IT skills are needed in places like hospitals, local governments, banks, and universities in smaller cities across the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 356,700 job openings are projected each year on average in IT [1]. In fact, the world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. In this article, we'll review different career paths you can explore when you're interested in IT.

If you're ready to start preparing for your first role, consider enrolling in the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate. You'll develop a strong IT foundation in in-demand topics like cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, and databases.

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IBM IT Support

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Technical Support, Customer Service, Cloud, Troubleshooting, IT Fundamentals, Software Application Development, Computer Programming, Software Development Process, Database basics, Wireless Networks, Network Troubleshooting, Network Architecture, Cloud Storage, Networking Hardware, Cybersecurity, Cryptography, Cyberattacks, Information Security (INFOSEC), Application Security, Cloud Computing, Hybrid Multicloud, Devops, Iaas PaaS Saas, Cloud Native, Operating Systems, hardware, Information Technology (IT) Support, Ticketing Systems, Service Level Agreements (SLA), Certification Test, CompTIA ITF+, Exam Practice

IT career paths

Understanding what paths are available to you can help you navigate your first steps as you begin your career in IT. Many IT professionals begin in generalist roles that cover a range of issues, like help desk technician or IT associate. You may get an entry-level IT certification to help you land one of these roles, though it's often not required. Once you’ve gained some experience and have a better grasp of what you like doing, you might think about focusing your career on a more specific area. You can explore entry-level IT jobs to see what other routes you can take if you’re just starting out.

Job outlook information is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and applies to the period 2023 to 2033, unless stated otherwise.

*Average salary is sourced from Glassdoor as of February 2025

1. Computer support

Many in the beginning phases of their IT career work in computer support roles that support many different aspects of computer operations. From there, it’s possible to specialize in a narrower field like cybersecurity or networks, or continue in computer support to become a senior or manager.

Salary: $58,305

Projected job growth: 6% [2]

Early career jobs: IT support technician, desktop support technician, help desk technician, IT associate

Mid-career or senior jobs: Senior help desk support technician, service desk supervisor, support desk manager

Getting started: If you’re just starting out, getting an entry-level IT certification can bring you the skills you need.

Read more: What Is an IT Technician? How to Become One

2. Cybersecurity

Working in cybersecurity means protecting computer systems, devices, and sensitive information from malware, unauthorized access, damage, and data breaches. Cybersecurity is one of two fields in IT expected to see the most demand, according to Global Knowledge, an IT professional development company (the other being cloud computing).

Salary (cybersecurity analyst): $133,061

Projected job growth: 33% [3]

Early career jobs: Information security analyst, cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer

Mid-career or senior jobs: Senior cyber engineer, information security manager, ethical hacker

Getting started: Getting a grasp of basic cybersecurity principles can help launch a career in this space. Consider building experience by earning an entry-level certification, like the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications.

Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

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Database Queries, Cybersecurity Compliance, Incident Response, Cybersecurity Case Study Analysis, Penetration Testing, Network Security, Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity Threats, Cybersecurity Controls, Physical Threats and Controls, Risk Management, Laws and Regulations, Cybersecurity Framework, Cybersecurity Standards, Operating Systems, Directory and File Management, User (Computing), Virtualization, Linux, Windows, MacOS, User Accounts, Certification exam practice, CompTIA CySA, Cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cryptography, Penetration Test, Cyber Threat Hunting, Incident management, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Vulnerability Management, Generative AI, Cyberattacks, Information Security (INFOSEC), Application Security, Digital Evidence Handling, Security Analysis and Reporting, Cybersecurity Incident Management, Cybersecurity Careers, Interviewing Skills, job interviews, Resume, Job Search Strategies, Data Security, Digital Network Architecture, Network Configuration, Endpoint Security, Intrusion Detection Systems, Firewall Configuration, Database Security, User profiles, Password policies, Database injection vulnerabilities, Database auditing models, CompTIA Certifications, ISC2 certifications

3. Networks and systems

Network IT professionals work with network-related tasks or hardware, and systems professionals work among servers and computer systems. They may have overlapping roles, particularly at smaller companies where you’re more likely to have to wear many hats. You might start as an analyst or administrator, and then work your way up to being a network or systems engineer or architect.

Salary (network administrator): $90,469

Salary (network architect): $199,773

Projected job growth (administration-specific roles): -3% [4]

Projected job growth (engineering/architecture roles): 13% [5]

Early career jobs: Network administrator, systems administrator, network implementation technician, systems analyst

Mid-career or senior jobs: Network engineer, systems engineer, network security engineer, cloud network engineer, senior systems administrator, computer network architects

Getting started: Several certification options exist for networks and systems, like the CompTIA Server+ or the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Otherwise, you can start as a generalist on the IT help desk and work your way into one of these specialities.

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

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System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services

This course will transition you from working on a single computer to an entire fleet. Systems administration is the field of IT that’s responsible for ...

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4. Software development

Software developers, or software engineers, create computer programs that are used to accomplish any number of tasks—your internet browser, music streaming service, and online video conference app are all examples of software. Software development can open paths into a variety of different industries, including finance, video game development, and tech.

Salary: $134,584

Projected job growth: 17% [6]

Jobs: Software engineer, software developer, senior software engineer

Getting started: Learning the coding languages used in software development will be key to landing a job in the field. Try starting with commonly requested ones like Python, Java, or Ruby.

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Json, Xml, Python Programming, Database (DBMS), Python Syntax And Semantics, Basic Programming Language, Computer Programming, Sqlite, SQL, Data Structure, Tuple, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Web Scraping

5. Web development

Working in web development means you’ll be responsible for creating and maintaining websites and phone applications. Web developers can be front-end or back-end developers—that is, the front-facing interfaces or behind-the-scenes mechanics of a website, respectively—or both. 

Salary: $80,730

Projected job growth: 16% [7]

Jobs: Web developer, web designer, front-end developer, back-end developer, full stack developer, front-end engineer, back-end engineer, full-stack engineer

Getting started: Whether you’re self-taught or have a degree in computer programming, web development jobs often prioritize relevant experience over credentials. Taking a course in a web programming language—like Python, JavaScript, CSS, or HTML—can get you oriented with the basics. From there, you can try building your own website or application before applying to entry-level jobs.

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Django (Web Framework), API endpoints, MySQL, HTML, Production environments, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Version Control, Github, Bash (Unix Shell), Web Development, Linux, Data Structure, Computer Science, Algorithms, Communication, Pseudocode, Filtering and ordering, Serializers and deserializers, Authentication and authorization, Debugging, REST APIs, Build a data model, Design a web application, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Application Programming Interfaces (API), Cloud Hosting, database administration, Database (DBMS)

6. Data

With the ubiquity of internet-connected devices, companies have access to unprecedented amounts of data on their customers, services, and other business factors. And though data isn’t a traditional IT specialization, the increase in demand for data skills makes it a solid career option for those looking for IT-related work. Working with data can entail keeping up hardware and security as a data technician, or sifting through data to find patterns and insights as a data analyst or scientist.

Salary (data analyst): $111,108

Projected job growth: 9% [8]

Early career jobs: Data center technician, database administrator, data analyst

Mid-career or senior jobs: Data scientist, data engineer, data architect

Getting started: If the idea of working with data is enticing to you, consider getting a certification in data analytics from an industry leader—like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

Read more: 7 In-Demand Data Analyst Skills to Get Hired

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Data Analysis, Creating case studies, Data Visualization, Data Cleansing, Developing a portfolio, Data Collection, Spreadsheet, Metadata, SQL, Data Ethics, Data Aggregation, Data Calculations, R Markdown, R Programming, Rstudio, Tableau Software, Presentation, Data Integrity, Sample Size Determination, Decision-Making, Problem Solving, Questioning

7. Cloud computing

A career in cloud technology generally includes some programming on cloud software platforms like Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. 

Salary (cloud engineer): $153,000

Projected job growth: 9% [9]

Early career jobs: Cloud engineer, cloud computing programmer

Mid-career or senior jobs: Cloud architect, cloud consultant

Getting started: If you want to break into cloud computing, you’ll likely want to have cloud-specific knowledge. You can earn cloud certifications or find coursework to complete.

Read more: 5 Cloud Certifications for Your IT Career

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Security Command Center (SCC), Google Compute Engine, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cloud Shell, Cloud Firewall, cloud logging, Cloud Storage, Generative AI in Cybersecurity, Compute Engine, Cloud Logging, Compliance frameworks, Cloud Network Security, Log analysis, automation, backup and disaster recovery, Cloud network security, Secure configurations, Cloud Technologies, Communication of cloud security concepts to a technical and non-technical audience, Cloud-based security, Digital Transformation, Understanding compliance standards, Implementing security controls, Risk management frameworks, Audit preparation, Framework interpretation, Log management, Monitoring/managing Intrusion Detection Systems in a cloud environment, Incident management, forensics/evidence preservation, threat hunting, alert automation, Security Operations (SecOps), Data recovery/restoration, Cloud perimeter protection, Network Analysis, Data loss prevention, data classification and vulnerability management, Cloud asset management, data security (encryption, hashing), Attack mitigation, identity and access management (IAM)

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