Exploring a career in information technology (IT) can open up a world of possibilities for those interested in programming, problem-solving, and cutting-edge technology. With the rapidly evolving nature of the tech industry, there are numerous IT career types to consider, each offering unique opportunities for growth and advancement. In this article, we will explore 10 popular IT career types, along with their average salaries, primary duties, and educational requirements, to help you choose a profession that aligns with your interests and aspirations.
1. Techie: Average annual salary: $52,455 Primary duties: IT technicians and support personnel diagnose computer faults, monitor processing processes, install essential software, and test computer equipment and applications. They may also provide training to staff, clients, and other users on new applications or functions. IT technicians typically require an associate's degree in IT or a bachelor's in computer science or networking.
2. Support Professional: Average annual salary: $47,368 Primary duties: Support professionals diagnose and fix company computer network and hardware issues. They can work in various sectors to provide general employee support or offer technical user experience support in technology or SaaS companies. Support professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree in IT or computer science or have relevant professional experience.
3. QA Tester: Average annual salary: $70,299 Primary duties: Quality assurance testers verify software for bugs and industry requirements. They may work on gaming systems, mobile apps, and other technologies that require testing and maintenance. Quality assurance testers usually have bachelor's degrees in software design, engineering, or computer science and require good time management and communication skills.
4. Web Developer: Average annual salary: $77,791 Primary duties: Web developers design website layouts, navigation, and content using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They handle client-specific images, applications, and content. Web developers may have an associate degree in web development or IT, a bachelor's degree in IT or business, or obtain certification through certificate programs or self-paced study.
5. IT Security Expert: Average annual salary: $82,514 Primary duties: IT security professionals design and maintain digital protections for an organization's intellectual property and data. They help companies prepare for network and server data breaches and develop problem-solving methods. IT security experts typically need a bachelor's degree or professional qualification in math, programming, operating systems, or ISC2 certifications.
6. Programmer: Average annual salary: $68,620 Primary duties: Computer programmers use HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to create new software and may be involved in fixing online gameplay issues after a game's release. Programmers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science and may have completed an internship, coding academy, or certification program.
7. System Analyst: Average annual salary: $79,891 Primary duties: Systems analysts analyze design components and address business challenges using IT. They recommend infrastructure changes to improve business and IT operations and help technicians train workers to implement improvements. Systems analysts typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or IT and may have taken corporate administration, management, or finance courses.
8. Network Engineer: Average annual salary: $95,178 Primary duties: Network engineers maintain and enhance a company's computer network to make it available and efficient for all employees. Network engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems and may pursue an MBA if they collaborate with internal stakeholders on technological strategies.
9. Software Engineer: Average annual salary: $108,896 Primary duties: Software engineers use mathematical and computer science principles to design and enhance software, such as corporate apps, operating systems, and network control systems. Most software engineers have a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science and are proficient in technical problem-solving, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and programming languages.
10. UX Designer: Average annual salary: $99,082 Primary duties: User experience (UX) designers focus on product buying, branding, usability, and functionality. They evaluate customer input to determine a product's efficiency and success, incorporate feedback into design and organization, and oversee product testing and revision to meet customer demands. UX designers typically have an associate or bachelor's degree in IT, along with training in design, business, web development, and programming.
In conclusion, pursuing a career in information technology offers a diverse range of opportunities for individuals who are passionate about technology and innovation. Whether you are interested in programming, software development, network security, or user experience design, exploring different IT career types can help you find a profession that aligns with your skills and aspirations. By considering the average salaries, primary duties, and educational requirements of these 10 IT career types, you can make an informed decision about the path that best suits your interests and goals in the dynamic field of information technology.