Information Technology

Information Technology Icon

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

Information Support and Services Pathway

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

Media Support and Services Pathway

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

Network Communications Pathway

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

Programming and Systems Development Pathway

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

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

These selected occupations with information on job growth, percent growth and earning potentials are based on information found at www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov.

¹Mean: Midpoint between highest & lowest ²Weekly: Based on 40 hours ³Monthly: Based on 168 hours

Employment Data Sheet: 
application/pdf icon
info-labor.pdf
Brochure: 
application/pdf icon
information-industry-brochure.pdf

This material is made pursuant to agreement number 07-0170a of the CTE Community Collaborative Supplemental grant. Funds were administered by the Governor’s CTE Initiative SB70/SB 1133 through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

Activity that is the subject of this document was supported in whole or part by the U.S. Department of Education. However, the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and no official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education should be inferred.

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