Top Jobs in Information Technology

Everywhere you look - TV, web or print - new technology is being discussed.  The technology field continues to grow and expand, and as this new technology hits the market, an increasing number of people become connected. Here's a look at why the demand for technology, and IT-trained professionals, continues to grow.

The Growth of a Plugged-in World

According to Pew Research, nine out of ten Americans are online, and 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone. In fact, an "unconnected" American is almost a rare find. Even those earning less than $30,000 are likely to have invested in a smartphone.

Changes in technology have contributed to this growth as well. The "Internet of Things," the growing body of devices that are now connected, continues to grow. Cloud computing is also growing substantially, with reports of 25 percent growth in 2016, and even stronger growth predicted in the future. As cloud computing and the Internet of Things have grown, so has the demand and use of the big data these systems collect and store.

What does all of this mean for those thinking about their future careers? It means that the demand for IT professionals is growing faster than available workers. For those who are considering getting started in IT, here are the top 10 career prospects:

Top 10 Jobs in I.T.

Those who are ready to embrace this growth and enjoy the income available from high-demand jobs may want to consider one of these top positions:

1. Information Security Analyst

Concerns about cyber security are becoming increasingly prevalent as more and more people are handling finances and personal information online. This field is expected to see 14,800 new jobs by 2024, with an average salary of $90,120.

2. Computer and Information Research Scientists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average pay for Computer and Information Research Scientists to be $110,620. These professionals study and create new approaches to computer technology, bringing new uses of technology to the field that help those in all areas of society, from medicine to business.

3. Software Developer

Software developers create and design the software that runs computers, tablets, phones, apps and other technology. This particular field is expected to generate 135,300 jobs by 2024 with an average salary of $98,260.

4. IT Manager

As the workplace becomes increasingly digital in nature, an IT manager has become one of the most important players. IT managers oversee the work of the technology within a business or organization, providing solutions when things go wrong. They earn an average of $131,600 and expect to see 53,700 new jobs by 2024.

5. Cloud Architect

As the cloud grows, so does the demand for people who can build, organize and maintain it. A cloud architect organizes and provides structure for the storage space available in the cloud. These professionals earn around $112,000, ranking them among the top earners in the IT field.

6. Health IT Specialist

The demand for technology in health is growing as doctors have made the move to electronic health records under the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The healthcare industry requires a particular type of IT professional who understands not only the technology but also the healthcare field. These professionals earn an average of $61,000 per year.

7. Web Developer

With an expected 39,500 jobs and an average salary of $64,970, web developers are in high demand and have excellent future job prospects. These professionals design and publish websites, and companies’ need for a strong web presence is going to continue to be critical in the coming years.

8. Database Administrator

As the demand for big data continues to grow, the demand for professionals who can oversee that data will grow as well. A database administrator creates and manages databases that meet the needs of companies looking to tap into big data. This job has an average salary of $81,710.

9. Computer Support Specialist

When people have trouble with their computers, they call a computer support specialist. As more and more people get online, the demand for this professional will grow, bringing an estimated 88,800 additional jobs by 2024 with an average salary of $62,250.

10. Computer Systems Administrator

Computer systems administrators work within companies to keep computers and networks up and running. These professionals earn an average of $77,810 per year, and the field expects to add 30,200 more jobs by 2024.

The statistics above show the demand for well-educated IT professionals is growing. If you are interested in a technology career, we encourage you to explore University of the Cumberlands which was recently named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For more information visit our website or call us at 1-877-713-8767.