Do Computer Pros Work Less Than Others?

Among eight broad professional occupations tracked by the government, only one category–consisting of educators, trainers and librarians–average fewer hours at work each week.

The occupation category comprising computer and mathematical professionals [math occupations such as actuaries, operational research analysis and statisticians make up less than 5 percent of the category] who usually work fulltime averaged 42 hours, 24 minutes on the job each week in 2006, according to a survey of American households conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s one hour, 42 minutes less than all professional occupations combined, but one hour, six minutes more each week than education/training/library.

Legal professionals put in the most time, at 44 hours, 54 minutes. Their bosses put in even longer hours. Managers of all stripes averaged 46 hours, 24 minutes of work each week in 2006.

Average Weekly Hours Worked
Among professionals who usually work full time

OccupationHours: Minutes
Education/Training/Library41:18
Computer/Math42:24
Life/Physical/Social Sciences42:54
Community/Social Services42:54
Arts/Design/Entertainment/Sports/Media42:54
Healthcare Practitioner/Technical43:06
Architecture/Engineering43:30
Legal44:54
Management46:24

Source: U.S. Bureaus of Census and Labor Statistics