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Fastest
Growing Occupations in Computer and Data Processing Services
AUBURN, March 29---The
four fastest growing occupations are in computer and data processing
services, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 These occupations are
computer engineers, computer support specialists, systems analysts
and database administrators.
Computer engineers
design and develop new hardware and software. Average hourly
earnings are around $27.25.
Computer support
specialists make about $17.50 an hour. They are responsible for
helping the users of computers with software by interpreting
problems and offering solutions or other technical support.
Systems analysts study
business, engineering and scientific data processing problems and
then design new ways to utilize information to solve these problems.
Their average hourly wage is $24.50.
Database administrators
also make about $24.50 per hour. They set up computer databases and
manage any changes to them. They look at what data are available or
needed as well as and how data can be stored and retrieved for use
by software applications. They may also be responsible for computer
security.
While many businesses
have in-house computer experts, most businesses rely on the computer
and data processing services industry to meet their needs, either on
a contract basis or as a customer. Because of this, a rapid
employment growth of 108 percent is estimated in computer related
occupations by 2008. There are more than 100,000 businesses in the
industry now, and more are springing up every day.
Working conditions for
this type of employment are generally a plus, says Dr. Jacquelyn
Robinson, a community workforce development specialist with the
Alabama
Cooperative Extension
System. Most workers have clean, quiet offices, whether they work in
facilities management, maintenance and repair, computer centers or
repair shops. There is a growing trend of working from remote
locations or home through utilization of the Internet and modems.
Some computer and data
processing service jobs can be entered as a high school graduate,
adds Robinson. However, she says, most of the better paying jobs
require advanced technical training or college degrees. Three of the
four hottest positions -- computer engineer, systems analyst and
database administrator -- require a college degree. Many in the
field have advanced technical or master's degrees in business
administration with a concentration in information systems.
SOURCE: DR. JACQUELYN
ROBINSON, Community Workforce Development Specialist, Alabama
Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-5353
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