Amber McLain

CSIS-1030-F17

Dr. G. Jimmy Chen

Salt Lake Community College

12/07/17
 Computer Science degrees are in high demand, and can lead to many high paying careers.

Most people are familiar with this field, but are not aware that there are many options and

branches within the degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and

information technology occupations are projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, faster than

the average for all occupations (Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017).

There are many career options in this field that one can choose from. Computer Science careers

are among the highest paid and diverse fields in the nation as well as in Utah. This will only

discuss a portion of the opportunities that are available to you.

Web Developers are centered around creating and designing a website. They are also

responsible for maintenance and updating content of a site. Depending on the position and the

company, the educational requirements may fluctuate anywhere from a High School Diploma to

a Bachelors degree; however, most only require the Associates degree. The median annual

wage nationwide for web developers was $66,130 in May 2016. (Computer and Information

Technology Occupations, 2017). The available jobs in 2014 2015 were 19,993 and the

projected growth through 2022 is 15-21% (Malvik, Callie, 2015). This is slightly higher than the

statistics in Utah; the annual median wage is $59,870 and growth is projected at 5.52% per year.

(Occupation Information Data Viewer).

Computer Programmers help to develop computer software and applications and make

sure that they run properly. They use programming language that computers understand to write,

test, and debug programs. The majority of computer programming positions require a Bachelors

degree. The median annual wage for computer programmers was $79,840 in May 2016.

(Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017). The information on this positions

growth expectancy is conflicting: The Department of Labor Statistics stated they saw an 8%
decline due to outsourcing. However, according to Rasmussen.org the number of positions

between 2014 and 2015 were 21,089 and projected growth for is between 8 14% (Malvik,

Callie, 2015). In Utah, the annual median wage is $79,840 with projected job growth at 2.12%

per year. (Occupation Information Data Viewer).

Network and Computer Systems Administrators work on the physical computer networks

for an assortment of businesses, making it a very diverse position. This typically requires a

Bachelors degree, but can occasionally be obtained with simply certifications and an

Associates degree. The median annual wage for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

was $79,700 in May 2016. (Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017). The

number of jobs in this field between 2014 2015 were 21,144 (Malvik, Callie, 2015). While the

Department of Labor statistics predicts these positions to only grow 6%, others expect between 8

14% growth by 2022 Malvik, Callie, 2015). Unlike the previous positions, this one came in a

little higher for the Utah average. Network and Computer Systems Administrators average an

annual median wage of $79,770 with a statewide growth of 3.55% per year. (Occupation

Information Data Viewer).

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and storing data using special

software designed for this purpose. They also ensure that users can view and utilize the data.

These positions typically require a Bachelors degree in any computer related field, and does not

have a specific area of study. The median annual wage for database administrators was $84,950

in May 2016. (Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017). The available jobs in

this field between 2014 to 2015 were 20,835 and by 2022, are expected to grow between 15-21%

(Malvik, Callie, 2015). The annual median wage in Utah is $88,020 with a 3.8% growth

projection per year. (Occupation Information Data Viewer).

 Computer Systems Analysts study the current computer systems and procedures to keep

them running efficiently and effectively. They analyze and develop methods to resolve problems

using technology for businesses. A Bachelors degree specifically in computer or information

science is typical, although not always required. The median annual wage for computer systems

analysts was $87,220 in May 2016. (Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017).

The available jobs in 2014 2015 was 32,018 and projected growth by 2022 is 22 percent or

higher (Malvik, Callie, 2015). This may not be the option for you if you plan to stay in Utah, as

the average median wage is significantly lower at $74,720 and the expected growth is 4.95% per

year (Occupation Information Data Viewer).

Information Security Analysts plot security measures for networks, computer systems,

and data. They protect against cyberattacks and data breaches to secure information. Most

positions in this field require a Bachelors degree in a computer-related field. The national

median annual wage for information security analysts was $92,600 in May 2016, and projected

growth through 2026 is 28% (Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017). Utah

comes in significantly below average here with the annual median wage at $82,050 and projected

growth at 3.81% per year (Occupation Information Data Viewer).

Computer Network Architects maintain day to day operations of computer networks, as

well as designing and building them. They can be responsible for local area networks (LAN),

wide area networks (WAN), network segments, intranets, and other data communication

systems. The median annual wage for computer network architects was $101,210 in May 2016.

(Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017). Utah falls in lower than average at

an annual median wage of $96,700. The annual projected growth is 3.97% (Occupation

Information Data Viewer).

 Software Developers are the people in charge of creating computer programs; whether

this involves programs for specific tasks on a computer or device, or the system that runs a

device or network. This position usually involves a Bachelors degree in computer science

accompanied with programming skills (and possibly certifications). The median annual wage for

software developers, applications was $100,080 in May 2016 while the median annual wage for

software developers, systems software was $106,860. (Computer and Information Technology

Occupations, 2017). The available jobs nationally between 2014 2015 were 17,356 and

projected growth by 2022 is 15-21% (Malvik, Callie, 2015). In Utah, the median annual wage for

software developers (applications) falls at $100,080 and the software Developers (systems

software) is $98,160. The projected growth for Applications is 5.87% per year, and Systems

Software is 4.27% per year. (Occupation Information Data Viewer).

Computer and Information Research Scientists were the highest listed on the Department

of Labor Statistics websites as far as salary. They complete research on computer and

information science, and work on problems that affect both computer hardware and software.

They work on this as theorists, inventors, and designers on both new and existing technology.

The education expectation for this will typically be a Masters degree in computer science or a

related field (although some companies may accept a Bachelors with experience). The median

annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $111,840 in May 2016.

(Computer and Information Technology Occupations, 2017). In Utah, the annual median wage is

lower at $91,090 and has a projected annual growth of 5.26%. (Occupation Information Data

Viewer).

Computer Science careers are growing immensely, and are one of the top degree options

available. With the job market growth projected for each of these career options, this degree is
one of the most likely to land you in a high-paying career. It is not limited to simply tech based

companies, but is more wide spread with the integration of computers in everyday life. Computer

Science degrees are an excellent choice for your job potential.

 Works Cited

Computer and Information Technology Occupations. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau

of Labor Statistics, 24 Oct. 2017, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-

technology/home.htm.

Malvik, Callie. What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree? Rasmussen College, 31 Aug.

2015, www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/what-can-you-do-with-computer-

science-degree/.

Occupation Information Data Viewer. Utah Economic Data Viewer, Utah Department of Workforce

Services, jobs.utah.gov/jsp/utalmis/#/occupation/251021/skills.

Computer and Information Technology Occupations. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau

of Labor Statistics, 24 Oct. 2017, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-

technology/home.htm.