Employers of Computer Science majors in WV

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields. They 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. Most computer and information research scientists work full time. About 3 in 10 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016. Most jobs for computer and information research scientists require a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs. The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $114,520 in May 2017. Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Computer scientists are likely to enjoy excellent job prospects, because many companies report difficulties finding these highly skilled workers.

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. Most computer network architects work full time. About 1 in 4 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016. Most computer network architects have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and experience in a related occupation, such as network and computer systems administrators. The median annual wage for computer network architects was $104,650 in May 2017. Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for computer network architects will increase as firms continue to expand their information technology (IT) networks.

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Programmers usually work in offices, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry. Most computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree; however, some employers hire workers with an associate’s degree. Most programmers specialize in a few programming languages. The median annual wage for computer programmers was $82,240 in May 2017. Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. Computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, so companies sometimes hire programmers in countries where wages are lower.

Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both. Most computer systems analysts work full time. About 1 in 5 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016. A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire analysts with business or liberal arts degrees who have skills in information technology or computer programming. The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $88,270 in May 2017. Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The further adoption of cloud computing by both large and small businesses and an increasing use of IT services in healthcare settings is expected to increase demand for these workers.

Database Administrators

Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and secure from unauthorized access. Many database administrators work in firms that provide computer design services or in industries that have large databases, such educational institutions and insurance companies. Almost all database administrators work full time. Database administrators usually have a bachelor’s degree in an information- or computer- related subject, such as computer science. The median annual wage for database administrators was $87,020 in May 2017. Employment of database administrators is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in this occupation will be driven by the increased data needs of companies across the economy.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries. Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree. The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $81,100 in May 2017. Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for information technology (IT) workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks.

Web Developers

Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site. About 1 in 6 web developers worked in the computer systems design and related services industry in 2016. About 1 in 6 were self-employed. Others worked in industries including publishing, management consulting, and advertising. Educational requirements for web developers vary with the setting they work in and the type of work they do. Requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Web developers need knowledge of both programming and graphic design. The median annual wage for web developers was $67,990 in May 2017. Employment of web developers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be driven by the growing popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. The median annual wage for postsecondary computer science teachers was $78,630 in May 2017.

Sales Engineers

Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering. The median annual wage for sales engineers was $98,720 in May 2017. Employment of sales engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As a wider range of technologically sophisticated products comes on the market, sales engineers will be in demand to sell these products and services related to these products.