IT Automation: 2024 Overview

As businesses rely on increasingly complex IT structures and programming to run their daily operations, the need for streamlined processes to reduce the workload on IT professionals continues to grow. IT automation removes repetitive, time-consuming tasks so workers can use their time and talents for more important responsibilities.

Read more to learn about IT automation examples, how automation benefits businesses, and the types of IT automation jobs available in this high-demand field.

Read more: 10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

What is IT automation?

IT automation is the process of using software to handle repetitive or menial tasks without the need for human intervention. This technology particularly benefits companies relying on large or complex cloud services and virtualized networks. The processes required to keep these structures running require extensive management and are often too much for teams to take on. 

Offloading this management to automated software frees up IT professionals to focus on more important or strategic tasks rather than filling their time with repeatable tasks. This can help IT departments scale their work and have the capacity to respond to other business demands. 

Read more: Automation vs. AI: Meaning, Differences, and Real World Uses

IT automation examples

IT automation addresses any repetitive process that might take time away from more complex responsibilities. One such example is an IT help desk that provides automated answers for simple, daily questions, such as help with resetting a password. Network management, resource provisioning, and security system monitoring are other processes that benefit from IT automation. 

IT automation advantages and disadvantages

IT automation offers many benefits for businesses. The streamlined nature of IT automation means that businesses can save time and money since IT professionals can use their work hours for more impactful tasks. This automation also reduces the risk of human error and the recovery costs associated with it. Automated processes also offer stronger security protocols since they can easily flag incidents for response and require fewer humans to examine sensitive information.

On the other hand, IT automation does have some disadvantages. Automated processes can have a tendency to be inflexible, unable to change or update easily once in place. Although IT automation can save money in the long run, it does have a significant upfront cost to purchase the necessary software. Additionally, you risk encountering automation errors, which can occasionally pop up but cause more damage than human errors.

What skills do you need to work in IT automation?

IT automation tends to require professionals to have a strong background in computer science or STEM fields. While the specifics of an automation engineer or other IT automation job depend on a company’s needs and goals, some typical skills you may need to succeed include:

Technical skills

• Machine learning (ML)

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

• Scripting 

• Automation testing

• Protocol writing

Workplace skills

• Adaptability

• Strong communication skills

• Flexibility

• Leadership

IT automation tools and software

IT automation engineers and other professionals use various tools to design, implement, and manage different automation processes. Some tools include:

• Programming and scripting languages: Python, Java, and PowerShell, can help create processes and programs to automate IT software.

• Laptops and computers: Devices are needed to write and store code, including motor controls and drives, communication systems, and human-machine interface (HMI).

• Automated testing software: Picreel, Codemagic, and Rainforest can help engineers check for bugs and malfunctions that impede workflow.

• Controls, measurement sensors, and actuators: These tools help to monitor processes, measure information, and control instructions between inputs and outputs.

What are some ways to learn IT automation?

To learn the skills necessary to become an IT automation professional, you’ll need chances to practice with software and gain hands-on experience. Consider the following pathways to gain valuable industry experience. 

1. Boot camps

Boot camps are immersive courses that provide the opportunity to interact with different automation testing software and develop foundational skills. You can find boot camps that are available for various experience and skill levels, so they are a great option if you’re looking to enter the IT automation field or you’re already an IT professional looking for chances to upskill. Many boot camps are available in-person or online, providing flexibility to learn from anywhere. 

Some automation boot camps to check out include: 

• Hack Reactor

• Galvanize

2. Online certification programs

Online certification programs offer the chance to develop in-demand skills, often with an industry-recognized certification as the end goal. You may choose to pursue IT-specific or industry-related automation certifications. 

A few certifications you can look into include:

• ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

• IIST Certified Software Test Automation Specialist (CSTAS)

3. Bachelor’s degree

Businesses tend to prefer IT automation professionals with strong engineering or computer programming backgrounds, including formal education. Gaining a bachelor’s degree is an effective way to learn necessary skills while setting yourself up to meet future job qualifications. It’s recommended to look for a computer science or mechanical engineering degree, where you can learn subjects like robotics, databases, AI, and statistics.

4. Master’s degree

As an IT automation professional, you may pursue a master’s degree to develop your skills in robotics engineering and automated testing. Earning a master’s degree can also unlock higher-paying job opportunities and offer a deeper level of knowledge and experience that can advance your career.

Do I need a degree to work in IT automation?

According to Glassdoor, 68 percent of IT automation engineers hold at least a bachelor’s degree [1]. Given the technical nature of the role, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is worthwhile to develop your skill set in automation, a high-demand field.

IT automation jobs

IT automation is a wide field with many different career options for various skill sets, interests, and experience levels. Some of these jobs include:

Entry-level IT automation jobs

Many professionals in IT automation begin their careers as IT automation engineers. Automation engineers are responsible for designing, building, implementing, and maintaining automation processes that streamline IT networks. Automation engineers continually test these processes with software to make sure everything is working correctly, then make recommendations based on any needs for improvement. 

Below is a breakdown of the salary of an automation engineer and similar entry-level positions:

• Automation engineer: $102,922 [2]

• Entry-level automation and testing developer: $107,635 [3]

• Level I automation engineer: $104,991 [4]

Mid-level IT automation jobs

Once you’ve gained some experience in IT automation, you have the option to advance into several different roles. Below are some mid-level US roles and their average annual base salaries:

• Senior automation engineer: $126,651 [5]

• Senior quality assurance engineer: $114,631 [6]

• Project manager: $88,264 [7]

Upper-level IT automation jobs

Senior-level IT automation jobs come with increased managerial responsibilities. Some of these roles, and the average US earnings include:

• Senior project manager: $125,875 [8]

• Chief technology officer: $189,604 [9]

• Automation engineer IV: $123,268[10]

Learn more about IT automation with Google

Automation engineers work towards alleviating employee and business workload by automating repetitive or cumbersome manual processes. Sharpen your IT automation skills and develop the foundational knowledge to launch an IT automation career with courses and certificates on Coursera. Options like Google’s IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn the basics for an IT automation engineer career.