Cell Tower Technician
Climb towers to install and maintain the antennas that power wireless networks.
- $63,520/yr median
- +1.2% growth
- 1–6 months plus climbing certification
Career field
Technology Careers
Support, secure, build and market the digital tools every business runs on.
Technology careers offer some of the highest median pay in the country, and many of them value demonstrated skill as much as formal degrees. Help desk and IT support roles are common starting points, while cybersecurity, networking and web development reward deeper specialization.
The field changes quickly, so the most successful people build a habit of learning. Industry certifications, portfolio projects and home labs are practical ways to prove ability to employers.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
17 technology careers
Computer Repair Technician
Fix computers, printers, ATMs and other office technology.
- $47,810/yr median
- -3.0% growth
- 3–12 months
Computer Systems Analyst
Bridge business needs and technology by designing better computer systems.
- $105,850/yr median
- +7.9% growth
- 4 years
Cybersecurity Analyst
Monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats that target an organization.
- $129,180/yr median
- +21.0% growth
- 1–4 years
Data Scientist
Turn data into insights and predictions that guide decisions.
- $120,230/yr median
- +34.6% growth
- 4–6 years
Database Administrator
Keep databases fast, secure, backed up and available.
- $104,620/yr median
- -0.1% growth
- 4 years plus experience
Digital Marketing Specialist
Grow businesses online with search, ads, social media, email and analytics.
- $78,760/yr median
- +7.0% growth
- 6 months to 4 years
Electronics Technician
Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
- $78,190/yr median
- +2.4% growth
- 2 years
IT Manager
Lead technology teams, budgets and strategy for an organization.
- $175,140/yr median
- +15.8% growth
- Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of IT experience
IT Support Specialist
Help people solve computer, account and network problems: the classic way into IT.
- $61,860/yr median
- -3.5% growth
- 3–6 months
Network Administrator
Design, run and secure the networks and servers organizations depend on.
- $99,130/yr median
- -4.1% growth
- 1–4 years
Network Technician
Install, monitor and troubleshoot the networks that connect computers and people.
- $76,220/yr median
- +1.2% growth
- 6 months–2 years
Software Developer
Design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day.
- $135,980/yr median
- +10.2% growth
- 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio
Software QA Tester
Find bugs before users do by testing software thoroughly.
- $104,300/yr median
- +5.7% growth
- 6 months–4 years
Telecommunications Technician
Install and repair internet, phone and cable systems for homes and businesses.
- $63,890/yr median
- -3.3% growth
- 3–12 months
UX/UI Designer
Design apps and websites that are easy, useful and enjoyable to use.
- $104,000/yr median
- +6.0% growth
- 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio
Web Developer
Build fast, accessible websites and web applications people love to use.
- $92,650/yr median
- +3.8% growth
- 6 months to 4 years
Compare technology careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IT Manager | $175,140 | +15.8% | Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of IT experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Software Developer | $135,980 | +10.2% | 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Cybersecurity Analyst | $129,180 | +21.0% | 1–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Data Scientist | $120,230 | +34.6% | 4–6 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Computer Systems Analyst | $105,850 | +7.9% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Database Administrator | $104,620 | -0.1% | 4 years plus experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Software QA Tester | $104,300 | +5.7% | 6 months–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 8 | UX/UI Designer | $104,000 | +6.0% | 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio | Bachelor's degree |
| 9 | Network Administrator | $99,130 | -4.1% | 1–4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 10 | Web Developer | $92,650 | +3.8% | 6 months to 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 11 | Digital Marketing Specialist | $78,760 | +7.0% | 6 months to 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 12 | Electronics Technician | $78,190 | +2.4% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 13 | Network Technician | $76,220 | +1.2% | 6 months–2 years | Associate's degree |
| 14 | Telecommunications Technician | $63,890 | -3.3% | 3–12 months | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 15 | Cell Tower Technician | $63,520 | +1.2% | 1–6 months plus climbing certification | Associate's degree |
| 16 | IT Support Specialist | $61,860 | -3.5% | 3–6 months | Some college, no degree |
| 17 | Computer Repair Technician | $47,810 | -3.0% | 3–12 months | Some college, no degree |
Getting hired in technology
Build something you can show: a home lab, a website, a write-up of a fixed problem. Proof of skill beats a list of buzzwords.
What affects pay in this field
- Specialization (security and cloud skills typically pay more)
- Certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, AWS or Google
- Portfolio quality and real project experience
- Location and remote-work eligibility
Find your fit
Take the Technology career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Technology careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying technology career on this list?
IT Manager has the highest median pay among our technology profiles at $175,140 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which technology career is fastest to start?
Cell Tower Technician typically takes about 1–6 months plus climbing certification of training.
Which technology career is growing fastest?
Data Scientist, with projected growth of +34.6% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right technology career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Technology career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.