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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Computer and mathematical occupations

Two workers standing in server room This occupational group includes computer and information analysts, software developers and programmers, database and systems administrators, computer support specialists, actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, operations research analysts, and mathematical technicians.

For terms and definitions in this profile, see definitions of major terms.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2025, more than basic people skills were required for 98.5 percent of computer and mathematical workers. Basic people skills were required for 1.5 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of computer and mathematical workers with cognitive and mental requirements, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Work schedule varies	27.6	72.4
Ability to pause work (and take brief unscheduled breaks)	94.4	5.6
Working around crowds	<0.5	>99.5
Telework routinely allowed	62.8	37.2
Supervising others	10.0	90.0
Supervisor present in immediate work area	41.4	58.6
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal education required, credentials necessary, on-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs. The time associated with these requirements is combined to calculate the specific vocational preparation level needed for the job.

In 2025, prior work experience was required for 71.6 percent of computer and mathematical workers and on-the-job training was required for 66.8 percent.

A bachelor's degree was required for 52.3 percent of computer and mathematical workers.

Environmental conditions

The various hazards or difficulties that are in the area where workers perform their critical tasks.

In 2025, a quiet noise exposure was present for 45.4 percent of computer and mathematical workers. Another 54.6 percent were exposed to moderate noise, less than 0.5 percent were exposed to loud noise, and less than 0.5 percent to very loud noise. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was used by less than 5 percent of workers to mitigate noise exposure and was not used by greater than 95 percent.

Physical demands

The physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2025, speaking was required for greater than 99.5 percent of computer and mathematical workers and was not required for less than 0.5 percent. For 3.6 percent of workers, speaking was seldom required, for 75.6 percent speaking was occasionally required, for 20.7 percent speaking was frequently required, and for less than 0.5 percent speaking was required constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 17.9 percent of computer and mathematical workers and was not required for 82.1 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 90.6 percent of computer and mathematical workers. On average, workers spent 91.1 percent of the workday sitting and 8.9 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of computer and mathematical workers with physical demands, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Ability to choose to sit or stand for tasks	90.6	9.4
Driving	11.5	88.5
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	3.9	96.1
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey