Debra Auerbach,
We live in a technology-driven society, always awaiting the next big
technology breakthrough. We wait in line for the newest phone, only to
do it all over again once the next version debuts. Handwritten notes
have been replaced by emails, which are quickly being replaced by texts
and instant messages. A flat-screen TV is nice, but one equipped with 3D
technology is even better.
This thirst for the newest, most innovative technologies isn't likely
to be quenched anytime soon, ensuring that the need for workers in the
technology field will continue to grow. According to workforce and
staffing solutions company Kelly Services,
U.S. computer-related or technology occupations are expected to grow at
a much stronger rate (21.8 percent) than overall employment (14.3
percent) through 2020. These occupations make up 49 percent of overall STEM (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics) employment, and STEM jobs are
seen as essential to a growing economy and vital to the nation's
competitiveness.
If you want to know which IT jobs are growing, what they pay and the skills they require, here's a closer look*:
The fastest-growing IT jobs
Demand for these
workers is being driven by the increased need for businesses, government
and other organizations to design, adopt and leverage the latest
technologies. Yet some IT occupations are growing at a faster pace than
others. The five fastest-growing IT jobs through 2020 include:
Percent growth: 32.4
2011 average annual salary: $100,420
Percent growth: 30.6
2011 average annual salary: $77,350
Percent growth: 27.8
2011 average annual salary: $74,270
Percent growth: 27.6
2011 average annual salary: $92,080
Percent growth: 22.1
2011 average annual salary: $82,320
Markets with the most opportunity
Technology jobs
can be found in virtually every U.S. market, and given the nature of
the work, many roles may allow for telecommuting. However, certain U.S.
markets have a strong concentration and a substantial volume of IT jobs
compared to total employment.
The following 10 metropolitan areas are expected to grow their IT employment by more than 8 percent in the next five years:
- Atlanta
- Austin, Texas
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Columbus, Ohio
- Dallas
- San Francisco
- San Jose, Calif.
- Seattle
- Washington, D.C.
The starting salaries to expect
If you're
just starting college, you're not sure of your major, and you've always
had an interest in technology, consider pursuing a computer-related
degree. Not only is this area growing, but many occupations offer
impressive salaries to boot. In fact, two out of the top five starting
salaries for all majors went to computer grads. Computer engineering
majors earn an average starting salary of $64,499, while computer
science majors can expect $63,402.
The skills needed to excel
Workers interested in
pursuing an IT or computer-related job should possess strong
problem-solving, analytical and communication skills. Yet employers are
also looking for individuals who want to push the boundaries of
technology by using their imagination and creativity. Given what already
has been discovered, who knows what the next generation of IT
innovators will create next.
Check out this infographic for more information.
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