Here are the best technology careers, considering demand, growth, and salary!
The technology sector is expected to continue its rapid growth, and there will be a wide range of career options for those interested in pursuing a technology-related job.
What are Technology Careers/Jobs?
Careers with a technology degree, training, or experience offer many different specialties, including programming, software development, data administration, information security, and more. Technology professionals generally work in an office environment or work remotely and spend most of their working hours on a computer. They work to maintain, develop, and utilize the technological (computer) resources available to a company or organization.
Technology careers allow professionals to work in many industries that now integrate computer technology. Careers in technology can be pursued in various work domains, including fast-paced startups, creative tech firms, and small IT departments. Because technology has become an integral part of business and daily life, most companies have at least some technology-related positions!
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Top Technology Careers
Some of the most in-demand fields include software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Software engineers will be needed to create and maintain applications and systems, while data scientists will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting data. AI experts will be tasked with developing new algorithms and applications that use machine learning, and cybersecurity professionals will be needed to keep networks and systems secure.
With the right qualifications, it could be an excellent time to pursue a career in technology. Let's look at some of the top technology careers:
1. Technical support specialist
National average salary: $53,026 per year
A Technical Support Specialist, or an IT Support Specialist, helps customers with technical issues or questions relating to computer hardware or software devices. Their tasks include taking phone calls from customers or communicating with them through messaging platforms, helping clients diagnose technical issues over the phone, and communicating with them about installing hardware or software on their computers.
Educational requirements: Some companies hiring technical support specialists accept candidates with a high school diploma or GED and computer proficiency. Other companies may require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or another closely related degree.
2. Computer programmer
National average salary: $67,186 per year
Computer programmers write instructions that direct operating systems to execute tasks. They use a range of languages to develop, test and fix software applications. They also work closely with software developers and engineers to create useful, user-friendly programs.
A computer programmer is a skilled professional who codes, tests, debugs, and sustains the comprehensive instructions known as computer programs that devices should follow to perform their operations.
Educational requirements: Those seeking employment in computer programming usually pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science. This major helps them learn foundational topics such as programming methods, statistics, and advanced math. In many cases, programmers have an obligation to take continuing education classes or additional courses to learn new languages and stay up-to-date on industry developments.
3. Data analyst
National average salary: $69,930 per year
Data analysts are responsible for managing and examining large amounts of information from various references. They then decipher and summarize this data into insights that guide business decisions. These professionals use statistical modeling and data analysis software applications to determine patterns and trends. They also design diagrams, graphs, and reports to share findings with interested parties.
Educational requirements: Data analysts usually have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. Some also choose to pursue an advanced degree to increase their earning potential.
4. Web developer
National average salary: $74,692 per year
Web developers write the code that creates and maintains websites. They design the front end, which includes the visual "front" that users see, and the back end, which involves the server, application, and database. Common responsibilities of web developers include investigating user feedback to correct errors and improve user experience, implementing testing tools to monitor the website, updating software, and safeguarding data.
Educational requirements: Employers hiring web developers often seek candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. They typically require candidates to demonstrate competency in various coding languages.
5. Sales Engineer
National average salary: $86,327 per year
In the technology domain, sales engineers sell advanced technological products to customers or businesses. They use their extensive knowledge of the technical specifications, value, and advantages of a product or service to promote it to audiences. Some duties of these professionals include marketing and networking to generate leads and delivering presentations and demonstrations of software to clients.
Educational requirements: Many sales engineers have an associate's or bachelor's degree in business information systems or technology, computer science, or a similar field. Many employers for this type of position seek candidates with several years of experience in a sales environment or customer service. They also prefer candidates who can show evidence of exceeding sales targets and maintaining successful client relationships in previous roles.
6. Database administrator
National average salary: $90,862 per year
Database administrators oversee and support software databases, such as library catalogs, user accounts, census information, statistical surveys, and client records. They provide secured entrance to databases and manage backup solutions to prevent data loss during system failure. Other duties of database administrators include analyzing and troubleshooting system issues, updating anti-virus software, and installing updates.
Educational requirements: Many database administrators have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or information systems. Some choose to pursue an advanced degree to broaden their knowledge in their field and increase their earning potential.
7. Network Engineer
National average salary: $91,750 per year
Network engineers are typically part of a business or organization's information technology (IT) department. They're responsible for assuring the efficiency of their company's network hardware and computer systems. These employees install new hardware, run diagnostics, and complete routine software updates. They also take preemptive actions to protect systems against malware, viruses, and other potential threats to network security.
Educational requirements: Most network engineers have a bachelor's degree in computer systems engineering, network security management, information technology, or computer science. Additional certifications may be necessary for these professionals to navigate various network systems properly.
8. Cybersecurity specialist
National average salary: $109,666 per year
Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for preserving the safety of a company's software and network system. Their work involves developing, testing, implementing, and examining the effectiveness of various security measures. This often includes making recommendations for threat intervention and prevention.
Educational requirements: Most candidates seeking a job as a cybersecurity specialist earn a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science. In addition to the education requirements, many companies prefer to hire cybersecurity specialists who have several years of work experience in the fields of information technology and computer science.
9. Cloud engineer
National average salary: $120,464 per year
Cloud engineers evaluate a company's technical infrastructure and relocate certain operations and functions to a cloud-based system. They work with technical teams to determine and execute cloud solutions and solve or troubleshoot issues with cloud-based processes. Other duties of cloud engineers include planning and developing cloud-based applications, software, and web services.
Educational requirements: Many cloud engineers begin their careers with a bachelor's degree in software engineering, information systems, and technology or computer science. Some may pursue a master's degree in a relevant field. Many employers prefer cloud engineers who have extensive knowledge of programming languages and several years of practical experience in cloud computing.
10. Software Engineer
National average salary: $127,448 per year
Software engineers apply engineering principles to create computer applications. They often collaborate with developers and other engineers to develop software programs. Their responsibilities also include advising upgrades for existing systems and assessing an application or system in detail to write operating instructions.
Educational requirements: Software engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree in software development, computer programming, mathematics, or a similar field. Some software engineers can obtain employment with just a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience.
Mission Box Solutions can help Job seekers in the Tech field and Employers looking for Tech Talent. Reach out and learn how we can assist you!
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Sources: Salary Information and Education Requirements - Indeed.com
Photo: Getty/gorodenkoff
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