Use your Information Technology degree to earn a good salary in Georgia's technology sector.
Not only are technology jobs interesting, but they are profitable as well. Technology jobs are on the rise in Georgia, as more companies turn to computer-based systems to help manage complex information. Computer and Information Systems Managers are responsible for managing these systems and are usually paid well for their experience and skill.
Job Description
Technology is the umbrella term used to describe jobs related to information technology. Jobs in the information technology arena include computer software engineers, computer programmers, computer systems analysts, and computer support specialists. Jobs in technology even bridge over into other sectors, such as defense, communications, health care, and science.
If you are just graduating with a degree in Information Technology, you may want to look for entry-level positions as an IT project manager. IT project managers develop requirements, budgets, and help to coordinate information technology projects. If you have more experience and education in a technology-related field, you may want to apply for a position as a computer and information systems manager. At the managerial level, a computer and information systems manager is responsible for directing the work of other IT professionals such as software engineers, computer systems analysts, and various support specialists.
Salary
Salaries for this profession vary based on where you are geographically located in the state of Georgia. Salary also varies by industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the national mean annual wage for an IT professional was $123,280, while individuals at the top of their field were paid significantly more at $146,080 a year. The mean annual wage for an IT professional in Georgia is $113,140, which is more than $10,000 lower than the national mean. Georgians made an hourly rate of $54, compared to the national hourly rate of $59. If you're looking for a technology-related job in Georgia, focus your search on the Atlanta-metro area or near Sandy Spring, GA, as these areas have the highest concentration of IT jobs in the State.
Industry
IT professional are needed in almost every level of business and industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the industries with the highest levels of employment for IT professionals are "computer systems design and related services, management of companies and enterprises, insurance carriers, colleges, universities, and professional schools, and software publishers." The financial services sector was also one of the top-paying industries for this profession.
If you want to be paid top dollar to use your technology degree, consider working in New York, New Jersey, or California. Georgia is also one of the highest-paying states for this profession, paying an annual mean wage of between $106,810 and $114,350.
Outlook
According to projected data by the U.S. Department of Labor, computer and information systems management and IT fields are expected to grow 17 percent over the next 10 years, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. To remain competitive, IT professionals will need to continually update their skills and adapt to new technologies.
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