2022's Hottest Jobs in IT & Tech Top 12

Information technology (IT) professionals play a vital role in practically all industries across the globe. They're responsible for helping companies preserve and support digital infrastructure. They assist technology consumers with troubleshooting issues. IT professionals are in high demand, helping organizations keep up with security protocols and technological advances.

If you love technology and working with computers, an IT career may check all your career goal boxes. Not only will you have a career that you enjoy, but you’ll also have a high-paying job that has an amazing occupational outlook.

The number of IT jobs is expected to increase during the next decade. This is definitely good news for all the IT professionals who can expect to make far more than the median wage of all other types of occupations.

What is an IT Job?

IT jobs entail more than simply working with or at a computer. Technically, any job that goes above and beyond simply using the technology, such as using a computer, can be considered an IT job.

For example, individuals who design computer networks, create code, or build security protocols are IT professionals. Their skill set goes beyond merely using the technology, meaning their understanding of tech is on a different, higher level.

IT jobs vary in skill sets and niches as well. As you consider a career as an IT professional, you’ll want to think about what motivates you to excel and the types of duties you want to take on.

• An IT career in security is great for the individual who relishes outsmarting criminals who want to do harm to computer systems and organizations.
• A person who enjoys creating and wants to see the results of their work will enjoy working in a design-oriented or development position.
• A person who enjoys searching for patterns or analyzing data will find job satisfaction as an analyst or in a data-oriented position.

Finding the best tech industry job - the one that really speaks to you – will help you determine the best computer jobs and tech career paths for you.

Top IT Jobs for 2022 & Beyond

There’s a lot of chatter surrounding the top IT jobs and with good reason. Some of them are also the highest paying IT jobs. The tech industry job market is growing in popularity, demand, and financial compensation. So, let’s take a look at the hottest and best tech jobs for the future, possibilities that could be in your future as well.

1.    Wireless Network Engineer

A wireless network engineer installs, configures, troubleshoots, and maintains an organization’s wireless computer networks. When individuals within their organization need to communicate or share data remotely, it’s the wireless network engineer’s job to make sure those connections are secure, while adhering to various standards and best practices.

A wireless network engineer can expect to earn between $69,713 to $85,339, with the average annual earnings being $76,852 annually.

2.    Mobile Application Developer

Unlike many other tech industry positions where work is accomplished on larger tech systems, a mobile application developer has specialized training in the creation of apps for smaller devices, such as tablets and cell phones. These IT professionals use their web development knowledge and coding expertise to solve the challenges of working with small screens. The median annual salary for a mobile app developer comes in at $97,127.

3.    Data Scientist

Using modeling and statistics, a data scientist gathers, analyzes, and interprets complex digital data, such as the usage stats of a website. Their findings help a company or organization make better business decisions. The average annual salary for a data scientist is $98,230; however, those who excel may make a salary up to and exceeding $165,230.

4.    Data Security Analyst

A data security analyst creates and maintains an organization’s security systems while also ensuring that information stored on computers or networks is not mistakenly modified and that the information is safe from disclosure to unwanted parties. Should a data compromise occur, the data security analyst repairs the damage, seals the security breach, and takes measures to make sure the intrusion cannot happen again.

The median annual salary of a data security analyst is $103,590. A data security analyst who reaches the top of their field could expect to make as much as or more than $166,595. With an online master’s in information systems security from University of the Cumberlands, you’re sure to go far as a data security analyst, reaching your career goals much quicker.

5.    Software Developer

A software developer’s job entails so much more than coding. In fact, software developers have a broad skill set that’s valued by more and more companies. Software developers research, design, implement, and test software. They also possess knowledge of both software and systems, ensuring that their applications work well with the intended hardware and systems.

A software developer typically makes on average $110,140 annually. Java developer tops the list of GlassDoor’s 50 Best Jobs in America in 2021. Cumberland's bachelor's degree in information technology will give you the training you need to become a software developer.

6.    Pre-Sales Technical Engineer

Pre-sales technical engineer is one of the most unique roles on our list of top IT jobs. A pre-sales technical engineer spends much of their time interacting with non-technical professionals, especially potential customers. A pre-sales technical engineer helps customers determine their needs and then works to develop tech products or service solutions. The pre-sales technical engineer may help customers find solutions using existing tech products or services, or they may work towards new and improved custom solutions. Someone in this position would require development and sales expertise. Excellent communication skills are a plus as well.

The national average salary for a pre-sales technical engineer is $114,765; however, the highest-paid pre-sales technical engineer makes over $170K annually. Cumberland's bachelor's degree in information technology will give you the training you need to become a pre-sales technical engineer.

7.    Big Data Engineer

A big data engineer develops, tests, and maintains data architectures, data pipelines, warehouses and other processing systems. The ultimate goal of a big data engineer is to retrieve, distribute, and store data throughout an organization. The annual income for a big data engineer averages out to be $121,579. Salary.com also states that the median annual salary for a lead big data engineer is substantially higher - $164,114.

Cumberland's bachelor's degree in information technology is a good place to begin your training towards becoming a big data engineer.

8.    Cloud Engineer

Many companies and organizations are moving their information to the cloud, giving them access to their applications, data, and systems from nearly anywhere in the world. Cloud engineers make this possible. A cloud engineer is responsible for the design, maintenance, and management of an organization’s cloud infrastructure. A cloud engineer requires a comprehensive knowledge of software development and scripting languages and should have a background in cloud-based web design services.

A cloud engineer can expect to make an average of $125,441; however, the salary range is $115,832 to $137,292. Cumberland's master’s degree in cyber-engineering will prepare you to meet the obstacles you may run across as a cloud engineer.

9.    Enterprise Applications Architect

An enterprise applications architect studies how various components in a business affect other areas within the organization. They then adjust elements within the organization to ensure that a company’s strategy aligns with its goals. This is accomplished through the design of vital elements of company-specific applications, such as infrastructure and user interface, and in the implementation of updates to existing applications. Essentially, the enterprise applications architect is concerned with overall functionality, ensuring that the company’s software does what it is designed to do.

The salary range of an enterprise applications architect falls between $124,411 and $145,344, with the average being $134,671.

10.    Information Systems Security Manager

Cybersecurity is more important than ever. Therefore, organizations need highly trained information systems security specialists to mitigate their information risks. An information security manager is responsible for protecting an organization’s data, computers, and networks against hackers, security breaches, and computer viruses. An information systems security manager troubleshoots vulnerabilities and implements security measures, such as firewalls and data encryption programs.

An information systems security manager’s salary typically ranges between $122,504 and $150,197, with an average of $135,758. The income for the top ten percent in the field is $163,343 and a master’s in cyber engineering at University of the Cumberlands could help you get there faster.

11.    Database Manager

A database manager creates and oversees the systems a company uses to store data. Since each company has a unique method established to store, retrieve, and organize its data, a database manager must conform to the company’s way of doing business as well ensuring compliance with applicable legal regulations. A database manager ensures that the company’s systems maintain, organize, and hold the required data and assists companies in finding the opportunity to strategically use the data they've collected.

The average annual salary for a database manager is $142,740; however, a database manager at the top of their game could make as much as $171,473. Pursuing an online master’s in information systems security at University of the Cumberlands is a great way to up your game as a database manager.

12.    Chief Information Officer

The position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) can be considered the crème de la crème of high technology careers. It’s at the top of the tech career food chain and one of the highest-paying IT jobs the industry has to offer. What does a CIO do to earn this title and prestige? According to Investopedia, a CIO is “responsible for the management, implementation, and usability of information and computer technologies.” Reporting typically to the chief executive officer (CEO), the CIO is responsible for all things tech. A successful CIO – one who makes sound business decisions to move a company forward - requires a lot of business savvy and a solid understanding of an organization’s tech requirements.

A CIO’s median salary averages $151,150 per year. This salary pales in comparison, however, to Forbe’s findings on the average compensation for the top ten highest-paid CIO’s - almost $3.4 million annually.

Preparing for Your Tech & IT Career at University of the Cumberlands

As you can see, there are many career paths you can take to fulfill your dreams if you love working with computers. University of the Cumberlands will prepare you to succeed in a technology career with classes that give you the technical skills, communication skills, and soft skills you'll need to succeed in some of the highest-paying IT jobs.

If you're interested in learning more about the IT & tech degree programs offered at the University of the Cumberlands, contact an admissions counselor or request more information today. With choices of an associate, an undergraduate, and multiple graduate and a doctorate degree programs, you’re sure to find the degree program that’s just right for you.