What are Popular Computer Technology Careers?

If you're fascinated by computers and have an aptitude for math and logic, you may want to join the front lines of the rapidly growing field of computer technology. Read on for work duties and commonly required degrees.

<h3 id="section---ComputerTechnologyCareers">Computer Technology Careers</h3> <p>Some popular careers include database administrator, computer programmer, and computer software engineer. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheseCareers">Important Facts About These Careers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Database Administrator </th><th> Computer Programmer </th><th> Computer Software Developer</th></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $101,000 </td><td> $93,000 </td><td> $120,730</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 9% growth </td><td> 10% decline </td><td> 26% growth</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Computer Network Architect, Information Security Analyst, Web Developer </td><td> Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Systems Administrator, Computer Systems Analyst </td><td> Computer Support Specialist, Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computer Network Architect</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Problem-solving, detail oriented, and analytical skills </td><td> Detail oriented, concentration, and analytical skills </td><td> Creativity, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---DatabaseAdministrator">Database Administrator</h3> <p>Businesses need to access many different kinds of information to function. It's the database administrator's job to organize all those pieces of information and find an efficient way to store them in a server or online. A database administrator ensures that the information is easily accessible and retrievable for authorized users, while it's protected from unauthorized users, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>). Typical job duties include: </p> <ul><li>Designing and implementing new databases </li><li>Transferring information in between databases </li><li>Ensuring data is saved in a backup system </li></ul><p>Database administrators usually hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems. </p> <h3 id="section---ComputerProgrammer">Computer Programmer</h3> <p>In order for you to play a video game or surf the 'Net, your computer needs a specific set of instructions, a program. Computer programmers take designs for new programs and translate them into special codes using standard programming languages, like C++ or Java. Computer programmers may also be in charge of: </p> <ul><li>Troubleshooting programs </li><li>Developing and writing new codes </li><li>Updating existing programs </li></ul><p>Most computer programmers have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, though some have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field or a 2-year associate's degree. The projected growth of computer programmers was eight percent during that decade. </p> <h3 id="section---ComputerSoftwareEngineer">Computer Software Engineer</h3> <p>Computer software engineers, also called software developers, design the programs that make your computer work, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Software engineers are the brains behind the programs that let you edit your home photos, buy movie tickets online and watch movies over the Internet. A typical day for a computer software engineer can include: </p> <ul><li>Determining the user's needs for a given system </li><li>Designing and testing a new system </li><li>Checking programs for bugs </li></ul><p>Computer software engineers typically need a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.</p>