Have you been considering switching to an IT career? Even if you haven't, this list of the top 11 jobs in tech (nine of which are in IT!) is a fairly compelling reason to consider it.
1. Software Developer
Median Salary: $92,660
Unemployment Rate: 2.7 percent
Expected Job Openings:139,900
Software developers make it possible for you to entertain yourself and manage productivity, whether your tastes run from "Angry Birds" to Evernote. These out-of-the-box thinkers design, test, maintain and improve applications and operating system software.
2. Computer Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $81,190
Unemployment Rate: 3.5 percent
Expected Job Openings:127,700
More than a quarter of these analysts work for computer systems design firms, but new positions should open in science, health care, banking and finance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 24.5 percent job growth for computer systems analysts by 2022.
3. Information Security Analyst
Median Salary: $88,590
Unemployment Rate: 3.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 27,400
These analysts are tasked with staying ahead of cyberattacks and keeping company data and systems secure. They focus on risk assessment, vulnerability assessment and defense planning to prevent company or government data from security breaches.
4. Web Developer
Median Salary: $63,160
Unemployment Rate: 3.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,500
These developers are responsible for the design, navigation and functions of your favorite websites. To get started in this career, you should have coding skills and be familiar with current trends in design.
5. Mechanical Engineer
Median Salary: $82,100
Unemployment Rate: 2.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 11,600
Mechanical engineers use research, design, building and testing skills to produce safe and quality machine-driven products. After a bachelor’s degree, some employers may require a master’s, and all states require engineers to obtain a license.
6. IT Manager
Median Salary: $123,950
Unemployment Rate: 3.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 50,900
IT managers guide companies to match modern technology to their business structure, needs and goals. While superior computer and technical skills are expected,management skills are equally important.
7. Civil Engineer
Median Salary: $80,770
Unemployment Rate: 3.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 53,700
Responsible for designing infrastructure such as highways, tunnels, rail systems, airports, water supply and sewage systems, civil engineers may work for state or local governments as well as in the private sector. Some also pursue careers in design, construction and teaching.
8. Computer Systems Administrator
Median Salary: $74,000
Unemployment Rate: 3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 42,900
This job will grow as companies invest in new technology infrastructure. Computer systems administrators create systems to manage the workflow of companies, identify and fix network issues, and maintain equipment and software.
9. Database Administrator
Median Salary: $78,520
Unemployment Rate: 3.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 17,900
Database administrators learn analysis and design skills on the job and build business databases to specifications. These professionals traditionally work more than 40 hours a week setting up databases to fit their employers' needs.
10. Computer Programmer
Median Salary: $76,140
Unemployment Rate: 4.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,400
Computer programmers are the linguists of technology. With knowledge of C++ and Java, they create software to run our computers. Programmers mustwork collaboratively in teams to complete projects.
11. Computer Support Specialist
Median Salary: $60,180
Unemployment Rate: 6.4 percent
Expected Job Openings:123,000
These troubleshooters identify computer issues and address them quickly and efficiently. Computer support specialists need more than technical skills – they must also have superior communication skills.
The full article originally appeared on Entreprenuer.com.
Interested in learning more about how to switch to a career in IT? Check out ITWorks here. If you're ready to make the switch, then fill out an application today!
