What are 10 careers in information technology?

Software Developer

Software developers design the programs computer programmers create. In addition to coding and problem-solving skills, software developers need industry-specific knowledge in order to accurately assess business and client software needs.

Software developers need at least a bachelor's degree, usually in computer science or software engineering. The most competitive software engineers hold advanced degrees and certifications. Some employers will substitute years of relevant work experience for years of education, though this is rare.

Software developers make an average annual salary of $80,437, with a 21% ten years projected growth rate.

Systems Administrator

Systems administrators are largely responsible for the ongoing support and maintenance of a business's computer systems. It is their responsibility to ensure the servers are up and running smoothly with strong connections.

Network administrators have similar roles but maintain all the computers of a network and their connections, whereas systems administrators maintain all the parts of these computers.

Systems administrators can find work without a degree but will need a bachelor's or master's degree in an information technology field to be competitive.

A common career track for a systems administrator is an advancement to analyst or engineer before entering a management role. Some systems administrators also work in quality assurance, testing computer systems and software to ensure they meet industry standards.

Systems administrators make an average annual salary of $68,324, with a 5% ten years projected job growth rate.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Engineer

Computer systems engineers design, implement and maintain complex computer systems. Their work is aided by administrators and analysts, in addition to network engineers who handle the overarching infrastructure and troubleshoot problems within these systems.

Systems engineers need technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills to be successful.

It is possible to become a systems engineer without a degree, but employers prefer candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees in information technology fields and relevant professional experience.

Many systems engineers work as technical support specialists, administrators, and analysts before advancing to the role of engineer. Systems engineers have the potential to advance to a manager or lead information technology position with years of experience.

Systems engineers earn an average annual salary of $71,768, with a 5% projected ten-year job growth.

Web Developer

Web developers develop websites using coding, in much the same way programmers develop software. The most commonly used coding language for web development is PHP (hypertext preprocessor).

Web developers need technical coding experience, an eye for detail and design, and strong problem-solving skills.

As with many information technology careers, a degree is not required to work in this field, but they are heavily favored by employers. Many web developers get into independent consulting or advance to information technology manager and director roles after years of experience.

Web developers make an average of $72,539 per year, with a 13% projected ten-year job growth rate.

Database Administrator

Database administrators are responsible for the storage and organization of large amounts of data. They need experience with database languages, such as Oracle/SQL, and must be detail-oriented and good problem solvers.

Database administrator jobs require an associate's or bachelor's degree in an information technology field, with preference given to advanced degrees and industry experience.

Database administrators make an average annual salary of $74,168, with a 9% projected ten-year job growth rate.

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze and interpret the data database administrators have made available to them. Their results have a wide range of implications in various industries.

Data scientists have developed data-driven solutions to a variety of problems, from creating personalized healthcare recommendations to trading automation to targeted social media content creation.

A bachelor's degree in data science or a comparable field is required to get a job as a data scientist. Some common degrees data scientists hold are:

• computer science

• statistics

• physics

• economics

• applied mathematics.

Data scientists need experience in coding and statistical modeling. Big data experience is a plus, which can be gained in a degree program like physics.

Computer Forensics Analyst/Investigator

Computer forensics analysts or investigators are digital detectives responsible for helping solve criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence from technological devices like cellular devices and computer hard drives.

Working in computer forensics requires certifications in systems engineering and specific technical knowledge, such as experience with helix software and cubic hardware. The aspiring systems engineer should be extremely detail-oriented with superior written communication and problem-solving skills.

The average annual salary for a computer forensics analyst or investigator is $43,000, with a 14% projected ten-year job growth rate.

Ethical Hacker

Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are cybersecurity consultants who consensually penetrate or hack a computer system, network, or application to identify its vulnerabilities. Organizations hire ethical hackers with the end goal of finding and fixing weaknesses within their computer systems.

The work of an ethical hacker is dynamic and challenging. Ethical hackers are experts in cybersecurity. They also need superior problem-solving and communication skills, as they need to relay complex technical information in a digestible way.

Technically a degree is not required, but degrees in computer science and cybersecurity are highly favored by organizations looking to hire ethical hackers. Many cybersecurity professionals also hold a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.