It’s no secret that tech jobs are set to experience exponential growth in the coming decade. With every company investing more and more resources into utilizing the power of modern technology, a wider variety of career paths within the field of tech are popping up. As a result, opportunities are plentiful and salaries are high.
Most of us already know about common tech-based jobs such as support, programming and administration. But there has been an increasing amount of more unique lines of work within the tech field appearing only recently. These careers offer a new set of challenges and experiences for tech enthusiasts to explore.
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at seven exciting tech careers that you’ve probably never considered, or even heard of. By broadening your horizons and taking a look at what’s out there, you may just find something that’s right up your alley. Let’s get started with cloud systems engineer.
Cloud Systems Engineer
Not only does this career sound cool when you tell everyone what you do for a living, but it also comes with great pay and benefits. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a cloud systems engineer is $80,056 per year, with some companies offering salaries going well over $100,000.
In order to become a cloud systems engineer, you’ll need to have an extensive knowledge of multiple programming languages, as well as experience in implementing, developing and maintaining IT cloud systems. A bachelor’s degree will allow you to get started in this line of work, assuming you can get around five years of experience as a systems engineer.
Cloud systems engineers usually work with software such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and OpenStack. An understanding of APIs, automation, cloud databases and certain relevant programming languages is usually required.
Data Architect
If you have an eye for data and information, then a career as a data architect may be what you’re looking for. Data architects are responsible for the design and maintenance of databases across a variety of systems. This line of work requires analytical skills, as well as a knowledge of efficiently analyzing and processing data.
The median annual salary for data architects runs at around $112,000 annually. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field should be able to get you started in this industry, although a master’s will get you much further up. Data architects often work around other IT professionals, adding a social aspect to your work.
Self-Driving Car Engineer
According to analysis done by Forbes in 2017, the salary for an autonomous vehicle engineer in the San Francisco Bay area averaged a whopping $295,000. An increasing amount of car companies and tech firms are investing in the autonomous future, making this an exciting and profitable career path to study.
By obtaining a Master’s in the relevant engineering course, you’ll be able to secure a position in this highly esteemed career. Kettering University Online’s electrical and computer engineering degree is an ideal option to go for. You can complete your course online in as little as a year, even while working – making it a perfect way to obtain a Master’s.
Applications Development Engineer
This is an ideal career for those who enjoy creating custom software for a variety of clients. You’ll need to know a number of relevant programming languages and have a knowledge of operating systems. As an applications development engineer, you’ll be using source code to write software that’s tailored to the client’s needs.
Unlike a number of other tech jobs, this career also involves a social aspect. You’ll be working with team members on preliminary software tests, prototypes, and trial applications before putting together a final product for your client. The average base salary for an applications development engineer is around $104,048.
UI Designer
If your interests span both design and tech, then why not get into a career that combines the best of both worlds? As a user interface designer, you’ll be using your creative and technical skills to ensure that software functions smoothly and is designed with the consumer in mind.
Like most tech jobs, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field to get started. Some employers may require a master’s degree for higher-end jobs. However, if your proficiency is at the right level, you could find UI design work online and work as a freelancer in your spare time. The average median salary for this career is $63,313.
Information Security Analyst
As an information security analyst, you’ll be responsible for protecting your client’s network and computer systems from security breaches. This involves each step of the security process, including the creation of security measures, and the monitoring and acting on any infiltration or cyber-attacks that occur.
The median salary for this career is around $95,510. In order to become an information security analyst, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s in a computer-related course such as programming or information technology. Information security analysts experience an above average level of upward mobility and job satisfaction.
Site Reliability Engineer
If you enjoy more internet-based work, such as monitoring and customizing websites, then site reliability engineer could be an ideal career for you. This job involves maintaining the proper operation of a client’s website. You’ll be updating, troubleshooting, tweaking and customizing websites for organizations.
With these types of requirements, you’ll need to have an understanding of programming languages such as HTML, CSS and Javascript. This makes it a comparatively easier career to get into, as these programming languages aren’t as complex. The median annual salary for a site reliability engineer is $119,000.
These are just some of the many exciting new tech careers that are popping up. If you’re yet to delve into any specific field, be sure to take a look at which career path seems the most relevant to your current skills and preferences.
Then, it all comes down to doing your homework and showing that you’re the one to be hired. Good luck out there – we know you can do it!
