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Hot Technology Careers in 2006 and Beyond

By Kate McIntyre
Learning & Life Columnist

If you're looking for a high-paying career that will always be in demand, turn on your computer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), five of the top 15 fastest-growing careers for the next decade are in technology. Two particularly attractive career options in information technology are computer software engineering and software quality assurance analysis. The BLS reports that 220,000 new computer software engineering jobs will be created between 2004 and 2014. Software quality assurance analysis jobs are also predicted to increase much faster than average.

Job Responsibilities

Computer software engineers develop and test new software systems. Their jobs change fast, as information technology innovations create new challenges. Computer software engineers never stop learning new things. If you enjoy problem solving, working on a design team with other professionals, and ever-changing job responsibilities, computer software engineering might be a great career choice.

Quality assurance analysts help to set up computer systems for companies and troubleshoot the systems once they are in place. They figure out how to get the best performance out of computer systems and make sure that they're doing what the company needs them to do. If you have great attention to detail, enjoy solving problems, and have good communication skills, you might be well-suited for a career as a quality assurance analyst.

Education and Salary for Technology Careers

Computer software engineers need a bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science, software engineering, or computer information systems. They also should have a broad understanding of computer systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for computer software engineers is $74,980.

Most quality assurance analysts have earned their bachelor's degrees in computer science, information science, or information systems management. Employers look for well-rounded people who have a broad range of technical skills as well as strong interpersonal skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that analysts earn around $66,460 per year.

Technology jobs are some of the fastest-growing careers in the country. Choosing a career in computer software engineering or quality assurance analysis could lead you to a happy and financially secure future.

Sources

• "Computer Software Engineers," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• "Computer Systems Analysts," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• "Fastest Growing Occupations," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Kate McIntyre, a fiction writer in Portland, Oregon, holds an M.F.A. in fiction writing from Oregon State University.

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