Computer and mathematical workers

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.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make 

decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2023, more than basic people skills were required for 96.1 

percent of computer and mathematical workers, and basic 

people skills were required for 3.9 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of computer and mathematical workers with cognitive and mental 

requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 96.0 4.0

Interaction with general public 52.7 47.3

Working around crowds <0.5 >99.5

Telework 53.5 46.5

Work review: Supervising others 12.5 87.5

Work review: Presence of supervisor 52.5 47.5

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.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 15.2 percent of 

computer and mathematical 

workers. Prior work experience 

was required for 82.9 percent 

and on-the-job training was 

required for 62.1 percent.

A bachelor's degree was 

required for 65.5 percent of 

computer and mathematical 

workers.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or 

difficulties that are in the vicinity of where 

jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, greater than 99.5 percent of computer 

and mathematical workers were not exposed 

to extreme cold, and greater than 99.5 percent 

were not exposed to extreme heat. Wetness 

was not present for greater than 99.5 percent, 

greater than 99.5 percent were not exposed to 

heavy vibrations, and 98.4 percent were not 

exposed to the outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required 

to perform tasks in jobs. The presence 

and, in some cases, duration of these 

activities are published.

In 2023, keyboarding was required for 

greater than 99.5 percent of computer 

and mathematical workers and was not 

required for less than 0.5 percent. For 

less than 0.5 percent of workers, 

keyboarding was seldom performed, for 

8.1 percent keyboarding occurred 

occasionally, 71.7 percent frequently, 

and for 20.1 percent keyboarding 

occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was 

required for 19.9 percent of computer and mathematical workers and was not required for 80.1 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 93.0 percent of computer and mathematical 

workers. On average, workers spent 88.9 percent of the workday sitting and 11.1 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of computer and mathematical workers with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 93.0 7.0

Driving 8.5 91.5

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 5.3 94.7

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey