10 Best Computer Jobs For The Future

There are many different computer jobs to be had, meaning that you can find a career that catches your interest. Whatever you end up choosing, know that going into the technology field is a good way to ensure your job security, so long as you manage to keep up with technological advances.

Predicting the future of technology is almost impossible, but there’s one surety: there will be jobs related to computers for a long time. If you’re interested in a computer job, then this is a good place to start your research.

Key Takeaways

• Most computer jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but there are a lot of different more specific degrees you can get.

• You’ll be able to choose almost any industry if you want a computer job, as everyone needs personnel in IT, cybersecurity, or web design.

• Cyber security analyst jobs are projected to have a growth rate of 31% — the highest of any job on this list.

Top 10 best computer jobs

You may be wondering which computer field is best for the future. Unfortunately, there isn’t any way to know for sure which careers will take off, but seeing as the demand for computer experts keeps rising, there are several good choices. Instead of just one top computer job, we’ve compiled a list of career paths to pursue.

1. Technical support specialist
   Average Annual Salary: $61,000
   Projected job growth: +8%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science

   Computers are necessary to do the vast majority of jobs nowadays. As that seems unlikely to change, technical support specialists will be in demand well into the future. Since not everyone is or can be a computer expert, technical support specialists will help people with technological problems they can’t solve on their own.

   Technical support specialist positions can be on-site or remote. Either way, they’re available to answer technical questions, assist with troubleshooting, and make sure that everything is updated. In order to be successful in this position, you’ll need to be knowledgeable about computers and software.

   At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in the discipline is accepted for a position as a technical support specialist.

   Where technical support specialists work: Technical support specialists typically work for individual companies or for larger technical support companies that serve many businesses. Jobs in both settings can involve serving either company employees or customers.

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2. Data scientist
   Average Annual Salary: $106,000
   Projected job growth: +16%
   Education requirements: At least bachelor’s degree

   Analyzing large amounts of data to interpret is becoming more commonplace, meaning that data scientists have a lot of career options open to them. The primary duties of a data scientist are organizing, interpreting, and analyzing raw data. They use algorithms, their knowledge of data, and reasoning to use the data to answer questions.
   An important part of this job involves explaining your findings to non-technical people, meaning that you’ll need to be able to do so in layman’s terms. Though most of your time will be spent on the computer cleaning, collating, and interpreting data.

   Where data scientists work: Data science is most often used in finance, healthcare, and marketing. Data scientists are almost always going to work for a company, as they need to have some expertise in their field as well as some familiarity with the type of data.

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3. Front end developer
   Average Annual Salary: $92,000
   Projected job growth: +13%
   Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree and the required knowledge

   Every business has a webpage. As more and more people get better access to the internet, the necessity of having a website is only going to increase. That means that front end developers aren’t going to run out of work anytime soon.

   Front end development is one part of building a website. There’s a lot of programming and knowledge that goes into creating a fully functional website, and front developers focus on the user interface. That means that they create, write the code for, and test the user facing part of the website. The layout, the buttons, and the search bars are all put in place by front end developers.

   Where front end developers work: Many businesses will hire their own in house front end developer, but they can also work for a web development company or freelance.

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4. Forensic computer examiner
   Average Annual Salary: $67,000
   Projected job growth: +17%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer forensics

   Law and order have caught up to the technological age of criminal activity by implementing forensic computer analysts into their investigations. Forensic computer analysts use their exceptional skills with technology in order to, for instance, gather data on a suspect’s personal device.

   Forensic computer analysts mostly work on cyber crimes cases, a fairly new domain of law enforcement. It can be an exciting position that exposes you to new working material every day.

   It’s a great option for graduates with a computer science or forensics degree because it allows them to work within their technological wheelhouse while being in a position that makes a positive difference in society.

   Where forensic computer examiners works: Most forensic computer examiners work for law enforcement agencies or for private firms.

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5. Computer systems analyst
   Average Annual Salary: $76,000
   Projected job growth: +7%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field

   When new technology is integrated into a company’s operations, there’s a learning period while everyone gets up to speed. During this time, many businesses employ the help of computer systems analysts to determine the most cost-effective way of introducing new software into their organization.

   Computer systems analysts discuss their client’s information technology needs extensively before beginning work on updating computer systems. This line of communication stays open throughout the process, and the computer systems analyst even trains staff in the new systems after completion.

   It’s a role that requires them to incorporate elements of computer science, cost analysis, and teamwork. Making it ideal for a person who enjoys computer systems projects and working in a tech job, but also wants to incorporate other people into their professional life.

   Where computer systems analysts work: Computer systems analysts typically work for computer systems design firms or for individual companies that need help getting and keeping their systems online. Some also work as independent contractors.

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6. Cyber security analyst
   Average Annual Salary: $76,000
   Projected job growth: +31%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science

   While technology has its benefits, it also opened the door to more vulnerabilities. When you’re running business operations almost entirely through computer networks and systems, it needs to be secured adequately. It’s up to a cybersecurity analyst to ensure that a company’s computer systems protection is airtight.

   To accomplish this goal, cybersecurity analysts evaluate networks for potential points of weakness by using performative attacks. With a clear idea of weak points, they can go on to test and incorporate protective software. Cybersecurity analysts continue to monitor the protective software after installation to ensure it’s still functioning over time.

   At face value, the role of a cybersecurity analyst is rooted in computer science and knowledge of security, but it also requires a great deal of problem-solving skills.

   Where cyber security analysts work: Cyber security analysts typically work for computer companies, consulting firms, or individual companies.

   Jobs at computer companies usually involve protecting the devices and software they produce from security flaws and threats, while those who work in consulting firms or individual companies will focus more on protecting their clients’ or employers’ networks and data.

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7. Software developer
   Average Annual Salary: $80,000
   Projected job growth: +22%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering

   A software developer works directly with clients to determine their application needs and programs them. They also assist in the upgrades of existing system software and applications. Developing software can be a lengthy process with consistent revisions to improve efficiency, which makes patience.

   Being a software developer requires a lot of experience with writing code and assessing the needs of a system analytically to determine what programming actions to take. This leads most software developers to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering to develop these crucial abilities.

   Where software developers work: Software developers can work for large corporations, for small businesses, and as freelancers.

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8. Network Architect
   Average Annual Salary: $97,000
   Projected job growth: +5%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science

   The working environment of a computer network architect can vary greatly between professionals in the field. One network architect, sometimes called a network engineer, might work for a series of small businesses. Another with the same qualifications works as an employee for the entire city of Miami.

   Their responsibilities involve hardware and software installation, troubleshooting bugs in the system, and upgrading when need be.

   There’s a wide margin for variation in network architect jobs because they design intricate computer network systems that communicate effectively with each other. Whether the business is a tiny neighborhood bakery or a global bank, every corporation needs cohesive computer network communication, putting them in high demand.

   Where network architects work: Computer network architects typically work in computer systems design, telecommunications, finance, and insurance. They work in other industries as well, but these are some of the most common since they often require massive private networks.

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9. Reliability engineer
   Average Annual Salary: $92,000
   Projected job growth: +5%
   Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science

   Site reliability engineers are perhaps the newest on the IT scene. The title was first coined by Google in 2003 when they introduced the role to be responsible for coordinating website efficiency and reliability. This move worked out well for Google and many other tech conglomerates followed suit later on.

   Site reliability engineering is a crossover between an IT job and a software engineering role that focuses on optimizing software system reliability. While the position requires a lot of knowledge in computer science disciplines, it also encourages site reliability engineers to demonstrate innovative approaches to their work.

   Where reliability engineers work: Site reliability engineers typically work for tech companies, but they can work for any company that needs its website running smoothly and reliably.

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10. Information systems manager
    Average Annual Salary: $125,000
    Projected job growth: +10%
    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in information science or computer science

    One of the most crucial managerial roles in IT is that of an information systems manager. They’re responsible for the supervision of various other information technology staff members in their duties. They also take part in the design, incorporation, and observation of implemented information systems.

    As with any supervisory position, there is a lot of culpabilities that come with the job, but it also provides the opportunity to act as a leader within the department.

    Becoming an information systems manager is an excellent career path for individuals with both strong leadership qualities and computer insight to back up their authority. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the job pays very well.

    Where information systems managers work: Information systems managers can work in any company that has an IT team.

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Best computer degrees for the future

In order to get a good computer job, you’re going to need a degree. While a lot of people who work with computers get a degree in computer science, there are several other options if you want to specialize more. Or even if just straight computer science doesn’t appeal to you.

• Computer science. This is, of course, the priory degree most people looking for jobs that use computers everyday get. Computer science covers a wide range of topics from programming, to information security, and network architecture.

• Information technology. If you want to work in IT, then this is the degree to get. This goes into some business processes, cybersecurity, and how information systems work together.

• Cybersecurity. The field of cybersecurity is becoming ever more complex as hackers get more sophisticated. If you know you want to specialize in protecting systems from incursions, then getting a degree in cybersecurity is the way to go.

• Data science. Not everyone loves working with data, but if you do, then data science will teach you everything you need to know about it. Data science is a field that almost every industry has. They make use of data to determine the best way to run their businesses, sell their products, among many other things.

• Software engineering. Just an engineering degree would also work for getting into computer jobs, but software engineering puts you on a particular path. Knowing how to program and how different aspects of software fit together is a huge boon if you want to get one of the best computer jobs.

• Mathematics. Computers are based entirely on mathematics. A degree in math is opens up a lot of options, including jobs related to computers. It also allows you to pick any number of jobs in the field, though you may need to spend extra time learning to program — or minor in it.

• Statistics. If you don’t want to get a degree in data slice, statistics is the next best thing. Like a mathematics degree, it opens a lot of doors, including computer jobs. Being able to read, manipulate, and explain statistics is going to be helpful in any number of professions.

• Computer networking. These days, almost every business has a computer network, whether it’s an intranet, cloud based, or connected to a local server. Computer networking is complicated, involving both software and hardware. This covers theory, design, and applications of networking and prepares you to be a system architect or network engineer.

What to look for in computer jobs

When you’re trying to decide which career or job you want to pursue, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Educational requirements. Some computer jobs require degrees while others don’t. You can use this information to either look for a job that matches your level of education or plan to obtain the level of education required to get your dream job.

2. Your work environment preferences. Some people like working from home alone, while others prefer to be talking to people all day. There are computer jobs that offer both work styles, so keep an eye out for one that would fit you best.

3. Salary. No, money isn’t everything, but it isn’t nothing, either. Sometimes comparing the pay levels between two jobs you’re interested in can help make your decision for you.

Best computer jobs for the future FAQ

1. Why are tech jobs great for the future?

   Technology jobs are an excellent career path for the future because they’re well paid and in high demand. Computer skills and other technological know-how is likely to become even more essential to most jobs, meaning that you’ll have excellent jobs security.

2. What are the challenges of computer jobs?

Computer jobs are often highly technical and mathematically based, which isn’t easy or appealing to everyone. Working with computers and other technology requires knowledge of computers, programming, networking, systems, and data, depending on what field you go into.

Another challenge those in computer jobs face is the fact that a lot of the people they work with are non-technical. It can be difficult to explain concepts to them, and you’ll feel like you keep having to go back to basics.

3. Which computer field is best for the future?

There likely isn’t one field that can one picked as the unchallenged best of the future. However, jobs such as IT, cybersecurity, and web development are in high demand and pay well. The experts required means they’re unlikely to end up being automated, and as technology integrates even more with work, they’re going to continue to be necessary to the majority of businesses.

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.