<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                          21,673
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   69,148
<ALLOWANCES>                                       943
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               101,612
<PP&E>                                         120,077
<DEPRECIATION>                                  51,568
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 183,085
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           74,233
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           719
<OTHER-SE>                                     101,773      
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   183,085
<SALES>                                        181,260
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               181,260
<CGS>                                          132,399
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  166,601
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   987
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   (54)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 758
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 13,672
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,310
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,362
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     9,362
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .65
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .65