Types Of IT Jobs: 10 Careers To Explore

There are many different types of IT jobs, which means if you’re considering a career in an IT-related field, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

In this article, we’ll share ten types of IT jobs, as well as tips on how to search for one of these positions.

Key Takeaways:

• Types of jobs in information technology include software development, network administration, and database management.

• Between 2020 and 2030, the career for software developers is expected to increase by 22%, with 409,500 job opportunities added across the U.S.

• Between 2018 and 2028, the information technology specialist career is expected to grow 10% and produce 83,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

• Getting involved in information technology requires developing the necessary skills and experience, such as learning a programming language and being certified to handle specific software or hardware.

Types of IT jobs

There are a million jobs that fall into the information technology field, so it’s essential to know which ones will suit you best. We’ve pulled together a list of IT jobs so you can get familiar with all of your options.

1. Web Development
   Average Yearly Salary: $72,000

   Web development is one of the most popular careers in IT. Web designers are responsible for creating, maintaining, and designing websites so users can have a good experience while browsing a company’s site.

   You might need specific skills for some web development jobs, like coding or graphic design, so keep an eye on the job requirements sections of applications. Within web development, you’ll find job titles like Front End Developer, Senior Web Administrator, Web Administrator, and Web Developer.

   Job Outlook: Between 2020 and 2030, the career for web developers is expected to increase by 13%, with 25,500 job opportunities added across the U.S.

   Find Web Developer jobs near me

2. Software Development
   Average Yearly Salary: $80,000

   Another popular IT job is a software or app developer position. Software developers create, design, and maintain software (like computer programs) or applications.

   They work mainly with code to create and debug programs, so many employers look for candidates with a computer science degree or similar qualifications.

   If you want to get your foot in the door as a software developer, look for position titles like Software Developer, Software Engineer, Programmer (or Programmer Analyst), Application Developer, Applications Engineer, Computer Programmer, System Architect, or Systems Software Engineer.

   Job Outlook: Between 2020 and 2030, the career for software developers is expected to increase by 22%, with 409,500 job opportunities added across the U.S.

   Find Software Developer jobs near me

3. Computer Network Specialists
   Average Yearly Salary: $51,000

   Computer network specialists typically oversee computer systems and work to build and maintain them. People in these types of IT positions usually have computer science degrees, and many have MBAs as well since this field tends to deal with business operations as well as tech.

   Look for job titles like Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computer and Information Systems Manager, Computer Network Architect, Computer Systems Analyst, IT Analyst, IT Coordinator, Network Administrator, and Telecommunications Specialist if you’re interested in working with computer networks.

   Job Outlook: Between 2018 and 2028, the computer network specialist career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Computer Network Specialist jobs near me

4. Information Technology
   Average Yearly Salary: $74,000

   In one of the most classic fields in IT, you’ll help companies integrate technology into their workflows and find creative tech solutions to their problems. If this sounds interesting, look for analyst positions like Application Support Analyst, Systems Analyst, or Systems Designer.

   There are also opportunities to jump into management positions here. If you love working with people and tech, pursuing roles like Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Director of Technology, and IT Director might be a good path for you.

   Job Outlook: Between 2018 and 2028, the information technology specialist career is expected to grow 10% and produce 83,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Information Technology jobs near me

5. Information Security
   Average Yearly Salary: $86,000

   With everything going digital, there’s a real need to protect online assets, and that’s where IT security jobs come in. In these types of IT jobs, you’ll help protect a company’s data and other digital information.

   Professionals are predicting significant growth in information security, so it’s a great IT field to get into. You’ll want to search for jobs with titles like Information Security and Security Specialist for this kind of work.

   Job Outlook: Between 2020 and 2030, the career for information security analysts is expected to increase by 33%, with 47,100 job opportunities added across the U.S.

   Find Information Security jobs near me

6. Computer Support
   Average Yearly Salary: $66,000

   This is another traditional IT job: computer support. These are the help desk jobs you think of when you think of IT. As a computer specialist, you’ll get to troubleshoot issues and evaluate network setups to ensure a company is running optimally.

   If you’re interested in this IT job type, keep an eye out for positions like Customer Support Specialist, Desktop Support Manager, IT Support Specialist, Technical Specialist, Technical Support Engineer, and Help Desk Specialist.

   Job Outlook: Between 2020 and 2030, the career for computer support specialists is expected to increase by 9%, with 72,200 job opportunities added across the U.S.

   Find Computer Support jobs near me

7. Code Development
   Average Yearly Salary: N/A

   If you love coding and are especially experienced with a particular language, this type of IT job might be a great fit for you.

   Code-specific developers have a more specialized skillset than general software developers do, as they know their coding language inside and out. They use that knowledge to develop and maintain software that uses that code.

   You could get lots of exposure to other work and areas through these jobs, so they’re a great place to start in the IT field. Some examples include SQL Developer, .NET Developer, and Java Developer.

   Job Outlook: Between 2021 and 2031, the career for code developers is expected to increase by 25%, with 411,400 job opportunities added across the U.S.

8. Cloud Computing
   Average Yearly Salary: N/A

   This is a relatively new field in IT since digital clouds have become more popular. In these jobs, you’ll be developing, repairing, and maintaining cloud-based software.

   Some position titles in this area include Cloud Architect, Cloud Consultant, Cloud Product, and Project Manager, Cloud Services Developer, and Cloud Software and Network Engineer.

   Job Outlook: Between 2020 and 2030, the career for network architects is expected to increase by 5%, with 9,000 job opportunities added across the U.S.

9. Database Management
   Average Yearly Salary: $74,000

   A niche field in IT is database administration. In these types of IT roles, you’ll typically work for large institutions with lots of data to manage, like banks or higher education, and help them create and maintain a database of information that they can use to inform decisions.

   If you’re interested in database administration, look for positions like Data Center Support Specialist, Data Quality Manager, and Database Administrator.

   Job Outlook: Between 2018 and 2028, the database management career is expected to grow 30% and produce 14,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

   Find Database Management jobs near me

10. Senior and Management IT Positions
    Average Yearly Salary: $119,000

    While you can’t necessarily obtain these types of IT jobs right away, they might be a good option to work toward if you’re interested in management and strategy in addition to the technical aspects of IT.

    As you progress in your career, think ahead to what you need to do to obtain jobs like Senior Systems Analyst, Senior Security Specialist, Senior Applications Engineer, Cloud Product and Project Manager, and Information Systems Manager.

    Job Outlook: Between 2018 and 2028, the career for senior and management positions is expected to grow 6% and produce 150,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

    Find Senior and management positions jobs near me

Tips for IT job searching

Like any other job search, finding a job in IT ultimately comes down to dedication and leveraging your experience. Make sure your resume highlights your best assets and use the right keywords to find appropriate job listings.

There are a few extra things you can do, however, to really shine in the applicant pool. Let’s take a look at a few tips for setting yourself apart from other applicants.

1. Do your research. Good news: Step one of landing any type of IT job is doing your research. You’re off to a good start just by reading through this guide. Before you start applying for jobs, make sure you know what kind of IT job will be best for you.

   Take a look at our list of IT positions and see what feels like a good fit for you. That way, you can leverage your skills, experience, and personality and tailor your application to that position’s requirements.

2. Know your limits. Breaking into any industry can be challenging, whether you’re just entering the workforce or you’re switching career paths. Just keep in mind that you may have to look for entry-level jobs when you initially start your IT job search.

   These jobs tend to be more general, but you’ll have a chance to test out different aspects of a career in IT, so don’t look at it as a negative. You’ll get an opportunity to try your hand at different things and get some good experience.

3. Leverage your experience. Whether you have work experience in IT or not, you can leverage your work experience and tailor your skills to the positions you’re applying for.

   Make sure to look closely at the job descriptions and find ways to relate what you’ve done, either in school or in a professional environment, to what the company is asking of you. If you have a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or engineering technology, mention your relevant coursework as well.

4. Train yourself. Take courses in IT fields that interest you. For example, if you know you want to be in software development, take classes on coding to get you ready. Finding ways to get familiar with the field and its specifics will pay off in the long run.

5. Get passionate. Don’t be afraid to get nerdy and pursue your passions. If you love coding and building websites, try building your resume into a website. Feel free to get creative and bring your passions into your job applications. Employers will appreciate your enthusiasm inside and outside of the office.

IT job types FAQ

1. What are the types of work in IT?

   The types of work in IT are:

   • Web development

   • Software development

   • Computer network specialist

   • Information technology

   • Information security

   • Computer support

   • Code development

   • Cloud computing

   • Database management

   • Senior and management IT positions

2. What do most IT jobs do?

   Most IT jobs help organizations develop and maintain their various digital infrastructures and products. This can include everything from creating new software to troubleshooting computer problems for your coworkers.

Author

Amanda Covaleski

Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.