Ask the Magic 8 Ball: What Are the Best Tech Jobs for the Future?
While we wouldn't rely solely on a Magic 8 Ball for career advice, we will accept what it has to say when there's data to back up its answers. One of the benefits of working in the technology industry is the high growth and sheer number of opportunities available. If you're looking for the best tech jobs for the future, look no further than this list to see why our Magic 8 Ball says, “Outlook Good.”
Are IT Jobs in Demand? Without a Doubt
Every industry has come to adopt technology in some form, and organization need skilled IT professionals to keep things running smoothly. According to the CompTIA IT Industry Outlook 2023, 44% of U.S. companies expect to hire for technical skills in the coming year. Whether its supporting the massive number of connected devices within an organization, implementing cloud computing solutions and developing apps to enhance mobility, identifying vulnerabilities to protect the business from cyberthreats or recommending the latest technologies to support a business's unique needs, the number of IT jobs continues to grow, making IT one of the best careers.
In addition to supporting the needs of a business, there's opportunity in the evolution of tech itself. While some view artificial intelligence and automation as competing for human jobs, there will always be the need for humans to program and operate these machines. Working in information technology lets you get in on the ground floor of a booming field. Take our free career quiz to see if IT is right for you.
Is IT a Good Career? Signs Point to Yes
The information technology field is growing at a rapid pace and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects IT employment to grow at a rate of 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all industries.
Drilling down to specific jobs, IT has some of the best careers in terms of growth and opportunities, not to mention high-paying careers. For example, the BLS projects employment of software developers to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031. Cybersecurity is another top job in demand, with the BLS projecting 35% growth from 2021 to 2031. The CompTIA IT Industry Outlook 2023 notes that hiring managers are seeking candidates with skills in areas like software development and data management/analysis.
Are Different Types of Technology Jobs Growing? It is Certain
Technology career trends have shown employment steadily rising, even when the economy tanks. In 2009, when every industry was losing jobs, IT employment dipped just 1% and regained that percentage point in 2010. During the pandemic, it became abundantly clear that technology was essential and tech jobs perhaps more stable than others. As you consider your career change and what your path might look like in the future, here are the best tech jobs for the future, based on expected growth.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists diagnose and solve computer problems. This is a great entry point into IT and an excellent opportunity for career changers with communication and problem-solving skills.
Expected Growth 2021 to 2031: 6%
Mean Annual Salary: $62,760
Top Locations
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Ohio
Web Developer
Web developers don't just input the code that creates websites. They work on everything from ideation and development to user testing and troubleshooting.
Expected Growth 2021 to 2031: 23%
Mean Annual Salary: $81,320
Top Locations
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Wisconsin
Database Administrator
Database administrators help organizations manage their data. This includes configuring and maintaining a database management system, developing policies regarding its use, training employees and recovering and backing up data.
Expected Growth 2021 to 2031: 9%
Mean Annual Salary: $101,000
Top Locations
- California
- Texas
- Illinois
- Virginia
- New York
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts detect cyberthreats and implement changes to protect an organization's data and systems. They analyze network traffic to identify vulnerabilities and recommend changes to increase security.
Expected Growth 2021 to 2031: 35%
Mean Annual Salary: $102,600
Top Locations
- Virginia
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Maryland
Software Developer
Software developers design and create computer programs and apps. They use engineering, analytics and computer science to develop and create solutions to everyday life.
Expected Growth 2021 to 2031: 23%
Mean Annual Salary: $120,990
Top Locations
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Wisconsin
Is IT Right for Me? Concentrate and Ask Again
As the Magic 8 Ball would say, it is certain that IT is one of the best careers, but is it for you? Take our free career quiz to see if IT is right for you. If your Magic 8 Ball answers that question, “Yes, definitely,” then find out which IT career best matches your skills and interests.
