Technology Degree & Career Guide

The best technology degrees offer a mix of STEM-based classes and essential tech topics, such as network security and programming languages. Alongside traditional classroom experiences, most programs include lab requirements, internships, and a degree-culminating capstone course. Students should choose a technology degree that matches their academic and career goals.

Popular degrees include computer programming, information technology, and computer systems networking. Additionally, students have access to academic concentrations in data analytics, information security, IT management, and web design. Learners also typically gain hands-on technical knowledge in their specific field.

The best technology jobs are often the ones that professionals find most fulfilling. Some people may thrive as software engineers, while others perform best in various leadership roles. Students entering tech-based careers can often earn generous salaries compared to other industries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that careers for software developers, information security analysts, and computer research scientists should grow by 22%, 33%, and 22%, respectively. In addition to the rapid growth that the BLS projects, all three of these tech-based careers offered median salaries that exceeded $100,000 per year in May 2021.

A technology graduate's earning potential can vary significantly between jobs. But some of the highest-paying technology careers include information research scientists, computer network architects, and information security analysts.

While various sectors of the tech economy offer higher wages than others, people with management or leadership roles often earn the highest salaries. Technology employees can enhance their career options by earning more experience, additional degrees, and technical certifications.

Future IT professionals can take many paths to reach their career goals. Many learners hone fundamental skills through an associate program. Others pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. While a bachelor's degree in a tech-based discipline can improve career options, some employers value technical proficiency over a diploma.

For IT students and professionals interested in expanding their career options and earning potential, various graduate degrees and certificate programs can lead to enhanced technical skills and other proficiencies. Additionally, many leadership roles require applicants to hold a graduate-level degree.

The amount IT professionals make varies dramatically depending on the job, location, and the person's experience and expertise level. For example, according to the BLS, information security analysts earned a median salary of over $100,000 annually in May 2021. In the same year, computer support specialists earned less than $58,000 each year.

While information security analysts earned a median of about $100,000 annually, the lowest 10% of these workers earned less than $61,520 each year. The top 10% of earners made more than $165,920 annually. More education and certifications can enhance earning potential.