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All organizations today rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate more efficiently. 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; and other computer-related services such as disaster recovery and software installation.

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.

Computer specialists make up the vast majority of professional and related occupations, and account for more than 54 percent of the industry as a whole. Their duties vary by occupation, and include such tasks as developing computer software, designing information systems, and maintaining network security.

Information Technology Job Types

Programmers
Computer engineers
Computer and information scientists
Systems analysts
Network systems analysts
Network administrators
Database administrators
Computer support specialists
Information systems managers

Education Needed for IT Positions

Occupations in the computer systems design and related services industry require varying levels of education, but in 2006, about 75 percent of workers had college degrees. The level of education and type of training required depend on employers’ needs, which often are affected by such aspects as local demand for workers, project timelines, and changes in technology and business conditions.

Although there are no universal educational requirements for computer programmers, workers in this occupation commonly hold a bachelor’s degree. Some hold a degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems. Others have taken special courses in computer programming to supplement their knowledge.

Entry-level computer programmers usually start working with an experienced programmer to update existing code, generate lines of one portion of a larger program, or write relatively simple programs.

Most computer engineers and scientists have a bachelor’s or higher degree and work experience. For computer and information scientists, a doctoral degree generally is required due to the highly technical nature of the work.

For systems analyst, programmer-analyst, and database administrator positions, many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). Many of these workers hold an advanced degree in a technical field, and some hold a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems, and are specialists in their fields. An associate’s degree generally is sufficient for some positions as network systems and data communication analysts positions, such as Webmaster, although more advanced positions might require a computer-related bachelor’s degree.

Computer and information systems managers usually are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and work experience, but employers often prefer a graduate degree. An MBA with technology as a core component is especially preferred, as business skills are becoming increasingly important.

Employment Outlook for Information Technology Industry

In 2006, there were about 1.3 million wage and salary jobs in the computer systems design and related services industry. Wage-and-salary employment is expected to grow 38 percent by the year 2016.

The most rapid growth will occur among network systems and data communications analysts. The growing use of sophisticated computer networks and Internet and intranet sites will increase the demand for their services. Other rapidly growing occupations include computer software engineers, computer systems analysts, and network and computer systems administrators. Employment of programmers should continue to expand, but more slowly than that of other occupations, as more routine programming functions are automated, and as more programming services are offshored.

The demand for networking and the need to integrate new hardware, software, and communications technologies will drive 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.

The expansion of the Internet and the proliferation “mobile” technologies have also created demand for a wide variety of new products and services. As businesses and individuals become more dependent on this new technology, there will be an increased need for “mobility consultants,” or service firms that can design and integrate computer systems, so that they will be compatible with mobile technologies. Employment opportunities should be excellent for individuals involved in cyberspace security services, such as disaster recovery services, custom security programming, and security software installation services.

Earnings and Pay for Information Technology Industry

Median annual earnings in May 2006

Computer Information Systems Managers	$101,580
Computer and Information Scientists	$93,950
Computer Applications Software Engineers	$79,780
Computer Systems Analysts	$69,760
Computer Programmers	$65,510
Network Administrators	$62,130
Computer Support Specialists	$41,470

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Systems Design and Related Services, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs033.htm

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