Technology Careers

A technology degree can lead to a great career in a field with in-demand jobs and competitive pay. Technology careers are known for requiring creative problem-solving, flexible skills, and long hours. Since technology has permeated every industry, you may be wondering what counts as a tech job. Technology careers involve using computer programs and tools to complete projects and maintain systems. While tech jobs usually require computer work, some careers allow more flexibility, allowing you to complete tasks remotely or in fast-paced, client-facing settings.Read on as we explore several of these options to help give you a better understanding of what technology careers are available to you.

Technology careers include web development, computer programming, network administration, and software engineering, but they encompass more than traditional STEM industries. Other industries also feature technology jobs. One example of a popular technology industry is educational technology, which has a lot of overlap with the field of instructional technology. If you’re curious about exploring a career combining education and technology, you can pursue a master’s in education technology.Another common, in-demand field is medical technology. Jobs in this field include medical records technician, healthcare IT consultant, healthcare data analyst, and clinical informatics specialist.

Below, find information on eight tech jobs you could potentially pursue, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Clinical informatics specialists work in healthcare and analyze clinical data, providing information and advice on computerized healthcare systems. In this role, you would typically work full time in an office setting at a computer. To be eligible for this job, you will need at least an associate degree, but down the line, you may need a bachelor’s degree and additional professional certificates.

Computer programmers create, write, edit, and test code for computer software programs. Most work full time in office settings for high pay. To pursue this career, you will need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer programming.

Data scientists analyze and interpret data, often using tech tools or programs to create insights. Most have a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, or computer science. However, many employers seek applicants with a master’s degree. Data scientists and analysts work across many industries and sectors, including education and healthcare. In healthcare, these workers are usually called healthcare data analysts and have a similar job description to clinical informatics specialists.

Instructional coordinators develop and implement curriculum, conduct teacher training, assess curriculum standards, and analyze test data. To do this, you may need to understand and train others on education technology tools. If you want to pursue a career as an instructional coordinator, you will need your master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or in a specialized field like English, history, or math. You will likely need a bachelor’s degree in education before pursuing graduate studies and have some work experience as a teacher or administrator. To work at a public school, you need a teaching license.

Medical records technician jobs are an example of a career in healthcare technology. Employees in these jobs compile, process, and maintain patient files in healthcare offices. You’ll need to retrieve patient records and electronically record data, all while keeping patient confidentiality. Depending on your employer, you’ll need your high school diploma or associate degree to do this job. Some workplaces also require an additional certification.

Network and computer system administrator jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science. Network administrators can work in schools, financial institutions, and computer system design firms. In this role, you would install, maintain, and configure an organization’s computer system.

Software developers work in a high-demand field for high pay. As a software developer, you will design computer programs and applications, typically for software publishers or computer system design companies. To do this job, you must possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, some employers may want to hire a software developer with a master’s degree in software engineering.

Web developer and digital designer jobs are available in nearly every industry. As a web developer, you create and maintain websites, which can involve creating and testing website interfaces, usability, and functions. Education requirements for this role depend on what industry you’re going into and your employer’s preference. Most jobs require a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may hire you with an associate degree or high school diploma if you have the work experience to demonstrate your knowledge of programming languages.

According to the BLS, the overall outlook for careers in technology is positive. Most technology careers are growing faster than average and pay $60,000 or more per year, well above the national median wage across all occupations. Jobs that are traditionally considered technology careers, like software development and data science, have the fastest growth rates because of their demand across sectors. Jobs in these fields can be competitive and typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Data scientists work in nearly every field, examining data and crafting reports. This is part of the reason these professionals are in such high demand. With the expansion of artificial intelligence and automation, software development jobs will likely also continue to grow. Finally, as an aging population requires more healthcare and patient data grows, the field of clinical informatics will likely grow as well to respond to this challenge.

Most technology careers require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some professionals, like instructional coordinators, must also have a master’s degree. However, some tech jobs only require an associate degree. You’ll notice some careers have more than one entry-level requirement. This is because a given job may have conflicting education requirements depending on the industry, field, or geographic area. It is best to check with your future employer to learn the level of education they seek.

Source: BLS