Tech Jobs are truly the jobs of the future
By Jerry Green
In-Demand Tech, Systems Jobs
There’s no escaping this fact: Technology and its support functions are the fastest-growing, highest-paying jobs in the U.S. That is not expected to change, unless it does so in terms of eclipsing present growth.
Because of this extraordinary growth, traditional companies are increasingly resembling tech companies as the line between technology and business blurs even more than in the past. As technology streamlines workflow, demand for tech professionals grows alongside that upward curve, in turn increasing demand. And if there’s any flatness to the upswing in tech careers, it’s because demand exceeds qualified candidates.
Among the jobs the tech industry is struggling to fill, according to a recent article in Forbes, are such positions as IT architect, security engineer, and other engineers and developers. Of course, these positions occupy the upper stratosphere of the field.
For more accessible, non-advanced degreed positions, tech jobs continue to hold top positions among the most in-demand occupations in the country. Here is a sampling of those jobs, their descriptions, new job openings and average salary, compiled by the website tradeschools.net.
Help Desk Technician
Specialists who field calls from computer users experiencing technical trouble. These technicians diagnose problems and suggest solutions or fixes, a job that requires a high level of expertise as well as advanced communications skills.
New openings: 72,100
Average salary: $55,050
Computer Systems Analyst
These positions analyze a business’s information systems and procedures and recommend technology designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness. These jobs play an increasing role in the high-demand workforce of the health care industry, as that industry transitions to electronic medical records and prescriptions.
New openings: 54,400
Average salary: $93,610
Systems Software Developer
The operating systems behind computers, phones and other devices are the backbone of the industry and play an increasing role in appliances and cars.
With the right mathematical analysis skills, those seeking jobs in this field will see long-range, competitive growth.
New openings: 47,100
Average salary: $114,000
Information Technology Manager
IT pros plan, direct and provide support for an organization’s computer-related functions. They tend to supervise those in other roles mentioned, such as computer systems analysts and support specialists. These roles are growing with the demand for better cybersecurity and the health care industry.
New openings: 44,200
Average salary: $152,860
High-Tech Re-Education
If you’re eyeing a position in the fast-growing field of technology, it’s helpful to identify which field you’d like to apply your new-found skills.
For those returning to school to get the skills necessary to join the tech workforce, there is likely a tech aspect to almost every existing career so the choices are wide open. Here are some of the top fields in which tech workers can find great opportunity identified by the website ThoughtCo.
Information Technology and Computer System
Keeping abreast of the fast-moving changes and advancements in technology is the responsibility of computer systems designers and IT professionals. Community colleges are a great resource for training to attain certification and earning an associate’s degree in these fields can pave the way for success.
Aerospace
It goes without saying that every position in the tech sector requires the ability to adapt and understand rapid advancements. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the aerospace industry. But it’s also an environment ripe for advancement from the ground up, beginning with apprenticeship and on the-job-training, and advancing through positions in which the employer will sometimes pay for a college tuition.
Health Care
The health care industry is experiencing an ongoing boom, with more than 2 million jobs already added in the past 10 years and is projected to produce another 2.4 million jobs in the next decade. The field is wide ranging, requiring a variety of levels of tech expertise that require vocational licenses, certificates and degrees, depending upon the position sought.
Consulting Services
Almost 1 million new jobs have been created in the competitive and lucrative field of consulting services serving businesses, government and institutions. Working behind the scenes as independent contractors, tech consultants offer expertise, information, contacts and tools to improve processes and design tailored systems. These positions require a mix of technical knowledge gained through self-guided training and experience, independent certification and college courses. Individuals pursuing this path also need to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to engage with a diverse group of clients.
Hospitality
The entry bar for pursuing a tech career in the hospitality industry is easily accessible in this field in which the work and environment is varied, and the education necessary to attain a position can be had at the community college or vocational/technical school level. In the largely service-oriented economy of the 21st century, job growth is huge and ever-expanding in this field.
Retail
Like the hospitality industry, retail offers a wide variety of tech-oriented positions that work behind the scenes to develop, maintain and upgrade the systems necessary to keep large organizations running smoothly. Employers routinely seek and recruit IT pros coming from junior and community colleges, technical schools and universities in this growing field that accommodates workers of all age and skill levels.
