Which IT Job Is the Best?

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Source: ComputerScienceZone.org

Which IT Job Is the Best?

All computer science jobs are not created equal. That degree might qualify you for a number of different jobs in technology. But how do you know which one is the best for you?

Software Developer/Computer Programmer

What you’ll do

Research, design, implement and test software and systems

How much you’ll work

Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though you should expect long hours when project deadlines approach

Where you’ll work

Office, much of time spent alone writing code

What you’ll make

Median salary, $92,660

Biggest benefits

Job is in high demand, as the world increasingly relies on technology

Biggest drawbacks

Job is generally low-stress, though project deadlines can become intense

Database Administrator

What you’ll do

Design, code and maintain database systems to store and manage data

How much you’ll work

Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and after-hours crises can spring up

Where you’ll work

Office, generally for large organizations

What you’ll make

Median salary, $77,080

Biggest benefits

Generally have ability to work with lots of different types of people and of projects

Biggest drawbacks

Risk of database failure can make for high-stress job

Hardware Engineer

What you’ll do

Configure hardware of computers; improve layout and design of devices for increased efficiency

How much you’ll work

Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and crises can lead to night and weekend work

Where you’ll work

Factory, research facility or lab

What you’ll make

Median salary, $100,920

Biggest benefits

Typically get to work with newest technology

Biggest drawbacks

Narrow, project-based focus can make for monotonous days

Systems Analyst

What you’ll do

Design IT solutions; adapt existing systems to improve business efficiency and productivity

How much you’ll work

Generally, 40-hour workweek, though extended hours aren’t uncommon, particularly at end of projects or for consultants working with clients

Where you’ll work

Office; freelancers and consultants travel to client offices

What you’ll make

Median salary, $79,680

Biggest benefits

Good deal of flexibility to work on variety of projects

Biggest drawbacks

Can be high-stress when systems fail

Network Architect

What you’ll do

Design, build and test communication networks

How much you’ll work

Generally, 40-hour work week

Where you’ll work

Office, but often must work on-site at different buildings and offices

What you’ll make

Median salary, $91,000

Biggest benefits

Likely to see increase in job openings as companies expand use of wireless and mobile technology

Biggest drawbacks

Dozens of possible certifications can be daunting

Web developer

What you’ll do

Use software languages and other tools to create, implement and test Web applications

How much you’ll work

Full time, but hours vary widely; a quarter of Web developers are self-employed

Where you’ll work

Good chance of working from home; otherwise, office setting

What you’ll make

Median salary, $62,500

Biggest benefits

Flexible schedule

Biggest drawbacks

Project deadlines can create stress

Information Security Analyst

What you’ll do

Develop and implement security measures to protect organizations’ computer networks and systems

How much you’ll work

40-hour workweek is typical, though after-hours crises are not uncommon

Where you’ll work

Office, most likely for large company

What you’ll make

Median salary, $86,170

Biggest benefits

Job security thanks to ever-increasing cyber threats

Biggest drawbacks

Must keep on top of constantly changing attack methods

Systems Manager

What you’ll do

Plan, coordinate and direct technology-related activities in organizations

How much you’ll work

Generally, 40-hour workweek, though overtime is common

Where you’ll work

Office, for small or large companies; limited ability to work from home as manager

What you’ll make

Median salary, $120,950

Biggest benefits

Chance to influence entire company

Biggest drawbacks

After-hours crises common

IT Support

What you’ll do

Provide technical help and support to organizations

How much you’ll work

Most likely full-time, but not necessarily 9-to-5

Where you’ll work

Call center, could even work from home

What you’ll make

Median salary, $48,900

Biggest benefits

Flexible schedule

Biggest drawbacks

Must be constantly available for users

Sources:

http://money.usnews.com

http://www.totaljobs.com

https://targetjobs.co.uk

http://www.bls.gov

http://dba.stackexchange.com

http://www.reddit.com

http://hiring.monster.com