Technology is an awesome career path paved with plenty of job opportunities for anyone looking to turn their technical skills into a high-paying career. From smartphones and cloud computing to complex computer systems, exciting new technologies keep cropping up every day.
And you know who’s behind them? Tech professionals, that’s who.
If you’re looking for a college degree that will usher you into a job market with plenty of demand and room for growth, it’s hard to go wrong with a tech major. As you’re about to discover, the technology industry offers plenty of job paths to choose from after graduation.
Whether you’re into big data or Bitcoin, we’ll introduce you to some of the most in-demand IT jobs in the field. We’ll even reveal the pros and cons of going into the field of technology, the best majors for tech jobs, and more.
7 top technology jobs
If you’re considering majoring in tech, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has fantastic news for you: The agency predicts that new jobs in the computer and IT tech industry are slated to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031.
To put it in scientific terms, that’s way more growth than the BLS expects to see in most other fields. With that in mind, let’s check out some of the top high-demand jobs for IT professionals, what education and skill sets they entail, and how much they pay.
1. Data scientist
Average salary: $100,910 (median)
Minimum education requirement: Bachelor’s degree
If you have a knack for turning data into valuable insights, you might be a data scientist in the making. A data scientist is a tech wizard who uses tools like scientific and data analytics, statistics, and math to determine what large amounts of data are trying to say.
They then relay their findings to their company or its stakeholders, who can use said data to make intelligent, informed business decisions. It turns out companies are willing to pay a premium for such services, though how high a salary you earn will likely depend on your experience and education level.
2. Software engineer
Average salary: $110,000
Minimum education requirement: Bachelor’s degree
Are you a walking Rosetta stone when it comes to programming languages like Python and SQL? If you laugh in the face of complex math problems and love using your tech skills to unlock the mysteries of computers, the software engineer path may be for you.
While people occasionally use “software engineer” and “software developer” interchangeably, the two jobs aren’t quite the same. While a software developer designs computer systems and software, a software engineer is more involved in the entire process, from the software’s design and development to its final testing.
3. App developer
Average salary: $86,102
Minimum education requirement: Bachelor’s degree
App developers are technology professionals who do pretty much exactly what their telltale name implies: They use their programming language skills, knowledge of cross-platform development, and user interface design prowess to develop and test apps for various companies.
As if that isn’t impressive enough, most are also skilled back-end developers with a whole resume of handy computer tricks up their sleeves. Readers who understood most of this job description should definitely consider a career in app development.
4. Artificial intelligence engineer
Average salary: $131,490 (median)
Minimum education requiremenst: Master’s degree
Let’s face it: The robot takeover is already upon us, and you might as well join the winning side if you have the skills to do it. Simply put, artificial intelligence (AI) engineers work in a field of technology dedicated to teaching machines how to complete human tasks.
Robots can already do incredible things, from surgical automation to recommending your next Netflix binge. Those into data science and machine learning models will find plenty of job openings in AI, many of which come with delightfully high salaries.
5. Blockchain engineer
Average salary: $98,740 (median)
Minimum education requiremenst: Bachelor’s degree
If you were into crypto before the fate of the average meme coin hinged on Elon Musk’s Twitter feed, a career in blockchain might be for you. Blockchain engineers are programmers who design, develop, and maintain distributed or decentralized blockchain networks.
Crypto winter or not, the blockchain is still full of fascinating potential that we’ve only begun to explore. Armed with a passion for paving the future of finance, you’ll enjoy plenty of job security and a nice salary to boot.
6. Computer network architect
Average salary: $120,520 (median)
Minimum education requiremenst: Bachelor’s degree
If you were the kind of kid who preferred building your own computer over playing soccer, your future as a computer network architect is bright. Much like a regular architect designs and builds buildings, computer network architects design and create communication networks.
These architects account for everything from cyber security to bandwidth and scalability requirements throughout their projects. A computer network architect might also work as a support specialist to help a systems administrator troubleshoot or upgrade an existing network.
7. Information security analyst
Average salary: $102,600 (median)
Minimum education requiremenst: Bachelor’s degree
Even if a web developer creates a great website, it won’t do a company much good if it can’t provide a secure user experience. That’s where an information security analyst comes in.
Security systems analysts are sort of like the combined cops and bodyguards of the technology industry. They implement, test, and maintain cybersecurity measures to ensure a company’s computer system and networks stay secure.
Pros and cons of working in technology
Every field has its upsides and downsides, and information technology (IT) is no different. Here’s a breakdown of some of the pros and cons of IT and tech jobs.
Pros of technology careers
- Constant evolution: Computer and information technology are advancing rapidly, making for an exciting opportunity to be on the front lines of the future.
- Plenty of job openings: From startups to huge corporations, plenty of companies need help staying on the cutting edge of technology. Whether you’re interested in internships, entry-level jobs, or remote work, you’ll quickly discover that new jobs in the tech industry are popping up every day.
- High salaries: Information technology is one field that still offers both excellent job security and competitive pay — anywhere from over $80,000 to more than $130,000 per year. How’s that for a winning combination?
Cons of technology careers
- Fast-paced change: While some love the challenge of keeping up with constant innovations, others don’t. Be prepared for a career full of new-tech boot camps if you want to keep up with the latest trends.
- The stress factor: Between attempting to explain tech to tech-challenged higher-ups and the constant demand the tech industry often brings, IT isn’t always the most tranquil career. Still, some tech jobs are more stressful than others.
What education do you need for a career in technology?
Like those in any other field, most tech jobs require some level of education or training. That said, finding a solid entry-level tech job with a bachelor’s degree in certain majors is possible.
Here are some great paths to consider:
Top 5 college majors for tech jobs
- Computer science: If you’re a math whiz who wants to learn all about algorithms, programming, data structures, and more, computer science may be for you.
- Information technology: IT is a great degree choice for anyone interested in becoming a systems administrator, systems engineer, or end-user computer expert.
- Data science: A data science degree will teach you to translate data into invaluable insights with the skill of a snake charmer.
- Software engineering: This is a solid choice if you want to design and create new programs that offer real-world solutions.
- Cybersecurity: Most cybersecurity programs start off by teaching students computer fundamentals before moving into fun new skills like network security, ethical hacking, and more.
See how college rover can help you find the best school
At College Rover, we know the value of technology firsthand. We developed this site to offer students and parents alike a user-friendly tool to filter and compare colleges with just a few clicks.
Because these days, there’s no need to swim through a mountain of college brochures in search of the right path. Head to College Rover to get your search on, browse majors, and discover all the information you need to find the best school for you.
