As Americans' lives are increasingly filled with technology, careers in information technology are expected to grow significantly through the end of the decade.The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that many IT jobs are expected to grow faster or much faster than average through 2020. What's more, employers' inability to find the workers with the technical skills needed to fill such jobs has resulted in stellar pay for some jobs. Some companies are also offering signing bonuses to ensure that they attract -- and keep -- top talent.
Using BLS data, AOL Jobs has compiled this list of 10 high-paying tech jobs, from least to highest paid (based on 2010 data, the most recent available). Most require a bachelor's degree, but there are exceptions for those with proven ability to write computer code or manage corporate networks, for example. Check out the list and tell us what you think in the comments section below.
10. Computer Support Specialist: Provide help and advice to computer and software users to both novice and professional users.
- Median annual salary: $46,260
- Educational requirements: Some college, but no degree is required. Employers may require additional on-the-job training.
9. Network and Computer Systems Administrator:
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of corporate computer
networks, which includes installing and supporting computer systems,
networks, intranets and data communication systems.
- Median annual salary: $69,160
- Educational requirements: The job typically requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, though an associate degree and certification -- such as a certified wireless network administrator -- may suffice for some positions.
8. Computer Programmer: Writes code for software programs.
- Median annual salary: $71,380
- Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science is typically required, though some employers hire workers with associate degrees. Most programmers specialize in a few programming languages.
7. Database Administrator: Uses software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records.
- Median annual salary: $73,490
- Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in an information- or computer-related field is required. Experience in a related field is typically need before becoming an administrator.
4. (tie) Information Security Analyst: Ensures company information stays safe from cyberattacks.
- Median annual salary: $75,660
- Educational requirements: Generally, a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is required, as is experience in a related profession.
4. (tie) Web Developer: Creates websites for companies, governments and other organizations.
- Median annual salary: $75,660
- Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field typically is needed. Additional knowledge of web programming languages can be helpful.
4. (tie) Computer Network Architect: Creates internal computer networks all workers within companies and organizations.
- Median annual salary: $75,660
- Educational requirements: Much like information security analysts, computer network architects need a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, combined with experience in a related profession.
3. Computer Systems Analyst:
Examines corporate computer systems and procedures and makes
recommendations to help companies operate more efficiently and
effectively.
- Median annual salary: $77,740
- Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in a computer or information science field is typical, though not always required. Some firms will hire analysts with business or liberal arts degrees who have experience in writing computer programs.
2. Software Developer: Creates operating systems or applications for computers and other devices.
- Median annual salary: $90,530
- Educational requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science and strong computer-programming skills are usually required.
1. Computer and Information Research Scientist: Solves complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, academia and other uses.
- Median annual salary: $100,660
- Educational requirements: A doctorate in computer science or a related field of study is required.
Source: AOL