Welcome to the Information Technology Community!
IT offers expanding job opportunities across various education and experience levels. While a background in computer science or software engineering is a plus, many employers today prioritize hands-on experience, a strong portfolio, and solid technical skills over a college degree.
Explore the list below to discover IT careers for different education levels. Click any link to learn more about roles, including average wages, job outlook, training requirements, and more. You’ll also find details on certification exams and state licensure, where applicable.
Global impact
The U.S. accounts for 32% of the technology market worldwide, contributing over $1.7 trillion to the economy each year.
Job flexibility
More so than perhaps in any other industry, many IT jobs can be performed remotely, as long as a reliable Internet connection is available.
Industry Trends
Almost 550,000 new IT jobs are expected in the coming years, with substantial growth in information security, software and application development, cloud computing, and data storage.
National and regional hubs
Major cities with a well-established IT job market include: San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago. Newer IT job markets are growing in cities like Austin, Charleston, Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Madison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a career in information technology for me?
IT opens doors to a dynamic range of creative and technical careers—from designing and building software, databases, and websites to ensuring information security and delivering top-notch customer support.
Here’s what to know:
- Adaptability is Essential: In this fast-evolving industry, staying ahead means continuously learning new software, coding languages, and tech tools.
- Hands-On Opportunities: While much of IT is computer-based, some roles involve hands-on work with hardware and equipment.
- Skills that Matter: Attention to detail, flexibility, and teamwork are crucial skills that drive success in IT careers.
What’s a day in the life of an IT Professional?
The day-to-day schedule for an IT professional varies depending on their role, but it often involves:
- a mix of technical tasks,
- problem-solving,
- and collaboration.
A typical day might start with reviewing and prioritizing support tickets, troubleshooting technical issues, or maintaining hardware and software systems to ensure smooth operations. IT professionals often spend part of their day coding or testing software, managing network security, or monitoring databases. Additionally, they may attend team meetings to discuss project updates or brainstorm solutions to challenges. Flexibility is key, as priorities can shift rapidly based on urgent tech needs or emerging issues.
How to Gain Experience in IT:
- Check out simulations with these tech organizations through Forage.
- Volunteer with local non-profits that may need tech support, with the Women in Tech organization, or search for opportunities here.
- Find an apprenticeship across a variety of tech sectors through apprenticeships.gov.
- Explore IT internships with these organizations.
- Freelance to gain experience or create projects to demonstrate your experience through sites such as Fiverr, Freelancer, or Upwork.
- Discover more opportunities such as hackathons, games, challenges, and company-specific apprenticeships in this guide.
