IT Jobs: Career Options, Job Titles, and Descriptions

Software developers doing some research.
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If you love technology and you’re looking for a job with high pay and a robust occupational outlook, you’re in luck. The tech sector is booming, and IT occupations are expected to continue to grow over the next decade. These jobs also pay far more than the median wage for all occupations.

Types of IT Jobs

People with jobs in information technology (IT) use computers, software, networks, servers, and other technology to manage and store data. IT job titles can vary significantly from one company to another.

For instance, one company may recruit a "developer" while another company recruits a "programmer"—but the work may be precisely the same at the two companies, despite the job title variation. Also, many of the skills in this field are transferable, which means candidates may be qualified for many different roles.

Make sure that your resume displays the most sought-after industry skills relevant to your expertise.

IT Job and Education Requirements

Some IT jobs with higher pay require that candidates have a bachelor’s degree, ideally in computer science, software engineering, etc. Some employers care more about the quality of your work than they do about your formal education. As such, many companies evaluate candidates based on their portfolio and experience.

IT Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in IT are growing well above average rates of all other occupations, with 11% growth expected from 2019 to 2029.

The BLS predicts that the IT industry will add 531,200 new jobs by 2029. These occupations are high-paying: the median annual salary for IT jobs was $88,240 in May 2019, more than twice the median wage for all jobs.

Information Technology Job Titles

Below is a list of some of the most common job titles from the IT industry, as well as a description of each. For more information about each job title, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Cloud Computing Engineer

Cloud computing engineers define, design, build, and maintain systems and solutions leveraging systems and infrastructure managed by cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

  • Cloud Architect
  • Cloud Consultant
  • Cloud Product and Project Manager
  • Cloud Services Developer
  • Cloud Software and Network Engineer
  • Cloud System Administrator
  • Cloud System Engineer

Computer Network Specialist

Computer network specialists and analysts define, design, build, and maintain a variety of data communication networks and systems. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some also have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), with a focus on information systems. Computer network architects can earn notably high salaries: according to the BLS, the median salary for this role is $112,690.

  • Computer and Information Research Scientist
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Systems Manager
  • IT Analyst
  • IT Coordinator
  • Network Administrator
  • Network Architect
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • Network Systems Administrator
  • Senior Network Architect
  • Senior Network Engineer
  • Senior Network System Administrator
  • Telecommunications Specialist

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists and network administrators help computer users and organizations. Some of these workers support computer networks by testing and evaluating network systems and ensuring that the day-to-day operations work. Others provide customer service by helping people with their computer problems. Some require a bachelor’s degree, while others need an associate degree or post-secondary classes.

  • Customer Support Administrator
  • Customer Support Specialist
  • Desktop Support Manager
  • Desktop Support Specialist
  • Help Desk Specialist
  • Help Desk Technician
  • IT Support Manager
  • IT Support Specialist
  • IT Systems Administrator
  • Senior Support Specialist
  • Senior System Administrator
  • Support Specialist
  • Systems Administrator
  • Technical Specialist
  • Technical Support Engineer
  • Technical Support Specialist

Database Administrator

Database administrators help store and organize data or companies and/or customers. They protect the data from unauthorized users. Some work for companies that provide computer design services. Others work for organizations with large database systems, such as educational institutions, financial firms, and more.

These jobs are growing at a faster-than-average rate, with an expected 10% growth in jobs between 2019-2029, according to BLS data. The median pay for this job is $93,750 per year.

Information Technology Analyst

IT analysts are responsible for designing and implementing organizational technology for businesses. They create solutions for collecting and analyzing market data, customer input, and client information.

  • Application Support Analyst
  • Senior System Analyst
  • Systems Analyst
  • Systems Designer

Information Technology Leadership

Leadership in IT draws from candidates with strong technology backgrounds and superior management skills. They have experience in creating and implementing policies and systems to meet IT objectives, and the ability to budget the time and funds necessary.

  • Chief Information Officer (CIO)
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Director of Technology
  • IT Director
  • IT Manager
  • Management Information Systems Director
  • Technical Operations Officer

Information Security Specialist

The increased incidence of security breaches and the associated danger of identity theft has enhanced the importance of protecting data on commercial and governmental sites. Information security analysts help defend an organization’s computer network and computer systems.

They plan and carry out a variety of security measures, such as installing and using software, and simulating cyber-attacks to test systems. Information security jobs are expected to grow much faster than average, according to the BLS, with an increase of 31% between 2019 and 2029. These positions pay a median annual salary of $99,730.

  • Information Security Analyst
  • Security Specialist
  • Senior Security Specialist

Software/Application Developer

Software developers design, run, and test various computer programs and applications. Application Developers create new applications and code solutions. They usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They also have strong programming skills.

The BLS expects the number of software developer jobs to grow by 22% between 2019 and 2029. The median salary of a software developer is $107,510.

  • Application Developer
  • Applications Engineer
  • Associate Developer
  • Computer Programmer
  • Developer
  • Java Developer
  • Junior Software Engineer
  • .NET Developer
  • Programmer
  • Programmer Analyst
  • Senior Applications Engineer
  • Senior Programmer
  • Senior Programmer Analyst
  • Senior Software Engineer
  • Senior System Architect
  • Senior System Designer
  • Senior Systems Software Engineer
  • Software Architect
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Quality Assurance Analyst
  • System Architect
  • Systems Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web developers design, create, and modify websites. They are responsible for maintaining a user-friendly, stable website that offers the necessary functionality for their client’s needs. Some jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while others need an associate degree, including classes in HTML, JavaScript, or SQL.

These jobs are expected to grow 8% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS. The median annual salary for a web developer is $73,760.