Explore these exciting careers in the computer industry, and find out how a degree or certificate can lead you to one of the fastest growing job markets today.

By Aimee Pokwatka
RWM Columnist
July 31, 2006

Careers in information technology (IT) and the computer industry are among the fastest growing jobs today. The field of information technology uses computers and computer software to manage and process vital information, and the technology is constantly evolving. IT careers cut across many industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, education, and financial services. Although there is no single way to prepare for an IT career, a bachelor's degree can help you land a job.

Software Engineer
Software engineering, one of the fastest growing occupations, is the design and development of computer software applications that help businesses run numerous processes automatically and efficiently. A software engineer's job may include:

• Research. Software engineers study a client's needs for a variety of tasks, including inventory, billing, and payroll.
• Programming. Software engineers use computer programming languages such as C++ and Java to instruct a computer on a line-by-line basis on how to perform each function.
• Testing. After software has been developed, engineers test and evaluate it to monitor for quality and resolve technical problems.

Software engineers have bachelor's degrees in computer science, computer information systems, or software engineering.

Average yearly salaries for mid-level software engineers in eight metropolitan areas peak in the major technological centers: New York, NY: $77,100; Los Angeles, CA: $73,600; Miami, FL: $65,200; Chicago, IL: $70,300; Boston, MA: $72,800; Cleveland, OH: $66,000; Houston, TX: $67,600; and Seattle, WA: $71,800.

Systems Support Assistant
Systems support assistants deal with a variety of computer industry problems--from forgotten passwords to crashed computers. They provide support and advice to customers and help maintain day-to-day computer operations in businesses and hardware and software companies. While many support assistants work at help desks, some provide services on a contract basis.

Systems support assistants answer phone calls from clients and, using diagnostic programs, remotely analyze and correct the problem. Many systems support assistants also rotate on-call duties at nights and during weekends. They may also be responsible for installing, updating, and cleaning computer systems as well as making repairs.

While many systems support assistants have bachelor's degrees, certification is also available through a variety of training programs.

According to Salary.com, average yearly salaries for systems support assistants in eight metropolitan areas fall in the 40s, including: New York, NY: $48,600; Los Angeles, CA: $46,400; Miami, FL: $41,400; Chicago, IL: $ 44,300; Boston, MA: $45,900; Cleveland, OH: $44,300; Houston, TX: $42,600; and Seattle, WA: $45,300.

Network Administrator
Network administrators design, install, and maintain Internet services, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs) for a variety of users, including small businesses, corporations, and government offices. A network administrator's job includes both monitoring and maintenance tasks.

Network administrators monitor networks for availability and watch network gear such as routers and firewalls. They may also be responsible for assigning network addresses and for directory services. In addition, network administrators maintain the network's software and hardware such as personal computers and printers.

A network administrator should have a bachelor's degree in computer science, management information systems (MIS), or other relevant degree. Increasingly, employers are searching for applicants with a master's degree in business administration (MBA).

For mid-level network administrators, average salaries are highest on the east and west coasts: New York, NY: $69,500; Los Angeles, CA: $66,400; Miami, FL: $58,800; Chicago, IL: $ 63,400; Boston, MA: $65,600; Cleveland, OH: $59,500; Houston, TX: $60,900; Seattle, WA: $64,700.

Database Specialist
Database specialists develop and maintain database applications for businesses in order to make computer data processing more efficient. They work with a variety of clients to ensure that employees of a company can easily access, analyze, and compare information.

Database specialists use applications such as Microsoft SLQ and Oracle to develop databases that fit customer needs. Database specialists also assess existing databases, improve weaknesses, and expand security.

Database specialists have bachelor's degrees in computer science, information science, or MIS. An MBA is also an asset, and talented database specialists may advance to become chief technology officers.

Average yearly salaries for mid-level database specialists are significantly higher in New York than in the south, as these eight metropolitan areas reveal: New York, NY: $72,600; Los Angeles, CA: $69,300; Miami, FL: $61,400; Chicago, IL: $66,200; Boston, MA: $68,600; Cleveland, OH: $62,100; Houston, TX: $63,700; and Seattle, WA: $67,600.

IT Consultant
IT consultants, working independently or with consulting firms, advise businesses on how best to use computers and information technology to improve efficiency and solve problems. Consulting jobs may include planning new projects and finding solutions to problems in existing technology.

After assessing a company's needs, a consultant plans the project, creates a timeline, and ensures that the company has the hardware and software required to make changes. Once necessary equipment has been purchased, an IT consultant installs and monitors the technology, providing training to staff and listening to feedback.

An IT consultant should have a bachelor's degree in a technology-related field and substantial experience working in the computer industry.

Though consulting salaries ultimately depend on individual reputation, average yearly salaries for mid-level IT consultants in eight metropolitan areas show that this field is quite lucrative: New York, NY: $113,100; Los Angeles, CA: $108,100; Miami, FL: $95,700; Chicago, IL: $ 103,200; Boston, MA: $106,900; Cleveland, OH: $96,900; Houston, TX: $99,200; and Seattle, WA: $105,300.

Web Designer
Web designers work with project managers, programmers, and market research teams to plan, design, and test websites. Working independently or for advertising agencies, design firms, or corporate marketing departments, they create images, icons, and other features that allow the public to learn about new products and services online.

Web designers use specialized skills to complete design projects. They may use graphic design software, HTML, or computer programming languages to design sites. Once web designers find clients, they must be able to negotiate contracts, pricing, and legal issues.

Web designers have bachelor's degrees in a variety of backgrounds, including graphic arts, communication, and computer science. Experience with print design is often helpful in developing online projects, and designers may need familiarity with Photoshop or computer programming languages such as JavaScript or PHP. Many designers begin their careers by building personal websites or online presences for community groups and non-profit organizations.

Average salaries show that web designers can be both creative and well-paid. In these eight metropolitan areas, with the exception of New York, salaries fall in the 60s: New York, NY: $72,500; Los Angeles, CA: $69,300; Miami, FL: $61,400; Chicago, IL: $66,200; Boston, MA: $68,500; Cleveland, OH: $62,100; Houston, TX: $63,600; and Seattle, WA: $67,500.

The computer industry is growing quickly, and a bachelor's degree in the field of information technology can put you in demand. If you're interested in an IT career, earning your bachelor's degree in technology--a field widely available in online degree programs--may help you find a job in one of the fastest growing industries today.

Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary.com
U.S. Department of Labor

About the Author
Aimee Pokwatka is a graduate student at Syracuse University and holds a B.A. degree in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.