The proof is in the pudding. The 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report, published by Global Knowledge, shows which CompTIA certifications are likely to make you the most money, the top functional areas in which CompTIA-certified IT pros work, and now, the top five industries you’ll find those certified individuals. The fact that CompTIA certifications are vendor neutral means that our IT pros work in a wide range of professions and industries. If you’re looking to begin (or change lanes in) your IT career, read on to see where you’ll find the most CompTIA-certified professionals.
#1 Government: Military and Homeland Security
A whopping 46.7 percent of CompTIA-certified individuals have IT careers in the military or homeland security. Securing, protecting and defending digital information in a world that is facing constantly evolving cyber-threats has becomes one of the greatest challenges in IT.
The skills required for these jobs can often be acquired through community college, military service or online training. Learn more about cybersecurity jobs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) here. If you’re considering the military route, explore careers in information technology, computer science and mathematics here.
#2 Aerospace and Defense
Following at a close second place, is the aerospace and defense industry – employing 32.7 percent of CompTIA-certified professionals. CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) certifications meet U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 8570.01-M requirements.
DoD scientists and engineers are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and elite technological innovation. Learn more about DoD STEM career opportunities here. For those with an interest in engineering, rocket science and space, an IT career in aerospace may be a good fit. Check out the different routes to an IT career in aerospace here.
#3 Education Services
With 29.2 percent of CompTIA-certified IT pros working in education – we know our future is in good hands. An IT career in higher education can mean anything from an instructor to a business systems analyst to a webmaster or eLearning specialist. The roles are vast and varied, and if working at a college or university is where you want to be, take a look at your options here.
#4 Nonprofit
If you want a job that will make a difference, perhaps the nonprofit world is appealing – and 22.9 percent of CompTIA-certified individuals have gone that route. According to the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), many people in nonprofit executive leadership positions moved up the ranks ahead of the digital wave. And now, technical decisions are being made without the proper experience. This is where you come in! Help fill that gap and check out where IT careers for nonprofits could take you.
#5 Construction, Architecture and Engineering
You may not think of the construction industry as a front runner for those pursuing a tech career, but 21.1 percent of CompTIA-certified professionals have found their place here. IT careers in construction, architecture and engineering are booming.
Construction technology isn’t what it used to be. With constantly evolving technology, today’s technologists can choose from roles in design, project management, land surveying, cost estimates, site supervision, inspection and safety – to name a few. Learn more about construction technology jobs.
A career in technology can go in a million different directions. With technology infiltrating virtually every industry, the sky’s the limit for those of us with validated IT skills. There’s no question that certifications pave the way – but make sure you’re doing your homework and researching what you need to get where you want to be. After all, you know what they say, a job just doesn’t feel like a job if you love what you do! Choose your industry based on your passion and you’ll never regret it.
Wondering what CompTIA certifications cover? Download the exam objectives to find out.
