What’s the job outlook in the computer science field? It is important to recognize that different specialties of computer science have a different level of demand. A person who can earn a concentration in one of the in-demand areas of expertise should have a successful job search.
Current Employment Statistics and Projected Rate of Growth for Computer Science
As of May 2018, around 31,700 people in the United States were employed as computer scientists. By May 2028, that number is expected to increase to around 37,000. This is about a 16 percent increase, which is much faster than the five percent rate of growth that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates for all occupations combined. This means that the overall job outlook for computer science is good.
Job Outlook in the Computer Science Field By Area of Specialty
It is a good idea to consider the computer science job outlook by the area of specialty. Some specialties will grow at a faster rate than others. For example, there will be an estimated seven percent increase in computer programming jobs. Information security specialists can expect a job growth rate of 32 percent between May 2018 and May 2028. This incredible rate of job growth is due to the demand for more secure websites and databases. Many famous information leaks and hacking attacks have lead companies to be more proactive about their information security.
Job Outlook in the Computer Science Field By Location
Some places have more jobs in computer science than others. One way to look at the job outlook is by the total number of jobs in an area. Another way is to look at the concentration of jobs. The concentration refers to the number of jobs divided by the population size. The five states with the highest total number of jobs in computer science are:
- California
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Texas
- Washington
The cities with the most computer science jobs are:
- the Washington, D.C. metro area
- San Francisco
- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Jose
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the five states with the highest concentration of jobs in computer science are:
- Maryland
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- the District of Columbia.
Conclusion
There are a few additional factors in the job outlook for computer science. A dip in the economy could cause a decrease in the rate of job growth. On the other hand, a discovery or increased demand for technology from consumers could increase the number of jobs. Computer science is a growing field. The worldwide reliance on technology, including the Internet of Things, smartphones and automated systems means that a person with expertise in any of these areas should have no problem finding a job. Being aware of the geographic areas where the most jobs are is also important. Knowing what the job outlook in the computer science field is could help you hone your class schedule, decide on an area of specialty and focus the location of you job search.
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