Are you comfortable around computers? If you like working with computers and other technology, this career sector could be for you. Information technology careers involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services. No other career sector offers as much diversity as information technology. You can take the skills learned in these pathways and apply them to any sector of our economy. With organizations continually integrating sophisticated technology into their companies, the employment opportunities for technology support specialists is expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations.
Career Pathways
Mastery of information technologies is an essential part of nearly all successful business organizations today. People who have experience in information support services are constantly in high demand for a variety of positions. Students in this pathway prepare for careers that involve the implementation of computer services and software, provision of technical assistance, creation of technical documentation, and management of information systems.
Careers/Career Areas:
- Word Processing Operators
- Technical Writers
- Software Engineers
- Chief Technology Officers
- Administrative Assistants
- Database Administrators
- Business Teachers
- Information System Architects
Organizations of all types and sizes use digital media to communicate with existing and potential customers. Students in the Media Support and Services Pathway prepare for careers that involve creating, designing, and producing multimedia products and services. These services may include e-business web sites or computer enhanced visual media.
Careers/Career Areas:
- Web Page Developers
- Computer Operators
- Computer Graphic Artists
- Web Architects
- Webmasters
- Multimedia Producers
- Corporate Communication Managers
- Graphic Designers
The successful establishment and maintenance of an information technology infrastructure is critical to the success of 21st Century businesses and organizations. In the Network Communications Pathway, students learn skills and techniques for network analysis, planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and management of network systems. As network administrators, they are often responsible for making recommendations regarding hardware and software issues. Network communication skills will qualify students for careers in most areas of business.
Careers/Career Areas:
- Software/Hardware Installers
- Network System Analysts
- Computer Security Specialists
- Network System Assistants
- Telecommunications Specialists
- Network Administrators
- Network Engineers
- Data Communications Specialists
Students in the Programming and Systems Development Pathway prepare for careers that involve the design, development, and implementation of computer systems and software. Students learn different operating systems, programming language, and software development. Having expertise in these areas opens doors to careers working with cutting-edge technology and developing products for businesses and consumers.
Careers/Career Areas:
- Programmers/Software Technicians
- Operating System Designers
- Software Architects
- Software Applications Support
- Computer Software/Hardware Engineers
Programs of Study
Labor Market Information
The information below is just a small sample of the many great employment related resources available on the State of California website www.edd.ca.gov. We encourage you to visit the website and explore the available information.
| Occupation Title | Employment Levels in 2006 | Projected Employment Level 2016 | Projected Job Growth | Percent of Job Growth | 2008 Hourly ¹Mean Wage | 2008 ²Weekly Mean Wage | 2008 ³Monthly Mean Wage | 2008 Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business teachers Post secondary | 4,300 | 5,500 | 1,200 | 27.9% | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Computer hardware engineers | 21,400 | 23,700 | 2,300 | 10.7% | $52.32 | $2,092.80 | $8,789.76 | $105,477.00 |
| Computer Operators | 12,600 | 9,600 | -3,000 | -23.8% | $19.37 | $774.80 | $3,254.16 | $39,049.90 |
| Computer Programmers | 36,900 | 35,700 | -1,200 | -3.3% | $39.10 | $1,564.00 | $6,568.80 | $78,825.60 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Post Secondary | 2,800 | 3,600 | 800 | 28.6% | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Computer Software Engineer | 52,100 | 66,800 | 14,700 | 28.2% | $49.41 | $1,976.40 | $8,300.88 | $99,610.60 |
| Computer Specialists, Other | 32,600 | 39,400 | 6,800 | 20.9% | $37.69 | $1,507.60 | $6,331.92 | $75,983.00 |
| Computer Support Specialist | 61,100 | 71,600 | 10,500 | 17.2% | $24.84 | $993.60 | $4,173.12 | $50,077.40 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 53,900 | 69,100 | 15,200 | 28.2% | $39.02 | $1,560.80 | $6,555.36 | $78,664.30 |
| Data Entry Keyers | 37,100 | 36,500 | -600 | -1.6% | $13.89 | $555.60 | $2,333.52 | $28,002.20 |
| Database Administrators | 11,400 | 14,900 | 3,500 | 30.7% | $37.07 | $1,482.80 | $6,227.76 | $74,733.10 |
| Desktop Publishers | 2,900 | 2,900 | 0 | 0.0% | $19.87 | $794.80 | $3,338.16 | $40,057.90 |
| Executive secretaries | 223,800 | 262,200 | 38,400 | 17.2% | $21.95 | $878.00 | $3,687.60 | $44,251.20 |
| Graphic Designers | 36,700 | 41,800 | 5,100 | 13.9% | $25.99 | $1,039.60 | $4,366.32 | $52,395.80 |
| Multi Media Artists & Animators | 27,900 | 36,800 | 8,900 | 31.9% | $38.98 | $1,559.20 | $6,548.64 | $78,583.70 |
| Network & Computer Systems Administrators | 32,400 | 42,200 | 9,800 | 30.2% | $37.67 | $1,506.80 | $6,328.56 | $75,942.70 |
| Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts | 28,900 | 45,900 | 17,000 | 58.8% | $37.23 | $1,489.20 | $6,254.64 | $75,055.70 |
| Office Support Supervisors | 187,500 | 200,400 | 12,900 | 6.9% | $25.23 | $1,009.20 | $4,238.64 | $50,863.70 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 6,200 | 6,600 | 400 | 6.5% | $36.44 | $1,457.60 | $6,121.92 | $73,463.00 |
| Technical writers | 7,200 | 8,600 | 1,400 | 19.4% | $37.20 | $1,488.00 | $6,249.60 | $74,995.20 |
| Word Processing Operators | 26,500 | 24,300 | -2,200 | -8.3% | $17.66 | $706.40 | $2,966.88 | $35,602.60 |