Information technology (IT) is a career field with abundant opportunities, ideal if you are someone who is always eager to improve and develop. Due to the high demand, the employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12% by 2028, faster than the average for other professions.
Experience, skills, and education play an essential role in what jobs you will be qualified for. Nonetheless, an IT degree salary—starting from an information technology entry-level salary to a specialist salary—enables professionals to earn a substantial income and room to develop a rewarding career.
These are the highest paying IT job titles and wages according to the level in the profession.
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
How much does an application developer make?
An entry-level Application Developer with less than 1-year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $70,000.
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.
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
How much does a technical support specialist make?
The average salary for a technical support specialist is $49,000 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.
Business systems analyst skills
In addition to a degree in business or a relevant information technology field, required skills are:
- highly analytical mindset
- Interpersonal and communication skills
How much does a business systems analyst make?
An early career business systems analyst with up to four years of experience earns an average total of $65,000 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.
Data security analyst skills
- Thorough understanding of computer and network security (firewall administration, encryption, network protocols)
- Communication and problem-solving skills
- To be up to date with trends in security and government regulations
How much does a data security analyst make?
In their early career with 1-4 years of experience these professionals earn an average total compensation of $65,000.
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.
Data analyst skills
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)
How much does a data analyst make?
An early career data analyst earns an average total compensation of $60,000, whereas a mid-career professional with experience earns $68,000.
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.
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IT project manager skills
- Technical understanding of hardware, software, network, infrastructure and security
- Strong data-centered management skills
- Planning and task scheduling skills
- Project management training certification
How much does an IT project manager make?
The average salary for an Information technology project manager is $89,000 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 engineer skills
- Experience with big data tools: Hadoop, Spark, KafkaHDFS, YARN
- Strong analytical skills
- Knowledge of stream processing and highly scalable ‘big data’ data stores
How much does a big data engineer make?
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.
Data architect skills
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
How much does a data architect make?
The national average salary for a data architect is $108,000 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.
Data scientist skills
- 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
How much does a data scientist make?
The annual national average salary for a data scientist is $110,000.
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.
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.
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