COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Careers in computer, technology, and data

Occupations in the information technology career area relate to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services.

The United States is the world’s largest technology market. According to the Department of Labor, the U.S. accounts for 32% of the technology sector worldwide, contributing over $1.7 trillion to the American economy each year.

Computers, Technology and Data offers a variety of both creative and technical positions. These occupations can be found in all types of work settings – offices, schools, hospitals, laboratories, retail locations, warehouses, design firms, correctional facilities, construction sites, factories, media outlets, theaters and arenas, transportation providers, farms, restaurants, and more.

Career pathways in this area include:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Business Information Management
  • Information Support and Services
  • Network Systems
  • Programming and Software Development
  • Telecommunications
  • Web and Digital Communications

People working with computers and technology are expected to specialize and learn about software, coding languages, artificial intelligence, digital tools, hardware, networking systems, and other technologies on an ongoing basis.

The majority of work in this career area is done in front of a computer screen. Some positions involve hands-on work to fix and maintain equipment. Either way, employers look for candidates with technical skills and the ability to communicate, problem solve, manage projects, and work as part of a team.

Trends in computer, technology, and data

Job growth

Almost 550,000 new jobs in this area are expected in the coming years, says the Department of Labor, with substantial growth in information security, software and application development, cloud computing, and data storage.

Cybersecurity

Rising cyber threats and data breaches spur hiring of cybersecurity analyst and consultant positions to protect employers’ networks and data.

Data science and analytics

Employers are seeking candidates who can analyze large quantities of data. Job seekers with skills in data science, machine learning, and statistical analysis are in high demand.

Remote work

This career area has more opportunities for remote work than other areas. Job seekers can apply for remote positions from employers anywhere in the world to expand their job search beyond their local area. Explore the pros and cons of working from home.

Salary and career information

These are samples of some of the positions CEHD graduates enter. Find out more about these and occupations.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Analyst | Market Intelligence Consultant | Strategic Business and Technology Intelligence Consultant | Strategist

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $108,020

Business Records Manager

Certified Document Imaging Architect | Document Management Consultant | Electronic Content Manager | Record Systems Analyst | Records and Information Management Specialist

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + some years work experience
Median wage: $104,920

Business Systems Analyst

Applications Analyst | Computer Systems Consultant | Information Systems Analyst | Programmer Analyst

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $103,800

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Tech | Help Desk Analyst | IT Support Specialist | Technical Support Specialist

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $59,240

Cybersecurity Project Manager

Cloud Product Director | Data Center Product Director | Information Systems Project Manager | IT Manager | Scrum Master

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + some work experience
Median wage: $104,920

Data Warehouse Analyst

Data Warehouse Solution Architect

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $134,700

Database Administration Manager

Database Administrator (DBA) | Database Engineer | Information Systems Administrator | Systems Administrator

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + some work experience
Median wage: $101,510

Health Informatics Specialists

Clinical Informatics Analyst | Nursing Information Systems Coordinator

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $103,800

Information Security Officer

Information Systems Security Officer | IT Security Analyst | Network Security Analyst | Systems Analyst

Education requirements: Bachelor’s + some work experience
Median wage: $120,360

Information Systems Manager

Information Analyst | Information Technology Specialist | Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator) | Network Administrator | Systems Administrator

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $95,360

Web Administrator

Corporate Webmaster | Web Content Coordinator | Web Site Manager | Web Technologies Administrator | Webmaster

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $104,920

Web Developer

Technology Applications Engineer | Web Architect | Web Designer | Webmaster

Education requirements: Bachelor’s
Median wage: $84,960

Data notes

  • Minnesota data shown, unless otherwise noted.
  • Education Requirements = Degree, credential or training needed to enter the occupation. National standard used; Minnesota employers might have different requirements.
  • Work Settings = Environment where work is performed. Represents types of employers most often employ this occupation.
    25% Wage = Representative of an entry-level wage for workers with less than four years’ experience in the occupation. The point at which 75% of workers earn more and 25% of workers earn less. 
  • Median Wage = Represents typical salary for workers with at least five years of experience in this occupation. Half of all workers in this occupation earn less, the other half earn more. 
  • Data Sources (retrieved April 2024): CareerOneStop | O*NET | Occupational Outlook Handbook | DEED Career & Education Explorer 

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