In-Demand IT Careers

Hear what Amber has to say about her career as a senior project manager.

Project managers determine the size and scope of a project and create a plan for execution. They must be at once detail oriented and able to see the big picture, while offering direction and guidance to the people working on the project. Project managers are creative, resourceful and great at time management. Download the full job description.

Excellent project managers earn their keep. Salaries range from $60,000 to $130,000, depending on the level of expertise and geographic location. Use the IT Earning Index to compare multiple jobs and pay.

On the job, successful project managers:

• Define the project’s missions, goals and tasks, while identifying key performance indicators for the project, for example, meeting sales goals and level of website traffic.
• Plan the project from kick-off meeting to ribbon cutting.
• Identify who can take on key roles and build teams of people from various departments — marketing, sales and IT, for example.
• Create and manage a performance budget.
• Use excellent communication skills.

Get started in project management by earning your CompTIA Project+ Certification.

Meet Adrienne, who loves her job as a tech support specialist, also known as a help desk technician.

Choose your path in mobile, cloud and traditional technologies as a tech support specialist. For an entry-level IT profession, you’ll be given a lot of responsibilities, from installing software desk-to-desk in multinational enterprises to troubleshooting networks of devices for small startups and family businesses. Download the full job description.

Tech support specialists can start working with just a little training, and make good money right out of the gate. Salaries range from $45,000 to $92,000, depending on the level of expertise and geographic location. Use the IT Earning Index to compare multiple jobs and pay.

On the job, successful tech support specialists:

• Repair hardware and software based on company and client needs.
• Provide hardware installations for clients in a variety of environments.
• Manage data from mobile devices.
• Troubleshoot networking issues for client devices, including mobile, desktop and notebook systems.
• Ensure proper access to the network through virtual private networking.
• Migrate data from one device to another.

Get started in tech support by earning your CompTIA A+ Certification..

Find out what Tim enjoys about his career as a network engineer specialist.

As a network engineer, you’ll set up wireless networks, manage routers and sniff out the problems within the network. Networking is closely tied to security, and network engineers are often responsible for securing routers, programming firewalls and detecting intrusions. Download the full job description.

Salaries for network engineers range from $45,000 to $150,000, depending on the level of expertise and geographic location. Use the IT Earning Index to compare multiple jobs and pay.

On the job, successful network engineers:

• Configure, install and maintain complex network devices, including cloud-based resources.
• Understand networking equipment, including switches, routers and voice networking systems.
• Understand security-related concepts, including access control and perimeter security.
• Stay up to date on IPv4, IPv6, routing and wireless networking.
• Master the ticketing system used to document tasks, problems, customers, procedures and resolutions.

Get started in networking engineering with a CompTIA Network+ Certification..