If you are someone who enjoys programming and problem-solving, a career in Information Technology (IT) may be the right choice for you. With the increasing demand for skilled IT professionals, there are numerous career opportunities available in this field. In this article, we will explore 10 different IT career types along with their average salaries, roles, and requirements.
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 hold an associate's degree in IT or a bachelor's degree 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 in a technology or Software as a Service (SaaS) company to offer technical user experience support. Support professionals usually have a bachelor's degree in IT or computer science, although certificates or associate degrees with relevant professional experience may also be accepted.
3. QA tester Average annual salary: $70,299 Primary duties: Quality assurance testers are responsible for verifying software for bugs and industry requirements. They work on gaming systems, mobile apps, and other technologies that require testing and maintenance. Quality assurance testers often hold bachelor's degrees in software design, engineering, or computer science.
4. Web Developer Average annual salary: $77,791 Primary duties: Web developers design website layout, navigation, and content, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They work with client-specific images, apps, and content to create engaging websites. Web developers typically have an associate degree in web development or IT, although a bachelor's degree in IT or business is also an option.
5. IT Security Expert Average annual salary: $82,514 Primary duties: IT security professionals design and maintain digital protections for an organization's IP and data. They help companies prepare for network and server data breaches and develop problem-solving methods. A bachelor's degree or professional qualification is usually required for this role.
6. Programmer Average annual salary: $68,620 Primary duties: Computer programmers use HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to create new software and fix issues in existing software. Programmers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science and may have completed an internship or coding academy program.
7. System Analyst Average annual salary: $79,891 Primary duties: Systems analysts analyze design components and address business challenges using IT. They propose infrastructure changes to improve business and IT operations, helping technicians train workers to implement these improvements. A bachelor's degree in computer science or IT is usually necessary for this role.
8. Network Engineer Average annual salary: $95,178 Primary duties: Network engineers maintain and enhance a company's computer network to ensure availability and efficiency for all employees. A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems is typically required for this role.
9. Software Engineer Average annual salary: $108,896 Primary duties: Software engineers use math and computer science to design and improve software, including corporate apps, operating systems, and network control systems. Most software engineers hold a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science and have expertise in technical problem-solving 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 feedback to improve product efficiency and usability, overseeing product testing and revision to meet customer demands. UX designers typically hold an associate or bachelor's degree in IT, with training in design, business, web development, and programming.
In conclusion, the field of Information Technology offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals with diverse interests and skills. Whether you are interested in programming, networking, security, or design, there is a role in IT that may suit your abilities and ambitions. By exploring these 10 IT career types, you can gain a better understanding of the options available in this dynamic and evolving industry.