The Fourth Industrial Revolution brought the world artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and so much more, allowing people to work smarter and streamline operations. If you're interested in stepping into one of these fields and joining those efforts, then a career in information technology (IT) may be for you.
Learn about some of the most in-demand careers in IT, including the required levels of education and skill sets you'll need to qualify for these roles.
Find the right IT program for you
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.What in-demand jobs can you get in IT?
Working in technology allows you to be creative, problem-solve, think critically, and tackle just about any work-related challenge. Wherever your curiosity lies, you can likely find an IT position to match.
Here are a handful of in-demand jobs in the industry of IT, with the required education and skills needed to qualify for them, as well as salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Computer and information research scientist
Computer and information research scientists work in a variety of cutting-edge technology fields. They might study machine and deep learning to build the next generation of artificial intelligence. They may design and test new cybersecurity products and methods to protect information, or build next-generation cloud products.
- Education: Typically, a bachelor's degree, potentially a graduate degree for more advanced positions
- Key Skills: Mathematical modeling, machine and deep learning algorithms, cloud systems, programming languages like Python or R, communication
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $145,080
- Projected Employment Growth (2023–2033): +26%
Information security analyst
Information security analysts protect organizations by planning and implementing security measures. Cutting-edge technology also means cutting-edge security threats, and companies will look to these experts to help them protect data, assets, and networks.
- Education: Typically, a bachelor's degree, though some employers may also require cybersecurity certifications
- Key Skills: Security protocols, risk analysis, familiarity with compliance regulations, AI methods like penetration testing, incidence response protocols
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $120,360
- Projected Employment Growth (2023–2033): +33%
Computer and information systems manager
Computer and information systems managers oversee the strategy and operations of a company's IT network. They typically manage the IT team, set budgets, coordinate with different vendors, and implement IT products and services to further the company or organization's goals.
- Education: Typically, a bachelor's degree, but advanced positions may require a graduate degree or IT certifications
- Key Skills: IT infrastructure and system design, cost management, enterprise software products like SAP, IT frameworks like COBIT, communication, leadership
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $169,510
- Projected Employment Growth (2023–2033): +17%
Data scientist
The role of data science is intertwined with that of IT. As companies gather more data, they need experts able to extract insights and build solutions to store and protect that information. Data scientists can help companies make sense of massive volumes of historical details to make decisions about the present and look at current data to predict what might happen in the future.
- Education: A bachelor's degree or a graduate degree for advanced positions in research or academia
- Key Skills: Programming languages such as Python or R, data visualization, data science libraries like NumPy, machine learning algorithms, basic data engineering skills, communication
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $108,020
- Projected Employment Growth (2023–2033): +36%
Learn more about IT
Discover how edX can help you land an in-demand IT position through free courses or by signing up for a fully accredited degree program. Take the next steps online to build your career.
Frequently asked questions about IT careers
How do I become an in-demand IT professional?
You can set a good foundation by completing an online bachelor's degree in computer science or data science and develop strong skills in an in-demand technology such as AI or cloud computing. Additionally, industry-specific certifications demonstrate your expertise in critical areas.
Employers also look for soft skills like communication and leadership, so developing those can help make you a more well-rounded employee.
Can I switch to IT without a technical background?
Yes, you can certainly switch to IT from a nontechnical background thanks to the availability of online courses and programs. edX provides foundational courses in a variety of topics, from programming languages to data science topics, so you can make the jump to IT no matter what your background is.
What are essential skills for in-demand IT jobs?
Many essential skills will depend specifically on what niche you choose — for example, AI engineers will need deep learning skills, while cloud security professionals will need strong skills in cloud computing.
That said, employers also require IT professionals with soft skills like clear communication and critical thinking. Having both can make you a very competitive candidate for IT roles.
