Information Technology Salaries

The Department of Labor estimates that the need for skilled workers in the computer information technology field is going to skyrocket in the next 10 years. While this should result in a corresponding increase in information technology salaries, the precise salary a person with an information technology degree will earn depends on a variety of factors.

Salaries for Jobs in Information Technology

In most cases, salaries for jobs in information technology will vary according to an individual's level of education, his industry experience and the location in which he works. Those with higher education, more experience and a willingness to work in more metropolitan areas are likely to earn higher salaries than those with entry-level (associate's) degrees, little or no experience and/or those working in more remote areas. Here is a closer look at the salary ranges for different careers in the information technology field:
  • Information Technology Consultant: $54,457 to $95,669
  • Information Technology Manager: $45,580 to $91,322
  • Information Technology Specialist: $43,932 to $78,736
  • Project Manager: $47,974 to $94,633
  • Senior Software Engineer: $83,508 to $98,458
  • Software Engineer: $56,795 to $84,051
  • Systems Engineer: $51,436 to $82,050.

Job Responsibilities for IT Professionals

Most people think of information technology as a vast, complicated realm that keeps their systems running like clockwork. However, as you enter the information technology field, you will likely have highly specialized job responsibilities based on the focus of your degree and experience. Here is a closer look at some of the particular job responsibilities specific to careers in the information technology industry:
  • Information technology consultants facilitate development and implementation of improvements to client's information technology systems. They manage resolution of system and network issues for clients, as well as new installations and migrations.

  • Information technology managers plan, direct and coordinate the development, implementation, deployment and operation of information systems and technology solutions for business needs.

  • Project managers typically create and maintain an information technology project plans that communicates tasks, milestone dates, status of projects and resource allocation. Some managers also use software lifecycle methodology and coordinate delivery of development (beta) and production releases that meet quality assurance standards.

  • Software developers write, modify and debug software for client applications. They write code and test document software for client applications.

  • Systems engineers research, design, implement and troubleshoot information and technology systems in support of business needs.

Health Information Technology Salaries

While a variety of different industries need the expertise of information technology degree holders, the health industry, in particular, is one of the fastest growing job markets for IT professionals. One reason for this is the growing need for people to manage, maintain and protect the privacy of medical records databases. Starting salaries in this field are about $30,000, escalating up to six figures for those with experience and higher degrees. The industry expects to see 36 percent growth over the next decade.
 
While the economy changes and pay fluctuates, salaries for jobs in the information technology and health information technology fields remain constant, making it a lucrative career option for IT professionals.
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