National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: 7 In-Demand IT Jobs

 

This October we recognize National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to ensure that all Americans have the resources and knowledge to keep their information safe and secure online. Computer-related occupations are expected to be in high demand over the 2022–32 decade due to the increase in digital materials and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect this information.

If you’re considering an IT career, the seven occupations listed below are projected to grow and all earn well above the median 2022 annual wage of $46,310 for all jobs.

 

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

2022 annual median pay: $112,000

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 168,900

Projected growth, 2022–32: 31.5%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 16,800

 

Software developers design computer applications or programs.

2022 annual median pay: $127,260

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 1,594,500

Projected growth, 2022–32: 25.7%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 136,300

 

Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.

2022 annual median pay: $136,620

Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 36,500

Projected growth, 2022–32: 22.7%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 3,400

Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.

2022 annual median pay: $99,620

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 200,800

Projected growth, 2022–32: 20.3%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 17,500

 

Web developers create and maintain websites.

2022 annual median pay: $78,580

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 98,800

Projected growth, 2022–32: 17.0%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 8,300

 

Web and digital interface designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.

2022 annual median pay: $83,240

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 117,900

Projected growth, 2022–32: 15.2%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 10,700

 

Database architects create systems to store and secure data.

2022 annual median pay: $134,870

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Number of jobs, 2022: 64,000

Projected growth, 2022–32: 10.0%

Occupational openings, 2022–32 annual average: 4,500

 

You can explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

An Nguyen is an economist in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter/X at @BLS_gov.