Timon Kaple, Ph.D.
Full Bioon | Topic: Computers & TechThe top careers for graduates with an IT degree show significant signs of growth and pay well above the national median salary. This guide offers a close look at the top IT jobs, what these professionals do, and how much money they make.
Information technology refers to the use of computers and related hardware and software to send, retrieve, and store information. Workers in IT careers help businesses and organizations run more efficiently and safeguard their networks and sensitive information.
In these roles, you'll meet the IT needs of employers in today's fastest-growing industries, including healthcare, transportation, financial services, and manufacturing. Whether you're interested in software development, IT security, data analytics, or design and animation, there's a position for you.
Types of IT careers
Information technology's scope extends into virtually every aspect of business operations today. With so many roles in the field, it's helpful to divide IT careers into five main sectors: software development, IT security, data analytics, design and animation, and quality assurance.
How much money can you make in information technology?
Many jobs for IT majors come with healthy salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals in computer and information technology occupations earn a median annual wage of $91,250.
Some top-paying IT careers include computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, and computer programmer. These workers earn a median annual salary between $89,190-$126,830.
Higher earners in the field often possess tech certifications, several years of work experience, and at least a bachelor's degree in information technology or a related area. Some employers prefer applicants to hold a master's degree, especially for research-focused positions such as those held by computer and information research scientists.
Best jobs for IT majors
While many jobs for IT majors have a positive outlook and substantial salary, some roles stand out. Depending on your degree, work experience, certifications, and specialized skills, you may qualify for one of the top positions detailed below.
To rank the best IT careers, we assessed roles based on salary, job demand and projected growth, remote work opportunities, work-life balance, and work satisfaction. The criteria that we weighted the most heavily were salary, work-life balance, and work satisfaction.
1. Software engineer
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Computer programmer, systems software developer, application software developer
Candidates should have:
These workers specialize in creating applications, networks, or operating systems that allow users to navigate software and carry out tasks. Software engineers typically work as part of a team alongside project managers, graphic designers, software developers, and quality assurance analysts.
2. Computer systems analyst
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Systems architects, applications analyst, business systems analyst
Candidates should have:
These professionals help organizations' daily operations and computer systems efficiency through problem-solving and creating solutions. They focus on streamlining current systems or implementing new customized systems. Experienced systems analysts often obtain leadership roles as project managers, chief technology officers, and IT directors.
3. Data scientist
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Big data scientist, data engineer, data storyteller
Candidates should have:
These analytical experts strive to solve organizations' business-related challenges using data-centered strategies. They work with programming languages, analyze and collate large amounts of data, and try to improve business profits using mathematics, data patterns, and model building and testing.
4. IT manager
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: IT project managers, information systems project manager, IT program manager
Candidates should have:
IT managers ensure that an organization's hardware and software remains up to date and meets its needs. They often oversee network security, help develop business plans, and direct other IT employees.
5. Database administrator
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Database administration manager, database analyst, database coordinator
Candidates should have:
These administrators create systems to organize, store, and secure financial information, customer shipping records, and other sensitive information. They oversee data storage and its safety and backup systems. They also transfer data between old and new databases.
6. Computer programmer
Minimum degree required: Associate
Alternate job titles: Application program analyst, computer programmer analyst, web applications programmer
Candidates should have:
These professionals write and test code for software programs and applications. They may work on programs developed by others -- including engineers and software developers. Computer programmers remedy issues with program code when necessary.
7. Computer network architect
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Network analyst, network systems consultant, telecommunications analyst
Candidates should have:
Network architects build data communication networks. These projects range from small networks between organizations to large-scale cloud infrastructure serving many clients. They may also troubleshoot network issues and provide general maintenance and updating.
8. Cloud computing engineer
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Cloud architect, cloud consultant, cloud services developer
Candidates should have:
Cloud computing engineers serve a wide variety of functions, including setting up architecture with cloud providers such as Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure, managing cloud security, and moving existing systems to cloud-based systems. They often work in teams with other cloud engineers and IT experts to keep systems updated.
9. Web developer
Minimum degree required: High school diploma
Alternate job titles: Back-end web developer, front-end web developer, webmaster
Candidates should have:
Web developers develop and maintain websites They may also code web applications, interactive web interfaces, and application databases. Web developers may work with designers or on their own to create and integrate graphics, video, and audio into websites.
10. Information security specialist
Minimum degree required: Bachelor's
Alternate job titles: Information security officer, information systems security analyst, IT security analyst
Candidates should have:
These professionals develop and carry out security guidelines to protect computer systems and networks for organizations and businesses. They work to defend systems against cyberattacks and security breaches. They must also stay up to date on the latest defenses for new security threats.
11. Computer support specialist
Minimum degree required: Associate
Alternate job titles: Computer technician, help desk analyst, technical support specialist
Candidates should have:
These specialists help customers with computer issues by diagnosing problems and offering steps toward resolution. They may also perform regular maintenance on networks, setup or repair computers and related devices, and work in teams to resolve customer computer issues.
Freelance IT careers
According to the Freelancers Union, freelance workers make up about 36% of the U.S. workforce. Many IT professionals today find careers outside the traditional 9-5 workday.
Some common IT careers for freelancers include web developers, software developers, animators and designers, and data analysts. Freelancers can also find work in just about any industry, including healthcare, higher education, finance, and manufacturing.
Freelancing pros
Flexibility: Most freelancers enjoy the great scheduling flexibility that comes with contract work. You can make your own hours and decide when it's best for you to complete your work while meeting your deadlines.
Independence: Freelancers who enjoy working independently often find contract work quite helpful for their work style. Many freelance roles in IT allow workers to complete specific tasks independently or in collaboration with smaller teams.
Freelancing cons
Unpredictability: Freelance IT workers often do not know how much money they'll earn or how much work they'll have from month to month.
No benefits: Unlike most full-time salaried jobs in IT, freelancers don't receive health insurance, disability or workers' compensation, family or medical leave, or overtime pay.
Which IT careers pay the most?
According to BLS, computer and information systems managers make a median annual wage of $151,150. The top 10% of earners in this field earn more than $208,000 per year.
Which IT skill is the most in demand?
CompTIA reports that machine learning skills are the most in-demand in 2021. Professionals in this area possess a strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, data modeling, algorithms, and programming languages.
What should I major in to work in IT?
Many bachelor's degrees can lead to a career in IT. The most common majors for learners interested in an IT career are information systems and computer science.
