Which IT Job Is the Best?
All computer science jobs are not created equal. That degree might qualify you for a number of different jobs in technology. But how do you know which one is the best for you?
Software Developer/Computer Programmer
What you’ll do
Research, design, implement and test software and systems
How much you’ll work
Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though you should expect long hours when project deadlines approach
Where you’ll work
Office, much of time spent alone writing code
What you’ll make
Median salary, $92,660
Biggest benefits
Job is in high demand, as the world increasingly relies on technology
Biggest drawbacks
Job is generally low-stress, though project deadlines can become intense
Database Administrator
What you’ll do
Design, code and maintain database systems to store and manage data
How much you’ll work
Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and after-hours crises can spring up
Where you’ll work
Office, generally for large organizations
What you’ll make
Median salary, $77,080
Biggest benefits
Generally have ability to work with lots of different types of people and of projects
Biggest drawbacks
Risk of database failure can make for high-stress job
Hardware Engineer
What you’ll do
Configure hardware of computers; improve layout and design of devices for increased efficiency
How much you’ll work
Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and crises can lead to night and weekend work
Where you’ll work
Factory, research facility or lab
What you’ll make
Median salary, $100,920
Biggest benefits
Typically get to work with newest technology
Biggest drawbacks
Narrow, project-based focus can make for monotonous days
Systems Analyst
What you’ll do
Design IT solutions; adapt existing systems to improve business efficiency and productivity
How much you’ll work
Generally, 40-hour workweek, though extended hours aren’t uncommon, particularly at end of projects or for consultants working with clients
Where you’ll work
Office; freelancers and consultants travel to client offices
What you’ll make
Median salary, $79,680
Biggest benefits
Good deal of flexibility to work on variety of projects
Biggest drawbacks
Can be high-stress when systems fail
Network Architect
What you’ll do
Design, build and test communication networks
How much you’ll work
Generally, 40-hour work week
Where you’ll work
Office, but often must work on-site at different buildings and offices
What you’ll make
Median salary, $91,000
Biggest benefits
Likely to see increase in job openings as companies expand use of wireless and mobile technology
Biggest drawbacks
Dozens of possible certifications can be daunting
Web developer
What you’ll do
Use software languages and other tools to create, implement and test Web applications
How much you’ll work
Full time, but hours vary widely; a quarter of Web developers are self-employed
Where you’ll work
Good chance of working from home; otherwise, office setting
What you’ll make
Median salary, $62,500
Biggest benefits
Flexible schedule
Biggest drawbacks
Project deadlines can create stress
Information Security Analyst
What you’ll do
Develop and implement security measures to protect organizations’ computer networks and systems
How much you’ll work
40-hour workweek is typical, though after-hours crises are not uncommon
Where you’ll work
Office, most likely for large company
What you’ll make
Median salary, $86,170
Biggest benefits
Job security thanks to ever-increasing cyber threats
Biggest drawbacks
Must keep on top of constantly changing attack methods
Systems Manager
What you’ll do
Plan, coordinate and direct technology-related activities in organizations
How much you’ll work
Generally, 40-hour workweek, though overtime is common
Where you’ll work
Office, for small or large companies; limited ability to work from home as manager
What you’ll make
Median salary, $120,950
Biggest benefits
Chance to influence entire company
Biggest drawbacks
After-hours crises common
IT Support
What you’ll do
Provide technical help and support to organizations
How much you’ll work
Most likely full-time, but not necessarily 9-to-5
Where you’ll work
Call center, could even work from home
What you’ll make
Median salary, $48,900
Biggest benefits
Flexible schedule
Biggest drawbacks
Must be constantly available for users
