LibGuides: Computer and Information Technologies: Careers

CIT Careers

Computer Programmers
Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.

Quick Facts: Computer Programmers
2023 Median Pay	$99,700 per year $47.94 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	139,400
Job Outlook, 2023-33	-10% (Decline)
Employment Change, 2023-33	-13,400

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Programmers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm (visited October 17, 2024).

Computer Hardware Engineers
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. These engineers discover new directions in computer hardware, which generate rapid advances in computer technology.

Quick Facts: Computer Hardware Engineers
2023 Median Pay	$138,080 per year $66.38 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	84,100
Job Outlook, 2023-33	7% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33	6,100

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Hardware Engineers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm (visited October 22, 2024).

Software Developers
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

Quick Facts: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
2023 Median Pay	$130,160 per year $62.58 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	1,897,100
Job Outlook, 2023-33	17% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33	327,900

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (visited October 22, 2024).

Web Developers
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site.

Quick Facts: Web Developers and Digital Designers
2023 Median Pay	$92,750 per year $44.59 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	222,600
Job Outlook, 2023-33	8% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33	18,600

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Web Developers and Digital Designers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (visited October 22, 2024).

Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.

Quick Facts: Information Security Analysts
2023 Median Pay	$120,360 per year $57.87 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	Less than 5 years
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	180,700
Job Outlook, 2023-33	33% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33	59,100

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited September 27, 2024).

Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers.

Quick Facts: Computer Network Architects
2023 Median Pay	$129,840 per year $62.42 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	5 years or more
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	177,800
Job Outlook, 2023-33	13% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33	23,900

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Network Architects,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm (visited October 22, 2024).

Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.

Quick Facts: Network and Computer Systems Administrators
2023 Median Pay	$95,360 per year $45.84 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	335,400
Job Outlook, 2023-33	-3% (Decline)
Employment Change, 2023-33	-8,800

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (visited September 27, 2024).