Computer and information technology may be one of the most exciting areas teens should consider when thinking about their future careers. These jobs are often paid very well (the average salary in this field is more than twice as high as other occupations). The growth outlook for your tech career is also impressive. That’s about 11% over the next 10 years (the average for all employment is about 4%). Below are some of the top technical jobs that high school students should consider when planning their future.
Note: All payroll information is available as of March 2025 via edelief.com and GlassDoor.com.
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Careers in artificial intelligence, data and emerging technologies
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AI Engineer
AI engineers design, develop and integrate artificial intelligence models and systems. They use machine learning, deep learning, and data science techniques to create AI systems of the future.
Education: Average Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Data Science Salary: $206,000 fatos bytyqu
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers teach computers how to use data to make smart decisions. Build a computer program that can recognize patterns and ensure that these programs work efficiently in real applications.
Education: Average Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics: Campaign Creator with $163,600.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use mathematics, coding, and machine learning to analyse large amounts of information. They then turn that data into useful forecasts or recommendations to help businesses and organizations make better decisions.
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science Average Salary: 125,900 This is engineering due to violations
Internet of Things (IoT) Engineer
IoT engineers design, build and optimize smart devices, from fitness trackers to industrial sensors. As these devices become increasingly popular, this is an area that offers many new opportunities in the coming years.
Education: Average Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Embedded Systems: via No Flash via $106,500 Kelly Sickema
Blockchain Developer
Blockchain developers build secure digital systems that store information in ways that are not easily hacked. They are responsible for keeping their personal information safe, but making it accessible online.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Related Field Average Salary: $187,100
Technology Careers in Cybersecurity, Cloud, and IT Infrastructure
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Cybersecurity Analyst
Keeping people and their online data safe is more important than ever. This is a career that offers great opportunities for growth in the future.
Education: Average salary in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree: $102,400 Mikhail Fesenko Unsplash
Intrusion tester
These security experts, also known as “ethical hackers,” try to infiltrate computer programs to find potential weaknesses before actual hackers do it. They simulate cyberattacks and help businesses understand how to make security stronger and safer.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Security Average Salary: $124,800 christina @wocintechchat.com
Cloud Engineer
These IT professionals design, build and maintain their organization’s cloud computing infrastructure. Ensure data storage, applications, and services run efficiently and securely on cloud platforms.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in average salary in Cloud Computing, Information Technology, or Computer Science: $129,500 Sigmund
DevOps Engineer
These technology experts combine both software development and IT operations skills to help you design, develop, release and test programs in a live business environment.
Education: Average Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, IT, or Computer Science Salary: $127,000 christina @wocintechchat.com
Database Administrator
Database engineers ensure that your organization’s data is securely stored, efficiently organized and accessible when needed. Design, build and maintain data storage and backup systems to keep your data safe.
Education: Average salary in Database Management, Information Systems, or Computer Science: Bachelor’s degree of $100,600
Careers in Software Development, Engineering and Technology Leadership
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Software Developer
Designing a new software program means assessing consumer needs, writing code, debugging errors, and using programming skills to solve problems and improve the user experience. It’s a great career for people who are fascinated by technology.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Average IT Salary: $105,700 DESOLA LANRE-OLOGUN UNSPLASH
Full stack developer
These software developers work on both the backend server-side and frontend user interface components of web applications. They design a positive user experience and process programming code.
Education: Average Bachelor’s Degree Salary in Computer Science, Web Development, or Software Engineering (Optional): $126,100 christina @wocintechchat.com
Mobile App Developer
As the name suggests, these software developers have specially built mobile apps for smartphones, tablets and other devices. Usually you need to be familiar with both Android and iOS operating systems, and both have the ability to build programs.
Education: Interprets Jay Songgoodman with average salary for Mobile App Development, Computer Science, or IT (optional): $118,000
IT Project Manager
This job combines a variety of technology skills with skills involved in managing the entire project. They oversee the company’s technology initiatives and bridge the gap between IT employees and stakeholders while keeping projects on time and within budget.
Education: Average salary for Bachelor’s Degree, Business, or Project Management: $105,700 christina @wocintechchat.com
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
The corporate CTO oversees all technical decisions and initiatives. They combine a deep understanding of technology with general business management skills to ensure that technology strategies align with the company’s goals.
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT Management, or Business Administration (MBA recommended) Average Salary: $163,500
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