Businesses in every economic sector use information and communication technologies and digital media (ICT-DM) to reach customers and stay competitive in today’s global marketplace. As these technologies continue to evolve, there will be an ongoing need for skilled, creative, and technologically savvy workers in this sector. In particular, cybersecurity is projected to grow substantially over the next ten years, with some analysts projecting a 30% growth rate through 2029.
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Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials
How much will I make per hour?
Computer User Support Specialists
Job openings per year:
1,111How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $34.67/hr.
- Median: $46.83/hr.
- Experienced: $54.14/hr.
Software Developers
Job openings per year:
654How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $50.02/hr.
- Median: $64/hr.
- Experienced: $78.45/hr.
Computer Occupations, All Other
Job openings per year:
292How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $31.01/hr.
- Median: $45.61/hr.
- Experienced: $64.14/hr.
Computer Systems Analysts
Job openings per year:
245How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $39.82/hr.
- Median: $51.11/hr.
- Experienced: $62.74/hr.
Graphic Designers
Job openings per year:
177How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.68/hr.
- Median: $28.70/hr.
- Experienced: $39.82/hr.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Job openings per year:
166How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $28.13/hr.
- Median: $40.97/hr.
- Experienced: $52.99/hr.
Photographers
Job openings per year:
134How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $15.37/hr.
- Median: $24.86/hr.
- Experienced: $45.03/hr.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Job openings per year:
99How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $37.62/hr.
- Median: $49.07/hr.
- Experienced: $61.92/hr.
Computer Network Support Specialists
Job openings per year:
93How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $29.44/hr.
- Median: $36.10/hr.
- Experienced: $46.81/hr.
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Job openings per year:
79How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.17/hr.
- Median: $32.06/hr.
- Experienced: $51.40/hr.
Web Developers
Job openings per year:
60How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.77/hr.
- Median: $33.23/hr.
- Experienced: $48.97/hr.
Computer Programmers
Job openings per year:
56How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $34.03/hr.
- Median: $49.10/hr.
- Experienced: $64.59/hr.
Audio and Video Technicians
Job openings per year:
44How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $20.75/hr.
- Median: $24.58/hr.
- Experienced: $39.92/hr.
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Job openings per year:
29How much will I make?
- Entry-level: $48.74/hr.
- Median: $62.94/hr.
- Experienced: $77.26/hr.
Top Employers & Skills
Employers
- University of California
- State of California
- Intel
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Gainwell Technologies
- Northrop Grumman
- UC Davis Health
- West Advanced Technologies
- Agile Global Solutions
- California State University
- AgreeYa Solutions
- BM Associates
- Elevance Health
- Siemens
- Pearson Education
- California Public Utilities Commission
- T-Mobile US
- PG&E
Specialized skills
- Computer Science
- Project Management and Workflow Management
- SQL (Programming Language)
- Agile Methodology
- Automation
- JavaScript (Programming Language)
- Python (Programming Language)
- Software Development
- Operating Systems
- Software Engineering
Technology & software skills
- Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
- SQL (Programming Language)
- JavaScript (Programming Language)
- Python (Programming Language)
- Operating Systems (Linux)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Application Programming Interface (API)
- Microsoft Azure
- Java (Programming Language)
- Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
Employability skills
- Communications
- Management
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Operations
- Planning
- Information Technology
- Research
Source: Lightcast 2023.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research.
Computer User Support Specialists
Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
Sample of reported job titles:
Computer Specialist, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Technician, Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Support Specialist, Technical Support Specialist
Tasks:
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
- Install computer hardware.
- Read documents to gather technical information.
- Resolve computer software problems.
Work Context:
- Electronic Mail – 100% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 95% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 88% responded “Every day”
- Coordinate or Lead Others – 11% responded “Important”
- Frequency of Decision Making – 13% responded “Once a month or more but not every week”
Software Developers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Sample of reported job titles:
Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Developer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer
Detailed Work Activities:
- Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
- Modify software programs to improve performance.
- Supervise information technology personnel.
- Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
- Assess database performance.
Computer Occupations, All Other
All computer occupations not listed separately.
Computer Systems Analysts
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Sample of reported job titles:
Applications Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Information Systems Analyst (ISA), Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), System Analyst, Systems Analyst
Tasks:
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
- Test software performance.
Work Context:
- Electronic Mail – 100% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 79% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 93% responded “Every day”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work – 65% responded “A lot of freedom”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 54% responded “Extremely important”
Graphic Designers
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Sample of reported job titles:
Artist, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer, Online Producer, Production Artist, Publications Designer
Tasks:
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.
- Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
- Review art or design materials.
- Design layouts for print publications.
- Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
Work Context:
- Electronic Mail – 90% responded “Every day”
- Spend Time Sitting – 79% responded “Continually or almost continually”
- Time Pressure – 70% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 53% responded “Every day”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 67% responded “Extremely important”
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
Sample of reported job titles:
Information Analyst, Information Systems Manager (IS Manager), Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Network Coordinator, Network Manager, Systems Administrator
Tasks:
- Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
- Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
- Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
- Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
- Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
- Resolve computer network problems.
- Resolve computer software problems.
Work Context:
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 96% responded “Every day”
- Electronic Mail – 90% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 71% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 61% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 67% responded “Constant contact with others”
Photographers
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject’s appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Sample of reported job titles:
Advertising Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Graduation Photographer, Newspaper Photographer, Photo Editor, Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Sports Photographer, Studio Photographer
Tasks:
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
- Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
- Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
- Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
- Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
Work Context:
- Electronic Mail – 95% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 86% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 50% responded “Constant contact with others”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 48% responded “Every day”
- Deal With External Customers – 45% responded “Extremely important”
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
Sample of reported job titles:
Automation Tester, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst), Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer), Quality Engineer, Software Quality Assurance Analyst (SQA Analyst), Software Quality Assurance Engineer (SQA Engineer), Software Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Test Engineer
Tasks:
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Document operational activities.
- Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Compile technical information or documentation.
- Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
Computer Network Support Specialists
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Sample of reported job titles:
Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, Systems Specialist
Tasks:
- Back up network data.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Document network support activities.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
- Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
- Resolve computer network problems.
- Document network-related activities or tasks.
Work Context:
- Electronic Mail – 94% responded “Every day”
- Telephone – 93% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 84% responded “Every day”
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 80% responded “Every day”
- Contact With Others – 79% responded “Constant contact with others”
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Sample of reported job titles:
Technology Applications Engineer, Web Architect, Web Design Specialist, Web Designer, Web Developer, Webmaster
Detailed Work Activities:
- Design websites or web applications.
- Develop specifications or procedures for website development or maintenance.
- Update website content.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Web Developers
Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
Sample of reported job titles:
Technology Applications Engineer, Web Architect, Web Design Specialist, Web Designer, Web Developer, Webmaster
Tasks:
- Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
- Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
- Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
- Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
- Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Design websites or web applications.
- Write computer programming code.
- Update website content.
- Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
- Test software performance.
Computer Programmers
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Sample of reported job titles:
Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Web Applications Programmer, Web Programmer
Tasks:
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Modify software programs to improve performance.
- Write computer programming code.
- Test software performance.
- Resolve computer software problems.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Audio and Video Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Sample of reported job titles:
Audio Technician, Audio Visual Specialist (AV Specialist), AV Tech (Audio Visual Technician), Media Technician, Operations Technician, Stagehand, Video Technician
Tasks:
- Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
- Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
- Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
- Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Notify others of equipment problems.
- Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
- Maintain records, documents, or other files.
- Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
- Coordinate activities of production personnel.
Work Context:
- Face-to-Face Discussions – 89% responded “Every day”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 90% responded “Every day”
- Coordinate or Lead Others – 74% responded “Extremely important”
- Work With Work Group or Team – 76% responded “Extremely important”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate – 65% responded “Extremely important”
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
Sample of reported job titles:
Anchor, Announcer, DJ (Disc Jockey), Host, Morning Show Host, News Anchor, Radio Announcer, Television News Anchor (TV News Anchor)
Tasks:
- Operate control consoles.
- Record commercials for later broadcast.
- Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
- Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
Detailed Work Activities:
- Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
- Perform for recordings.
- Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
- Gather information for news stories.
- Report news to the public.
The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).
The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).
Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.
Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.
Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.