The 5 Top Careers in IT for 2022

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. It powers communications, drives businesses, and keeps government and public services up and running.

Accordingly, work in the information technology (IT) field is in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of IT occupations will grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average for all occupations.*

If you already work in IT, many opportunities are available to learn new skills and expand into different roles. Or, if you feel stagnant in your present career, a career in IT offers potential and fulfillment. Here are five promising IT careers to watch in 2022.

1. Information Security Analysts

Cyberattacks aren’t going away anytime soon:

• The number of publicly reported data compromises by the end of September 2021 was up 17% over all of 2020, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
• Banks filed 30% more “suspicious activity reports in the first half of 2021 than in all of 2020,” according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Information security analysts help protect organizations against such data breaches. These duties include:

• Creating disaster recovery plans, including steps to take if a breach occurs
• Implementing security measures that ward off breaches
• Monitoring computer networks for breaches and investigating them if they happen

Information security analyst jobs are expected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. For this career, the BLS recommends at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, or bachelor's degree in a related field.

2. Software Developers

The nature of technology requires the development of new applications and systems to help businesses stay competitive. New applications on smartphones and tablets, software for the health care industry, and software that powers consumer electronics and appliances all help people carry out vital functions.

Software developers are the creators of software and applications that are essential to daily life. They build computer programs, applications, and systems that run devices and control networks. Software developers must analyze existing systems and create better ways of running them with technology.

Software developer jobs are expected to increase 22% between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. To become a software developer, the BLS reports that typically at least a bachelor's degree in information technology or a computer science-related field is required.

>> Learn More: 6 Myths About Software Developers and Development

3. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Tech budgets are expected to increase in 2022, CompTIA states in its IT Industry Outlook 2022 report. Some budgets will be “heftier [than] pre-pandemic levels of 2019 or beyond. That means expanded opportunities to hire and fill in the missing skills that have held firms back from any number of ambitious pursuits.”

Along with this increase in tech budgets comes a rise in demand for computer and information systems managers. Often known as IT managers or IT project managers, people in these roles plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities within a company. They analyze the organization’s needs and make computer systems recommendations based on the costs and benefits of such technology. They may also plan and direct the work of other IT professionals.

The BLS projects that employment of computer and information systems managers will grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average for all occupations. To become a computer and information systems manager, the BLS reports that a bachelor's degree in information technology or a computer science-related field is usually required, as well as related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers also have a master’s degree in IT or a related graduate degree.

4. Database Administrators

Data gives insights that can fuel a company’s growth and alerts organizations to potential trends that may affect them. It can be used to optimize processes ranging from how food is produced to how efficient transportation is to how a business serves its customers. According to a report from Market Data Forecast, the global big data market size is expected to reach USD 229.4 billion by 2025, up from USD 138.9 billion in 2019.

Coinciding with the growth of big data is the need for database administrators. Database administrators ensure data security, back up and restore data, test database structure, and maintain databases. They can work with data ranging from personal to financial to public data.

The BLS reports that employment of database administrators is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as average for all occupations. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, a master’s degree in cybersecurity, or a master’s degree in information technology may help prepare you for a career as a database administrator.

5. Computer Support Specialists

To stay competitive, businesses and organizations must upgrade computer software and equipment to adopt systems that increase productivity and efficiency. They also need to make sure the systems they're using work at the best level.

What does a computer support specialist do? They:

• Manage computer systems and help users and organizations
• Provide support to individuals or manage entire networks
• Test and optimize network systems, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot computer networks

Employment of computer support specialists is projected to increase 9% from 2020 to 2030, as fast as average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Education requirements vary based on the skills needed for the position, but an associate’s degree in information technology may qualify you for some computer support specialist positions.

Want to Enter the World of IT or Grow Your IT Career?

Perhaps you've been working in IT for years, and you need a degree to move up in the field. Or, maybe you work in another field, and you’re looking for a career change. Whichever one describes your situation, there are numerous information technology careers available—if you have the right qualifications.^†

Some IT pros choose to expand their education, so they can move into leadership or management roles. Others may not work in IT at the moment, but the right educational foundation can help them enter this growing field.

Purdue Global offers online IT programs that enable you to continue working while you study. You can learn from anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to the internet. Learn more about Purdue Global's online IT degree programs. If you'd like more information, contact us today.