Overall employment of computer scientists is projected to increase by 24 percent through 2018, while job growth for database administrators is projected to increase by 20 percent.

Because computers are so central to businesses, demand continues to grow for network systems and data communication analysts, database administrators and information security experts. Jobs will grow fastest for computer researchers and database administrators.

In 2008, computer scientists earned an average salary of $97,970. The middle 50 percent made $75,340 to $124,370. The highest 10 percent earned more than $151,250.

Median annual wages of database administrators were $69,740 in May 2008, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $111,950. These fields earn higher, on average, than network systems and data communication analysts or telecommunication specialists.

These computer specialists include computer scientists, database administrators, and network systems and data communication analysts. The titles are fluid and change rapidly to reflect changes in technology.

Computer scientists work as theorists, researchers or inventors in businesses or for academic institutions. Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. Network systems and data communications analysts, also referred to as network architects, design, test and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets and other data communications systems.

Telecommunications specialists focus on the interaction between computer and communications equipment. Internet developers or web developers, also called web designers, are responsible for day-to-day site creation and design.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is a prerequisite for many jobs; however, demand is so great that many entry-level jobs require only a two-year or associate degree.

Relevant work experience is important. For managerial positions, candidates with master’s degrees in computer science/database administration are preferred.

For database administrator and network systems and data communication analyst positions, most employers seek applicants who have bachelor’s degrees in computer science, information science or management information systems (MIS).

For some network systems and data communication analysts, such as webmasters, an associate degree or certificate is often sufficient.

Licensing: None.

Entering the Field: Many online colleges offer associate degrees in computer science. Many also offer bachelor’s degrees in computer science, information systems, telecommunications and database programming.

If you have no experience or education in computer science, consider a certificate or diploma in computer office systems or programming to test the waters.

Career Changers: Those who have worked as computer support system specialists, programmers or managers of computer information systems at small companies are excellent candidates for formal online education in database programming and development. Web designers and webmasters also often move up to specialize in database development and programming.