5 In Demand Tech Jobs

Author
Sara White


Information technology jobs are growing as more companies rely on technology for daily business and find that they need employees to help manage, develop, and implement software, hardware, and web designs. Tech jobs range from working with or developing software, to designing websites, to ensuring a company's data remains secure, and much more. It's a field where workers are in demand and companies are eager to fill any number of tech jobs. Here are five in-demand tech jobs that are slated to grow at a faster rate than other industries.

Software Developer - $64,668
Software developers are in high demand as more companies rely on technology and proprietary software. Developers are the brains behind the design and creation of computer programs and are also responsible for creating the systems and networks to run devices as well as creating specific applications. It’s a job that requires you to understand the needs of users and then design a program to suit those needs. Most software developers will create diagrams and documentation that will allow programmers to write the code to make the program run. As a software developer, you will need oversee the creation of software and then test the software before implementing it to ensure it will run smoothly for the end user. Your job won’t end there, however, as you will need to ensure that programs continue to run smoothly and perform any maintenance on software down the line. As a software developer, you will need to work closely with people (especially programmers) throughout the entire process as your software vision comes to life.
In order to become a software developer you will need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or mathematics. During your education, you will want to focus on software development skills to build your resume. A master’s degree isn't necessary, but it will help you chances at getting a higher-level job and can open up more doors, and there are some jobs that might require an applicant with a master's degree. It’s also important to keep in mind what industry you want to work in, to ensure you have the appropriate skills to design software for that niche.
Software developer is a fast growing position, with the BLS predicting that it will grow 22 percent by 2022, which is much faster than most other industries. The BLS also states that application developer jobs are expected to grow 23 percent, while system developer jobs will grow by 20 percent. The average salary for a software developer is $65,668, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $43,141 to $101,384 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find software developer jobs in your area.

Business Analyst - $64,888
A business analyst is tasked with identifying possible risks with new projects and then communicating those to the appropriate people. They may also be responsible for managing and creating project plans to develop and test new technology. IT business analyst was rated #43 on a list of the top 100 careers in America, according to CNN. It received B ratings for flexibility and low stress, which indicates that for the most part, business analysts don’t experience high stress in their jobs and have some control over their schedule. Business analysts work to help companies improve their business models by recommending solutions to companies to help them better their structures, policies, and overall operations. According to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), the role of a business analyst is to act as "a liaison among stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organization, and to recommend solutions that enable the organizatio to achieve its goals."
To become a business analyst you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science with some business courses or a degree in management information systems.  Since it is a job that combines both information technology and business, you will want to have a good grasp on both industries. Some high level business analyst jobs might require applicants to hold a masters in business administration with a concentration in information systems, but it depends on the job. As a business analyst, you will want to keep up with the latest in the tech industry so you are always on top of new software, procedures, and trends in the market.
This in demand position is growing at a rate faster than most industries, with the BLS predicting it will grow 25 percent by 2022. The average annual salary for a business analyst is $63,888, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $44,640 to $99,639 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find business analyst jobs in your area.

Database Administrator - $68,592
Database administrator is another in demand IT position that involves the installation, configuration, upgrading, and maintenance of databases for a company. DBAs are also responsible for ensuring the security of databases as well as developing and designing database strategies for a company. Duties will also include installing and upgrading the servers and tools for the database, ensuring all systems are compliant with vendor license agreements, optimizing database performance, backing up the database, archiving information, and more. You will need a strong knowledge of database theory, database design, structured query language (SQL), storage technologies, memory management, operating systems, and more. US News and World Report rated database administrator as number 12 on it’s list of Best Jobs in America for 2014.
To become a database administrator you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or engineering. You may want to get your master’s degree to improve your job opportunities or certifications such as the IBM certification in Database Administration.
Database administrator jobs are predicted to grow 15 percent by 2022, according to the BLS, which is faster than most other industries. The average annual salary for a database administrator is $68,592, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $39,874 to $102,602 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find database administrator jobs in your area.

Information Security Analyst - $69,549
Security is a hot IT skill right now, especially considering the publicity that security breaches have been getting in the news. Companies want to ensure their data and customer data is safe, so they are hiring people, rather than employing software to get the job done. Having security skills can help you move up from a position to information technology to cyber security if you tailor your resume the right way. As an information security analyst, you will need to keep on top of all the latest in security, and always be one step ahead of hackers. You will be responsible for monitoring a business’ networks to spot security breaches and look into any suspicious activity. You will need to find the best software to protect the business’ data, ensure that the company has strong data encryption in place, keep people up to date on the status of security measures, and test the systems you implement. It’s a job that is rising as more companies rely on technology for their daily business. The more technology a company relies on, the more avenues that are opened up for security breaches. According to US News and World Report, information security analyst is the fourth best tech job in America for 2014.
To become an information security analyst you will need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming. You will also want to get a master’s degree in business information in information systems, since security jobs are generally high-level positions. Schools are starting to introduce security programs into their IT degrees to respond to the growing demand for security professionals. You can better your chances of getting a job in cyber security by getting experience in information technology and tailoring your resume to have skills in security.
Information security analyst jobs are predicted to grow 37 percent by 2022, according to the BLS, which makes it the fastest growing job on this list. The average annual salary for information security analysts is $68,549, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $45,275 to $103,207. Check out openings on Monster to find information security analyst jobs in your area.

Web Developer - $53,036
Web developer is a popular in-demand tech job that entails the development and creation of websites. As a web developer you will work closely with clients, or with your company, to develop and implement a website according to their vision. Responsibilities include debugging applications, creating applications, writing code, working with graphic designers to develop the layout, working with graphics, video, and audio, and monitoring traffic to the site. You will need a strong background in programming languages as well as HTML and XML. Web developer is ranked as number three on the list of best technology jobs by US News and World Report for 2014.
The education for a web developer relies on the job posting, with some jobs only requiring a high school degree, while others might want a bachelor’s degree. You can get an associate’s degree in web design and still have a number of jobs to apply to or you can freelance and take jobs as they come. To work for a company, or as a web architect, you will want at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming.

The BLS predicts that web developer jobs will grow 20 percent by 2022, which is faster than most other industries. The average annual salary for a web developer is $53,036, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $32,116 to $82,193 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find web developer jobs in your area. 

America’s fastest growing jobs

By Robert Serenbetz

After the recession wiped out millions of jobs, the American labor market has at least partially recovered. So far this year, the United States has added roughly 1.6 million jobs. And in the 10 years through 2022, the BLS estimates that employment will grow by over 15 million jobs, or by 11%.

Some jobs are expected to better capitalize on economic, demographic, and workplace trends than others. For example, industrial-organizational psychologists are expected to grow 53.4%, the fastest in the nation, and occupations in the health sector are also anticipated to disproportionately grow. Based on estimated employment figures and projections for 2012 and 2022 published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for more than 1,000 occupations, 24/7 Wall St. identified the fastest growing jobs in America.

The jobs with the largest expected growth are often those that benefit from America’s changing demographics. In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., Martin Kohli, chief regional economist for the BLS, noted that the effects of an aging population, which has access to Medicare, “combined with innovations that provide new treatments” has led to increases in health care spending. In turn, more spending creates “a high demand for jobs to provide these services,” he added.

In fact, the average of all health support occupations is expected to grow 28% by 2022. Six jobs within the top 10 are in the health care sector.

Some of the fastest growing jobs are expected to receive a boost from economic trends. For example, the BLS expects that a continued economic rebound will lead to greater demand for construction and renovations. While construction laborers and helpers are expected to grow 25%, jobs such as masons' helpers are expected to grow at a considerably higher rate of 45%.

Government and private sector initiatives are also expected to contribute to growth in specific occupations. New federal health care legislation is expected to increase access to health care and, in turn, to the scale of the health care industry. Meanwhile, mechanical insulators are expected to benefit from an increased focus on environmental sustainability.

Most of the occupations with the highest estimated growth rates are not especially large. Only two occupations, home health aides and personal care aides, are estimated to be among the larger jobs by number of people employed in 2022.

There does not appear to be wage or educational trends among the jobs with the largest growth rates. These occupations all have various levels of median wage as well as differing educational requirements.

To determine the jobs with the highest forecast rate of employment growth, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed BLS Employment Projections program data for 2012 and 2022. In order to qualify, occupations needed to reference a specific job rather than a broader classification. Figures from the BLS for 2012 represent estimates, while figures for 2022 represent forecasts and may be revised. Further information on each occupation came from the BLS’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

These are the fastest growing jobs in America.

10. Physical Therapist Assistants

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 41.0%

> Number employed, 2012: 71,400

> Number employed, 2022: 100,700

> Median annual income: $52,160

> Educational qualification: Associate’s degree

Physical therapist assistants work for physical therapists to facilitate patient treatment. The profession is expected to be among the fastest growing occupations in America. Typically, their job includes observing, stretching, monitoring, and educating the patients. According to the BLS, demand for physical therapy in general is expected to rise due to the greater needs of America’s aging population. Aging baby boomers may require more rehabilitation services as they grow old. Additionally, health conditions that are increasingly affecting the population, such as obesity and diabetes, are expected to require greater rehabilitation services.

9. Genetic Counselors

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 41.2%

> Number employed, 2012: 2,100

> Number employed, 2022: 3,000

> Median annual income: $56,800

> Educational qualification: Master’s degree

The BLS estimates a 41.2% growth in the number of genetic counselors between 2012 and 2022, more than double the rate of other health care practitioners. This growth is largely due to technological advancements in lab testing and genomics. Such development will allow genetic counselors to more accurately assess “individual or family risks for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders or birth defects,” the BLS noted. And yet, the field will remain relatively small. With only 2,100 people working as genetic counselors as of 2012, the extremely fast growth will result in just 900 new jobs.

8. Occupational Therapy Assistants

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 42.6%

> Number employed, 2012: 30,300

> Number employed, 2022: 43,200

> Median annual income: $53,240

> Educational qualification: Associate’s degree

Like other medical related occupations, the demand for occupational therapy assistants is expected to rise the population ages. As baby boomers become more prone to stroke or arthritis, they will require treatment from an increased number of occupational therapy assistants. Therapy assistants help their patients recover and maintain the skills needed for daily living. Additionally, occupational therapists assistants will be required to meet continued demand for the care of children and adults with disabilities. The BLS expects the growing demand will result in a nearly 43% job growth, well above the national job growth rate of 10.8%.

7. Masons’ Helpers

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 43.0%

> Number employed, 2012: 24,400

> Number employed, 2022: 34,900

> Median annual income: $28,220

> Educational qualification: Less than high school

Mason's helpers provide assistance to lead masons, who make plans, read blueprints, and lay out foundation patterns. As of 2012, there were only 24,400 people working as masons’ helpers. However, the BLS forecasts that a post-recession rebound in construction will result in a large increase in new schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, and other buildings. This new construction will require a large number of workers with training in building fences, walkways, and walls. The BLS estimates that the need for onsite mason helpers should grow by 43% between 2012 and 2022, almost twice the growth rate of construction sector employment as a whole. Despite the expected construction boom, the construction sector, including mason’s helpers, is highly dependent on cyclical factors.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 46.0%

> Number employed, 2012: 58,800

> Number employed, 2022: 85,900

> Median annual income: $65,860

> Educational qualification: Associate’s degree

Diagnostic medical sonographers provide medical imaging of the human body’s organs and tissues. Like other health occupations, demand for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow rapidly. As a large segment of the population ages and the health care industry grows, the need for diagnostic services will expand. Developments in medical imaging technology will make procedures less expensive and invasive, resulting in increased demand. The employment of medical sonographers is anticipated to grow by about 27,000, or 46%.

5. Interpreters and Translators

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 46.1%

> Number employed, 2012: 63,600

> Number employed, 2022: 92,900

> Median annual income: $45,430

> Educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree

The BLS pointed to increased globalization and greater diversity within the United States as the primary driver of growth for the profession. Although computers have greatly increased the efficiency and productivity of interpreters and translators, technology cannot provide the specific nuances of human translation. Demand will likely remain strong for frequently translated languages, but most growth will likely be due to greater need for translators in American Sign Language and emerging market languages. According to the BLS, “growing international trade and broadening global ties” will create new jobs for interpreters and translators.

4. Mechanical Insulation Workers

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 46.7%

> Number employed, 2012: 28,900

> Number employed, 2022: 42,400

> Median annual income: $39,170

> Educational qualification: High school diploma

While the BLS forecasts above average growth in construction employment, the estimated growth rate of mechanical insulation workers is projected to be more-than twice that, at 47%. Unlike other types of insulators, mechanical insulation workers require greater specialty given the challenges of applying insulation to pipes and ducts in all types of buildings. Increased emphasis on energy efficiency will result in growing demand for mechanical insulation workers instead of non-mechanical insulation workers.

3. Home Health Aides

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 48.5%

> Number employed, 2012: 875,100

> Number employed, 2022: 1,299,300

> Median annual income: $20,820

> Educational qualification: Less than high school

An aging population will likely result in a greater need for home health aides, who provide individualized daily client care. The number of such aides is expected to grow by over 48% in the 10 years from 2012 and become one of the most commonly-held jobs by 2022. Home health aides typically work for a medical institution and keep a record of services performed and the client’s conditions, in addition to providing home care and companionship. For elderly clients, home health care is increasingly popular because it offers a “less expensive alternative to nursing homes or hospitals,” the BLS notes.

2. Personal Care Aides

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 48.8%

> Number employed, 2012: 1,190,600

> Number employed, 2022: 1,771,400

> Median annual income: $19,190

> Educational qualification: Less than high school

Similar to home health aides, personal care aides provide individualized home health services to elderly clients living at home. However, personal care aids are restricted to providing only basic medical services and will often work in conjunction with nurses or social workers. The BLS expects that over 580,000 jobs for personal care aides will be created in the decade through 2022, the most out of any of America’s fastest growing jobs. Yet, the median annual wage for personal care aids was just $19,910 as of 2012, well below the nationwide median of $34,750 for all occupations.

1. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 53.4%

> Number employed, 2012: 1,600

> Number employed, 2022: 2,500

> Median annual income: $83,580

> Educational qualification: Master’s degree

Industrial organizational psychologists are anticipated to be the fastest growing job in the U.S. in the 10 years through 2022. The BLS estimates that in the 10-year period through 2022, employment of industrial-organizational psychologists will rise more than 53%, dramatically higher than the growth rates for all jobs and for other psychologist professions. The use of psychology is expected to increase across the nation as individuals and institutions look for help in solving or managing problems. Industrial-organizational psychologists address issues relating to workplace productivity, organizational developments, and employee screening. Becoming an industrial-organizational psychologist typically requires a master’s degree, as well as an internship or residency. Despite the forecast growth rate, the actual number of jobs expected to be added is very small -- just 900 by 2022.

Six Careers Where You Could Make $1,000 a Week

Yahoo

Consider these jobs with a healthy median salary of about $52,000 or more per year.

By Danielle Blundell

Are you making good money at your job? Even if you take home a decent salary, you could probably always use a little more. How does $1,000 a week sound?
Good news. While no salary amount can be guaranteed, the following jobs pay a median salary of $1,000 a week* or more. We've broken down the jobs, the salaries, why they can pay well, and how you can pursue them. The rest is up to you.

$1K-a-Week Job #1: Computer Programmer

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,464.23*

Median Annual Pay

$76,140*

Turns out spending all your free time toying around on your laptop could actually pay off big one day. As a programmer, the U.S. Department of Labor says you could spend your days writing and testing code for software.
High-Pay Potential: Computer programmer jobs that were once outsourced to other countries are now returning to the United States in order to keep company files and classified information increasingly secure, says Sunil Sani, co-founder of CareerGlider.com, a website that offers insights into hundreds of careers to help guide career paths.
Sani adds that there are new areas within the industry with a need for programmers on the rise, so salaries have become increasingly competitive.
"Demand is on the rise for programmers with mobile application skills as more and more consumers conduct business from their mobile devices," says Sani.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Options: If you'd like to pursue a career as a computer programmer, you will have to have a bachelor's degree in either computer science or a related field, says the Department of Labor. Some employers will hire workers who have just associate's degrees, adds the Department, so that may be a viable option as well.

$1K-a-Week Job #2: Technical Writer

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,259.62*

Median Annual Pay

$65,550*

Do you have a mind for detail? Are you also pretty good at stringing together a sentence? Then why not consider pursuing a career as a technical writer? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these wordsmiths put together instruction manuals, articles, and other necessary documentation to communicate complicated and technical information more easily.
High-Pay Potential: "Technical writers generally get paid more than journalists, bloggers or other content providers simply because they need a background in the technical intricacies of what they're writing on and they need to be able to translate that information into something palatable and easy-to-follow for the reader," says Sani. "It's a special talent and one that's not well-represented in the job marketplace, which is why its purveyors can command bigger bucks."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
Education Options: If you plan to seek out a career in technical writing, the Department of Labor says a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications is preferred by employers, and some jobs may require a degree and knowledge of a particular field like medicine, engineering, or computer science.

$1K-a-Week Job #3: Network and Computer Systems Administrator

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,423.08*

Median Annual Pay

$74,000*

Always fixing your friends and your family's computer problems? Are you the go-to guy or girl for troubleshooting smartphone issues? Then a position as a network and computer systems administrator might be a good career option for you to pursue.
These individuals install network software and hardware, make necessary upgrades and repairs, and ensure that all systems are working properly in a computer network, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
High-Pay Potential: The increase in use of technology like mobile devices and cloud computing will necessitate more people who can develop, maintain, and improve the networks and systems that let us make use of this technology ,according to Sani. That is where the network administrator comes in and can command a relatively high salary for their niche skill set, Sani adds.
Furthermore, the fact that this technology is constantly changing makes those who understand the latest developments even more valuable. "The network administrator must continually update their skills and keep tabs on industry changes, and those who hire them must pay for these up-to-date skills applications if they hope to stay competitive in the marketplace," explains Sani.
Next step: Click to Find the Right IT & Information Systems Program.
Education Options: While some employers may only require you to have a postsecondary certificate to pursue this career, the U.S. Department of Labor notes that most employers do require a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science-related field.

$1K-a-Week Job #4: Market Research Analyst

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,169.23*

Median Annual Pay

$60,800*

Are you always on top of the latest trends and predicting new ones? Well, did you know that market research analysts actually do just that for a living, according to the U.S. Department of Labor? And because the in-depth analysis they perform can potentially help companies earn higher profits, this job can pay well.
High-Pay Potential: "Companies increasingly use big data to understand consumer behavior so they can market to them effectively," says Carreau. "Gone are the days of gut feel, as organizations are now relying on research to make decisions. This data is so critical to strategy that hiring and retaining the best talent in this area is driving up the wages of great analysts."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, along with strong math and analytical skills, for a career as a market research analyst. The Department notes that many of these workers have degrees in math, computer science, or statistics, while others may have backgrounds in social sciences, communications, or business administration.

$1K-a-Week Job #5: Public Relations Manager

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,898.08*

Median Annual Pay

$98,700*

If you're upbeat and can chat up anyone, public relations (PR) might be up your alley. Public relations managers help their clients effectively communicate with the public, develop an organization or individual's corporate image, devise promotion programs and write press releases for the media, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
High-Pay Potential: PR managers take home high salaries because of how important it is for companies to maintain positive public images, says Debby Carreau, CEO and founder of Inspired HR, a human resources support company.
"PR managers are vital to ensuring organizations have a solid strategy and are up-to-date with the latest media platforms (Twitter, Instagram) and how to effectively interact with social media influencers," says Carreau. "A good PR Manager is tech savvy, creative, able to direct a team, and comes with a large rolodex. All of these qualities in one person is a challenge to find."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Education Options: If you wish to pursue a career in this field, you should know, per the Department of Labor, that public relations managers are generally required to have a bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or fundraising.

$1K-a-Week Job #6: Personal Financial Advisor

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Median Weekly Pay

$1448.46* 

Median Annual Pay

$75,320*

Have a knack for making money grow? Or just know how to cut costs and scrimp and save? You might be cut out to pursue a job as a personal financial advisor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, personal financial advisors explain financial services to clients, educate them about investment possibilities and risks, and research investment opportunities.
High-Pay Potential: As a large chunk of the population transitions from employment to retirement, Sani says money management becomes the responsibility of the retiree, and the demand for financial advisors has increased. People definitely need guidance in managing their money, he says, and they're willing to pay big for it.
In addition, the increasing complexity of financial rules and regulations make skilled personal financial advisors even more vital. "The demand for financial help is on the increase, thanks to disappearing pensions, 401k rollovers, and complicated estate planning laws," says Sani. "Personal financial advisors are being compensated for their expertise in portfolio management. Good ones with proven track records will be in demand and command higher hourly compensation for their expertise and efforts."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: If you're interested in a career as a personal financial advisor, the Department of Labor says you generally need a bachelor's degree, with finance, business, accounting, economics, law, and mathematics noted as good preparation to pursue this occupation.