Tech Jobs Have a Wide Pay Gap
It’s no secret that technology jobs are in high demand. Accordingly, many offer high salaries.
But not all tech jobs are equally lucrative. Read on to find out which careers in the sector command the highest median paychecks, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer Support Specialist
Median salary: $52,160
Communication is key for computer support specialists, who spend their working hours helping people troubleshoot their technology difficulties, including logging into email and setting up video conference calls.
Some jobs require bachelor’s degrees, while others call for associate degrees or a few training classes after high school. Employment is expected to grow 11 percent by 2026.
Learn more about computer support specialists.
Web Developer
Median salary: $66,130
As business moves online, websites have replaced store windows as the way companies display their wares to potential customers. Web developers are the professionals who design, create and maintain those websites. Depending on their specialties, they may build the visual and textual elements users see or the behind-the-scenes components that remain invisible.
Associate degrees are the most common formal requirement to get a job as a web developer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is expected to grow 15 percent by 2026.
Learn more about web developers.
Computer Systems Administrator
Median salary: $79,700
Computer systems administrators are the work horses of a company’s technology team. On a daily basis, they ensure networks run properly and efficiently, repairing broken systems and upgrading components as necessary. They grant security permissions to and train new users.
Most administrators have bachelor’s degrees in fields related to computers. By 2026, employment is expected to grow 6 percent.
Learn more about computer systems administrators.
Computer Programmer
Median salary: $79,840
Computer programmers use languages such as Python or C++ to write the code that instructs computers and software programs how to function. They test applications and programs to check whether they produce the desired results.
Most of these professionals have bachelor’s degrees in computer science, but some find jobs with associate degrees. Demand for computer programmers is expected to decrease by 7 percent by 2026.
Learn more about computer programmers.
Database Administrator
Median salary: $84,950
Language skills are essential for database administrators — but not human tongues like French or Japanese. Instead, these workers need fluency in database languages, such as Structured Query Language, or SQL. That’s because their jobs consist of organizing, maintaining and restoring databases full of information that companies and clients use.
Most database administrators have bachelor’s degrees in computer-related fields. By 2026, employment is expected to grow 11 percent.
Learn more about database administrators.
Computer Systems Analyst
Median salary: $87,220
With one foot in business and the other in technology, a computer systems analyst serves as a valuable bridge between two important departments in a company. These professionals design digital solutions to business problems and aim to help organizations function more efficiently.
Most analysts have bachelor’s degrees in computer-related fields. Employment is expected to increase 9 percent by 2026.
Learn more about computer systems analysts.
Information Security Analyst
Median salary: $92,600
Hackers, beware: Information security analysts are well-trained and armed with the best digital tools to prevent thieves from penetrating collections of private data. They install protective tools, monitor networks for security breaches and respond to problems when they arise.
Information security analysts usually have bachelor’s degrees in computer-related fields. More and more of these professionals will be needed in the future. Employment is predicted to grow 28 percent by 2026.
Learn more about information security analysts.
Software Developer
Median salary: $102,280
Software developers design, test and maintain the digital programs that power modern life. Those include mobile applications, social media platforms and online payment systems.
Software developers often have bachelor’s degrees in computer science. Demand is increasing: By 2026, employment is expected to grow 24 percent.
Learn more about software developers.
Computer Network Architect
Median salary: $101,210
Unlike bricks and stone, the construction materials these architects use are intangible. But the finished products form very real foundations for how companies conduct business. Computer network architects design and build communication systems, including company intranet and cloud storage platforms.
They usually have bachelor’s degrees in engineering or computer science, and some have master’s degrees in business. Employment for computer network architects is expected to grow 6 percent by 2026.
Learn more about computer network architects.
IT Manager
Median salary: $135,800
It’s a lot of responsibility to develop and execute technology plans for companies, and that’s why IT managers make the big bucks. They analyze computer needs, recommend upgrades, make sure digital records are secure and negotiate with technology vendors.
These professionals typically have bachelor’s degrees in computer science, and some have master’s degrees in business. Employment for IT managers is expected to grow 12 percent by 2026.
Learn more about IT managers.
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