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Top Technology Careers

Software Developer
Ranking 1

Median Salary $93,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements Bachelors
Exploring the Dream Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.
Living the Dream Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers.
Reaching the Dream Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.

Computer Systems Analyst
Ranking 2

Median Salary $80,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.
Living the Dream Most systems analysts work full time.
Reaching the Dream A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire analysts with business or liberal arts degrees who have skills in information technology or computer programming.

Web Developer
Ranking 3

Median Salary $62,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements Associates
Exploring the Dream Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. They also may create content for the site.
Living the Dream About a quarter of web developers were self-employed in 2012. Non-self-employed developers work primarily in the computer systems design and related services industry.
Reaching the Dream The typical education needed to become a web developer is an associate’s degree in web design or related field. Web developers need knowledge of both programming and graphic design.

Information Security Analyst
Ranking 4

Median Salary $86,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increase.
Living the Dream Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, and business and financial companies.
Reaching the Dream Most information security analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. They also usually need experience in a related occupation.

Database Administrator
Ranking 5

Median Salary $77,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.
Living the Dream Almost all database administrators work full time. About a quarter worked more than 40 hours per week in 2012.
Reaching the Dream Database administrators usually have a bachelor’s degree in an information- or computer- related subject. Before becoming an administrator, these workers typically get work experience in a related field.

Civil Engineer
Ranking 6

Median Salary $80,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Civil engineers design, construct, supervise, operate, and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.
Living the Dream Civil engineers generally work indoors in offices. However, many spend time outdoors at construction sites so they can monitor operations or solve problems onsite. Most work full time.
Reaching the Dream Civil engineers need a bachelor’s degree, either in civil engineering or civil engineering technology. They typically need a graduate degree and licensure for promotion to senior positions. Though licensure requirements vary within the U.S., civil enginee

Mechanical Engineer
Ranking 7

Median Salary $80,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
Living the Dream Mechanical engineers generally work in professional office settings. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and develop
Reaching the Dream Mechanical engineers need a bachelor’s degree. A graduate degree is typically needed for promotion into managerial positions. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.

IT Manager
Ranking 8

Median Salary $121,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.
Living the Dream Most computer and information systems managers work full time. In 2012, about one third worked more than 40 hours per week.
Reaching the Dream Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, plus related work experience, is required. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree.

Computer Programmer
Ranking 9

Median Salary $74,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.
Living the Dream Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers.
Reaching the Dream Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.

Computer Systems Administrator
Ranking 10

Median Salary $73,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements bachelors
Exploring the Dream Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.
Living the Dream Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries.
Reaching the Dream Although some employers require a postsecondary certificate, most require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science.

Computer Support Specialist
Ranking 11

Median Salary $60,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion)
Educational Requirements Associates
Exploring the Dream Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.
Living the Dream Most computer support specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, many support specialists must be available 24 hours a day.
Reaching the Dream Because of the wide range of skills used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation. A bachelor’s degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate’s degree or postsecondary classes may b

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