The Top 10 IT Jobs & Salaries for 2014

IT is a highly competitive field, with salaries that reflect the complex nature of the work. If you’re looking to enter the IT job market in 2014 (or maybe just change career paths), here are the crucial facts and figures you need to know about the most in-demand IT positions.

1. Information Security Analyst

Average salary: $86,170, according to BLS

Desirable certifications/qualifications: BA or BS in Computer Science or Management Information Systems. Qualified in penetration testing methodology. Some positions prioritize on-the-job experience, or experience in a similar setting.

What does this person do?: An information security analyst helps organizations to protect and secure sensitive data, as well as analyze potential threats to a system.

Most promising quote: “In the past year, our airwaves and Internet feeds have been clogged with tales of compromised security, leaked intelligence and diminished privacy, so of course, positions for…information security analyst[s] are popping up at Whack-A-Mole speed.” — U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Jobs of 2014”

On the next page: the job outlook for mobile developers…

2. Mobile Developer

Average salary: $90,920,according to Mashable

Desirable certifications/qualifications: 2-3 years experience in developing mobile apps for iOS/Android. Strong Java skills. Familiarity with Eclipse, Worklight Studio, or similar.

What does this person do?: Overseeing the design and implementation of apps for mobile devices.

Most promising quote: “Development, whether mobile or web or back-end support, is where the driving need is now.” — CNN’s Tech Job Forecast for 2014

On the next page: the job outlook for software development engineers (especially those with cloud expertise)…

3. Software Development Engineer

Average salary: $85,000, according to Glassdoor

Desirable certifications/qualifications: B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Engineering or Computer Science. Experience with Java and C++. Some positions, particularly Software Development Engineer in Test positions, emphasize problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

What does this person do?: Develops and designs software. Analyzes development and service issues. In 2014, more and more companies are looking for engineers who know how to make cloud services easy to use.

Most promising quote: “We see more and more enterprises are embracing the cloud, so naturally engineers with cloud expertise will be more in demand.” — Wintellect’s Steve Porter in the Tech Republic article “Top IT Skills for 2014”

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On the next page: the job outlook for project managers…

4. Project Manager

Average salary: $89,000, according to Indeed.com

Desirable certifications/qualifications: B.A. or B.S. in Business or Computer Science. 3-6 years IT project management experience. PMP, PMI, or APICS certification.

What does this person do?: A detail-oriented leader who oversees projects, and makes sure those projects are completed on time and under budget.

Most promising quote: “What companies are looking for, instead of just bringing in a generic … PM, they’re looking — particularly in the financial services sector — for some real specific areas…derivatives experience, capital markets experiences, low latency-high frequency experience — they want skills very specific to a type of application in those areas.” — Jack Cullen, president of IT staffing firm Modis, in InformationWeek‘s article “8 Hot IT Jobs For 2014”

On the next page: the job outlook for help desk/technical support staff…

5. Help Desk/Technical Support Manager

Average salary: $76,500, according to Datamation

Desirable certifications/qualifications: Experience with Office, Exchange, or Microsoft Active Directory is often required. 5-10 years of previous help desk experience. PMP, HDI, or ITIL certifications desirable.

What does this person do?: Provides answers to support-related queries, while also supervising other help desk employees. Often reviews feedback to improve the help center experience.

Most promising quote: “Many companies are bringing the help desk back in-house after outsourcing that function.” — Computerworld

On the next page: the job outlook for chief technology officers…

6. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Average salary: $132,250+, according to Datamation

Desirable certifications/qualifications: 5-15 years experience in a senior management role. Master’s degree in business or a tech-related field a plus. Well-rounded background in development, networks, and/or security.

What does this person do?: Guides the overall technology and tech product goals for the company. Oversees tech-related interactions with the public and with vendors. Evaluates new technologies to determine if and how they can benefit the company. Often has some public relations or public presentations responsibilities, as is the case with Robert Stephens, chief technology officer for Best Buy (pictured above).

Most promising quote: “Corporate leaders [need] to think about new operating models that might yield further advantage. Here too, many experiments are under way—from new cross-functional roles for data scientists to chief digital officers whose influence extends beyond the four walls of the enterprise.” — Accenture’s Technology Vision 2014 Report

On the next page: the job outlook for database administrators…

7. Database Administrator

Average salary: $77,080, according to BLS

Desirable certifications/qualifications: B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science. 2-5 years of database creation and management experience. Proficient in .NET, Java, SQL, Oracle.

What does this person do?: These experts organize data and often help other departments to use collected data to improve products and services.

Most promising quote: “Database administration — which didn’t even make last year’s list — will be hot in 2014, likely because of interest in big data.” — Computerworld’s article “8 Hot IT Skills for 2014”

On the next page: the job outlook for systems administrators…

8. Systems Administrator

Average salary: $62,250+, according to Datamation

Desirable certifications/qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in Computer Science or Information Systems. Hands-on experience with Windows, Linux, SQL, C#, C++.

What does this person do?: Monitoring the day-to-day use of networks and systems, configuring software and communication systems, troubleshooting network problems, planning contingencies for data loss.

Most promising quote: “Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth will be highest at firms that provide cloud computing technology.” — Bureau of Labor Statistics

On the next page: the job outlook for network systems and data communications analysts…

9. Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst

Average salary: $76,560, according to BLS

Desirable certifications/qualifications: 2- or 4-year degree in Computer Science or a related field.

What does this person do?: Analyzes and evaluates LANs, internet, intranet, and other communications and data systems.

Most promising quote: “This profession will grow because, as businesses implement more and newer technology, more professionals will be needed to monitor efficiency and set up networks.” — Boston Globe’s article “IN THE YEAR 2016: THE 30 FASTEST-GROWING JOBS”

On the next page: the job outlook for web developers…

10. Web Developer

Average salary: $70,000, according to Datamation

Desirable certifications/qualifications: Familiarity with HTML, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, jQuery, and responsive web design techniques. A degree in Design or Computer Science is often preferred, but not always essential.

What does this person do?: Designing and coding a website’s layout, often now with a focus on responsive design. May work full-time, or as an independent contractor.

Most promising quote: “As more companies offer, or greatly expand, their online retail presence, more Web developers will be needed to build the websites consumers will visit to purchase their favorite products. Increased reliance on mobile search is another reason the industry’s employment growth should remain strong in the near future, since this should lead to new opportunities to create sites for mobile devices.” — U.S. News & World Report