As technology advances and evolves, individuals with formal training and skills will find themselves in a position to take advantage of the best opportunities the field of computers and information technology has to offer.

Here are the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Information Technology and Computers.

1. Business Continuity Analyst

Business Continuity Analysts are the disaster relief experts in the IT industry. Business continuity analysts ensure that companies recover data and resume normal operations following blackouts or disasters. Business continuity analysts research and prepare recovery strategies based upon possible risks and potential losses. Business continuity analysts are leaders with an extensive knowledge of information security and risk management who also train employees within businesses to execute recovery plans in the event of a disaster. Business continuity experts generally must obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, information management, or computer science to gain employment earning $95,000 to $105,000 annually.

2. Computer and Information Scientists And Researchers

Computer and Information Scientists And Researchers develop and devise solutions to computer hardware and software issues. As expert theorists and inventors in the field of computer science and information technology, computer and information scientists and researchers are considered the innovators of invention and delegators of responsibility. Computer and information scientists and researchers have an in-depth understanding of business, engineering, scientific, and technological fields and lead governmental agencies, engineering firms, academic institutions, and private software publishers as integral members of research teams.

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Training to qualify as a computer and information scientist and researcher involves completing studies within a PhD program within disciplines like: information systems, computer science, information technology, software engineering, and computer engineering. Salaries for computer and information scientists and researchers are $77,000 to $125,000 yearly.

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3. Data Modeler

Data modelers are systems analysts who work closely with teams of architects developing conceptual, logical, and physical data models for the binary processes of computers. Data modelers devise the processes which separate mass amounts of data in computer systems to reduce inessential or redundant data to improve data transfer between systems. Data modelers generally complete studies within bachelor or master degree programs in applied mathematics, information systems management, or computer or information science. Earnings for data modelers range from $75,000 to $103,000 yearly.

4. Systems Software Engineers

Systems software engineers apply the principles and theories of computer science combined with mathematical analysis to design, test, and maintain the software systems that run computers. Software application engineers are the IT industry’s experts who develop operating systems, middleware, computer games, business applications, databases, and network control systems. Software application engineers work closely with teams of other IT professionals who specialize in developing the multiple layers of computer software to collaborate and contribute to the evolution of the rapidly changing IT industry. Software applications engineers are required to complete a minimum of a bachelor degree in software, computer systems, or mathematics combined with work experiences in computer systems and applications. Software application engineers earn salaries of $73,200 to $114,000 annually.

5. Network Security Administrator

Network security administrators are important members of IT teams who maintain and secure computer systems and data within firms and organizations. Systems administrators perform a number of far ranging duties including installing, supporting, and maintaining computer systems and servers. Network security administrators also perform light programming, project management, training to those who operate computers, consulting and problem solving for operating issues, and supervisory skills to technical support and other staff.

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System administrators also devise plans to respond to service outages, internal and external threats. Training to become a network systems administrator requires a minimum of a bachelor degree based in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, information system management, or system administration combined with work experience as few graduate level programs exist. Annual earnings for network security administrators range from $68,000 to $88,000.

6. Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts are the IT industry’s specialized planners, designers, installers, and developers. Computer systems analysts customize computer systems to meet the information technology needs of most firms and organizations. Computer systems analysts work closely with programmers, software engineers, network security specialists, and management teams to coordinate and customize computer systems, cost benefit and return reports, and other information management tasks. Computer systems analysts must complete a minimum of a bachelor degree in computer science, information science, information systems, management information systems, applied mathematics, business administration, or engineering. Present employment trends show employers prefer candidates with graduate degrees, particularly a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in information systems combined with work experiences. Computer systems analysts earn salaries of $58,000 to $96,000 annually.

7. Systems Security Administrator

Systems Security Administrators are specialized IT professionals who design and implement system structures, design and upgrade software, maintain server security, and oversees server activity. Systems security administrators also manage high volume web activity for organizations which accept online payments and advertising as well as well as resolve technical issues while maximizing the efficiency of network systems. Network systems administrators often complete certificate or associate degree programs in information security or computer science disciplines and gradually work their way up from entry level positions after gaining experience. Systems administrators generally have salaries of $52,000 to $ 84,100.

8. IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for collecting information regarding the overall operations, practices, controls, and accounting within firms and organizations. IT auditors also ensure that businesses comply with organizational and governmental regulations to secure data and records by evaluating physical, business, and financial controls. IT auditors also investigate computer networks to uncover issues like mismanagement, fraud, and inefficiency while devising means of improving security, user interface, and processing capabilities. IT auditors are required to complete studies within master’s degree programs in accounting, business administration, or information technology management and either a certified public accountant or certified information systems auditor credentialing program to gain employment. IT auditors have salaries of $51,000 to $76,000 yearly.

9. Professional Hackers

Professional hackers are the IT industry’s “sneakers” who ethically prevent computer hacking, criminal computer activities, and other illicit attacks. Professional hackers are highly trained and vital members of all IT teams as they detect and prevent malevolent attacks on systems. Professional hackers are essentially expert computer programmers who utilize complex software and hardware to help public and private agencies, firms, and businesses in preventing attacks and exposing potential vulnerabilities. Professional hackers may use subtle techniques like phishing, keylogging, modification attacks, denial of service attacks, email address hacking, cookie stealing, website hacking, javascripts, and bruteforce methods to access, capture, or retrieve information, accounts, databases, and network systems. Professional hackers generally must complete a minimum of a certification program combined with gaining a full understanding of programming languages to qualify for employment earning yearly salaries of $57,000 to $81,000.

10. Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write programs, the software necessary for one aspect of computer programs or codes. Computer programmers work closely with computer software engineers and systems analysts converting software programs into logical instructions. Computer programmers utilize programming processing languages like C++ and Python to increase productivity, devise debugging functions, and a number of other functions.
Computer programmers also update, modify, repair, and expand existing programs using computer assisted software engineering tools for specific applications, computer programs, and other computer functions. Computer programmers are required to complete studies within associate or bachelor level computer programming degree programs combined with work experience and the most current technology information available to gain employment. Earnings for computer programmers range from $53,000 to $90,000 annually.

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