An IT degree salary will vary based on both the person’s educational background and desired position. A bachelors in information technology salary will typically be significantly more than a salary when a person only has certifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports BS information technology salary averages are at least $30,000 more yearly than information technology careers that require only certifications or an associates degree.

In this world where every industry is becoming more and more dependent on technology, it’s no surprise that computer experts are in high demand. We’re all computer users, but just as most people wouldn’t know how to fix their own car, most of us outside of the tech field know nothing about how our computer, the internet, or data really work. With an IT degree, you can take your career in any direction you want.

Information technology is a diverse field with many opportunities for different career paths. It can be hard to decide which IT degree to pursue. We need to think about our career goals, interests, strengths, and weaknesses.

An information technology degree is a great way to learn how to turn ideas into reality and solve problems in the digital world. There are many different types of information technology degrees that people can get. Some people may want to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer engineering while others might want a business-focused degree like digital marketing, management information systems or marketing analytics.

Careers for bachelor degree holders in the field of information technology include:

• computer network architect
• computer systems analysts
• computer programmer
• database administrator
• mobile developer
• network administrator
• software developer
• UX designer

The best way for you to find out which IT degree is right for you is by talking with your high school counselor or an admissions officer at the university of your choice. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the different degrees offered and what they entail.

But for now, continue reading for information about choosing an IT degree.

What is the Average Information Technology Degree Salary?

The highest IT degree salary belongs to computer network architects. Computer network architects make an average salary of $109,200. Network administrators fall on the lower end of the information technology degree salary range with a mean of $82,050. In comparison, non-degree holders in the field of information technology can make an average of $53,470 annually as a computer support specialist.

Different factors will impact the average information technology career salary such as location and unique skills acquired. For instance, city jobs may have a higher IT degree salary due to increased cost of living. The skills acquired by the IT specialist will also determine salary averages. Certifications to consider after receiving a bachelor degree in information technology include Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate, and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.      

Is an Information Technology Degree a Good Value?

A common question is “Is an information technology degree worth it?” Students want assurance that the cost that they pay towards their education will pay off. Unlike many liberal arts degrees, an IT degree helps secure a lucrative position with a substantial entry-level salary. Information technology degrees offer many career possibilities with the chance to earn upwards of $100,000 annually.

For entry-level positions, the BS information technology salary will start at $56,4666. This reflects only base pay with additional compensation of more than $4,000 on average in bonuses. The lowest average salary for information technology degree holders with entry-level positions is $37,900 annually.

Besides looking at information technology degree career salary, interested professionals will also want to consider job growth in the field. Tech careers are considered one of the fastest growing professions. Projected job growth rate is as high as 11% over the next ten years for jobs like database administrator. Information technology degree is a good value because not only does it prepare IT specialists for a top salary with job security, but also the programs are relatively inexpensive. With online BS degree programs and accelerated degree options, the cost of an education in the IT field is relatively low-cost.

What Will I Learn in an IT Degree Program?

Information technology is a broad field that encompasses many different types of jobs. There are many different courses that a student would take in an IT degree program.

Some of the courses that students would take in an IT degree program are:

• Computer programming
• Web development
• Software development
• Information security
• Network design, installation, and support
• Network security
• Network performance analysis
• Wireless networking
• Mobile networking
• Operating systems

These courses teach students how to write code and design websites, as well as how to protect data from malicious hackers and maintain the network infrastructure.

Computer science doesn’t exist in a vaccum, though. IT degree programs will focus not only on technical skills, but also the skills necessary to work in IT responsibly and effectively.

Soft skills are one of the most important skills to have in IT. They allow you to communicate better with others and to be more successful in your career. The term “soft skills” typically refers to the social skills and interpersonal skills that are not technical in nature. Soft skills are important to the success of students and professionals alike.

There are many soft skills that are needed in IT, but some of them include:

1. Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures is essential for success in IT.

2. Teamwork: Working well as part of a team is crucial for success in IT because you will often need to collaborate with people who have different perspectives and ideas about what should be done.

3. Problem-solving: The ability to solve problems creatively, quickly, and effectively can make all the difference when it comes to success in IT.

4. Leadership: Leadership skills are a must-have for success in IT because they help you get things done efficiently while motivating others around you at the same time.

5. Adaptability: Adaptability is an important element in professional life, but especially in IT and computer science, where everything changes so rapidly and frequently.

Job listings might not always emphasize them, but IT graduates should realize that to get into senior positions, they will need to work these soft skills, and business skills as well. A high-paying career takes more than technical knowledge. Software developers with business skills have more career options, and the average salaries of IT professionals in higher career paths are significantly better.

Online information technology degree programs are a great way to get the education you need to get ahead in the field of IT.

Online IT degree programs are typically cheaper than traditional on-campus programs, and they offer more flexibility for those who have busy schedules. With online programs, you can study when it is most convenient for you, and you have the opportunity to learn from instructors all over the world.

Of course, you should know the program details before making a commitment.

How Can I Earn a Higher Information Technology Career Salary?

A bachelors in information technology salary can allow for career advancement for computer support specialists and web developers. At the mid-point of his or her career, an individual may want a higher IT degree salary. A number of information technology jobs require a masters degree or higher for consideration.

Information Technology is a vast field with many different specializations. For students who want to earn a higher median salary than their bachelor’s degree will supply, a master’s in information technology is a great investment.

Some of the highest-paying specializations include:

Cybersecurity: The first area of specialization is Cyber Security. The Cyber Security degree typically focuses on protecting information in computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. They are also responsible for detecting and reporting security violations and incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Software Engineering: Another area of specialization is Software Engineering. Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, maintaining, and modifying software applications or software components to meet customer needs.

Data Analytics: A third area of specialization is Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (AI). Data analytics specialists use statistics to analyze business data and organize data to help make decisions about future strategy or policy-making. With data at the center of modern life, data science is one of the most in-demand specializations.

Network Management: Network management is the process of overseeing and managing the data, voice, video, and computer networks. This IT specialization is designed for those who are interested in information technology and want to specialize in network management.

All of these specializations are highly in demand, and there are never enough IT professionals for the number of job openings available. The national average salary for such information technology occupations ranges from the high $70k to well over $120,000. Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows a wide variety in salary ranges, but consistently high.

A master’s degree prepares students for top paying information technology degree salary careers such as IT project manager, IT consultant, chief technology officer, and information research scientist. Information research scientists make an average of $118,370 annually and have a very good job outlook with a 19% growth rate through the year 2026, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Master degree holders may also go into consulting jobs with the flexibility of creating their own schedules. Consultants are usually hired on an as-needed basis and can have an average information technology career salary of six figures and more. The location of a masters in information technology job will also impact how much is earned. Top paying cities for information technology jobs include San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, and New York.

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