4. Computer applications software engineers

Projected increase in 2016: 44.6 percent
Number employed in 2006: 507,000
Median pay in 2006: $82,000
Education/training: Requirements may vary from job to job, but in 2006, eight in 10 workers held at least a bachelor's degree. Knowledge and experience with a variety of computer systems is also a major plus.
Job outlook: This industry will grow as computer networking grows, and businesses seek to become more efficient using emerging technology.
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• Job openings in New England for software engineers