IT Career Salary
Over the past several decades, computers have become a part of virtually every American's life and can be found in almost every business, school, and household in the country. This development has created a boom in information technology (IT) positions and careers. These computer professionals perform an enormous range of jobs and services dealing with software, networking, communications and support. They have a vast array of options when it comes to working environments and specializations. The salaries for IT careers are determined based on a multitude of influences.
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Computer Systems Analysts
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According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer systems analysts hold over 500,000 jobs and earn a national average salary of $75,500 a year. The lowest ten percent only average $45,390 annually, but the top 10% of earners, perhaps the most experienced, bring in $118,440 on average. Employers typically prefer analysts that have obtained a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a computer science-related field as well as some experience. Most analysts focus on an industry, such as business, accounting, or scientific work, and help organizations optimize the use of computers by designing systems, selecting and configuring software and hardware, and tracking systems performance statistics.
IT Managers
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Often overseeing IT personnel and systems analysts are the IT managers. They hold nearly 300,000 positions across the country and make an annual mean wage of $112,210 according to the bureau. The range of the middle 50% of IT managers averages an income between $88,240 and $141,890 a year. A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's in business administration (MBA) is often expected as well, along with several years of professional experience. IT managers work directly with all other IT professionals and are usually the final decision-makers when dealing with issues related to system design and change, security, and relations between the IT department and other managers of a firm.
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Network and Database Administrators
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Dealing with the communications and data storage side of the industry are the network and database administrators. They hold over 900,000 jobs across the U.S. and earn an average salary of $66,310 a year for network administration and $67,740 a year for database administration. However, the pay can range from $39,900 to $11,950 depending on experience and specialization. Bachelor's degrees are typically required and specialization is preferred. Network and database administrators perform a wide variety of tasks, such as network design, installation, database maintenance and backup, telecommunications, and web development.
Computer Support Specialists
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Perhaps the most commonly seen IT professionals are computer support specialists. There are over 500,000 of them making an average salary of $43,450 a year. Some, representing the bottom 10%, average as little as $26,580; the top 10% make as much as $70,750 annually. Many positions for computer support specialists are available without a bachelor's degree or even an associates degree, but formal education is preferred. These IT professionals provide businesses and individuals with technical assistance, frequently over the phone or during on-call visits.
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References
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