Job Outlook
Expansion of electronic commerce - doing business on the Internet - and the continuing need to build and maintain databases that store critical information on customers, inventory, and projects are fueling demand for Database Administrators. In Illinois and nationally, the Database Administration field is expected to grow by 29%. Although employment of Programmers is expected to decline slightly between 2006-2016, numerous job openings will result from the need to replace Programmers who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations. Organizations will look for Programmers who can support data communications and help implement business and intranet strategies. Demand for Programmers with strong object-oriented programming capabilities and technical specialization in areas such as client/server programming, wireless applications, multimedia technology, and graphic user interface will likely stem from the expansion of intranets, extranets, and Internet applications.¹*

Earning Potential
Salaries for Database Administrators and Programmers vary depending upon level of education and experience. Although a 2-year degree offers candidates a solid, broad range of technical training, a bachelor's degree commands a higher salary and is preferred or required for many jobs in these fields. In 2007, Database Administrators earned an average of $70,260 nationally and $72,940 in Illinois. Computer Programmers earned an average of $72,010 nationally and $74,260 in Illinois. A June 2007 report ranked Champaign-Urbana as one of the 10 best locations for a secure data center, partially due to the availability of skilled labor in the market area.**

Academic/Career Advancement
Since most employers promote or seek applicants who have a bachelor's degree in information science, information systems, or computer science, we encourage students to begin planning for additional education at the beginning of their A.A.S. program. Parkland offers transfer agreements with Illinois State University (ISU), Southern Illinois University (SIU), University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS), and Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Programming/Database Administration students can transfer their A.A.S. toward a B.S. in Information Systems (ISU), a B.S. in Information Systems Technologies (SIU), a B.S. in Computer Science (UIS) or a B.S. in Career and Organizational Studies (EIU). Opportunities to earn higher degrees are also available through 2+2 agreements with other colleges and universities such as Franklin, Greenville, and Regis.