U.S. Department of Labor Blog
Sept. 21 is IT Professionals Day, and this year we look back and recognize the agility and innovation of information technology employees who helped their organizations adapt or shift to virtual work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While much remains uncertain, we expect computer-related industries and occupations to see higher demand over the 2020–30 decade due to the increase in telework and hybrid work arrangements, expanded telehealth medical services and enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect information.
If you’re considering an IT career, the nine occupations listed below are projected to grow and all pay above – some well above! – the median 2020 annual wage of $41,950 for all jobs.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
2020 median pay: $103,590 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 141,200
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 33% (Much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 16,300
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers 
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
2020 median pay: $110,140 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 1,847,900
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 22% (Much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 189,200
Computer and Information Research Scientists 
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
2020 median pay: $126,830 per year
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 33,000
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 22% (Much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 3,200
Web Developers and Digital Designers 
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create and test website or interface layout, functions and navigation for usability.
2020 median pay: $77,200 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 199,400
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 13% (Faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 17,900
Computer Support Specialists 
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.
2020 median pay: $55,510 per year
Typical entry-level education: A bachelor’s degree may be required for some applicants applying to computer support specialist positions, but an associate degree or postsecondary classes may be enough for others
Number of jobs, 2020: 844,600
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 9% (About as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 70,400
Database Administrators and Architects 
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
2020 median pay: $98,860 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 168,000
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 8% (About as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 13,900
Computer Systems Analysts 
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find solutions that are more efficient and effective.
2020 median pay: $93,730 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 607,800
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 7% (About as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 47,500
Computer Network Architects 
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (known as LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
2020 median pay: $116,780 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 165,200
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 5% (Slower than average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 11,000
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.
2020 median pay: $84,810 per year
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree
Number of jobs, 2020: 350,300
Projected growth, 2020–2030: 5% (Slower than average)
Occupational openings, 2020–2030 annual average: 24,900
You can explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Emily Krutsch is an economist in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter at @BLS_gov.