This document summarizes 20 of the best IT jobs for 2013 and beyond. It discusses jobs in areas like cloud computing, information security, mobile development, and data analysis that are expected to experience high growth. Some of the highest paying and fastest growing jobs highlighted include cloud architect, applications architect, database administrator, mobile application developer, and software engineer. The document provides brief descriptions and requirements for each job.

1. The 20 Best IT Jobs for 2013 and Beyond
Information Technology (IT) careers are expected to experience substantial growth during the
current decade.
Hot areas for IT jobs include cloud computing, information security, mobile and Web-based
games and apps, and Web analytics used to enhance business functions and user experience.
Just about every company and organization has a vital computer-related component for getting
the job done. Companies and organizations need IT employees to design apps, create or
administer a website, coordinate a company’s information security, and evaluate and implement
the appropriate computer network architecture to meet their goals.
Large companies typically hire IT specialists, whereas many smaller companies seek IT
professionals who can take care of more than one task. For example, smaller companies may
prefer an IT professional who can take care of systems administration and programming, as well
as deal with customers.
IT departments are among the most progressive departments allowing staff members to
telecommute—it’s one of the aspects of IT attracting people to information technology jobs.
Jobs in IT pay well and provide rewarding work.

2. Regarding careers in IT, recruiters emphasize that hard-working, ambitious, entry-level
employees can make an impact and advance quickly in their IT careers if they show talent and
the drive to take on more responsibilities.
The IT Employment Outlook
U.S. News & World Report and other organizations supply rankings of various careers by
employment prospects. These are largely determined by expectations for job openings in each
field as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other factors include average salaries and
job satisfaction.
For example, U.S. News & World Report‘s “Best Jobs of 2012″ list includes four IT careers:
· Software Developer—#2
· Database Administrator—#5
· Web Developer—#6
· Computer Systems Analyst—#7
The closely related Computer Programmer category ranked #9 in the list.
In addition, U.S. News & World Report‘s “Eight Ideal Jobs for MBA Graduates,” published in
2012, lists the following IT careers:
· Database Administrator—#1
· Web Developer—#2
· Computer Systems Analyst—#3
In the same listing, openings for Software Developers specializing in applications are forecast to
increase by 34%.
Finally, here are the employment outlooks for some other careers:
Companies are forecast to hire 20% more Computer Systems Analysts by 2018 according to Best
Jobs for the 21st Century, 6th ed. (JIST Works, 2011).

3. In the “Top 10 Bachelor’s Degrees for the College Class of 2013″ compiled by the National
Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the following IT careers are listed:
· Computer & Information Science—#2
· Management Information Systems—#6
· Computer Engineering—#8
Rankings guidelines: We based our IT jobs ranking on salary, employment growth projections,
and job satisfaction. These attractive IT jobs are listed alphabetically.
Information Source: Salary statistics and employment growth estimates are taken from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of October, 2012.
* * *
APPLICATIONS ARCHITECT
What they do: They steer a project from beginning to end.
Applications architects ensure individual software projects follow the company’s application
development methodology and parameters. They also ensure the project fits a company’s
technology infrastructure and business strategy.
Typically, applications architects are needed by large companies with a broad and diverse set of
applications that need to be integrated with numerous new application development projects.
Based on employers’ design standards, they design components of applications, including
middleware, interface, and infrastructure.
Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems.
Some positions require a master’s degree.
Mean annual salary: $105,000—one of the higher-paying careers in IT.
What they do: Provide a bridge between IT and business to make changes to systems and
processes to meet companies’ needs.
Business analysts create a solution to specific business problems and collaborate with
technologists who make it happen. They act as a liaison between areas such as finance, human
resources, marketing, and technical areas such as development.

4. Many business analysts work with project managers. They’re also involved with software
development and process management.
Education requirements: Some positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science,
information systems, or business administration, as well as, typically, several years of
experience. Some employers prefer candidates with a technical bachelor’s degree and an MBA.
Mean annual salary: $78,000
CLOUD ARCHITECT
What they do: Design solutions for companies seeking to move their IT infrastructure and
services from on-premise servers to a cloud solution such as Windows Azure.
Cloud architects define the cloud structure for a company and work with business analysts to
make sure the architecture is in line with business requirements. They also make sure that the
service, when set on the cloud, provides high availability, scalability, and fault tolerance.
Cloud architects also ensure that private and public clouds interface well, as well as manage
cloud infrastructure.
Cloud architects must have an understanding of the basics of enterprise architecture, including
how to configure information technology assets around the needs of a company They also need
to have an expert understanding of service-oriented architecture (SOA).
Education requirements: This IT job requires at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science,
information systems, or a related technical field. Certifications give applicants an advantage over
the competition.
Mean annual salary: $112,000—one of the highest-paying jobs in IT.
COMPUTER FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR
What they do: Search, preserve, identify, and evaluate information on computer systems to find
evidence for a trial.

5. Computer forensic investigators investigate a wide array of computer crimes. They may also be
involved in civil proceedings. The scope of a forensic evaluation can vary from simple
information retrieval to reconstructing a series of events.
Computer forensic investigators also examine computer hard drives and storage devices such as
flash drives, PDAs, cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, smart phones, video game consoles,
electronic notebooks, and other electronic devices which may contain evidence that could be
used in a court of law.
Education requirements: A computer-forensic, information-security, or cyber-security degree.
Some schools offer information technology programs that include concentrations or coursework
in digital forensics. Several computer forensic certifications are available, including Certified
Computer Examiner offered by the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners
(ISFCE) and Certified Computer Forensics Examiner offered by the Information Assurance
Certification Review Board (IACRB).
Mean annual salary: $64,000
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYST
What they do: Use their business and technology knowledge to evaluate a company’s computer
systems and procedures in order to recommend strategic changes to increase productivity, lower
costs, and achieve other objectives.
Computer systems analysts design and program computer system updates or closely oversee the
development team. Those without a programming background collaborate with the software
development department to implement changes. Their main objective is maximizing the return
on investment of a company’s IT budget.
Education requirements: Most employers for this IT career require at least a bachelor’s degree
in computer systems analysis, computer information systems, computer science, business
intelligence, or a similar field.
Since the occupation deals withboth business and IT, some computer systems analyst jobs
require a Master of Business Administration (MBA), preferably with a technical focus such as
technology management or information systems.
Mean annual salary: $71,000

6. Employment growth outlook: 22%, from 2010 to 2020—faster than the average for all
occupations. It’s one of the fastest-growing jobs in IT. As companies increase their reliance on
information technology, the demand for computer systems analysts is expected to increase. Also
the substantial growth in wireless and mobile networks creates a need for new systems that work
well with these networks.
DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
What they do: They’re responsible for organizing and managing a company’s data.
Database administrators make sure that data is accurate and available and that database
performance meets business requirements. They also ensure the database is secure.
Databases are the heart of vital business systems. Thus, database administrators have a vital role
in a company’s success.
Education requirements: Typically, at least a bachelor’s degree in database administration,
computer science, computer information systems, or a related field. Many employers prefer
candidates with an MBA with a concentration in database management, computer information
systems, or management information systems.
Database administrators may enhance their resume with specialized training and certifications in
popular database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, Oracle, MySQL.
and IBM DB2.
Mean annual salary: $82,000
Employment growth outlook: 31%, from 2010 to 2020—much faster than the average for all
occupations. It’s one of the fastest growing jobs in IT. Those with skills and certification in the
newest database systems from leading vendors. including Microsoft and Oracle. have the best
job prospects.
DATA MODELER
What they do: Perform the initial design work that enables production systems and applications
to utilize data and power business processes.
Data modelers create data designs, which define relationships between data fields. They also
ensure that applications and systems run effectively.

7. A company’s data is a vital asset, but it must be modeled efficiently to provide great value. This
has become more important as corporate IT settings have become more complex and more vital
to a company’s success.
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or IT, as well as
several years of data management experience.
Mean annual salary: $103,000—another of the higher-paying IT careers.
ENTERPRISE ARCHITECT
What they do: Evaluate a company’s business strategy and recommend an IT system
architecture to support the strategy.
Enterprise architects help companies align business goals and IT infrastructure to support the
business and help achieve its goals.
Education requirements: This IT job needs at least a bachelor’s degree. Some positions require
a master’s degree or a Ph.D. An MBA is required for some positions.
Mean annual salary: $110,000
HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNICIAN
What they do: Use specialized computer programs and record-keeping techniques to make sure
patients’ electronic health records are complete, accurate, accessible, and secure.
The most in-demand specialties include medical coding, medical billing, and cancer registry.
Education requirements: Entry-level health information technician jobs typically require an
associate’s degree in health information management, healthcare IT, or health informatics. Some
entry-level health IT jobs require certification, usually the Registered Health Information
Technician certificate offered by the American Health Information Management Association
(AHIMA).
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health information management prepare students for
supervisory health information technician positions.

8. Mean annual salary:$45,000
Employment growth outlook: 21%, from 2010 to 2020. The BLS reports that healthcare will be
the leading growth sector for new IT jobs through 2020.
IT FINANCE MANAGER
What they do: Evaluate, forecast, and report the operational budget for an IT department.
Information technology finance managers analyze technology costs across divisions. They
ensure that IT adheres to company policies related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other financial
controls.
IT finance managers also strive to get the maximum value from technology investments.
Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, information technology, or a
related field.
Mean annual salary: $73,000
IT SECURITY SPECIALIST
What they do: Design and implement secure computer systems to protect vital information from
computer crime and cyber warfare.
Information technology security specialists also monitor networks for security breaches and,
when required, respond to successful attacks with countermeasures. Valuable skills include
vulnerability assessment, identity and access management, data loss prevention, encryption,
governance, compliance and auditing, Web content filtering, e-discovery support for litigation,
and voice-over-IP systems.
IT security specialists also educate employees on computer security. In addition, some IT
security professionals specialize in computer crime investigation.
Education requirements:: Many employers require at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
in information security, network security, computer information systems, computer science, or a
related field. Also, security-centric certificates increase employment opportunities.

9. Mean annual salary: $75,000
Employment growth outlook: There’s a strong demand for IT security specialists from a
variety of private companies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
IT VENDOR MANAGER
What they do: Oversee an IT department’s dealings with suppliers, including producers of
software and hardware.
Information technology vendor managers oversee the buying of products and services for the IT
department, ensuring it gets the best value. They also make sure that IT purchases support a
company’s business goals.
IT vendor managers frequently help with negotiations and contracts. Large information
technology departments may need an entire vendor management office, instead of just one
person.
Education requirements: A broad understanding of information technology and business.
Mean annual salary: $88,000
MESSAGING ADMINISTRATOR
What they do: Oversee email and groupware systems, such as associated servers and operating
systems.
Messaging administrators also oversee backup and recovery programs, fix system problems, and
take care of service requests.
Education requirements: This IT career requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science,
computer information systems, or a related field.
Mean annual salary: $85,000
MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPER

10. What they do: Create programs using the Objective C, C#, C++, or Java programming
languages.
Mobile application developers create programs for operating systems such as Apple’s iOS and
Google’s Android. Each mobile platform has its own core languages and development
environment.
Education requirements: Most employers seek applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in
software engineering, computer science, mobile application development, mobile computing, or
a related field of study.
Mean annual salary: $90,000
Employment growth outlook: 28%, from 2010 to 2020. Experts expect huge growth in the
mobile device market. Mobile application developer is one of the most in-demand jobs in the
world. The increasing popularity of tablets and smart phones for communicating, shopping,
doing business, and accessing news and information has created a very strong demand for
innovative mobile applications. Increasingly, traditional businesses are developing applications
to bring their products and services to the mobile marketplace. Most of the growth is expected to
be in Android and iOS applications.
NETWORK ADMINSTRATOR
What they do: Manage networks and communication systems to keep information flowing.
Network administrators implement and maintain network software and hardware, fix network
problems, and ensure network security, availability, and performance standards. They also
optimize existing systems to reduce costs and increase productivity, as well as install, optimize,
and secure new systems.
Education requirements: Employers often require a bachelor’s degree in network
administration, computer science, systems engineering, or a related field. Some employers
require a master’s degree. After acquiring a degree, network administrators can increase their
advancement opportunities with network certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA, CompTIA’s
Network+, and Microsoft’s MCTS: Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration.
Mean annual salary: $76,000
Employment growth outlook: 28%, from 2010 to 2020—faster than the average for all
occupations, and one of the fastest-growing IT jobs. The increasing importance of computer
networks in an array of industries has increased the demand for network administrators. Due to
the increasing use of mobile devices, more companies will utilize the Internet to perform
business online, which will increase the demand for network administrators to help companies
communicate with customers and employees.

11. PROGRAM MANAGER
What they do: Oversee a set of interdependent IT projects to ensure they’re successfully
synchronized and completed to achieve a broader objective.
Program managers need to understand both a program’s business goals and its technology
requirements.
Education requirements: Some employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree
in computer science, as well as an MBA.
Mean annual salary: $68,000
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
What they do: Design, develop, test, and optimize computer programs used in areas such as
operating systems, business applications, network control systems, video games, and social
networks.
The field includes applications software engineers and systems software engineers. Applications
software engineers evaluate users’ computing needs and create custom computer applications to
meet their requirements. Systems software engineers coordinate the construction, maintenance,
and expansion of a company’s computer systems.
Education requirements: Most employers prefer applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in
software engineering, computer programming, software development, computer science, or a
related field.
Mean annual salary: $89,000
Employment growth outlook: 30%, from 2010 to 2020—much faster than the average for all
occupations. Systems software engineers are projected to have a 32% employment growth rate,
and applications software engineers a 28% rate. Software engineer is one of the fastest-growing
careers. Advances in computer networking, along with the increasing use of mobile and web-based
technologies, have increased the demand for software engineers. Also the increasing
complexity and the use of electronic data-processing systems in business, healthcare,
government, telecommunications, and other industries are expected to increase the demand

12. especially for systems software engineers.
SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION ANALYST
What they do: Make sure deployments of new applications or upgrades are successfully planned
and performed.
Software implementation analysts act as a bridge between the software developer and the IT
infrastructure team that takes care of installation and maintenance. They determine if the
applications interoperate with existing systems, and also plan for customization or integration
work.
Education requirements: Candidates for this IT career should have a technical, computer,
engineering, or science degree, as well as certifications in areas such as project management and
software development life cycle. It’s also vital that they have experience with and knowledge of
a company’s technology and business operations.
Median annual salary: $81,000
WEB DEVELOPER
What they do: Create web pages and web-based applications.
Web developers collect or create web content and plan website layouts and navigation, as well as
coding for web pages. They also test and optimize a website for user experience and optimum
performance.
Web developers are knowledgeable in programming languages used for the Web. They need to
be highly proficient with HTML, Javascript, and CSS. It’s also helpful to have knowledge of a
server-side programming language to develop more complex applications.
Web developers can improve their employment opportunities and earnings by learning and
acquiring certification in one or more of the leading database systems in order to write Web apps
which interact with databases.
Education requirements: Those interested in becoming a web developer can learn the required
skills through an accredited degree program in Web design, Web development, software

13. engineering, or a related field. Multimedia skills and Flash animation are becoming standard
education requirements for web developers. Most employers require hands-on programming
experience, and usually ask for a portfolio of the candidate’s best web pages and applications
they’ve created.
Median annual salary: $90,000
Web developer employment growth: 22 percent from 2010 to 2020. The growth of ecommerce
is expected to increase the demand for web developers. Those knowledgeable of multiple
programming languages and digital multimedia tools such as Photoshop and Flash should have
the best opportunities.
WINDOWS ADMINISTRATOR
What they do: Keep a company’s operations running smoothly.
Windows administrators are responsible for security, implementing network policy, managing
user access, and network troubleshooting. Windows administrators also design, install,
configure, and administer Windows operating systems and components across a company.
Education requirements: This IT career typically requires at least a two-year degree in
computer science. Some employers seek candidates with a general business degree and software
training.
Median annual salary: $78,000