Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Information security analysts work to protect a company’s computer systems.

Quick Facts: Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects
2010 Median Pay	$75,660 per year $36.37 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	1 to 5 years
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	302,300
Job Outlook, 2010-20	22% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	65,700

What Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects Do

Information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects all use information technology (IT) to advance their organization’s goals. Security analysts ensure a firm’s information stays safe from cyberattacks. Web developers create websites to help firms have a public face. Computer network architects create the internal networks all workers within organizations use.

Work Environment

Many of these workers are employed in computer systems design and related services firms. Most information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects work full time.

How to Become an Information Security Analyst, Web Developer, or Computer Network Architect

Most of these workers have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Information security analysts and network architects usually need experience in a related occupation, and additional knowledge of web programming languages can be helpful for web developers.

Pay

The median annual wage of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects was $75,660 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects is projected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects for all three occupations should be favorable.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects by contacting these additional resources.

What Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects Do About this section

Network architects design LANs, WANs, and intranets.

Duties

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increase.

Information security analysts typically do the following:

Research the latest information technology security trends
Monitor their organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate a violation when one occurs
Help plan and carry out an organization’s way of handling security
Develop security standards and best practices for their organization
Install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information
Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff
Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures

Information security analysts must continually adapt to stay a step ahead of cyberattackers. They must stay up to date on the latest methods attackers are using to infiltrate computer systems and on IT security. Analysts need to research new security technology to decide what will most effectively protect their organization. This may involve attending cybersecurity conferences to hear firsthand accounts of other professionals who have experienced new types of attacks.

IT security analysts create their organization’s disaster recovery plan, a procedure that IT employees follow in case of emergency. The plan lets an organization’s IT department continue functioning. It includes preventative measures such as regularly copying and transferring data to an offsite location. It also involves plans to restore proper IT functioning after a disaster. Analysts continually test the steps in their recovery plans.

Because information security is important, analysts usually report directly to upper management. Many information security analysts work with an organization’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to design security or disaster recovery systems. For more information on chief technology officers, see the profile on computer and information systems managers.

Computer network architects, or network engineers, design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from a small connection between two offices to a multinational series of globally distributed communications systems. Network architects must have thorough knowledge of an organization’s business plan to design a network that can help the organization achieve its goals.

Computer network architects typically do the following:

Create a plan and layout for a data communication network
Present the plan to management and explain why it is in the organization’s best interest to pursue it
Decide what hardware, such as routers or adaptors, and software, such as network drivers, will be needed to support the network
Determine how cables will be laid out in the building and where other hardware will go
Research new technology to determine what would best support their organization in the future
Consider information security when designing a network

Architects often work with their organization’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to predict the highest need for new networks. They spend most of their time planning these new networks. Some network architects work in the field, supervising engineers and workers who build the networks an architect has designed. Network architects are often experienced staff and have 5 to 10 years of experience working in network administration or with other IT systems.

Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. They also may create content for the site.

Web developers typically do the following:

Meet with their clients or management to discuss the needs of the website and the expected needs of the website’s audience and plan how it should look
Create and debug applications for a website
Write code for the site, using programming languages such as HTML or XML
Work with other team members to determine what information the site will contain
Work with graphics and other designers to determine the website’s layout
Integrate graphics, audio, and video into the website
Monitor website traffic

When creating a website, developers have to make their client’s vision a reality. They work with clients to determine what sites should be used for, including ecommerce, news, or gaming. The developer has to decide which applications and designs will fit the site best.

The following are some types of web developers:

Web architects or programmers are responsible for the overall technical construction of the website. They create the basic framework of the site and ensure that it works as expected. Web architects also establish procedures for allowing others to add new pages to the website and meet with management to discuss major changes to the site.

Web designers are responsible for how a website looks. They create the site’s layout and integrate graphics; applications, such as a retail checkout tool; and other content into the site. They also write web-design programs in a variety of computer languages, such as HTML or JavaScript.

Webmasters maintain websites and keep them updated. They ensure that websites operate correctly and test for errors such as broken links. Many webmasters respond to user comments as well.

Work Environment About this section

Developers build websites for all types of businesses.

Information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects held about 302,300 jobs in 2010. The following table shows the industries that employed the most information security analysts, web developers and computer network architects in 2010:

Computer systems design and related services	18%
Telecommunications	8
Finance and insurance	7
Management of companies and enterprises	5

About 17 percent of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects were self-employed in 2010.

Work Schedules

Most information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects work full time. Information security analysts sometimes have to be on call outside of normal business hours in case of an emergency at their organization.

How to Become an Information Security Analyst, Web Developer, or Computer Network Architect About this section

Information security is a new field and many schools are still developing programs to teach the subject.

Most information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Information security analysts and computer network architects usually need experience in a related occupation, and additional knowledge of web programming languages can help web developers.

Education

Information security analysts usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related field. As information security continues to develop as a career field, many schools are responding with information security programs to prepare students for the job. These programs may become a common path for entry into the occupation.

Employers of information security analysts sometimes prefer applicants who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems. Programs offering the MBA in information systems generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses.

Computer network architects usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field. Employers of network architects sometimes prefer applicants to have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems. These programs generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses.

Educational requirements for web developers vary with the setting they work in and the type of work they do. Requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. An associate’s degree may be sufficient for webmasters who do not do a lot of programming.

However, for web architect or other, more technical, developer positions, some employers prefer workers who have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related field.

Web developers need to have a thorough understanding of HTML. Many employers also want developers to understand other languages, such as JavaScript or SQL, as well as have some knowledge of multimedia publishing tools, such as Flash. Throughout their career, web developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.

Some employers prefer web developers who have both a computer degree and have taken classes in graphic design, especially when hiring developers who will be heavily involved in the website’s visual appearance.

Work Experience

Information security analysts generally need to have previous experience in a related occupation. Many employers look for people who have already worked in fields related to the one in which they are hiring. For example, if the job opening is in database security, they may look for a database administrator. If they are hiring in systems security, a computer systems analyst may be an ideal candidate.

Network architects generally need to have previous experience in a related occupation. They usually have at least 5 to 10 years of experience working in network administration or with other information technology (IT) systems.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Information security analysts must carefully examine computer systems and networks to determine if they have been compromised. Computer network architects have to examine data networks and decide how to best connect the networks based on the needs and resources of the organization.

Concentration. Web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods.

Creativity. Web developers are often involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it looks innovative and up to date.

Customer-service skills. Webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests.

Detail oriented. Because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts pay careful attention to their computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance. Computer network architects create comprehensive plans of the networks they are creating with precise information describing how the network parts will work together. When web developers write in HTML, a minor error could cause an entire webpage to stop working.

Ingenuity. Information security analysts try to outthink cybercriminals and invent new ways to protect their organization’s computer systems and networks.

Leadership skills. Many computer network architects direct teams of engineers who build the networks they have designed.

Organization skills. Computer network architects who work for large firms must coordinate many different types of communication networks and make sure they work well together.

Problem-solving skills. Information security analysts uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks.

Teamwork. Workers in all three of these occupations must be able to work with different types of employees to accomplish their goals.

Pay About this section

Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects

Median annual wages, May 2010

Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects: $75,660
Computer Occupations: $73,710
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects was $75,660 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,190, and the top 10 percent earned more than $119,940.

A survey by Robert Half Technology estimated the salary of data security analysts to be between $89,000 and $121,500 in 2012 and a systems or network security administrator’s wages to be between $85,000 and $117,750.

The same survey estimated that a network architect makes between $95,500 and $137,000 in 2012.

Web developers make between $61,250 and $99,250 in 2012 according to Robert Half Technology.

Job Outlook About this section

Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects: 22%
Computer Occupations: 22%
Total, All Occupations: 14%

Employment of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects is projected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high. Cyberattacks have grown in frequency and sophistication over the last few years, and many organizations are behind in their ability to detect these attacks. Analysts will be needed to come up with innovative ways to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or creating havoc on computer networks.

The federal government is expected to greatly increase its hiring of information security analysts to protect the nation’s critical information technology (IT) systems. In addition, as the healthcare industry expands its use of electronic medical records, ensuring patients’ privacy and protecting personal data are becoming more important. More information security analysts are likely to be needed to create the safeguards that will satisfy patients’ concerns.

Demand for computer network architects will increase as firms continue to expand their use of wireless and mobile networks. This occupation will be needed to design and build these new networks, as well as upgrade existing ones. In addition, the expansion of healthcare information technology will cause an increase in the use of networking technology in that industry, and more computer network architects will be employed there.

Adoption of cloud computing, which allows users to access storage, software, and other computer services over the Internet, is likely to cause a decrease in the demand for computer network architects. Organizations will no longer have to design and build networks in-house; instead, this will be done by firms that provide cloud services. However, because architects at cloud providers can work on more than one organization’s network, these providers will not have to employ as many architects as individual organizations to do the same amount of work, thereby reducing the overall need for network architects.

Employment of web developers is expected to grow as ecommerce continues to grow. Online purchasing is expected to continue to grow faster than the overall retail industry. As retail firms expand their online offerings, demand for web developers will increase.

Because websites can be built from anywhere in the world, some web developer jobs may be moved to countries with lower wages, lessening U.S. job growth. However, this practice may decline because of a growing trend of firms hiring workers in low-cost areas of the U.S. instead of in foreign countries.

Job Prospects

Prospects for information security analysts should be good. Information security analysts with related work experience will have the best opportunities. For example, an applicant with experience as a database administrator would have better prospects in database security than someone without that experience.

Prospects for computer network architects should be favorable, as many companies report difficulty finding network architects due to the considerable amount of education and work experience required for these highly skilled positions.

Web developers’ job prospects should also be favorable. Those with knowledge of multiple programming languages and digital multimedia tools, such as Flash and Photoshop, will have the best opportunities.

Employment projections data for information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects	15-1179	302,300	367,900	22	65,700	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology and find new uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other uses.	Doctoral or professional degree	$100,660
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology managers (IT managers or IT project managers), plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.	Bachelor’s degree	$115,780
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.	Bachelor’s degree	$98,810
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	Bachelor’s degree	$71,380
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called technical support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.	Some college, no degree	$46,260
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.	Bachelor’s degree	$77,740
Database Administrators	Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.	Bachelor’s degree	$73,490
Graphic Designers	Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They help to make an organization recognizable by selecting color, images, or logo designs that represent a particular idea or identity to be used in advertising and promotions.	Bachelor’s degree	$43,500
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.	Bachelor’s degree	$69,160
Software Developers	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.	Bachelor’s degree	$90,530
Technical Writers	Technical writers, also called technical communicators, produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information among customers, designers, and manufacturers.	Bachelor’s degree	$63,280