Technology still drives the Massachusetts economy, so it’s no surprise that many of the best job opportunities lie in computer-related occupations such as software engineers, systems analysts, and database administrators.
Such jobs are projected to increase at about triple the rate of overall employment in both the state and the nation over the next several years, according the Labor Department. They are also among the highest paying, averaging just under $84,000 a year in Massachusetts, compared to about $49,000 for all occupations.
Computer-related occupations are expected to account for nearly one of every 10 new jobs generated in the state by 2016, according to Labor. Computer-related occupations are projected to add about 26,000 jobs in Massachusetts by 2016, an increase of more than 20 percent, compared to overall state employment growth of about 6 percent.
With technology becoming ever more sophisticated, the greatest opportunities are found in fields that require the highest skills. For example, software engineering jobs, which frequently demand advanced degrees on top of bachelor’s in computer science or other technical disciplines, are expected to grow nearly 40 percent nationally by 2016, according to Labor.
In contrast, programming jobs, which may only require an associate’s degree, are expected to decline by 4 percent over the next several years as some functions are automated and others outsourced to India and other lower wage nations.
In addition to software engineers, demand for systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators is also expected to be strong. Jobs in each of these occupations are expected to grow 20 to 30 percent nationally by 2016, with information security - protecting data from theft, destruction, or manipulation - a particularly hot niche, according to Labor.
Again, these jobs typically require technical degrees, with advanced degrees increasingly preferred. Systems analysts, who integrate new technologies in company operations, often need MBA’s on top of technical degrees, for example.
Boston-area recruiters say demand for technology workers has picked up significantly in recent weeks, particularly in areas such as mobile applications, electronic medical records, and online advertising and marketing.
Another growing specialty is green computing, or developing systems that use less equipment and less energy, said Laurie Lopez, general manager of technology contracting at Winter, Wyman Cos., a Waltham staffing firm.
Matt Conley, Boston branch manager for recruiter Sapphire Technologies, said employers increasingly prefer candidates who have capabilities in several areas, such as software design, code development, and storage applications.
Most important is to stay abreast of the latest technologies and update skills, particularly after a layoff, Conley said. Take courses, join user groups, learn new development tools and methodologies. “If you’ve been out of work,’’ he said, “there has to be a story about what you’ve done to keep sharp.’’
Robert Gavin can be reached at rgavin@globe.com. 
