What Can You Do with an Information Technology Degree?
Are you interested in joining the booming field of information technology?
If you love working with computers and have a head for business and management, the constantly expanding IT world may be your ticket to the career of your dreams!
List of the Top 40 IT Careers & Salaries
There are a number of different paths you can take once you have earned a degree in Information Technology. To give you an idea of the occupations most commonly found within this field, we have put together a list of 40 of the top IT careers and their average mid-career salaries:
| Job Title | Job Summary |
Mid-Career Pay |
| Principal Software Engineer | Oversees a vast scope of work including all the technical aspects of an organization’s projects. |
$123,000 |
| Computer and Information Scientist, Research | Oversees the research efforts and computer-related reports on behalf of a company. |
$115,000 |
| Network Architect | In charge of designing and reviewing network requirements and capabilities for an organization. |
$108,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Collaborates with several teams to write, test, and document software for business clients. |
$102,000 |
| Information Security Manager | Maintains security protocols for projects by increasing network and internet security. |
$101,000 |
| Senior Research Scientist, Biotechnology | Leads research projects and assesses new technologies and their future applications. |
$100,000 |
| Architect (Computer Software, Hardware) | Responsible for the development and design of new software or hardware that will benefit an organization. |
$98,000 |
| Senior Database Administrator | Leads computer engineering teams to create database architecture of specialized computer software. |
$98,000 |
| Information Security Engineer | Helps maintain the integrity of data communicated and stored throughout an organization. |
$93,000 |
| Security Consultant (Computing/Networking/IT) | Designs a system that will protect large organizations from internal and external data theft. |
$91,000 |
| Oracle Database Administrator | Ensures a company’s Oracle database and other database systems run smoothly. |
$91,000 |
| Senior Quality Assurance/Test Automation Engineer | Designs, creates, and implements applications that will convert manual test preparation into automated test preparation. |
$91,000 |
| Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | Coordinates a variety of projects within a company while ensuring that they are efficiently executed through each stage of development. |
$88,000 |
| Software Engineer | Works with designers to develop efficient, working software for an organization. |
$87,000 |
| Senior Systems Engineer | Manages, maintains, and troubleshoots computer systems and tools of an organization. |
$87,000 |
| Information Security Officer | Implements effective technology solutions to prevent a company’s data from being compromised. |
$85,000 |
| Java Developer | Works with IT teams to create complex web-based applications for an organization. |
$85,000 |
| Senior Web Developer | Writes code for a variety of industries to generate web pages and access databases. |
$82,000 |
| Information Technology (IT) Consultant | Advises various organizations on how to most effectively and efficiently use information technology. |
$82,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | Helps a company maximize productivity by providing information security solutions. |
$80,000 |
| Senior Data Analyst | Commonly works in marketing or finance to help a business collect, organize, and analyze data. |
$78,000 |
| Software Developer | Develops computer applications that allow users in an organization to perform specific tasks. |
$78,000 |
| Database Administrator | Experts in the IT profession who ensure that database software is properly maintained. |
$76,000 |
| .NET Software Developer/Programmer | Writes, modifies, and debugs software for a company’s websites. |
$75,000 |
| Information Technology (IT) Manager | Supervises the computer infrastructure, IT teams, and related areas of an organization. |
$73,000 |
| Network Engineer | Oversees a company’s computer network designs and implementations, as well as troubleshooting related issues. |
$71,000 |
| Programmer Analyst | Works at various organizations to design, code, and test new programs. |
$68,000 |
| Computer Programmer | Writes computer software and designs, troubleshoots, and maintains source code for computer programs. |
$65,000 |
| Web Developer | Works with designers and content producers to build the backbone of a company’s websites. |
$62,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Ensures that the computer systems of a business are well-maintained and operating reliably. |
$60,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Analyzes large amounts of data and information to help companies make important decisions. |
$59,000 |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst | Designs, coordinates, and prepares representations of GIS databases. |
$53,000 |
| Web Designer | Develops, creates, and codes web pages for individuals or organizations. |
$51,000 |
| Information Technology Specialist | Works with a variety of technology products in areas such as design, maintenance, and troubleshooting. |
$51,000 |
| Computer Technical Support Specialist | Maintains a company’s efficiency by diagnosing and troubleshooting IT issues for employees and consumers. |
$46,000 |
| Computer/Network Support Technician | Primarily responsible for providing technical support for computer and network operations. |
$43,000 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Operator/Programmer | Responsible for handling computer-programmed machinery generally found in specialized production companies. |
$43,000 |
| Computer/Network Support Technician | Responsible for providing technical support for computer and network operations. |
$43,000 |
| Computer Support Specialist | Helps businesses solve issues with software, printers, and other computer components. |
$42,000 |
| Computer Support Technician | Works to maintain the usability of an organization’s IT hardware assets. |
$41,000 |
*Data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com
What can you do with an Information Technology Degree?
The career paths shown in the above table cover a wide-range of IT occupations, from entry-level computer support positions to professional management roles within a corporation. Information Technology degrees offer the ultimate in flexibility with a number of concentrations available that can be customized to suit your interests and future goals.
As with most occupations, the average salary will vary based on the level of education required by the job, as well as the number of years you have worked in the field. In the table above, we have provided the average mid-career salaries that IT professionals may earn after 10 years of professional work experience.
What is an Information Technology Degree?
When it comes to Information Technology, most people assume that working on computers is the main task required of those employed in this field. While the constant evolution of technology has made computer and network systems essential components for businesses, there are a number of different responsibilities and roles that can be found within an IT career.
From corporate data security to writing, designing, and production technologies, there are countless ways to utilize an IT degree!
Below are a few of the common courses that you may find while pursuing your degree in Information Technology:
- Java Programming
- Networking and Business Systems
- Web Design and Development
- Project Planning
- Computer Programming
- Information Assurance and Security
- Management and Leadership Skills
Whether you choose to pursue an associate’s degree to give you an edge in the job market or are working towards a graduate-level IT degree, the skills that you acquire in this program will help prepare you for a career in business and information technology.
If you are searching for a program that will allow you to maintain your current work schedule or family obligations, you’re in luck! Many of the nation’s top universities now offer online degrees in Information Technology that provide the flexibility you need for your busy life!
Information Technology Career Outlook
There are a number of global and economic factors that play into the career outlook for Information Technology. More than ever before, technology is an integral component in the business world. With the demand for effective online presence, the collection of big data, and the transition to cloud computing, employers are looking for educated professionals to help them efficiently and securely handle their information technology needs.
The growth rates for computer and information technology jobs reflect this evolving demand for tech-savvy professionals. Between the years 2014 and 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that occupations in this sector will grow by 12%. This faster than average rate will result in the creation of over 488,000 new jobs – which is great news for new graduates of an Information Technology program!
With a positive job outlook and ever-evolving technology, pursuing a degree in Information Technology at a reputable university is an excellent way to get a jump start in a sought-after career field. From web and software development to engineering and security, there is something for everyone within the versatile field of Information Technology!
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