5 – 5 Top Tech Career Paths to Explore
In 2022, employment in the tech industry increased by 175,700 jobs, representing 46% growth from the previous year and a whopping 92% growth since 2019. If you’re interested in entering an industry with incredible potential and a wealth of opportunities, the tech sector is clearly the place to be. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up five top career paths to consider.
Web Developer
If you’re currently reading this, you’ve already tapped into the wonderful world of the web. Web developers are the key individuals behind all the handy pages you probably scroll through in a given day. Front-end web developers work primarily with the forward-facing part of the site that users interact with. Back-end developers work on the behind-the-scenes programming that keeps it all together. If you want to do it all, you can become a full-stack developer and work on the website in its entirety.
As a web developer, you’ll need to master programming languages like JavaScript, PHP, CSS, C++, and HTML. You typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Maintaining relevant certifications like Google Developers certification, Adobe Certified Expert certification, or Microsoft Technology Associate certification can increase your employability.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web developers have a median annual salary of $77,030. However, the industry plays a big role in your earnings with this job. Those working for monetary authorities have a mean annual wage of $122,820, and those in securities and other financial investments make $119,920 on average.
Software Developer
Software developers design products like applications, operating systems, and interfaces. From the smartphone apps that entertain you to the professional programs that facilitate jobs like working at CareerBuilder, software developers have a hand in nearly every part of the daily tech that drives your life. With a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field, you could become the mastermind behind these types of products. Software developers write new code, make adjustments to existing programs, and diligently debug software to keep things running smoothly.
Software developers earn a median annual salary of $120,730. Washington state has the highest concentration of software developer positions, employing 25 of these professionals per thousand positions. Virginia and Massachusetts have the second- and third-highest concentration of software developers.
Information Security Analyst
With data security breaches and cyberattacks presenting major public concerns, the job market for information security analysts is growing at an astounding pace. The BLS expects the job outlook for this position to increase 35% between 2021 and 2031. The median pay for an information security analyst is $102,600.
Information security analysts install and manage data encryption software, firewalls, and antivirus programs to help protect company and consumer data. They’re responsible for detecting and responding to threats. Information security analysts typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or computer science. An MBA in information systems is preferred.
Data Scientist
Data science is a relatively new career field that’s ideal for individuals who have a passion for data collection and analytics. The massive amount of data that’s now available to companies begs for dedicated professionals who are equipped to properly understand it. This job involves collecting, organizing, and evaluating large amounts of data. This job may include identifying reliable data sources, developing models to validate and test data, and presenting findings with data visualization software. Data scientists may even develop machine learning algorithms and other software to better facilitate the use of data.
The BLS expects the employment of data scientists to increase 36% over the 2021 to 2031 decade compared to an average of just 5% for all occupations. Data scientists have a median annual salary of $100,910.
Computer Support Specialists
If you’re looking for an entry-level tech job that you can easily get into, consider a position as a computer support specialist. You can typically get this job with as little as an associate degree or postsecondary certificate. Computer support specialists, also known as help desk technicians, usually provide either user support or network support. They help troubleshoot problems and walk individuals through the appropriate solutions. The median salary for a computer support specialist is $62,760.
Are you ready to start cashing in on the rapid growth in the tech industry? Snag one of these jobs and start your career in technology. You can anticipate steady growth and a wealth of new opportunities in the coming years with a background fit for these positions.
