Never before in the history of the human race has society been more dependent on technology. We see it in the way we talk, the way we live and the way the younger people always answer every question with: ‘There’s an app for that’.
This so-called ‘digital transformation’ has also radically changed the demands of our jobs. For one, it’s created new roles and pushed some professions at the forefront of the workplace. Unsurprisingly, among those that are growing fast is information technology.
So, if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in this industry, then you’re in good company! To give you a head-start, here are some of the top and highest-paying IT jobs you should check out!
10. Information Security Engineer
Average salary: $131,300 (£100,000)
A joint study by the Ponemon Institute and Barkly showed that 54% of companies experienced one or more successful cyberattacks in 2017. That may not seem like a lot but add that all up and you’re looking at a $5 million (£3.8 million) loss.
Given these staggering statistics, it’s no wonder why information security engineers, also known as security analysts, are so in demand. Some of their most important duties include checking networks and testing them for any vulnerabilities, recommending security strategies and implementing protection programs to safeguard the company’s private information.
If you’re a computer whiz who prefers to use their hacking abilities to serve and protect other people, then this job is for you.
9. DevOps Engineer
Average salary: $137,400 (£104,600)
Unlike most IT professionals who prefer working in isolation, DevOps engineers work with other departments, like software developers and programmers, to make sure that all operating systems run smoothly. They work as project managers by keeping track of each other’s duties and guiding them on their operational requirements.
Apart from providing IT solutions, they also evaluate and modify existing systems to ensure full optimisation.
If you like solving problems and you embody leadership qualities, you might be a good fit for this role.
8. Enterprise Architect
Average salary: $144,400 (£110,000)
An enterprise architect works like a career coach in that they look at the goals of their company and help build the proper systems or strategies to help achieve those targets.
Since more than 50% of IT projects fail, technology companies that prioritise innovation highly value their contributions. Plus, people who fit this role aren’t that easy to find, either.
Enterprise architecture is a developing speciality in the IT field. They must possess the knowledge to understand system patterns and fill in the gaps, as well as the organisational skills to lead a team and the confidence to talk and present to top management.
If you’re an experienced IT professional who's ready to take the next step in your career, then you should try for this job.
7. Technical Program Manager
Average salary: $145,000 (£110,400)
If you’re an expert in computer science and have the teaching skills that will give Professor Dumbledore a run for his money, then you might like becoming a technical program manager.
While this role requires a strong understanding of software development, you must also be a great communicator. Technical program managers typically analyse and improve a company’s developer education (DevEd) program by building their own training modules and facilitating classes for developers and engineers.
Apart from this, they’re also tasked with maintaining and evaluating a company’s technology infrastructure.
6. Software Architect
Average Salary: $145,400 (£110,700)
Software architects are a step above developers because they do more than evaluate and analyse systems and programs. More often than not, they occupy lead roles in an organisation, heading a team and sometimes serving as mentors to younger employees. They also meet with clients to recommend or develop custom software to suit their needs.
If you’re fluent in coding, well-versed in software programs and aren’t afraid to take on challenging roles, this could be your calling.
5. Applications Architect
Average Salary: $149,000 (£113,500)If you find the millennial catchphrase ‘there’s an app for that’ infuriating, then you might want to
step away from this role.
Applications architect is a speciality in the IT field that’s growing rapidly. They’re both creative and technical in that they not only improve but also develop and create new apps, which requires them to always stay on top of digital trends.
Apart from these duties, they also oversee the overall design process and provide technical support and training to their staff.
4. Infrastructure Architect
Average salary: $153,000 (£116,500)
If you combine the work of an enterprise architect and a security analyst, then you already have an idea of what infrastructure architects do.
Apart from checking and evaluating a company’s security requirements, they also recommend or develop new and improved systems to replace old and ineffective ones.
Infrastructure architects are also crucial to the integration of new systems and are often made point-persons for technical direction and support. Due to the technical and managerial nature of their jobs, most infrastructure architects report directly to top management.
3. Software Development Manager
Average salary: $153,300 (£116,800)
A position typically held by senior personnel, software development managers oversee and monitor the work of developers and software architects. They also look at ways to constantly improve systems, meet technical standards and implement projects.
While their role is largely managerial, they’re also expected to keep abreast with the latest in technology.
If you’re crazy about tech and have exceptional multitasking skills, you may want to give this one a try.
2. Data Warehouse Architect
Average salary: $154,800 (£117,900)
If the entire tech and development team of a company were an orchestra, a data warehouse architect would be its maestro.
From analysing data to collaborating with system designers and assisting end users, a data architect’s primary goal is to make sure that everyone works in a complete symphony (see what we did there?). To do that, they must be well-versed in data modelling or arranging a company’s data and placing them within an organisational structure that can be easily understood by all.
Data warehouse architects are especially crucial when companies migrate massive amounts of data.
If you have a penchant for creating plans and maintaining order, you could make a killing in this role.
1. Software Engineering Manager
Average salary: $163,500 (£124,500)
As their job title suggests, these are people in leadership positions who oversee and manage the work of software engineers.
Part of their job includes hiring and assembling the right team for the job while guiding software developers on following correct system procedures and resolving technical issues. They also contribute to business development by creating proposals and programs that may add to the company’s bottom line. And because they typically lead of a big team, a huge portion of their work also involves a lot of project management.
If you’re not afraid to take on new challenges, and you have a knack for engineering and fantastic organisation skills, then you’re a shoo-in for this position.
Indeed, there’s no better time to join the IT industry than now.
To get any of these high-paying jobs, you’ll need a lot of hustle and dedication, but a little bit of courage, initiative and luck, we’re sure you’ll end up in one of these positions in due time.
Do any of these jobs take your fancy? Perhaps you’re already working in one of these jobs and would like to share your advice with aspiring tech professionals? Join the conversation down below and let us know.
This list is based on research conducted by Glassdoor into US-based tech jobs. Salary conversions are based on rates supplied by XE.com on 14 September 2018.