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Electric Tech Careers: 7 Industries Where Techies Thrive

IT-profile-career-boostBy Anica Oaks
Online Career Tips Guest Contributor

Technology careers are probably the most plentiful and well-paying in the job market today. This is partially because our entire world is run on technology, but also because they usually require a lot of intelligence and preparation. However, for the technologically inclined among us, a techie career path is nothing but success. Here is a sampling of some of the hottest tech careers right now.

1. Engineering

All types of engineering qualify as technical jobs. It doesn’t matter if your specialty is electronics, aerospace, or computers, it’s all about technology and how to use it. Many engineering fields, such as biomedical engineering, are growing much faster than other job markets—there’s a projected growth of 27% in the next decade. It also doesn’t hurt that most engineers make upwards of $80,000 a year with a bachelor degree.

[Related: Women in STEM: What are the Barriers to Entering Technical Fields?]

2. Information Technology

How many times a day do office personnel say, “It’s time to call IT?” I’ll give you a hint: A lot. IT experts usually maintain computer systems for a company or even several companies. Most jobs will require extensive knowledge of computer maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and basic use, which can usually be obtained through a degree in IT or computer science. There aren’t any companies or businesses today that don’t use computers, so IT jobs are plentiful and not expected to go anywhere anytime soon. IT specialists usually earn between $40,000 and $70,000 a year.

3. Software Developer

How often do you hear about a new app or a newer version of popular software? Well, someone is paid to create those programs. Software developers will create entirely new software and applications, and they are always working to improve what is already out there. A degree in computer science or software engineering is usually the standard for these jobs. The earnings for software developers easily reach six figures.

4. Web Designer

If you are technologically inclined with an artistic side, then web design is probably a great fit for you. Web designers create websites and web pages for companies or even individuals. They will often work for a company in-house, but they can also work for a company that specializes in web design or even on their own doing freelance work. Web designers usually need an associate’s degree or higher to work in web design. Pay is much higher than for other jobs requiring an associate’s degree at $60,000 per year.

5. Database Administrator

Database administrators will use computer programs to organize data for a company. They keep track of things like inventory, human resources, finances, and just about everything else on the computer. Since every company uses computers, every company needs someone who is able to do this. A bachelor’s degree in information systems is usually the best degree to find a job with. Pay for database administrators is over $75,000 a year.

6. Cybersecurity

With the rise of theft in electronic record systems, it is no surprise that techno-security has also increased. Cybersecurity is all about encrypting information and keeping it from falling into the wrong hands. These jobs usually require a bachelor degree in computer science or information systems, but specific training and certification in things like Cisco CCNA is typically given more weight. Median pay for this job is over $85,000 a year.

7. Technical Writer

Prefer not to actually be the one wrestling with the computer programs? You might enjoy a career as a technical writer whose job it is to tell the world about what the engineers and technology management professionals are really doing. They write instruction manuals and technical reports that make technology concepts easier to understand. Technical writers need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in professional writing, but many have master’s degrees. Median pay for tech writers is $65,000 a year.

[Related: Unique Career Trends: Technical Writing]

There are as many types of tech careers as there are techie people. Even if your expertise is outside the realm of computer technology, you can still become a member of the techie community. There are so many different kinds of engineers that you could easily find a career to suit you. There are even jobs for the more-creative techie types. Tech careers are hot right now and will be for the foreseeable future. Don’t miss out on a great career!

About the Author: A professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

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