Tech Jobs

It’s no secret--tech jobs are hot right now. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the technology industry is expected to be among the fastest growing over the next ten years with demand for qualified graduates set to increase. Most entry-level positions currently require at least a bachelor’s degree and many more senior-level positions now want a master’s or a PhD.

Tech jobs also offer some of the highest salaries in the nation. According to Glassdoor’s 25 Highest Paying Jobs in Demand, 10 of the careers listed are in technology.

Whether you want to design software programs, build computers from scratch, or prevent cyberterrorism, there’s plenty of exciting and attractive opportunities available. If you’re interested in a technology career, here’s what you need to know.

Most Common Technology Jobs

Software Developers design, develop and install a wide variety of computer programs to meet the needs of their clients and employers. They are generally proficient in one or more coding languages, and the projects they work on include security software, internet and mobile applications, video games, payment systems, and company-specific applications.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $104,000

Computer Hardware Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and installing physical systems and hardware. They also maintain and upgrade hardware, making sure that it is optimized for use and in good working order.

Salary Range: $41,000 - $113,000

Civil Engineers work with state and local governments to manage infrastructure, including highways, water treatment systems, bridges and tunnels and transport systems.

Salary Range: $46,000 - $93,000

Systems Administrators manage company workflows by creating administrative systems. They also monitor networks and fix problems, maintain equipment, and oversee new software installs.

Salary Range: $45,270 - $117,150

Salary Statistics and Growth

Many high-paying jobs are available in the tech industry, with many positions offering salaries in excess of $100,000 per year. Salaries have risen across the board in the last year and this trend is expected to continue. At the higher end, information research scientists, software product managers, data analysts and system security admins can earn $100,000 per year or more.

At the lower end of the scale, technical writers, quality engineers, operations managers, and helpdesk support workers earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year.

Job Field Growth or Decline

Most technology fields are predicted to grow faster than average occupations between 2015 and 2021, with some areas predicting growth of 20% or more. There is particularly high demand in areas like information security and software, as industries that have previously used very little software start to go online and companies seek to make lower tech industries more efficient and profitable. The fastest growth is in the private sector. Over 60% of the companies on the Delloitte Technology Fast 500’s list for 2015 are privately owned.

Job Certifications, Training, Education Requirements

While many technology careers require a bachelor’s degree or higher to enter, not all tech jobs require a college education. This is particularly true in software and internet companies, where focus is often less on education and more on experience. There are also opportunities for self-starting innovators and many self-taught software and internet developers who obtain senior positions after running successful startup companies.

Where Can I Go From Here?

Opportunities in tech-related industries are expanding fast with many chances for career advancement. For many tech jobs, online courses or job-based training can enhance your resume and increase the number of opportunities available.

Top 10 US Employers in This Field

1. Google
2. Apple
3. Qualcomm
4. MathWorks
5. Facebook
6. Zillow
7. MINDBODY
8. LinkedIn
9. Adobe
10. F5 Networks

Best States for Technology Jobs

• Massachusetts has a mixture of world class universities and innovative tech firms.
• Maryland has a high proportion of tech jobs and is a center for government funded research.
• California is home to Silicon Valley, America’s hub for technical innovation and venture capitalism.
• Colorado is home to many strong research and development companies.
• Utah has a growing technology industry with many established companies investing heavily in research and development.

Sources:

• http://memeburn.com/2015/01/what-can-2014s-fastest-growing-tech-industries-tell-us-about-2015/
• http://www.cio.com/article/2878056/salary/tech-salary-guide-for-2015.html#slide12
• http://statetechandscience.org/stateTech.taf?page=slideshow
• http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/network-and-computer-systems-administrator/salary/
• http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/highest-paying-jobs-demand/
• http://salary.com/
• http://www.payscale.com/