IT Degree Salary: How Much Do IT Managers and Other Professions Make?

Information technology (IT) is a career field with abundant opportunities, ideal if you are eager to improve and develop. Due to the high demand, the employment of computer and information technology occupations will grow faster than the average, with 356,700 openings projected each year.

Experience, skills, and education play an essential role in the career you will be qualified for. Nonetheless, an IT degree salary—from an information technology entry-level to a specialist salary—will lead to substantial income and room to develop a rewarding career.

In this article, we will explore some of the highest-paying IT degree salaries. Let’s begin.

Information Technology Entry-Level Jobs

A number of entry-level positions require a four-year college degree; others, a two-year degree. Graduates are usually qualified for technical positions to support IT professionals. These are the three best and most common entry-level positions.

1. Applications Developer

Application developers create software solutions; they analyze the needs of users, test source code, and incorporate feedback to modify applications. Also, they evaluate existing applications and perform updates and modifications.

Applications developer skills

• Knowledge of programming languages such as Java and ORACLE
• Knowledge of software design and programming principles
• Mathematical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and team-working skills

An entry-level Application Developer with less than 1-year experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of $78,256.

2. Technical Support Specialist

Technical support specialists install, configure computer systems and applications within the company, respond to customer inquiries, and assist in troubleshooting. Their job is to resolve technical issues related to network interruptions.

The entry-level annual salary for technical support specialists is expected to be around $55,275.

Technical support specialist skills

Apart from a degree in a related technology field, valuable skills are:

• Degree in a related technology field
• Certification in relevant computer languages
• Experience with operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS
• Writing and interpersonal skills
• Time-management and customer service skills

The average salary for a technical support specialist is $55,275 per year.

3. Business Systems Analyst

System analysts have both business and technical expertise. They assess technology needs that a company needs to make to improve. Their responsibilities are analyzing resources, estimating the cost, and establishing system protocols.

In addition to a degree in business or a relevant information technology field, required skills are:

• Highly analytical mindset
• Interpersonal and communication skills

An early career business systems analyst with up to four years of experience earns an average total of $80,350 per year.

Information Technology Mid-Level Jobs

As a mid-level professional, you are expected to have the experience to move up the employment ladder. These are the best in-demand positions at this stage where you can potentially earn an information technology manager salary.

These positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in IT or a tech-related field.

1. Data Security Analyst

Data security analysts protect information on computers and data networks by installing and maintaining security software and implementing strategies to ensure systems are free of breaches. Oftentimes, these individuals are the only barrier between hackers and a company’s system.

Some data security skills you will need include:

• Thorough understanding of computer and network security (firewall administration, encryption, network protocols)
• Communication and problem-solving skills
• Up to date with trends in security and government regulations

In their early career with 1-4 years of experience these professionals earn an average total compensation of around $71,000.

2. Data Analyst

A data analyst collects, processes, and performs statistical analysis on large datasets. They discover how data can be used to answer questions and solve problems. Simultaneously, they collect and store data on sales numbers, market research, and logistics.

Apart from a bachelor’s degree, skills a data analyst should have are:

• Proficiency in programming languages (R/SAS)
• Creative and analytical thinking skills
• Effective data visualization
• Understanding of advanced modeling and analytics techniques (Microsoft Excel)

An early career data analyst earns an average total compensation of $68,487, whereas a mid-career professional with experience earns $97,000.

3. IT Project Manager

IT project managers oversee the development and installation of computer systems for businesses. Their responsibility is to make sure projects are completed on time and budget.

Some of the skills needed to become an IT project manager include:

• Technical understanding of hardware, software, network, infrastructure and security
• Strong data-centered management skills
• Planning and task scheduling skills
• Project management training certification

The average salary for an Information technology project manager is $116,500 per year.

Information Technology Senior-Level Jobs

Senior-level and executive roles come with significant responsibilities and as a result of hard work or expertise. An information technology specialist salary requires years of experience and sometimes even a master’s degree in a technical field or even a Ph.D. These are the best senior-level positions.

1. Big Data Engineer

A big data engineer transforms large amounts of raw data into actionable information for strategy-setting, decision-making, and innovation.

Big data engineers will need these skills:

• Experience with big data tools: Hadoop, Spark, KafkaHDFS, YARN
• Strong analytical skills
• Knowledge of stream processing and highly scalable ‘big data’ data stores

The national average salary for a big data engineer is $103,000 per year.

2. Data Architect

A data architect oversees the design and maintenance of data across various databases, ensures that data in a system is accurate and accessible. These professionals are responsible for the complicated processes essential to making strategic business decisions.

A master’s degree is preferred for senior positions, but in addition these skills are a requirement:

• Skills in network management and performance management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Expertise in technical and business skills from data mining

The national average salary for a data architect is $145,556 annually.

3. Data Scientist

Data scientists turn raw data into meaningful information so organizations can use it to improve their businesses. They extract, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data from various sources, using algorithmic, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistical tools.

Some of the skills needed to become a data scientist include:

• Knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, C or Java
• Strong database design and coding skills.
• A masters degree in the technology field
• problem-solving skills with an emphasis on product development

The annual national average salary for a data scientist is $122,738.

The Information technology field generally offers lucrative jobs—from entry-level to senior level. While we tried to include the ones that stand out, there are certainly many additional exciting jobs in the IT field.

The Bottom Line

Suppose you found these jobs interesting and would like to make a career out of them. In that case, you should check our Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Data Science, Master of Big Data Analytics, and Master of Cyber Security programs. The Bay Atlantic University offers degrees for whichever field or level of study you’re interested in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do salaries for IT professionals vary by specialization?

Salaries can vary significantly based on specialization. Here is a comparison:

• Data scientists – $122,738
• Cybersecurity specialists- $155,816
• Cloud engineers – $143,127
• General IT – $109,707

What factors influence IT salaries?

Key factors include level of education, years of experience, certifications (e.g., PMP, CISSP), industry sector (e.g., healthcare, finance), and geographic location.

Are there high-paying IT roles besides IT managers?

Yes, high-paying IT roles include software developers, network architects, cloud engineers, and data analysts, with some earning well over $120,000 annually.

Do IT professionals receive benefits beyond their salaries?

Many IT professionals enjoy comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, and opportunities for remote work.

How can someone increase their earning potential in IT?

Pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining relevant certifications, gaining specialized skills, and transitioning into leadership roles can significantly enhance earning potential.

Is the demand for IT professionals growing?

Yes, the demand for IT professionals is on the rise at 17%, driven by the increasing reliance on technology and digital transformation across industries.

What entry-level positions can IT graduates expect to find?

Entry-level positions may include roles like IT support specialist, network administrator, or software developer, with salaries typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000.