IT Job Information Job information for IT students. What jobs can I get with an information technology degree?

Jump to career:

Application developers write software for an operating system (OS) such as Android, iOS, or Windows. Application developers, or app developers, usually specialize in certain areas like mobile phones, graphics software, accounting software, or office suites. App developers work for a software company and design applications that meet what consumers need. Many versions of the same application may be made for multiple devices. App developers aren't done working once their software is developed—they are also responsible for creating patches or upgrades for that specific application. 

Application developers have an average annual salary of $70,000. Entry-level salaries for this position are around $52,000 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $96,000 per year. Your salary level will vary greatly based on the location where you work, the type of application development you do, and your education level. 

Application developers will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in order to be competitive for a job. A bachelor's degree in information technology can help prepare you for this kind of role in many ways. Courses in operating systems, programming languages, software development, web development, and more may be part of your curriculum. A degree can be the ideal way to get the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need to succeed in application development. 

Employment for application developers is projected to grow 26% by 2028. This is largely because many companies and industries are seeing a need for applications to meet the needs of their consumers. As technology continues to evolve, more programs and applications will be needed, so more application developers will also be needed.

IT managers are responsible for recruiting and training IT, staff including system administrators, computer programmers, and database administrators. They work with upper-management to determine what the IT department needs and then work with budgets and timelines to make it happen. An IT manager's roles and responsibilities will vary based on where they work. Some IT managers will focus directly on the computer networks, while others will work with telephone and electronic systems as well. IT managers oversee the routine use of technological systems, testing, upgrades, and more. 

IT managers make an average annual salary of $122,000, with the entry-level salary sitting at $98,000 per year and the top 10% earning more than $146,000 per year. This salary level has a great chance of varying just based on the size of the organization and the industry where you work. Your education level is also key in determining your salary. 

IT managers usually must have a bachelor's degree to be considered for a position. They need to possess both the hard and soft skills required to communicate the IT needs to an organization. They need a knowledge of computer systems and programs, hardware and software, as well as communication and leadership skills. A bachelor's degree can help a candidate prove that they have the IT skills and the management skills they need to succeed.

IT management will grow about 15% by 2024, much faster than the national average. Virtually every organization in every industry now needs to have an IT manager to help them run their digital devices and systems. That means IT managers are incredibly in demand and will only continue to be in demand as technology continues to evolve. 

Business systems analysts review the computers and programs that an organization uses and advise the business stakeholders on how to make processes as efficient as possible. They utilize business and technical knowledge combined to help them be successful in this role. They look at cost/benefit analysis, learn about the business needs, make evaluations on IT programs that could help meet needs, and help implement the technology for an organization. Business systems analysts are key in helping an organization ensure they have the technology they need to be successful.

The average annual salary for business systems analysts is around $88,000. Entry-level workers earn around $54,000 and the top 10% in the profession earn more than $142,000. Business systems analysts that have specific IT education can often get a higher salary. The average salary will also depend on the industry and location where you work. 

A business systems analyst may also be called a computer systems analyst, so an IT degree can be the ticket to set you apart from the competition. An information technology degree will help you learn more about computer systems, discover how to analyze them, and see how they are implemented in all kinds of settings. An IT business course can help give you the additional information you need about how computer systems are implemented in a business setting, helping you be qualified for this kind of role.

The job outlook for business systems analysts is expected to grow 9% by 2028. This is a bit faster than the national average. As more businesses understand the need for higher efficiency and productivity, business systems analysts will continue to be an in-demand role. As technology evolves, organizations need to understand their computer systems and programs even more specifically so they can be as successful as possible.

Database administrators store and organize data granting access to users when needed, and keeping everything secure from unauthorized access. Database administrators ensure organizational data is secure, back up and restore data, identify users to create administrator databases, update permissions, and more. Every industry and organization needs this role in order to make sure their users are secure and the organization can run smoothly. 

Database administrators make an average of $90,000 per year, according to the BLS, with the lowest paid professionals making around $50,000 and the highest paid making more than $138,000 per year. The longer you’ve been in the industry, the more you can make. Your education level and the industry where you work are also important factors in your salary level.

If you're a current or potential database administrator, you can greatly benefit from a degree in information technology. This degree will help you learn about the IT basics that are important in an administration type of role. An IT background will help you be confident in learning new systems and programs that their organization may need, and then helping users understand those programs as well. You'll need to have knowledge of scripting, web development, data science, data management, and more.  

Employment for database administrators is expected to grow 9% by 2028. This is faster than the national average. As organizations continue to need information technology professionals, there will be an even greater demand for experts in this industry. Database administration is becoming a vital role for every industry and organization because technology is used in virtually every field.