Is Technology a Good Career Path?
Technology is an integral part of most businesses and organizations. From virtual reality to blockchain technology to backend development, there’s always a new career opportunity in technology. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected an 11 percent growth rate for tech jobs between 2019 and 2029, which is much higher than most occupations.
If you want to take advantage of this growth, you can start your career in tech in 2023. With skills in anything from wide area networks to computer operating systems, you can find great career options for you. Take a look below to read more about careers in tech and answer the question: Is technology a good career path?
Why Is Technology a Good Career Path? Top 5 Reasons
Technology is a good career path because of the vast job opportunities and high salaries. There are many different reasons why you should start a tech career. Below is a detailed list of some benefits of pursuing a career in technology.
High Job Demand
Tech companies in the United States and worldwide are always looking to hire information technology professionals. In addition, the creation of new technologies has led to the demand for tech workers with different skills. There are many opportunities for career advancement if you have technical skills.
As stated above, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that tech job opportunities will grow by 11 percent by 2029. This means there will be over half a million new jobs within that time. The BLS also reports that cloud computing, data storage, and information security will be the leading employers in the technology industry.
Versatile Options
Technology is one of the most versatile industries. Tech professionals are in demand almost everywhere in 2023, which gives you the freedom to work in the field of your choice. There are many options, especially for people with advanced degrees and people skills.
You can become a quality assurance engineer, front end developer, geographic information systems analyst, and more. Many non-tech jobs also include tech skills like coding or data research. The opportunities truly are endless in this industry.
Few Education Requirements
Although education is essential for many careers, you don’t need a college degree to pursue certain career paths in tech. Instead, you can pursue a shorter education path through coding bootcamps that focus on specific skills and offer an intensive curriculum.
For example, most bootcamps concentrate on coding, data science, product management, digital marketing, or software engineering. Bootcamps also collaborate with hiring partners, such as Google, Cisco, and Slack. You can find tech jobs that don’t require a degree on many different job search websites.
High Average Salaries
Technology is a very lucrative career path. A large percentage of well-paid professionals work in the tech industry. For example, PayScale reports that experienced software engineers earn an average salary of $106,434.
PayScale also says that entry-level software engineers earn $77,091 per year. For an entry-level job, this is a great salary. Even at the beginning of your career, you can earn a salary that is higher than average.
Good Work-Life Balance
A conducive work-life balance is essential in any job, but especially in tech. This balance allows you to focus on other areas in your life, such as family and friends. Tech careers are useful because you can create your schedule and work from anywhere.
Some tech workers choose to seek freelance jobs, which provides flexibility. You can create your own hours and work when and where you want to. Other jobs can include intensive hours, such as game design, but they offer long vacations and extensive benefits to make up for it.
What Skills Do I Need to Become a Tech Professional?
- Programming languages. Programming languages are a vital part of most tech careers. Programming facilitates automation, maintenance, and interpretation of data by using different languages. Therefore, you need to be well-versed in one or more languages, such as Python, JavaScript, C++, or Ruby.
- Project management. This is an essential skill for every tech professional, not just project managers. You need to know how to handle more than one project, meet deadlines, and guide your team to achieve goals.
- Productivity software. Productivity software apps allow you to achieve more within a shorter period. You should be familiar with productivity and organization apps like Google Suite, Trello, or Zoom. These are especially important because many tech jobs are remote.
- Communication. Communication is crucial in any job, but especially in technology. You need to communicate with your team, supervisors, or clients throughout the project to ensure you deliver the desired outcome. Being a good communicator also shows you’re a team player who pays attention to detail.
- Problem-solving. As a tech professional, one of your primary duties is finding solutions to various problems and making decisions to fix them. You need to have strong analytical skills to troubleshoot code or solve organizational issues.
How to Break Into Tech
You can prepare for one of the best tech jobs through different education methods, including college, coding bootcamps, and online courses. All these options will equip you with the necessary skills to break into tech. You can also build your way up from entry-level positions to high-ranking roles once you get more hands-on experience.
Associate Degree in Technology
Associate degrees take about two years to complete, and you can find them at community colleges. They focus more on developing hands-on skills instead of studying academic theory. By the end of your program, you’ll have the skills to apply for entry-level jobs in tech. Additionally, pursuing an associate degree is cheaper than a bachelor’s degree.
Best Associate Degrees in Technology
An excellent associate degree focuses on developing skills and experience. The degree must also lay a solid foundation, allowing you to further your education later on if you want to. The list below highlights the top five associate degrees in different tech topics.
| College | Associate Degree | Tuition per credit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Technical College | Associate Degree in Information Technology – Web Software Developer |
$141 (in-state) $212 (out-of-state) |
Racine, WI, Online |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Associate of Applied Science in Software Applications | $80 (in-state) $503 (out-of-state) |
Beaumont, TX |
| Lorain County Community College | Associate of Applied Business in Computer Information Systems – Mobile Device Application Development |
$144 (in-county) $169 (in-state) $321 (out-of-state) |
Elyria, OH, Online |
| Morrison Tech | Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology – Computer Aided Drafting and Design Specialization |
$670 | Morrison, IL |
| Northampton Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Application Development | $112 (in-county) $224 (in-state) $336 (out-of-state) |
Bethlehem, PA, Monroe, PA, Online |
Bachelor’s Degrees in Technology
A bachelor’s degree is the traditional learning path for most careers in tech. You spend more time specializing in a specific field, which makes you more marketable. You can also apply for a mid-level positions upon graduation and move up in the field. This is the most common choice for most tech professionals.
Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Technology
This four-year degree program gives you access to more career choices than an associate degree. The best bachelor’s degrees in technology topics provide low tuition with high-quality courses, instructors, and student resources. Take a look at some examples of bachelor’s degrees in different tech fields.
| University | Bachelor’s Degree | Tuition per credit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | $800 | Pittsburgh, PA |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science and Technology | $248 (in-state) $812 (out-of-state) |
Harrisonburg, VA |
| Rogers State University | Bachelor of Technology in Applied Technology | $157 (in-state) $181 (out-of-state) |
Claremore, OK, Online |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $524 | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Washburn University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Data Analytics | $315 (in-state) $708 (out-of-state) |
Topeka, KS, Online |
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are the best alternative for anyone looking for a quick start in technology. These are intensive, short courses that focus on a particular field of study. Coding bootcamps also offer career services to help prepare you to enter the field. Take a look at the best coding bootcamps to help you pursue a career in tech.
Best Coding Bootcamps
| Coding Bootcamp | Programs Offered | Cost | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actualize | Software Engineering | $14,900 | Chicago Online |
| Codesmith | Software Engineering | $16,950 | New York Los Angeles Online |
| Devmountain | Web Development, JavaScript Software Engineering, Python Software Engineering, Data Analytics, iOS Development, QA Software, UX Design, Coding Basics, Cyber Security |
$4,900 – $7,900 | Lehi Dallas Online |
| Flatiron School | Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security Engineering, Product Design |
$16,900 | San Francisco Chicago Denver New York Austin Houston Washington DC Seattle Online |
| Hack Reactor | Software Engineering | $17,980 | Austin Boulder Denver Los Angeles New York City Phoenix San Francisco Seattle Online |
Online Information Technology Courses
Online courses give you the flexibility to study from anywhere. You can pursue an online course to kick start your career or explore new subjects on top of your other education. These courses last anywhere from a few hours to months, which allows you to find an online course that suits your schedule.
Best Online Information Technology Courses
| Online IT Course | Course Provider | Cost | Course Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Engineering Foundations | Coursera | $30 – $80 per month | 5 months |
| Network Security and Database Vulnerabilities | Coursera | $30 – $80 per month | 14 hours |
| Big Data Analytics | edX | Free | 10 weeks |
| Cloud Computing Development Essentials | Udemy | $94.99 | 2 hours, 7 minutes |
| Information Technology Essentials | Udemy | $49.99 | 4 hours, 11 minutes |
What Are the Highest-Paying Technology Jobs in 2023?
Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Average Salary: $164,769
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing tech fields, so it is a great choice to pursue in 2023. These engineers program and train complex algorithms that make up AI technology. These networks begin to function like the human brain, which can automate processes and make other tech jobs easier.
Blockchain Engineer
- Average Salary: $154,550
Blockchain technology allows people to share information over the Internet without third-party interference. This is a strategic role that facilitates the design, development, and maintenance of blockchain solutions. Blockchain is particularly popular right now because of the rise of cryptocurrency.
Data Scientist
- Average Salary: $119,413
Data scientists are an integral part of any tech company, which is why they are some of the highest-paid workers in tech right now. They analyze and interpret data to help business owners make informed decisions. This is a high-paying career because the demand is high across the board.
DevOps Engineer
- Average Salary: $114,359
A DevOps engineer works with database administrators, systems analysts, and other tech proefssionals to streamline the technical development process. You will analyze and improve data to enhance productivity. This is an important leadership position in any tech department. DevOps engineers earn a median salary of $114,359.
UI/UX Developer
- Average Salary: $100,287
UI/UX developers are in charge of visual design and front end development in the website creation process. UX stands for user experience design, and UI stands for user interface design. Your primary role is to streamline experiences for customers on web applications and ensure the website owner’s goals are met.
Information Security Analyst
- Average Salary: $99,944
Cyber security is an essential element in information technology, which is why these professionals are in high demand. The BLS projects a 30 percent job growth for information security analysts by 2029. These professionals monitor network security for breaches, research new security trends, and recommend appropriate tech improvements.
Computer Network Architect
- Average Salary: $97,190
Computer network architects design and create data communication networks. You will research new technologies, control networks, and uphold information security. The job growth rate for network architects is five percent between 2019 and 2029, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
IT Manager
- Average Salary: $87,289
Once you gain experience in the industry, information technology management is a rewarding career path. You will plan and facilitate hardware installation, determine the required staffing, and communicate with vendors. A manager’s primary role is to ensure smooth workflow.
Software Developer
- Average Salary: $86,523
Software developers analyze user needs and develop software applications that meet those needs. You will also keep records and maintain the applications through Agile software development, a popular methodology in tech today. Software development is one of the most popular careers in tech because it covers such a broad range of responsibilities.
Network Administrator
- Average Salary: $69,182
This role includes database administrators, systems managers, and cloud administrators, just to name a few. The primary function of these tech professionals is to evaluate, maintain, and determine system needs. Administrators also install software and hardware that meet company needs.
Is Tech a Good Career Path FAQ
Is tech a good career path?
Yes, tech is a great career path. Technological advancements provide job opportunities in many different fields and industries.
What is the best career path in tech?
The best careers in tech are the highest-paying. For example, you can work as a user interface designer, network architect, mobile application developer, or video game developer.
What skills do I need to acquire for a tech career?
You need several skills depending on your role, including coding, project management, Agile development, and data analysis.
What do technology jobs pay?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), tech jobs can pay an annual wage of between $77,200 and $126,830. These salaries are much hire than the average annual salary.
