Top 10 Technical Careers
Technical careers are currently climbing with a solid forecast for the future. Stepping into a 6-figure or near 6-figure a year profession with just a Bachelor’s degree and hot job prospects is definitely a possibility in this field.
Computer and IT managers claim the #1 spot on the list of top technical jobs and #2 on the list of top 100 careers overall. Like most careers on the list of technical jobs, the typical education required is a Bachelor’s degree. In addition, the median pay is over $131K a year and the salary span is over $107K. Job prospects are good with a job outlook of 15% and an estimated 53,700 new jobs projected to be added between 2014 and 2024.
Software developers take the #2 spot with 186,600 new jobs projected to be added through 2024 and a 6-figure median salary. Computer system analysts round out the #3 spot with a job outlook of 21% and a salary of $85K a year.
The highest score using our ranking system is 100
Computer & IT Manager
#1 Computer and IT Manager
Overall Score: 87 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
A computer and IT manager manages computer-related programs and activities for organizations. This includes performing regular computer updates and hosting internet-security training for employees. Demand for computer and IT managers is growing worldwide as companies expand their digital offerings … learn more
Median Salary: $131,600 | Salary Span: $107,040
Job Outlook: 15% | # of New Jobs: 53,700
Software Developer
#2 Software Developer
Overall Score: 85 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
Software developers are vital to building effective computer software. They design, program, and test computer programs … learn more
Median Salary: $100,690 | Salary Span: $96,370
Job Outlook: 17% | # of New Jobs: 186,600
Computer System Analyst
#3 Computer System Analyst
Overall Score: 84 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
A computer system analyst solves problems in computer systems. They set up and manage computer hardware and software … learn more
Median Salary: $85,800 | Salary Span: $83,540
Job Outlook: 18% | # of New Jobs: 118,600
Information Security Analyst
#4 Information Security Analyst
Overall Score: 81 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
Many companies and individuals are concerned about the safety of their data. Information security analysts manage and update computer security settings to protect against current and future computer security threats … learn more
Median Salary: $90,120 | Salary Span: $92,490
Job Outlook: 18% | # of New Jobs: 14,800
Web Developer
#5 Web Developer
Overall Score: 76 | Typical Education: Associate’s
Web developers design and build attractive websites to improve the way organizations look online … learn more
Median Salary: $64,970 | Salary Span: $81,850
Job Outlook: 27% | # of New Jobs: 39,500
Network & Computer Systems Administrator
#6 Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Overall Score: 75 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
Network and computer systems administrators build, manage, and update network and computer systems. This includes detecting and preventing network threats that could compromise an organization’s data … learn more
Median Salary: $77,810 | Salary Span: $76,330
Job Outlook: 8% | # of New Jobs: 30,200
Database Administrator
#7 Database Administrator
Overall Score: 68 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
‘Big Data’ is the hot keyword in the tech industry. Database administrators play a key role in organizing and managing large amounts of data. They use special software to collect, sort, and organize data … learn more
Median Salary: $81,710 | Salary Span: $81,620
Job Outlook: 11% | # of New Jobs: 13,400
Computer Network Support Specialist
#8 Computer Network Support Specialist
Overall Score: 63 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
While many companies and individuals feel confident in their computer skills, bumps in the road do occur. Computer network support specialists troubleshoot and fix computer and network problems, and teach new software skills … learn more
Median Salary: $62,250 | Salary Span: $69,960
Job Outlook: 8% | # of New Jobs: 13,600
Computer & Information Research Scientist
#9 Computer and Information Research Scientist
Overall Score: 58 | Typical Education: Doctorate
Computer and information research scientists design and build new computer technology, and develop innovative uses of current ones … learn more
Median Salary: $110,620 | Salary Span: $106,310
Job Outlook: 11% | # of New Jobs: 2,700
Computer Programmer
#10 Computer Programmer
Overall Score: 58 | Typical Education: Bachelor’s
Computer programmers use computer codes, such as HTML, to create software programs … learn more
Median Salary: $79,530 | Salary Span: $86,350
Job Outlook: -8% | # of New Jobs: -26,500
