The technology sector is flourishing and expanding. Most tech-related careers can help you find long-term employment.
Determining the best IT job path can be time-consuming and frightening. That is where you will invest your time, effort, and even your whole future.
So before deciding to select a profession in the IT field, it’s best to check out the best IT career paths listed in this article.
It will assist you in comprehending the prospect’s career depending on the job description, income, skill requirements, and predicted professional growth.
If you’re really into working in the IT field, there are a few types of careers to consider:
1. Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the world’s most outstanding term searched in IT. All the prominent organizations are utilizing it to develop their business.
An AI engineer creates, organizes, and monitors AI initiatives and projects within a business.
To excel in this job, an AI engineer will meet requirements such as:
- Have a thorough understanding of math and statistics.
- Have a comprehensive understanding of AI-related technologies such as Neural Networks, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning.
- Learn how TensorFlow, as well as other equivalent algorithms, function.
- Hold strong programming skills and a working knowledge of Python, Torch, and R.
By 2024, the AI industry is predicted to expand to $4,791 million, with a compound annual growth rate of 48.4 percent. An AI engineer’s yearly income is more than $136,185 on average.
2. Data Scientist
A data scientist examines and classifies data to spot patterns impacting business choices.
Machine learning and statistics are used in the IT tools and methodologies to gather and analyze data from a firm, like sales, financial records, lead generation, and prospects.
Some responsibilities differ depending on the industry. Data scientists in the medical industry, for instance, maintain electronic medical records safe so that hospitals may access private patient data.
A Data Scientist must have the following skills:
- Data visualization
- Data and coding wrangling
- Deep learning and machine learning
- Extensive knowledge in calculus and linear algebra
According to our report, a data scientist’s average yearly base wage in the United States is $124,540 per year.
According to LinkedIn, for the previous four years, this job has grown at 34 percent per year, although it is a new position.
3. Systems Analyst
A systems analyst examines design elements and applies their understanding of IT to business concerns.
They come up with solutions to streamline company and information technology operations by changing infrastructure.
They can indeed help technologists teach workers to put the improvements they recommend into action.
A systems analyst must acquire the following skills, including:
- Master problem-solving and analytical skills
- Effective collaboration and communication
- Creative in addressing issues
- Detail-oriented
- Extensive knowledge in cybersecurity and IT
The average wage for this position in the US is around $110,493 yearly.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this employment is expected to expand at a rate of 33 percent over the next nine years.
4. Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialist
Digital marketing encompasses more than just advertising and social media. Indeed, it provides a wealth of technical-skilled job prospects.
If you work as a digital marketing specialist, you’ll have a chance to collaborate with various app and site developers during your career.
A Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialist must meet these requirements:
- Understand crucial tools like Google Analytics and SEO auditing software
- Master significant fields related to digital marketing like SEM, PPC, SEO, Social Media, and Content Marketing
- Be aware of Google updates, market trends, and transformations in algorithms
- Have a basic understanding of programming languages and coding used for web design and web development
- Have a good deal of how to design and execute marketing campaigns.
Digital marketing specialists earn a median salary of $89,999 annually, according to our latest research.
According to Deloitte Access Economics, this profession will develop at a pace of 2.2 percent over the next five years.
5. Software Developer
The need for new software is growing with the boom in technology use. One of the most accessible IT professions for newcomers is software development.
If you work as a software developer, you’ll probably work on operating systems, web and mobile apps, and computer programs.
Furthermore, many software developers can find work in various businesses, including video game creation, fintech, and other fields.
Here are some required skills for this job:
- Basic programming and coding skills
- Master more than one programming language
- Understanding algorithm and data structure
- Knowledge of network and database
- Ability to communicate effectively and an eagerness to learn
The average wage for software developers is $139,576 per year. The BLS predicted a 22 percent increase in job opportunities for this position by 2030.
6. Information Security Analyst
Cyber security issues have become far more common these days as more firms have gone digital.
Several businesses need the help of cyber security frameworks to strengthen their security architecture. As a result, information security analysts are in high demand worldwide.
An IS analyst’s job is to identify, report security threats, implement cyber security firewalls and train all staff to operate and manage them.
Do you intend to take a position in this field? Below is what you must acquire:
- Master problem-solving and analytical skills
- Communicate and collaborate effectively
- Detail-oriented
- Have extensive knowledge in cybersecurity and IT
- Creative in solving problems
Our report pointed out that the average yearly pay for information security analysts was $127,336 in 2023.
Moreover, from 2020 to 2030, employment in this sector is expected to expand by 33%, significantly higher than the rate average.
7. Robotics Engineer
Industrial robotics recently has grown more vital and profitable for major corporations.
If you work in this field, you’ll design prototypes, develop and inspect machines, and create software to code and operate them.
Below are required skills for a robotics engineer to consider:
- Degrees in Mechanical And Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Or Computer Engineering
- Computer expertise in a widely-used programming language
- Extensive knowledge of math and science
- Active learning
- Problem-solving skills
The average annual salary for a robotics engineer in the US is $108,310.
What’s more, Robotics Engineers have a bright future ahead of them. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for this position are predicted to expand by 4% between 2018 and 2028.
8. Quality Assurance Tester
Quality assurance testers are engineers or technicians who examine software to verify it meets regulatory requirements and is completely free from defects.
This is a prevalent position for mobile applications, gaming systems, and other technologies requiring supplementary inspection and updating when necessary.
The essential skills and requirements for a Quality Assurance Tester include:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Design, or Engineering
- Extensive knowledge in Selenium, Quality Assurance, Test Automation, Test Cases, Software Testing, Jira, Performance Testing, and HP ALM
- Great time management
- Excellent communication skills
According to Indeed, a QA tester in the United States can make around $72,660 each year.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that from 2020 to 2030, employment for this position is expected to expand by 22%, substantially faster than the average.
9. FinTech Engineer
Fintech has completely changed the way people buy things. It altered how people carry out their operations, businesses, loans, and investments.
It has aided the financial organization in providing digital services to customers and tailoring such services to specific requirements.
Fintech engineers are in charge of creating, developing, and managing systems and products in today’s world.
You will be engaged in machine learning and blockchain technology if you pursue this IT profession.
A FinTech Engineer must meet the following skills and requirements, including:
- Degrees in IT, mathematics, statistics, or computer engineering
- In-depth understanding of blockchain
- In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles
- Exceptional coding abilities
- Extensive knowledge related to math
- Knowledge of cyber-security
- Good communication skills
Fintech engineers earn a median of $130,000 per year. According to PWC, about 30% of financial institutions will use blockchain technology in their strategies.
10. Internet of Things Engineer
It captures and sends data without the need for user intervention. IT can aid the future by streamlining corporate health, safety, and processes, among other things, when used correctly.
An IoT engineer creates new programs and gadgets that help users quickly access, manage, and organize information.
You could take responsibility for controlling and designing a wide range of IoT systems, platforms, devices, hardware if you work in this field.
This IT job path necessitates the mastery of a diverse set of technical abilities, as shown below:
- Extensive knowledge of network security and computer programming
- Proficiency in machine learning and AI
- Understanding of sensors
- Experience in back-end and front-end systems
- In-depth knowledge of Linux OS, IoT architecture, device, and data security, big data, and algorithms
- Skilled in programming languages such as C++, JavaScript, and Python
- Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
According to our report, the median income for an IoT Engineer is around $124,660.
Furthermore, Statista estimates that by 2025, the Internet-of-things market will be worth roughly 1.6 trillion dollars. Smart Utilities, Smart Cities, Connected Health, and Connected Cards will account for the majority of this demand.
Are IT Careers in Demand?
The term “information technology” is frequently used to refer to computers and networks. It also covers all levels of a company’s systems, from hardware to applications, operating systems, storage, databases, or servers.
Besides, telecommunication technologies like the Internet, cellular networks, and phones are the elements of the IT infrastructure of a company.
Are IT careers in demand? According to the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics, information technology and computer systems jobs are expected to develop faster than all other professions between 2020 and 2030.
Approximately 667,600 job vacancies may be created in these sectors. Why is it important? Without working IT systems, most businesses would grind to a halt in its simplest term.
Demand for the employees will derive from a more extraordinary focus on collecting big data and storage, information security, and cloud computing.
The average annual salary for computer and IT employment was $93,250, reported in January 2024. It was more significant than the $48,950 average yearly wage for all vocations.
How Do You Start An IT Career?
If you decide to pursue a profession in an IT field, here are step-by-step instructions you should know:
Step 1: Research Positions And Roles
IT is a broad field with a wide range of specialties.
Researching the many roles and positions will help you figure out which one may better match your interests, skills, and career objectives.
Step 2: Build A Brief List
This allows you to concentrate your studies and training to be more ready for your favorite position.
Step 3: Develop Your Coding Skills
It’s best to learn coding languages such as HTML, JavaScript, C++, Python, Java, and Ruby.
Step 4: Participate In An Open-Source Project
You can earn experience and knowledge about coding when you create or contribute your effort to an open-source project and share your understanding with others.
Step 5: Enroll In Classes
Join in courses to reinforce your candidacy after determining a job route and gaining some expertise.
Step 6: Build Connections With It Specialists
Seek engagement connections with several IT specialists before starting your IT employment.
By attending networking conferences in which you can meet them, you can boost your employment recommendation opportunities.
Step 7: Freelance For Job Experience
Freelancing is an excellent option to get started in the area as it enables you to build expertise and experience while still getting compensated.
Step 8: Well Prepare For Interviews
Preparing for the interview will help you score points with the employer. Your knowledge of their company and the field you’re applying for will be more impressive.
The Bottom Line
That’s all about the top ten career paths to consider if you intend to pursue employment in the IT field. All in all, these job options are in high demand and well-paid positions.
Hopefully, this article will be helpful for you. Thank you for reading!
