10 IT Career Types to Explore
Are you someone who enjoys problem-solving, programming, and working with technology? If so, a career in information technology (IT) may be the perfect fit for you. With a wide range of job types and opportunities available, there is sure to be a role that matches your interests, abilities, and ambitions within the IT industry. In this article, we will explore 10 different IT career types, providing examples of each to help guide you in choosing a profession that aligns with your goals.
1. Techie Average annual salary: $52,455 Primary duties: IT technicians and support personnel diagnose computer faults, monitor processing processes, install software, and test computer equipment and applications. They may also provide training to staff and clients on new applications or functions. Education requirements: An associate's degree in IT or a bachelor's in computer science or networking is typically required for IT technicians. They may also need to learn database programming for entry-level roles.
2. Support Professional Average annual salary: $47,368 Primary duties: Support professionals diagnose and fix company computer network and hardware issues, providing technical user experience support in various sectors. Education requirements: A bachelor's degree in IT or computer science is usually required for support professionals, although certificates or associate degrees with relevant professional experience may also be accepted.
3. QA Tester Average annual salary: $70,299 Primary duties: Quality Assurance testers verify software for bugs and industry requirements, often working on gaming systems, mobile apps, and other technology that requires testing and maintenance. Education requirements: Quality assurance testers typically hold bachelor's degrees in software design, engineering, or computer science and need good time management and communication skills.
4. Web Developer Average annual salary: $77,791 Primary duties: Web developers design website layout, navigation, and content, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to handle client-specific images, apps, and content. Education requirements: An associate degree in web development or IT is common for web developers, although a bachelor's degree in IT or business may also be pursued. Experience and a portfolio are often necessary to secure a job in web development.
5. IT Security Expert Average annual salary: $82,514 Primary duties: IT security professionals design and maintain digital protections for an organization's IP and data, helping companies prepare for network and server data breaches and developing problem-solving strategies. Education requirements: A bachelor's degree or professional qualification is typically required for IT security experts. Math, programming, operating systems, and ISC2 certifications may also be beneficial.
6. Programmer Average annual salary: $68,620 Primary duties: Programmers use HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to create new software and fix online gameplay issues by updating software after release. Education requirements: Programmers generally hold a bachelor's degree in computer science and may benefit from internships, coding academies, and certifications.
7. System Analyst Average annual salary: $79,891 Primary duties: Systems analysts analyze design components and address business challenges using IT, suggesting infrastructure changes to improve business operations. Education requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science or IT is typically required for system analysts, with courses in corporate administration, management, and finance providing additional value.
8. Network Engineer Average annual salary: $95,178 Primary duties: Network engineers maintain and enhance a company's computer network to ensure availability and efficiency for all employees. Education requirements: Network engineers usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems, with some companies requiring an MBA for individuals collaborating with internal stakeholders on technological strategies.
9. Software Engineer Average annual salary: $108,896 Primary duties: Software engineers use math and computer science to design and enhance software, developing corporate apps, operating systems, and network control systems to help businesses grow their IT infrastructure. Education requirements: Most software engineers hold bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science to specialize in software development and maintenance, with technical problem-solving and programming languages being key skills.
10. UX Designer Average annual salary: $99,082 Primary duties: User Experience (UX) designers work on product buying, branding, usability, and functionality, incorporating customer input into design, organization, and usability to meet high demands. Education requirements: UX designers typically have an associate or bachelor's degree in IT and may have training in design, business, web development, and programming. Experience is often preferred, so internships or portfolios can help individuals secure roles in UX design.
In conclusion, the field of information technology offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals with a passion for technology and problem-solving. Whether you're interested in web development, IT security, programming, or UX design, there is a role within the IT industry that can align with your interests and goals. By exploring the various IT career types, their average salaries, primary duties, and education requirements, you can make an informed decision about which profession to pursue in the exciting world of IT.