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We are all looking to advance our careers and continually reach higher levels of achievement. Does your current position provide you this opportunity? If the answer is no, you might want to check out some of the highest-paid IT jobs from this year and how you can get there. Plus, see what certifications you might need to get into each position and what the average salary is.

1. Information Systems Security Manager

   • Job Overview: To get into this position, you should have a strong technical background in systems and network security, as well as interpersonal and leadership skills. In this role, you will investigate security violations or potential threats and use this knowledge to create security standards for the company.
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science or Engineering
   • Experience/Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager Prep Course (CISM), or CompTIA Security+.
   • Average Salary: $139,000

2. Application Software Developer

   • Job Overview: An application software developer creates and modifies general computer applications software. They are responsible for the life cycle of application development. The top three skills needed in this position include computers and electronics, analytical thinking, and innovation.
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: You may need experience with AWS and Microsoft Azure.
   • Average Salary: $108,080

3. Data Architect

   • Job Overview: Individuals in this position are responsible for the processes required for making strategic business decisions. They “translate business requirements into database solutions and oversee data storage (data centers) and how the data is organized.” Part of the job is also ensuring the security of these databases.
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: Some employers require knowledge of Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Power BI.
   • Average Salary: $133,500

4. Network Engineer

   • Job Overview: Responsibilities of a network engineer include maintaining, administering, and operating computer networks. The role includes the overall administration of the data and voice network infrastructure. You will need to fully understand network infrastructures and network hardware to be successful in this position.
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: You will most likely need experience working with Cisco and may need a CCNA or CCNP certification.
   • Average Salary: $72,162

5. Software Engineer

   • Job Overview: Software engineers design and create engineering specs for applications and software. Since they are so versatile, this job is always in demand. Individuals in this position must have information systems knowledge and some programming language.
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Technology or Information Systems
   • Experience/Certifications: Some employers require expertise in Microsoft Azure.
   • Average Salary: $124,500

6. Systems Engineer

   • Job Overview: A system engineer maintains and supports the technical infrastructure, including system hardware and software. This means, “when a system fails, they’ll debug and reconfigure that system, if necessary, making knowledge of the development process important to the job as well.” An important skill for systems engineers is communication so they can translate technical information to nontechnical users.
   • Degree: B.S. in Engineering or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: Many employers require a wide array of technical knowledge for this position including experience in Microsoft Azure, Citrix, VMware, Red Hat, and Cisco.
   • Average Salary: $103,000

7. Software Development Manager

   • Job Overview: Software development managers oversee software developers and are the creators behind computer programs. “They make the applications that allow people to perform specific tasks on a computer or other smart device as well as the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.”
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: You may need experience with AWS, Linux, Python, and Microsoft SQL.
   • Average Salary: $153,300

8. Software Engineering Manager

   • Job Overview: People in this role manage other software engineers and developers. “They assist in creating new computer software or improving existing computer programs, determining the feasibility of a software’s operations, and finding solutions to any software issues.”
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: Ideal experience includes AWS and Microsoft SQL.
   • Average Salary: $163,500

9. Computer and Information Systems Manager

   • Job Overview: Computer and information systems managers (or IT project managers) plan, direct, and coordinate activities in different fields. These fields could include electronic data processing, information systems, and computer programming. This is an advanced role and good for someone who has been in the technology industry for many years. This position directs all computer-related work and helps determines better network and software systems.
   • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field
   • Experience/Certifications: Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, ITIL Foundations
   • Average Salary: $152,860

10. Computer and Information Research Scientist

• • Job Overview: Professionals in this position conduct research into fundamental components of specific fields. They “create and design new ways to use computing technology.” The top three skills needed in this position include computers and electronics, analytical thinking, and innovation.
  • Degree: B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
  • Experience/Certifications: Python and Microsoft applications
  • Average Salary: $123,850