According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in the information technology field have been continually expanding for the last 20 years. The BLS stages that the fasted growing and highest paying information technology jobs include computer programmers, systems analysts, software developers and support specialists. The field of information technology offers the best career flexibility, so graduates may find themselves working in jobs related to business, science, market research, media communications and health care. Below introduces the top 10 highest pay jobs for graduates who have an information technology related degree.
1. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write efficient code that follows defined standards and naming conventions. They develop software that is designed to user specifications and departmental requirements. Computer programmers conduct research, collect data, analyze tests and implement updates. They interpret data and reports to aid in research activities and project completion. Computer programmers conduct comprehensive tests during every stage of the product cycle. They work with other teams and attend client meetings to obtain necessary information and share relevant findings. Computer programmers may modify existing software to meet new client needs. For example, they may debug code to ensure minimal downtime and maintain maximum performance.
2. Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst analyzes data, systems and projects to determine goals, milestones and ways to improve system efficiency. They may develop programs and customized reports to retrieve data from networked systems. Computer systems analysts digitally document their work and findings to enhance information accuracy and accessibility. Some spend their time training end users on the proper and efficient use of business software. For example, they may host training sessions to help employees understand how to use new software updates and functionality. Computer systems analysts may routinely evaluate progress, client requests and system performance.
3. Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for performance monitoring to ensure optimal experience for end users. They refine database designs to meet storage requirements, monitor SQL Server security activities and manage front-end and back-end access to all databases. Database administrators are responsible for database design, infrastructure and architecture for to new projects and initiatives. They provide leadership for the development of database security plans and for the execution of data strategies. Database administrators may be responsible for data integrity, tuning, recovery, purging, archiving and retrieval.
4. IT Consultant
IT consultants establish positive working relationships with the vendor and technology partners to better understand business drivers and directions. They may create architectural design blueprints that resolve risks, costs and challenges. IT consultants are responsible for gathering and organizing each project’s functional outcomes and requirements for acceptance by stakeholders. They analyze problems, develop testing strategies, maintain system functionality and facilitate improvements. They may also guide business owners in using new IT solutions in order to meet business and customer needs. IT consultants work closely with management to facilitate knowledge transfer, solution implementation and improved system functionality.
5. Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst is primarily responsible for corporate governance, compliance adherence, vulnerability management and cyber-security risk analysis. In order to achieve optimal remediation outcomes, they extensively interface with stakeholders across operations to monitor the progress of security systems initiatives. Information security analysts need an in-depth understanding of information security processes and a working knowledge of daily security procedures. They must excel at creating and implementing enhanced security controls and tools to defend assets and users against current risks and emerging security threats. Information security analysts will define security rules, standards and configurations for systems and applications.
6. Management Analyst
Management analysts’ primary responsibilities are performing analysis and generating reports on data gathered within traditional data warehouse environments. This may include data mining, timeline assessments, modeling efforts, predictive analysis and multiple unrelated datasets. Management analysts support business researchers and computer analysts through documenting data requirements, establishing specifications, conducting facilitation sessions and gathering project requirements. They may work with database administrators to build logical models and data architecture. They regularly review and report on project metrics to benchmark effectiveness. They work closely with database developers to ensure that data process models are accurately implemented and aligned in application systems.
7. Mobile Application Developer
Mobile application developers are responsible for developing and maintaining application programs that support either internal or external customers. They may write new program code and maintain existing code using prescribed specs and standards. Mobile application developers evaluate program interrelationships in order to discern if and whether certain changes in one program may cause unwanted results in a connected program. They confer with users to gain an understanding of needed changes and modifications of existing programs. Mobile application developers resolve issues through program testing, output analysis and internal checks and controls.
8. Network Systems Administrator
Network systems administrators usually respond to help desk requests by effectively monitoring system alerts and promptly responding within established time frames. They escalate issues when delays or problems are encountered with IT management. They are sometimes responsible for training documentation creation and maintenance. They may provide backup IT system administration support for network troubleshooting, workstation imaging and assignment deployment. Network systems administrators are sometimes asked to participate in project planning and subsequently meet project milestones and deliverables.
9. Software Engineer
Software engineers are members of teams that deliver state of the art software solutions for clients. They independently work to implement new features in existing products and test proposed features in new products. Software engineers perform detailed analysis of project conditions in order to identify, isolate and remove bugs and problems. They help design architecture for client projects by writing tools for prototype testing and complete product testing. They participate in engineering design discussions and in team meetings to develop better interface elements.
10. Web Developer
Web developers may design, implement and maintain high-volume websites using multiple languages like JS, PHP, CSS3, MySQL and HTML5. They may work on mobile apps, daily dynamic email, WordPress sites and MVC Frameworks. Web developers must enjoy working in fast-paced digital environments that are used by hundreds of thousands of website visitors. They sometimes telecommute by using online tools and mobile platforms to communicate with colleagues, organize tasks and provide project updates. Software engineers collaborate with IT staff and coordinators to generate well-written how-to guides and user documentation for products.
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Additional high-paying jobs for information technology grads include IT director, information security engineer, IT project manager, chief technology officer, IT administrator, forensic cyber-security specialist and application support specialist.