The information technology (IT) space has been experiencing growth for the past decade and there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious professionals to launch and grow exciting, lucrative careers. In particular, positions focused on cybersecurity, cloud computing, and computer networking are seeing incredibly high demand.
Companies urgently need skilled people who can help them leverage technology securely, migrate services to the cloud, and build fast, reliable network infrastructure. These mission-critical roles offer salaries averaging six figures and beyond, plus strong job growth projected over the next decade.
1. Cybersecurity Engineer
Cyberattacks are growing rapidly and talented cybersecurity engineers are in huge demand. Salaries reflect this, averaging around $145,000. Cybersecurity engineers plan and execute security measures to defend sensitive systems, networks, and data. Since this is an advanced career, people often build from one skill to another and people sometimes pivot from one IT role to another
Daily duties include:
- Designing and implementing firewalls, encryption, vulnerability testing, and other security solutions
- Monitoring networks and endpoints for suspicious activity
- Investigating breaches or attacks and assessing damage
- Building security infrastructure to prevent future incidents
- Performing infrastructure and network assessments to identify any vulnerabilities present in the environment.
Salary average: $145,000
Minimum certifications:
The range of roles is usually wide and so there is no one cert to rule them all. Security providers often have vendor-specific certifications on how to work and deal with their solutions. Most of the offered certifications can be easily found on their websites. There are so many roadmaps on how one can get started in cybersecurity. Here is one by HackerSploit and another by NetworkChuck. However, there are some general certifications that will give you an upper hand if you are just getting started
Some of the recommended certifications include:
CompTIA Security+, EC-Council CEH, EJPT, CPTA,
Projected growth: 7.7%
2. Cloud Engineer
This role is growing in demand thanks to most organizations adopting cloud platforms. Salaries average around $120,000. Getting certified in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud shows you have the hands-on abilities to architect and manage real-world cloud environments. Cloud engineers architect and administer cloud computing systems and services. Typical responsibilities include:
- Configuring, managing, and monitoring public/private cloud networks
- Migrating data and applications from on-prem systems to the cloud
- Optimizing performance and costs of cloud resources
- Automating provisioning and management of cloud infrastructure
Salary range: $120,000.
Minimum certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator
Projected growth: 7.5%
3. Network Engineer
Network engineers design, build, and maintain the wired and wireless network infrastructure vital to modern business. The average network engineering salary is $99,000, with steady 6% growth projected. Earning your CCNA certification is the gold standard first step to landing a job as a junior network engineer or administrator. The CCNA shows you have the core routing, switching, and troubleshooting abilities employers demand. Their responsibilities typically involve:
- Configuring, managing, and monitoring network equipment like routers, switches, and firewalls
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues and network bottlenecks
- Upgrading networks and implementing new network segments as needed
- Ensuring networks operate reliably and securely
Salary range: $99,000
Minimum certifications: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Projected growth: 6.1%
4. Information Security Analyst
These analysts earn over $100,000 on average, with growth projected to be strong over the next decade. The Security+ certification covers the essential skills and concepts you’ll need to get started in an information security role. Information security analysts are front-line defenders against data breaches, cyber-attacks, and digital fraud. Typical duties include:
- Monitoring systems and networks for security threats
- Investigating and reporting on security incidents
- Implementing security measures like access controls, encryption, and malware defense
- Educating staff on security best practices and compliance policies
Salary range: $100,000
Minimum certifications: CompTIA Security+
Projected growth: 8%
5. Software Developer/Engineer
Software engineers earn some of the highest salaries in tech, averaging around $120,000. And demand is skyrocketing, with 22% growth expected over the next decade—much faster than average. While certifications aren’t critical, proficiency in languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java will be key. Software developers design, implement, and improve the applications that power organizations. Daily responsibilities can include:
- Analyzing system requirements and translating them into secure, scalable software
- Coding applications using languages like Java, JavaScript, C#, or Python
- Debugging programs and improving software performance
- Implementing new features and interfaces
- Collaborating with product managers on technical designs
Salary range: $120,000
Minimum certifications: None required, but knowledge of programming languages needed
Projected growth: 22%
6. Computer Systems Administrator
Companies of all types need skilled admins to keep their technology infrastructure humming. Salaries average around $120,000, with 7.5% growth expected. CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ certs provide foundations in hardware, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting—getting these will help launch your system admin career. System and network administrators install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain the computer systems and infrastructure organizations rely on. Day-to-day duties typically involve:
- Adding new hardware and software, like servers and business applications
- Resolving issues with systems and networks
- Managing user accounts, permissions, email, VPN services, and cloud tools
- Performing routine maintenance and upgrades on IT systems
- Automating tasks through scripting or management tools
Salary range: $120,000
Minimum certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+
Projected growth: 7.5%
Certifications in systems engineering/administration vary depending on the role.
7. IT Project Manager
The average salary for IT project managers is around $120,000, with growth projected to be a blazing 15% over the next decade. IT project managers apply strong technical knowledge, stellar organizational abilities, and top-notch communication skills to lead complex IT initiatives. Key duties include:
- Collaborating with stakeholders to define project scope, resources, requirements, budgets, and timelines
- Assembling project teams and assigning individual responsibilities
- Monitoring progress to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
- Identifying and troubleshooting issues arising during projects
- Presenting reports on project status to executives and other stakeholders
Salary range: $120,000
Minimum certifications: CompTIA Project+, Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Projected growth: 15.6%
Earning the Project+ certification provides essential foundations in project planning, execution, control, and closure that will serve you well in pursuing a project management role.
8. Data Analyst/Scientist
These data-focused roles pay over $100,000 on average. Growth projections are off the charts—well above the average for all IT occupations. Getting certified in Tableau, Power BI, or Python data analytics will give you the skills needed to succeed. Data analysts and scientists help organizations extract insight from data to inform business strategy and decision-making. Typical responsibilities include:
- Collecting, cleaning, and organizing large datasets
- Performing analyses with data analytics tools and SQL
- Building statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and other quantitative methods
- Identifying trends and patterns in data to drive solutions to business problems
- Creating visualizations and reports to communicate data insights
Salary range: $60,000 – $150,000
Minimum certifications: Tableau, Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate
Projected growth: 25% (Data Scientist) and 11% (Analyst)
9. Database Administrator
Strong demand for skilled database professionals yields an average salary of around $100,000 for DBAs. Growth is projected to remain steady at 10% over the next decade. Getting certified in Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or other major platforms will get your database career headed in the right direction. Database administrators (DBAs) architect, install, secure, troubleshoot, and support the databases essential to modern applications and analytics. Responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing new databases
- Modifying database structures and configurations as needed
- Controlling user access and permissions
- Backing up and restoring databases
- Resolving database performance issues and outages
- Executing scripts, queries, and migrations
Salary range: $65,000 – $135,000
Minimum certifications: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator Associate
Projected growth: 10%
10. IT Support Specialist
Support roles like help desk technician and desktop support provide the front lines of tech assistance to organizations. Although salaries start on the lower end for entry-level jobs, growth is robust at 7%. The CompTIA A+ certification covers the core skills you’ll need to kick off an IT support career. All organizations need tech support specialists to keep systems running smoothly and assist end users. Key duties include:
- Troubleshooting software, hardware, and network issues
- Diagnosing and resolving common technical problems
- Installing and configuring operating systems, applications, and devices
- Managing help ticketing systems and documentation
- Directing users on the proper use of IT equipment and systems
Salary range: $35,000 – $65,000
Required Skills: Customer Service, Troubleshooting, Solid foundation of IT skills
Minimum certifications: CompTIA A+
Projected growth: 7%
The technology field offers an amazing variety if you’re looking for a high-paying, high-growth career. Opportunities abound in cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, data, and other essential IT disciplines. Now is the time to gain the skills, certifications, and experience needed to launch your technology career!
Key details in this article were sourced from CIO.com’s insightful report on the most in-demand tech jobs for 2023. See their original article here for additional salary data and hiring tips
Inspired By: Youtube Video by NetworkChuck
