SOC 15-1299.00Bright outlook
All computer occupations not listed separately.
Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections
Annual pay range
435,370 people work in this occupation.
In short
This broad category covers specialized computer roles not classified under other standard titles, such as data center operators and systems hardware analysts. The position offers strong financial rewards, with a median annual salary of $116,580.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
All computer occupations not listed separately.
Professionals in this field handle a wide range of specialized technology tasks. Depending on their specific title, they may manage data centers, operate computer consoles, analyze hardware systems, or oversee digital content. The work requires a strong foundation in computer and information technology, combined with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Daily activities often involve monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and configuring peripheral equipment. These workers must be detail-oriented, adaptable to changing technologies, and capable of working independently or collaborating with broader IT teams to maintain system integrity.
Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree. Students often prepare by majoring in computer science, computer and information sciences, information science or studies, or computer and information technology administration and management. Other relevant fields of study include chemistry, security science and technology, medical informatics, and computational biology.
To build credentials, professionals can pursue various industry certifications. Examples include IT Support, Networking, or Cybersecurity support technician credentials from Cisco, Device Configuration and Management or Communication Skills for Business certifications from Pearson, and AI-Native Foundations from Scaled Agile. Additionally, some states list licensing requirements for this line of work.
The median annual wage for these computer professionals is $116,580. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and specific job duties, with the lowest 10% earning less than $55,940 and the highest 10% earning more than $188,470.
This occupation employs 435,370 people. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 5.1%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 27,000 job openings each year.
Artificial Intelligence Specialist · Business Consultant · Computer Console Operator · Computer Laboratory Technician · Computer Operator · Computer or Computer Laboratory Technician · Computer Peripheral Equipment Operator · Computer Systems Hardware Analyst · Content Manager · Data Center Operator
Career pathway
Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.
1Interests
2This career
3Majors
4Colleges
This career
Majors
Colleges
College Scorecard program outcomes
Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.
Philadelphia, PA · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.
NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk
Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.
1,547 colleges offer it
1,371 colleges offer it
1,184 colleges offer it
1,070 colleges offer it
513 colleges offer it
446 colleges offer it
200 colleges offer it
178 colleges offer it
149 colleges offer it
113 colleges offer it
109 colleges offer it
60 colleges offer it
17 colleges offer it
CareerOneStop
What computer occupations, all other may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.
Core certifications employers recognise for this work.
Programs of study that prepare people for this work. Showing 12 of 14.
10 states list a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.
Cardroom supervisor
Division of Professions, FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation
Occupational Riverboat Gambling License
Level I Gaming Occupation
Gaming, Casino and Video Occupations
Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections
Horse Racing Occupational License
Game Operator (Professional), Employer
Document Destruction Contractor
One Commerce Plaza, Division of Licensing Services, NYS Department of State
Commercial NC Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Permit (Drones)
Gaming Key
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Your plan
Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
Workers in this category hold various titles, including computer operators, computer laboratory technicians, and data center operators. Others work as computer systems hardware analysts, content managers, or business consultants.
Many students major in computer science, general computer and information sciences, or information technology administration. Other applicable majors include computational biology, medical informatics, and security science and technology.
Yes, several certifications are available to demonstrate expertise. These include Cisco Certified Support Technician credentials in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity, as well as Pearson certifications in device configuration.
Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.
Version 31.0
Version 2025-35 · Data year 2025
Version 2025 · Data year 2025
Version 2020 · Data year 2020
O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Page data updated November 5, 2026.