Overview
Responsibilities
T-A-S-K
Education
Income & Employability
Video Resources
Related Careers

Description

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Interests

  • Investigative
  • Conventional
  • Realistic

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Independence

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Achievement/Effort

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

  • Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
  • Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
  • Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
  • Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
  • Design computers and the software that runs them.

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Detailed Work Activities

  • Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Technology Skills

  • Development environment software
  • Presentation software
  • Analytical or scientific software
  • Data base management system software
  • Object or component oriented development software

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

Certifying Organization

Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals

Type

Advanced

Certifying Organization

YouScience

Type

Core

Certifying Organization

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Type

Advanced

Certifying Organization

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Type

Advanced

Certifying Organization

Microsoft Corporation

Type

Product/Equipment

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income PercentileIncome
Low (10%)$NaN
Median (50%)$NaN
High (90%)$NaN

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).

ExperienceIncome
Entry Level$50,000
Mid Level$100,000
Senior Level$150,000

Employability

There are currently 36,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 46,000 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 26%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of 26%

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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