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
Work Values
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking
- Cooperation
- Attention to Detail
- Independence
- Achievement/Effort
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
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- 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
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Fluency of Ideas
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
Certificate name
Certified Counterintelligence Threat AnalystCertifying Organization
McAfee Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Associate LabVIEW DeveloperCertifying Organization
National Instruments Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Adobe Media Optimizer Business PractitionerCertifying Organization
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Function Point SpecialistCertifying Organization
International Function Point Users Group
Type
Core
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 Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $95,658 |
| Median (50%) | $139,324 |
| High (90%) | $190,320 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $112,663 |
| Mid Level | $135,360 |
| Senior Level | $147,718 |
| Expert Level | $172,751 |
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%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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