High-Income Computer Jobs
Computers run much of the modern world by performing such tasks as organizing customer information for multinational corporations, guiding passenger airliners to safe landings and providing entertainment for children. Small wonder then that the professionals in charge of this technology across all industries receive some of the highest salaries of any occupation, often greater than six figures.
Computer and information systems managers boasted the highest incomes, with mean wages of $125,660 per year, or $60.41 per hour, as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest-paid 10 percent made $73,080 annually, or $35.13 per hour, while the highest-paid 10 percent received $185,150 per year, or $89.01 per hour. These information system managers coordinate the computer functions for any industry, such as healthcare, automobile manufacturing or construction. They plan the activities, set goals, and lead the hiring and training of computer staff, such as software developers and hardware engineers. The minimum education for the job is a bachelor’s degree, though years of work experience in increasingly responsible positions is also important. Many managers also have a master’s in business administration.
Computer and information research scientists earned an average annual $103,160, or $49.59. Their yearly pay ranged from $56,8000 to $151,660, which equaled $27.31 to $72.91 per hour. Computer research scientists invent technology and find new uses for existing computer methods. They solve complex problems, create new computing languages and tools, and analyze the results of system software tests. Because they often publish their findings in academic journals, their work often leads to advancements in hardware and software. A Ph.D. is necessary for most jobs, although a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some work in the federal government.
Computer hardware engineers received a mean $101,360 per year, or $48.73 per hour. The lowest paid in this field earned less than $62,400 annually, or $30 per hour, and the highest wages reached more than $147,610 yearly, or $70.97 per hour. Hardware engineers research, develop and test the physical components of computers, including circuits, routers and boxes. They sometimes confer with software developers to ensure that their creations work with the latest coding technology. They typically work in research laboratories but visit factory floors to oversee production. Most hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although some employers accepted an electrical engineering credential.
System Software Developers
System software developers made an average yearly $100,420, or $48.28 per hour, with an annual range of $62,470 to $147,030, and an hourly range of $30.03 to $70.69. They develop the operating systems that allow application software to function with specific computers. They analyze user needs and develop systems to meet their needs. They also create flowcharts and specifications that instruct programmers to write the code; document their processes for future reference; and collaborate with other software and hardware specialists. A bachelor’s degree is required in computer science, software engineering or mathematics with a computer concentration.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wages for Computer Managers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Computer Managers Do
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wages for Computer Scientists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Computer Scientists Do
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Salaries for System Software Developers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Software Developers Do
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