Computer Science Careers and Job Prospects

Computer Science Careers and Job Prospects Computer Science Careers and Job Prospects Those who are analytical, good at problem-solving and can pay attention to detail might enjoy a computer science career. It is a promising field with employment outlook ranging from average to much faster than average over the next several years. Computer and Information Systems Manager Computer and information systems managers oversee the computer activities of organizations or companies. They implement technology that can help these entities meet their goals. While some employers hire job candidates with a bachelors degree, many prefer those with a masters degree in business administration (MBA). Computer and information systems managers median annual earnings were $123,950 in 2013. Computer Systems Analyst Computer systems analysts assist their employers with the efficient and effective use of computer technology. Many employers prefer to hire job candidates who have bachelors degrees, and for more complex jobs, some require a masters degree. In 2013  computer systems analysts earned a median annual salary of $81,190. Computer Hardware Engineer Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, test and oversee the manufacture and installation of computer chips, circuit boards and computer systems. They also work with computer peripherals. To work as a computer hardware engineer, one must earn a bachelors degree. Also, to work directly with the public, one must have a license. Computer hardware engineers earned a median annual salary of $104,250 in 2013. Computer Programmer Computers would be mere pieces of plastic without the computer programmers who write the programs that enable them to perform their functions. One must earn a bachelors degree, usually in computer science, to work as a computer programmer. Computer programmers earned a median annual salary of $76,140 in 2013. Computer Support Specialists Computer support specialists help companies customers or staff solve computer-related problems. They may help with difficulties computer users are having with software programs, operating systems, computers or peripherals. While some employers will only hire computer support professionals, who have bachelors degrees in computer science, the level of education required in this field varies. They earned a median annual salary of $46,620 (median wage of $22.41 per hour) in 2013. Software Developer Systems software developers create operations software that make computers and other devices run. Applications software developers design and produce software and games that make them useful. While a bachelors degree isnt a strict requirement for this career, earning one can help you prepare for it. In 2013  systems software developers earned a median annual salary of $101,410 and applications software developers earned $92,660 per year. Web Developer Web developers are responsible for the way websites function. They tend to sites technical aspects. Although experience and certification may be enough to get someone a job as a web developer, many employers prefer to hire job candidates who have earned a bachelors degree in a computer-related field. Web developers earned a median annual salary of $63,160 in 2013. Web Master Webmasters maintain websites and tend to tasks such as design, analysis of user data and responding to user feedback. For most jobs, one needs at least an associate degree or a certificate, but more advanced positions require a bachelors degree in a computer-related major. Webmasters earned a median annual salary of $82,340 in 2013. Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, on the Internet at bls.gov/oco/ andEmployment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/ (visited January 12, 2015). Explore more Careers By Field or Industry Comparing Computer Science Careers Education License Median Salary Computer and Information Systems Manager Minimum: Bachelor'sPreferred: Master's none $123,950 Computer Systems Analyst Bachelor's none $81,190 Computer Hardware Engineer Bachelor's needed if working directly with the public $104,250 Computer Programmer Bachelor's none $76,140 Computer Support Specialist varies none $46,620 Software Developer Minimum: ExperiencePreferred: Bachelor's none $101,410 (systems)$92,660 (applications) Web Developer Minimum: Experience and certificationPreferred: Bachelor's none $63,160 Web Master Associate or certificate none $82,340