In 1980 1,455,000 persons worked in computer occupations. Two in five were systems analysts or programmers; one in five was a keypunch operator; one in 20 was a computer service technician; and more than one in three were computer and peripheral equipment operators. Employment was concentrated in major urban centers in four major industry divisions--manufacturing; services; finance, insurance, and real estate; and wholesale and retail trades. Between 1970 and 1980, employment of computer workers more than doubled. Educational requirements ranged from high school graduates to those with a college degree and beyond. The shortage of qualified computer workers is due to the relative newness of the field, its rapidly changing technology, and lack of qualified teachers. Overall employment is expected to increase by nearly one-half from 1980 to 1990. New technologies that will affect employment are in three major areas: hardware, software, and applications. Employment of computer and peripheral equipment operators and computer service technicians is expected to increase, while the demand for keypunch operators will decrease. The shortage of computer personnel is expected to continue, resulting in higher wages, more job mobility, increased job security, and greater opportunities. (Appendixes include data tables and a glossary.) (YLB)