If long-term demand is any indication, technology is a good — or maybe even great — career. And the industry’s generous pay makes tech an even more attractive field. But is technology a good career path? Here, we explore:
- The Tech Job Market
- What Do Tech Jobs Pay?
- Types of Careers in Tech
- Entry-Level Tech Jobs
- Pros and Cons of Tech Careers
The Tech Job Market
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts the number of computer and IT jobs will rise 13% from 2020 to 2030, which outpaces the average for all occupations. The U.S. will add an estimated 667,600 computer and IT positions during that period. The bureau says demand is rising due to growth in cloud computing, information security, and data gathering and storage.
Through the first five months of 2022, tech employment in the U.S. expanded by 106,700 positions, according to CompTIA, a trade group for the IT industry. In May 2022 alone, job postings for tech jobs in the U.S. totaled 623,627, the group says. Openings for software developers and engineers accounted for nearly one-third of tech job postings that month.
Some employers may be desperately scrambling to fill those job openings. Seventy-two percent of tech workers surveyed in the fall of 2021 by TalentLMS and Workable said they were considering quitting their jobs or exploring new career opportunities within the next 12 months.
Between the ongoing demand and the potential exit of some employees, someone interested in tech — particularly someone with tech knowledge and experience — might find a career path in tech especially smooth.
“Although you may have seen headlines about job cuts in the tech sector, technology remains a good career path,” says Erica Mobley, business development manager at New Orleans-based Sentient Digital, a provider of software and tech services for businesses and government agencies. “The tech sector is very broad and hiring needs vary widely by company. In constantly developing fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, new talent will always be needed.”
What Do Tech Jobs Pay?
Tech jobs generally pay far more than typical jobs do. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median annual pay for computer and IT jobs in May 2021 was $97,430, more than double the median annual pay for all occupations ($45,760).
Tech career marketplace Dice reported that in 2021, the average tech salary in the U.S. hit a record-high $104,566, up 6.9% from the previous year. According to Dice’s 2022 Tech Salary report, the tech occupations that saw the fastest-growing salaries from 2020 to 2021 include:
- Web developer: 21.3% to $98,912
- Database administrator: 2.4% to $111,362
- Technical support engineer: 12.4% to $77,169
- Data analyst: 11.5% to $84,779
- Software developer: 8% to $120,204
“Compensation varies widely by position and company, but in the tech industry in general, with its demand for rare skill sets, earning potential may be higher than in many other fields,” Mobley says.
>>MORE: Navigate numbers with Accenture’s Data Analytics Virtual Work Experience program.
Types of Careers in Tech
The tech sector offers an array of careers. Among them are:
- Systems administrator
- Data scientist
- Software developer
- IT support specialist
- Computer network architect
- Information security analyst
- Web developer
- Quality assurance tester
- Database administrator
“A career in technology is an excellent choice,” tech entrepreneur Brian David Crane says. “There are so many different niches within the field of technology, from software and app development to database management, cybersecurity to artificial intelligence. Whatever your interest may be, tech workers are always in demand.”
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Entry-Level Tech Jobs
While many tech employers prefer to hire workers with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, some are willing to take a chance on entry-level workers who don’t have college degrees or even any tech experience. Among these jobs are:
- App developer
- Computer technician
- Data entry specialist
- Technical writer
- Help desk specialist
Some of these entry-level jobs can pay reasonably well. For example, a help desk specialist can earn anywhere from $36,500 to $74,250 a year, according to staffing company Robert Half, while annual pay for a computer technician ranges from $36,500 to $48,750.
Pros and Cons of Tech Careers
No career is perfect, and a tech career is no exception. Here are some of the pros and cons of tech careers.
Pros of Tech Careers
- Variety
- Flexibility
- Fast pace
One of the pluses of a tech career is the myriad options for someone heading down this career path. As Crane points out, the range of specialties in the tech sector includes app development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, database management and software development.
“It’s a field with a lot of growth potential,” Crane says.
Furthermore, Crane emphasizes that many tech workers enjoy great flexibility in terms of work schedules and remote work. A 2021 survey by IT research and advisory company Gartner pinpointed flexibility — namely related to work hours and locations — as the No. 1 key to productivity among digital workers worldwide.
Mobley also notes that a tech career allows someone to apply their skills in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, ensuring that you’ll seldom be bored.
“If you’re a lifelong learner, you’ll do well in the field of technology, as skills need to constantly be maintained and improved,” Crane says.
Cons of Tech Careers
- Stress
- Constant learning
- Job uncertainty
Crane cites stress as one of the drawbacks of a tech career, most notably if you’re on the frontlines of ensuring technology is running smoothly.
“Bugs and breaches can always happen,” he says, “and you’re responsible for resolving these issues as soon as possible. If a website is down, it’s lost money.”
In addition, although some people might view it as a pro, others might view it as burdensome to need to continually learn and adapt to succeed in tech, Mobley says. For instance, you might have to regularly become certified in emerging facets of technology, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
And while tech workers are generally in high demand, industry layoffs can and do happen, particularly at cash-strapped tech startups. A tally by Crunchbase showed that through mid-June 2022, more than 21,000 workers at U.S.-based tech companies had been laid off since the beginning of the year. At the same time, some tech companies have been yanking job offers before new hires have started work.
“Many technology startups that saw tremendous growth in 2020, particularly in the real estate, financial and delivery sectors, are beginning to see a slowdown in users,” wrote Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas.
Are you currently trying to determine what industry might be right for you? Learn if finance is a good career path.
This article originally appeared on TheForage.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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23 jobs that are pretty much recession proof
Do you want to keep your job during a recession? Let’s talk about the recession-proof jobs that you can choose in any field. While no job is 100% recession-proof, certain career fields are impacted less during a recession.
During an economic slowdown or downturn, there are generally layoffs and fewer job offers. It is harder to get a job since many sectors get hit. Everyone will experience a recession differently, but it will impact most people. Whether you have high-income skills can become irrelevant quickly.
At any time a recession occurs, many are worried about their jobs. During the 2008 recession, the unemployment rate was over 10%. In the recent pandemic, the employment rates quickly rose to 14.7%. It has since come down to 8.4%, which is still significantly higher than the 3.5% before the pandemic.
Are you looking for career fields that are impacted less during a recession? While there is absolutely no guarantee, specific industries or professions are essential for our society. Here is a selection of recession-proof jobs at every skill level.
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It doesn’t matter whether you’re a registered nurse, doctor, assistant, or anything in between. Having a job in the medical and healthcare field is a great place to be during a recession.
Even when a recession hits, people will get sick, and health care is needed. Hospitals or clinics are a great career choice if you want to have job security. Plus, if you’re someone who has a nonmedical job in a healthcare clinic or hospital, you may benefit from this as well. As long as health care is needed, you will be as well.
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Technology is advancing daily, and we’re trying to benefit from that. Companies are improving systems to replace manual labor and save on expenses.
If you’re looking for a recession-proof job, working in the IT field is something to consider. People need help with their computers, phones and software more than ever before. Our world relies on technology and needs IT professionals to function.
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Whether there’s an economic crisis or not, accountants and auditors have a relatively recession-proof job. As long as businesses will continue, they need an accountant to report their yearly numbers and check their books. With their qualifications and specific skill-set, job opportunities are all around.
Also, people who have an accountant file their tax returns will most likely still use that. It’s better to pay an accountant than to make a mistake that costs more than their rate.
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An unfortunate side effect of a recession is that many are going into debt. People will add more money to their credit card balances, rack up more debt and need help managing it.
As a debt management professional, you help people reduce their debt and prevent bankruptcy from happening. You help people that need money now to reduce their debt.
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When we are talking about core services that we will always need, utility workers are providing them. We still need support in waste management, water, electricity and other utilities. Everyone is using these services daily, meaning there is constant and high demand.
The high demand combined with the aging current labor force means that there will be a labor shortage for years to come. If you’re looking for a recession-proof job, utility workers are high on the list.
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Just as utility working, public safety professionals are crucial to society during any time in the economic cycle.
Working as an ambulance driver, firefighter or police officer makes you relatively recession-proof. It is also a great option when you are looking for a job where you can help others.
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If you work for the government, you have one of the most stable jobs there is. Government jobs will be influenced little by the economic cycles, as there is a constant need for them. Also, the government is a big organization that will not downsize the moment a recession hits.
When you are applying for jobs, check out the postings they have online. It is a stable career path for your work life. Don’t worry if you are an entry-level worker without a lot of work experience. You can choose from several jobs at all levels.
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People need education, no matter the state of the economy. Teachers are essential, even during times when learning takes different forms. It doesn’t matter whether you are providing online classes, the need for education is still there.
Stanford economist Caroline Hoxby found that colleges and graduate schools saw higher enrollment numbers during the Great Recession. People want to postpone their entry into the job market since there are fewer openings. They enroll in higher education instead.
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Online shopping and delivery services have increased over the years. In the last couple of months, delivery services are booming. People want to avoid going to shops, and ordering your things online is easier than ever.
You can deliver groceries, clothes, household items, furniture and more. Everything that you have in your home, you can transport. The continued increase in people having things delivered makes delivery and courier services, one of the most recession-proof jobs out there.
Extra tip: Deliver groceries through Instacart. With Instacart, you can determine your own schedule, and you get paid to deliver food to peoples’ doorstep.
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Whatever the state of the economy, people still need to get their car fixed. While people will skip the smaller optional repairs, most auto repairs are mandatory to keep driving safely.
Many people wait to buy a new car and will get their current one repaired instead. Because older cars need plenty of maintenance, auto mechanics will not be bored.
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If you are working in law enforcement, you have a job that won’t stop just because of a downturn. People still want to live in a safe environment, and laws need continuous enforcement. Whether you are a federal agent or a detective, your job will be relatively stable during recessions.
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Corrections professionals like corrections officers and parole boards are great recession-proof jobs. They often don’t see layoffs at all during a recession.
Just as in law enforcement, prisons operate as usual, and everyone involved will need to continue their work.
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When the economy experiences a downturn, everyone that is involved in the justice system stays employed. Whether you are a judge or work in a related service like the court’s security, you will keep working.
Currently, with the pandemic, some courts are closed or postponing services. It is not something related to an economic downturn, but rather to the current global health crisis.
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Whether the economy is crashing or flourishing, funerals and cremations will continue. Certain families may go for the less expensive option, but there will still be enough work during a recession.
While this may not be your dream job, think about it in your search for jobs. If you’re looking for a new job or are unemployed, this field may be an opportunity for you.
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In big cities, public transport workers are always in high demand. People taking public transport to work may even increase during a recession, as some may have to get rid of their car.
Whether you drive the bus or sell train tickets, public transport workers will have relatively high job security when a recession hits.
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The moment a recession hits, people are slowly going to decrease their discretionary spending. They don’t buy things they don’t need, search for no spend ideas and look into at-home date night ideas. They’re staying in more and going out less.
When you cut down on how often you go out to eat, you will do more grocery shopping. While there are some quick tips to save money on groceries, you will still need to get groceries. If you’re looking for a job, a grocery store worker may be more stable than other jobs.
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Just like other healthcare services, pharmacists will see a steady stream of customers. People will still need their sleep medication or antibiotics. With the population aging, this can be one of the best recession-proof jobs for years to come.
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The general population ages, creating more jobs for senior care professionals. People need assistance living in nursing homes and at home, even during a recession. People need quality elder care, unrelated to the current economic situation.
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On the one hand, some people may stop their therapy sessions if their financial status is declining. On the other hand, when a recession occurs, many people are stressed out. It can cause more mental health problems and more marital problems. Some people will develop an anxiety disorder, while others will turn to alcohol.
Mental health professionals are crucial at the time a recession or economic downturn hits.
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As with health care for humans, pets also need health care during recessions. While people do bring their pets to the vet, they do so less regularly. With people having more pets and spending 7% more on pet care every single year, we can conclude it’s a rather recession-proof job.
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Actuaries help with the risk analysis of businesses. In normal economic circumstances, their jobs are necessary for companies to assess risks and hedge for them. In an economic downturn, analyzing risks is even more essential.
Actuaries help companies analyze the areas with high risk, the best places to cut costs, and increase efficiencies. In times of crisis, these are all valuable things to know. Generally speaking, actuaries will keep their jobs during an economic recession.
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Digital or not, marketers have a great shot at keeping their jobs during a recession. Most marketers will increase the investment made by companies. For every dollar companies spend on their marketing budget, they want to see more than that dollar returned.
For example, at my company, we have marketers who will return $1.50 for every $1 invested in the marketing budget. No matter how much money you put into it, you will get more out.
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During recessions, couples won’t stop getting divorced. As financial distress is one of the main reasons for divorce, recessions may increase divorce rates. On the other hand, financial hardship may keep couples together.
If you are a divorce attorney or mediator, you will still have enough work during downturns.
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Why are some jobs recession-proof while others aren’t? Plus, how is your specific job doing when it’s not on the list? Don’t worry. The fact that your job isn’t on the list doesn’t mean that you’ll get fired next week.
There are a couple of things to consider when you want to know if your jobs can survive a recession. Ask yourself:
- Is your job essential for society? For example, without healthcare or public transport workers, there would be chaos quickly.
- Are you filling a need? For example, people want to get their pets healthy again.
- Do you need specialized training or experience? For example, IT professionals or accountants have specific education and experience that is hard to obtain quickly.
If you don’t answer yes to all three questions, don’t worry. There are so many jobs that are crucial to our society and general well-being. We simply weren’t able to list them all.
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While no job is 100% recession-proof, some jobs are more recession-proof than others. That said, recessions are hard and affect our society in many ways.
If you’re worried about layoffs or you already lost your job, go through the list of these best recession-proof jobs again.
See what jobs suit you and start to include those jobs into your job-search. Searching for a new job and job-hunting, in general, can be challenging.
Find career opportunities for a job you enjoy by checking online job boards, (online) job fairs, vacancies, and make sure you connect with recruiters.
Finding a job or finding employment depends on the career path you want to take. Check out the available jobs that are currently trending and looking for staffing. You may find your dream job that is entirely recession-proof!
This article was originally published on RadicalFire.com and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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