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COMPUTER INFORMATION SERVICES (Source: Bureau of Labor
Statistics) |
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About Computer Information Services
Career paths in computer-related fields are as diverse
as the applications of computer technology. Occupations
within the field include: computer analyst, computer
programmer, computer sales and service provider, data
processing manager, operations analyst.
Systems analysts solve computer problems and apply
computer technology to meet the individual needs of
an organization. They help an organization to realize
the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment,
personnel, and business processes. Systems analysts
may plan and develop new computer systems or devise
ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional
operations. They may design new systems, including both
hardware and software, or add a new software application
to harness more of the computer’s power. Most
systems analysts work with specific types of systems—for
example, business, accounting, or financial systems,
or scientific and engineering systems—that vary
with the kind of organization. Some systems analysts
also are known as systems developers or systems architects.
Career Highlights
- Education requirements range from a 2-year degree
to a graduate degree.
- Employment is expected to increase much faster
than the average as organizations continue to adopt
increasingly sophisticated technologies.
- Job prospects are favorable.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of computer systems analysts
were $62,890 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between
$49,500 and $78,350 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $39,270, and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $93,400.
Median annual earnings of database administrators were
$55,480 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between
$40,550 and $75,100. The lowest 10 percent earned less
than $30,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more
than $92,910. In 2002, median annual earnings of database
administrators employed in computer system design and
related services were $66,650, and, for those in management
of companies and enterprises, earnings were $59,620.
Median annual earnings of network systems and data communication
analysts were $58,420 in 2002. The middle 50 percent
earned between $44,850 and $74,290. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $34,880, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $92,110.
Median annual earnings of computer and information scientists,
research, were $77,760 in 2002. The middle 50 percent
earned between $58,630 and $98,490. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $42,890, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $121,650. Median annual earnings of
computer and information scientists employed in computer
systems design and related services in 2002 were $78,730.
Median annual earnings of all other computer specialists
were $54,070 in 2002. Median annual earnings of all
other computer specialists employed in computer system
design and related services were $49,590, and, for those
in scientific research and development services, earnings
were $70,150 in 2002.
According to the National Association of Colleges and
Employers, starting offers for graduates with a master’s
degree in computer science averaged $62,806 in 2003.
Starting offers averaged $47,109 for graduates with
a bachelor’s degree in computer science; $45,346
for those with a degree in computer programming; $41,118
for those with a degree in computer systems analysis;
$40,556 for those with a degree in management information
systems; and $38,282 for those with a degree in information
sciences and systems.
According to Robert Half International, starting salaries
in 2003 ranged from $69,750 to $101,750 for database
administrators. Salaries for networking and Internet-related
occupations ranged from $45,500 to $65,750 for LAN administrators
and from $51,250 to $73,750 for Intranet developers.
Starting salaries for security professionals ranged
from $62,500 to $91,750 in 2003.
Additional Resources
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM),
1515 Broadway,
New York, NY 10036.
www.acm.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer
Society
Headquarters Office, 1730 Massachusetts Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20036-1992.
www.computer.org
National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies
3000 Landerholm Circle SE.
Bellevue, WA 98007
www.nwcet.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
www.bls.gov/oco
Citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition,
Computer Systems Analysts, Database , on the Internet
at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm
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