Is Technology a Good Career Path in 2022?
Is technology a fruitful career choice in 2022? This guide is designed to answer this question with the precision it needs. Most high school graduates want lucrative careers, and we advise them to start their search with the highest-paying jobs in tech.
A career in technology has many perks. In this article, you’ll learn why people are choosing careers in technology with increasing frequency. You’ll also learn about the best career pathways in information technology.
2022 Tech Industry Outlook
According to Deloitte’s 2022 technology industry outlook, the demand for technology professionals in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and edge computing is rising. This may be the natural trajectory of the tech industry, or it may reflect a temporary detour caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find Your Bootcamp Match
- Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
- Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses
By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.
Technology is constantly reshaping the way businesses operate. Business owners were advised at the outset of the pandemic to upgrade supply chains, modernize capabilities, and capitalize on assets. Current practices have to be re-evaluated and redesigned to prepare for a world reshaped by COVID-19. The tech industry will drive much of this change.
Reasons Why Technology Is a Good Career Path
1. Good Compensation
Technology professionals can find well-paying jobs at all levels, from entry-level positions to senior roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for computer and information technology occupations ranges from $55,510 to $126,830. Your actual compensation will depend on your education and experience level.
If you are looking for a well-paying job, you might want to attend a coding bootcamp or a computer science bachelor’s degree program. Later on in this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most rewarding careers in tech.
2. High Demand
If you join the technology industry, you will never run out of career opportunities. The industry is always seeking new professionals with extensive technical skills. Whether you want to become a video game designer, user interface designer, software developer, machine learning engineer, systems administrator, or data scientist, you’ll be in good shape.
3. Stimulating Work Environment
Most technology jobs do not require micromanaging or extreme supervision. You will be given the objectives of the project and expected to complete all the tasks before the deadline. At the same time, you’ll have the freedom to use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems.
4. Personal Fulfillment
Most tech jobs require a certain level of hands-on experience, and getting your hands dirty on real-world IT projects makes for a rewarding career. If you enjoy working on a team and seeing projects through to completion, the technical aspect of IT will appeal to you. You will also receive plenty of benefits depending on the tech company you choose.
5. Affordable Education Options
Unlike other fields where university degrees are a common requirement, the tech industry is more accepting of qualified candidates with non-traditional educational backgrounds. You may be able to get a tech job without a degree by attending a coding bootcamp program or building your skills through massive open online courses (MOOCs).
How to Start a Career in the Technology Industry
Starting a career in technology is not as challenging as you might think. There are plenty of resources online and in person that can help you jumpstart your career successfully. Below are the best online courses, bootcamps, degrees, and certifications to help you meet your career goals.
Information Technology Online Courses
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) in IT are accelerated programs on the fundamentals of information technology. Attending an online course can help you gain industry knowledge and get a job with a tech company.
Below are some of the best information technology MOOCs in 2022.
- Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch by Udemy
- System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services by Coursera
- Big Data Analytics by edX
- Electronics Engineering Bootcamp by Skillshare
- Introduction to Python by DataCamp
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps offer short-term programs that equip students with the essential knowledge to jumpstart their careers in technology. These fast-paced, hands-on courses are an excellent alternative to four-year degree programs, especially if you are looking to learn the fundamentals only.
Coding bootcamps often play a critical role in helping students with career decisions, job search assistance, and network building. For a newcomer to the field, this is highly appealing. You can become a network engineer, software developer, cyber security analyst, or even a UX designer.
Below are some of the best coding bootcamps in 2022.
- Flatiron School: Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, Product Design
- Thinkful: Software Engineering, Data Science, UX/UI Design, Web Development
- Hack Reactor: Software Engineering
- Ironhack: UX/UI Design, Web Development, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity
- Fullstack Academy: Coding, Cybersecurity Analytics, Data Analytics
Associate Degrees in Technology
An information technology associate degree is a two-year degree program that prepares students for entry-level positions in tech. Students can also save money by using college credits from an associate degree program to transfer to a four-year college degree program.
Below are some of the best associate degrees to launch your career in IT.
- Associate in Applied Science in Website Development by Brookdale Community College
- Associate Degree in Cybersecurity by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Associate of Science in Computer Science by Raritan Valley Community College
- Associate of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems by Glendale Community College
- Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Science by Wallace State Community College
Bachelor’s Degrees in Technology
A bachelor’s degree program covers the necessary information and skills at greater length and in more depth than other types of programs. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for many entry-level jobs, so you’ll be well on your way to career advancement whether you choose a BS in Computer Science or a BS in Information Technology.
Bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete. The average annual cost of attending a four-year institution is $28,123, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The following five bachelor’s degree programs are some of the best options.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology Management by Boise State University
- Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science and Technology by James Madison University
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Administration by Washburn University
- Bachelor of Science in Information Science by University of Colorado Boulder
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies by Pace University
Information Technology Certifications
Information technology certifications are an essential way to validate your IT skills. Through these certifications, you can prove to employers that you have the expertise to handle the tasks of the advertised job. Getting certified will make your job search easier because you will eligible for your top career choices.
Some of the best information technology certifications are shown below.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
- Certified Data Professional (CDP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
2022 Tech Jobs and Salary Outlook
The most difficult problem recent graduates face is finding work. This is not as big of an issue in the tech industry, which has plenty of jobs for you to explore. In this section, we’ll learn about the best-paying career tracks in tech.
Do Tech Jobs Pay Well?
The average annual salary for computer and information technology jobs is $91,250, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS also estimates that 667,600 tech jobs will be created between 2020 and 2030. This increased demand for people with tech skills will tend to push wages upward.
What Are the Highest-Paying Tech Jobs in 2022?
| Tech Job | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Network Architect | $137,129 |
| Data Scientist | $119,413 |
| DevOps Engineer | $114,359 |
| Hardware Engineer | $103,094 |
| Full Stack Developer | $102,744 |
| Video Game Developer | $101,644 |
| Information Security Analyst | $99,944 |
| Software Engineer | $99,729 |
| Software Developer | $86,523 |
| Systems Analyst | $82,901 |
Network Architect
The primary responsibility of a network architect is to design and build data communication networks. They handle intranets, local area networks (LANs), and wide-area networks (WANs). According to BLS, the demand for network architects is expected to increase by five percent over the next decade.
Data Scientist
With a background in mathematics, science, and technology, data scientists have the technical ability to collect big data and transform it into reliable information. These skills help solve business-related problems. Research conducted by LinkedIn has identified data science as one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States economy.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers work closely with other IT practitioners to implement various software systems. You’ll find them collaborating with software developers, quality assurance analysts, and project managers. The development, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of software systems depend on DevOps engineers.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing computer components and systems, including circuit boards, routers, and memory devices. You’ll find them building home appliances, mobile phones, or even medical devices. BLS projects that the number of computer hardware engineers will increase by two percent from 2020 to 2030.
Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers have extensive knowledge of programming languages, which they use to create functional and responsive websites. These professionals can work on both the front end and backend of a website. They can double up as web designers if need be.
Video Game Developer
Video game developers, also referred to as game developers, are responsible for designing and building video games. Their extensive knowledge allows them to build video games for mobile phones, desktop computers, or consoles. As a game developer, you can specialize in things like character development, unit testing, and level design.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts are highly integral to the security of an organization’s data. These professionals have the technical know-how to ferret out foul play in computer systems or networks. Companies rely on them to reduce the impact of data breaches. BLS projects that employment for infosec analysts will grow 33 percent by 2030.
Software Engineer
A software engineer builds software applications. This role requires skills in software development, programming languages, and computer operating systems. According to BLS, the job market for software-related occupations will see 22 percent growth between 2020 and 2030.
Software Developer
Software developers are in charge of writing the code for software applications. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some software developers know how to use C#. Others are proficient in different programming languages. These professionals tend to collaborate with business analysts and project managers.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts ensure the computer systems of an organization are well maintained and updated. To become a systems analyst, you can study business administration, computer science, or IT. The employment of computer systems analysts is projected to increase by seven percent between 2020 and 2030, according to BLS.
In Brief: Is Tech a Good Career?
Yes, tech offers a plenitude of promising career options. People delve into technology for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s passion, curiosity, or the rapid growth of technology that’s motivating you to pursue a career in tech, you are likely to find an extremely rewarding career path.
Is Technology a Good Career Path? FAQ
Contrary to popular opinion, IT job interviews are not hard. To ace your job interview, the most important thing you can do is prepare.
You might have all the technical skills needed to land a high-paying career in IT but still fail to get the job. Keep in mind that tech jobs require a particular set of soft skills. You must be a team player, a good time manager, and have excellent communication skills.
No, it’s not hard to land a network engineering job with an associate degree. However, most employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or Computer Science. You can first acquire your associate degree, then use your college credits to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
Aside from having a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems or Computer Science, candidates should also be proficient in software development, mathematics, business, and computer programming. A master’s degree will provide the necessary expertise. A dual bachelor’s and master’s degree will take between five and seven years to complete.
