The information technology (IT) industry is booming, with demand for skilled technology professionals continuing to outpace supply. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, adding about 667,600 new jobs.
With this huge growth, IT offers some of the highest paying jobs across all industries. Here we look at 10 of the most lucrative IT roles you can pursue right now:
1. Software Developer
Software developers design, build, and improve the applications, systems and software that power organizations across every industry. With a median pay of over $110,000 per year, it‘s no wonder software development is one of the hottest careers.
As a software developer, you‘ll use programming languages like Java, Python, C++ etc. to code software products. Key responsibilities include analyzing requirements, writing and testing code, troubleshooting problems, and updating existing applications.
You generally need a bachelor‘s degree in software engineering, computer science or a related field to get started. High demand for developers means there are ample opportunities for rapid career growth and even six figure salaries later on.
2. Data Scientist/Analyst
Every company nowadays relies on data to drive strategic decisions – and data scientists are the experts who turn all that data into business insights. With a median salary of around $98,000, data science draws professionals from both IT and business backgrounds.
In this role, you‘ll apply statistics, programming and domain knowledge to collect, process and interpret large datasets. Typical work includes building data models, running analytics, developing algorithms and machine learning pipelines to glean actionable intelligence.
A master‘s degree in data science, analytics or a related quantitative field gives you an edge when starting out. Many data professionals also have a background in more established domains like computer science or the physical sciences.
3. Cloud Engineer/Architect
As more organizations shift technology infrastructure and software to the cloud, the demand for cloud computing skills continues to explode. Cloud engineers design, implement and manage cloud environments, enjoying median pay of around $96,000 a year.
In this role, you‘ll migrate legacy systems to the cloud, provision infrastructure resources, deploy cloud-native applications, ensure security and compliance, optimize performance etc. Most cloud engineers have a computer science or similar bachelor‘s degree. Certifications from vendors like AWS, Microsoft and Google are highly desirable as well.
4. Information Security Analyst
Cyberattacks pose an ever-growing threat, so more IT security professionals are needed to protect systems and data. Infosec analysts earn a median wage of around $103,000 protecting some of the world‘s most prominent enterprises.
As an analyst, you‘ll monitor networks for security breaches, install firewalls and data encryption software, document security policies and procedures, and conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities. Most employers want analysts with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science, along with certifications like the CISSP.
5. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Experienced IT professionals can move into management roles coordinating and directing software development, cybersecurity, data, cloud operations and other technical teams. These managers earn upwards of $156,000 directing strategy for IT departments large and small.
As an IT manager, you‘ll be responsible for planning and budgeting projects, acquiring necessary hardware/software, overseeing infrastructure and teams, maximizing efficiency and mitigating issues around the clock. Strong technical grounding coupled with leadership ability is a must. Many managers hold an MBA in information systems as well.
6. Database Administrator
Every organization relies on databases to organize, store and manage data critical to operations – and database admins (DBAs) are the gatekeepers ensuring these systems hum along smoothly. DBAs earn a comfortable median salary of around $98,000.
In this role, you‘ll install and configure database management software, migrate data from legacy systems, enforce security protocols, monitor performance metrics, and test/implement upgrades regularly. Certifications from vendors like Oracle and Microsoft in addition to a bachelor‘s degree help get your foot in the door.
7. DevOps Engineer
As developers and IT operations staff work more collaboratively today, DevOps engineers help oversee the entire software development life cycle from initial coding to deployment and monitoring. These specialized engineers can command salaries exceeding $114,000 as more firms embrace cross-functional cooperation.
DevOps engineers configure and manage infrastructure like cloud services and containerization software to optimize the development pipeline. You‘ll also set up monitoring tools, write scripts to automate processes, and help troubleshoot issues across hardware and applications. Most DevOps specialists have a computer science or engineering degree and practical experience coding.
8. Solutions Architect
Every industry seeks professionals who can design and integrate technology systems tailored to their specific operational needs. That’s where solutions architects come in, building and coordinating custom infrastructure and software to the tune of $116,000 annually on average.
In this role, you‘ll confer with business stakeholders and technical teams to understand requirements, propose appropriate solutions, manage projects and budgets to deliver specialized products. You‘ll need expert technical skills – networking, programming, security etc. – paired with business acumen and project management ability.
9. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer
AI and ML are transforming what computers can do – from language processing to computer vision and predictive analytics. Engineers who develop self-learning systems earn over $114,000, with demand skyrocketing for this nascent field.
As an AI/ML engineer, no two days look the same. You could be building neural networks, developing natural language processing models, designing robotic systems, or gathering and preparing huge training datasets. With cutting edge technology, the possibilities are endless but the expertise required is specialized. Most positions require advanced degrees in AI/ML or computer science fields.
10. IT Manager/Director
Seasoned professionals can climb the ranks all the way to the executive suite, managing entire IT departments or technology vision and strategy for an organization. IT directors and VPs earn well into six figures directing some of the highest-skilled and mission-critical teams in business.
As an IT exec, you‘ll oversee long term planning to align tech with business goals, invest in appropriate solutions, motivate large teams, ensure security and compliance, set policies that impact the whole company, and report directly to the C-suite. Many IT management roles require 15+ years in technical capacities coupled with an MBA or other advanced degree.
While the jobs above require varied backgrounds, certain core skills are essential no matter your chosen IT specialization:
Technical Skills
- Programming: Proficiency in languages like Java, Python, C++
- Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP
- OS and Networks: Windows, Linux, Cisco, VMware
- Industry knowledge: Understanding of practices, challenges and tech in your domain
Soft Skills
- Communication: Explaining complex concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Leadership: Managing projects, budgets and teams
- Business strategy: Aligning technology with wider organizational goals
- Creative problem solving: Developing innovative solutions
Many colleges now offer specialized undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to some of the roles described above like software engineering, data science, cybersecurity etc.
That said, IT is a dynamic field where determined self-learners can also break through with the right combination of certifications, hands-on tech experience and soft skills.
For example, bootcamps and online courses from providers like Coursera, Udacity and Udemy are great for quickly mastering in-demand programming languages and platforms. You can build an impressive portfolio of real-world projects through freelancing sites and open source contributions.
Real world IT experience often matters more than formal education when trying to land that first job or promotion. So don‘t be afraid to get creative and proactive in acquiring the skills that interest you most!
The accelerating digital transformation of business means talented tech professionals will continue enjoying unprecedented demand. As this post illustrates, salaries even at the entry level can well exceed average wages in other industries.
And with technology only becoming more critical to every sector, skilled IT workers have tremendous room for rapid advancement and six figure leadership roles in due time.
So whether you‘re just embarking on higher education, looking to switch careers or polish your existing technical credentials, positioning yourself for one of the 10 high paying IT jobs above can pay huge dividends. Use the tips above to determine what niche inspires you and start acquiring the necessary skills today!
