for employees and customers. As technology continues to improve, computer support specialists must constantly strive to stay up to date and to acquire new skills if they wish to remain competitive 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. Another factor driving employers? needs is the timeframe within which a project must be completed. Projects that have tight deadlines and involve evening and weekend work require flexible workers.
As technological advances in the computer field continue, employers in all areas demand a higher level of skill and expertise. With information technology expanding into more sectors of the economy, employers are requiring that workers possess some expertise in other fields. For example, a computer software engineer interested in working for a bank should have some expertise in finance as they integrate new technologies into the computer system of the bank. 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, although many vendors now offer employees help in becoming certified or even require professionals who work with their products to be certified.
Voluntary certification is available through many different types of organizations. Hundreds of different certifications are available, ranging from a certified Internet Webmaster to a certified networking professional. Although professional certification is not mandatory, it may provide a jobseeker a competitive advantage. Also, government, academic institutions, and other employers increasingly seek workers with certifications in information security, reflecting the importance of keeping complex computer networks and vital electronic infrastructure safe from intruders.
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 hire inexperienced college graduates and put them through intensive, company-based programs that train them to provide such services.
Many experienced workers move into sales positions as they gain knowledge of specific products. The emergence of various forms of e-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.
Outlook |
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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 25 fastest growing industries in the Nation. Wage-and-salary employment is expected to grow 40 percent by the year 2014, compared with only 14 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, job opportunities will be favorable for most workers. The best opportunities will be in professional and related occupations, reflecting their growth and the continuing demand for higher level skills to keep up with changes in technology. However, employment growth will not be as robust as it was during the last decade due to increasing productivity and offshore outsourcing of some job functions to lower wage foreign countries.
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 e-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, the computer systems design and related services industry has experienced an increase in the contracting out of some of the 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 toward contracting out work will adversely affect employment of only certain types of workers, such as programmers and computer support specialists, because 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 for support and services to assist users will drive demand for applications development and facilities support services. And, as more individuals and organizations conduct 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 virus free. Therefore, employment of security analysts and of consultants with security experience and expertise should rise rapidly.
New growth areas will continue to arise as the result of 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 services. 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 to the Internet 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 to design and integrate computer systems so that they will be compatible with one another.
The ways in which the Internet is used are constantly changing, along with the products, services, and personnel required to support new applications. Expanding e-commerce changed the way in which 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.
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 e-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; the proportion of programmers will decrease in relation to those of other computer specialists as more routine programming functions are increasingly automated and as more programming is contracted out to businesses in foreign countries at a lower cost.
Earnings |
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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 $1,136 a week in 2004, significantly higher than the average of $529 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, applications ranged from less than $43,450 for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $118,500 for the highest paid 10 percent in May 2004. 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 $60,810 for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $145,600 for the highest paid 10 percent in May 2004. 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.
| Occupation | Computer systems design and related services |
All industries |
|---|---|---|
| General and operations managers | $56.60 | $37.22 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 49.93 | 44.51 |
| Computer software engineers, systems software | 38.44 | 38.34 |
| Computer software engineers, applications | 36.97 | 36.05 |
| Computer systems analysts | 33.44 | 31.95 |
| Computer programmers | 32.50 | 30.24 |
| Network systems and data communications analysts | 30.73 | 29.14 |
| Network and computer systems administrators | 30.63 | 27.98 |
| Computer support specialists | 20.55 | 19.44 |
| Customer service representatives | 14.05 | 12.99 |
Unionization is rare in the computer systems design and related services industry; only 1 percent of all workers are union members or are covered by union contracts, compared with 14 percent of workers throughout private industry.
[Please note that the earnings and salary data listed here is usually from government sources and may be dated, so please make adjustments accordingly. If you would like to access current salary data for literally thousands of occupations, access our Salary Wizard.]
Sources of Additional Information |
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Further information about computer careers is available from:
- Association for Computing Machinery, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. Internet: http://www.acm.org
- National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE., Bellevue, WA 98007. Internet: http://www.nwcet.org
Information on the following occupations can be found in the 2006-07 Occupational Outlook Handbook:
- Computer and information systems managers
- Computer programmers
- Computer scientists and database administrators
- Computer software engineers
- Computer support specialists and systems administrators
- Computer systems analysts
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Used by permission.
