Computer and information research scientists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.81
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.72
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.69
Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.67
Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.66
Design computers and the software that runs them.66
Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.65
Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.62
Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.59
Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.59
Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.58
Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.55

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Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.54
Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.49
Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.44

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Systems Analysis69
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Programming66
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Systems Evaluation66
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Active Learning63
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking63
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Mathematics60
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Time Management60
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Writing60
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Analysis53
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science53
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Technology Design53
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Personnel Resources47
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Operations Monitoring41
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Financial Resources38
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Quality Control Analysis35
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Troubleshooting35
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection22
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing3
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Computers and Electronics89
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics77
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology74
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language72
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management58
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design57
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Telecommunications52
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Physics46
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Customer and Personal Service43
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing43
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Education and Training42
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administrative40
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Personnel and Human Resources37
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Production and Processing37
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Psychology35
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security35
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Communications and Media32
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting29
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mechanical27
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Law and Government25
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Biology23
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology22
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Chemistry21
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Geography21
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Building and Construction14
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology11
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry10
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology10
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts8
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Therapy and Counseling8
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Foreign Language7
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Transportation7
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Food Production1
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas72
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility69
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Originality66
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

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Mathematical Reasoning60
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speech Clarity56
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity41
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Time Sharing38
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Trunk Strength22
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception19
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers99
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information91
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems91
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information89
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge89
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Thinking Creatively88
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information84
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates83
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events83
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information83
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others82
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization81
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information80
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing Objectives and Strategies68
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work67
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards64
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People64
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Scheduling Work and Activities60
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others57
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Training and Teaching Others55
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings51
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing and Building Teams47
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others46
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others46
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources43
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials42
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates41
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Controlling Machines and Processes36
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coaching and Developing Others33
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment31
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others31
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units31
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others30
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment29
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public24
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities20
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment19
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects17
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment17
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Intellectual Curiosity100
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation94
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Attention to Detail83
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Adaptability77
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Achievement Orientation75
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Dependability71
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Initiative67
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Perseverance67
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity65
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Integrity63
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence54
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cautiousness48
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

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Leadership Orientation34
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Control34
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance32
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation31
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity21
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation20
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility17
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism13
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy10
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative100
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional63
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic46
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic33
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising25
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social17
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day94%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually54%
- More than half the time45%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others62%
- Contact with others most of the time19%
- Contact with others about half the time18%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important51%
- Very important43%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day64%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom54%
- Limited freedom37%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom48%
- Some freedom24%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important23%
- Important27%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours42%
- 40 hours58%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day66%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%

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Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important49%
- Fairly important33%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important25%
- Very important27%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results12%
- Important results46%
- Moderate results14%
- Minor results28%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive11%
- Highly competitive15%
- Moderately competitive68%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility48%
- Moderate responsibility14%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a month or more but not every week37%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never12%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time46%
- Never16%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week69%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never13%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious34%
- Serious24%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually12%
- Less than half the time18%
- Never35%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated58%
- Slightly automated17%
- Not at all automated25%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)53%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)22%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important12%
- Not important at all27%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility14%
- Moderate responsibility11%
- Limited responsibility45%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never36%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never23%
Work Schedules
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time67%
- Never28%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all66%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month37%
- Never53%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never77%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never60%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time32%
- Never67%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never73%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time27%
- Never73%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never86%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never90%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time20%
- Never80%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never83%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Exposed to High Places
- Never91%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never93%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never94%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never94%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never95%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never96%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never96%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never97%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never96%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never100%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never99%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Doctoral degree
Master’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Development environment software
Apache Kafka, Eclipse IDE, Go, Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, SAS, TensorFlow, The MathWorks MATLAB
Data base management system software
Amazon DynamoDB, Elasticsearch, Oracle Database, Redis
Object or component oriented development software
C#, Oracle Java, Perl, Scala
Data base user interface and query software
Apache Hive, Prometheus, PyTorch, Transact-SQL
Operating system software
Bash, Shell script, UNIX, UNIX Shell
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Apache Spark, IBM Cognos Impromptu, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau
Configuration management software
Chef, IBM Rational Apex, IBM Terraform, Puppet
Web platform development software
Django, JavaScript, Node.js, PHP
Application server software
Docker, GitHub, GitLab, Kubernetes
Graphics or photo imaging software
3D graphics software, Graphics pipelines, Open Graphics Library OpenGL
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML, IBM InfoSphere DataStage, Jenkins CI
Cloud-based management software
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS SageMaker, Splunk Enterprise
Compiler and decompiler software
Greenhills Ada compilers, Low-level virtual machine LLVM compilers, Polaris parallelizing compilers
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS software
Clustering software
Clustermatic, Parallel systems software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, SAP Business Objects
File versioning software
Apache Subversion SVN, Git
Office suite software
Business software applications, Microsoft Office software
Graphical user interface development software
Grafana Labs Grafana Cloud, Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis Weka
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided design and drafting CADD software, PTC Creo Parametric
Data mining software
Google Analytics, Snowflake
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Metadata management software
Quest Erwin Data Modeler
Object oriented data base management software
PostgreSQL
Expert system software
Ansible software
Communications server software
IBM Domino
Portal server software
Apache HTTP Server
Video creation and editing software
Video editing software
Sales and marketing software
Google Ads
Program testing software
System testing software
Web page creation and editing software
Plug-in file software
Requirements analysis and system architecture software
Unified modeling language UML
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Procedure management software
Apache Airflow
Industrial control software
Chatbot software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.
Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
Maintain computer hardware.
Monitor the performance of computer networks.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Design integrated computer systems.
Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.

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Manage information technology projects or system activities.
Develop organizational goals or objectives.
Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
Participate in staffing decisions.
Train others in computer interface or software use.
Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology