Get the guide to landing a job in tech and starting a new, exciting career.
In 2023, the average tech salary was $111,193. That number represents everyone from entry-level technicians and developers to CEOs and others in leadership positions across healthcare, big tech, finance, and other industries.
That number also represents opportunity.
Depending on your interests, level of training, location, and other factors, you can launch a tech career that pays well now – and one that comes with opportunities for growth as you move through your career.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a total of 10 tech career categories, and within those categories are multiple job options. Let’s take a look at four of the many paths you can pursue.
These architects design and implement data communication networks, including wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets.
There are incredible amounts of data out there. These professionals create or organize systems to store and secure data for companies, organizations, and governments.
These roles plan and carry out security measures to protect computer systems, devices, and sensitive information.
These roles support different aspects of computer operations and find solutions for various issues and challenges that might arise.
Once you land a job in tech, and as you settle into your role, you can start thinking about this time in life as the start of a new, fulfilling career, instead of just a job.
Using a software developer's salary as an example, take a look at what growth over time can look like:
1-3 years of experience
Average U.S. salary: $89,300*
3-5 years of experience
Average U.S. salary: $105,525
5-6 years of experience
Average U.S. salary: $132,930
6+ years of experience
Average U.S. salary: $146,550
According to a recent Dice Salary Trends report, “software developer salaries gained 6.5% in 2023 [and]...as the ninth most common tech job posting in 2023, software developers were highly sought after."
Beyond software development, other tech career paths – cybersecurity, data science, IT – also show exciting growth trajectories over time.
Whichever you choose, and however you get started, there will undoubtedly be room to keep growing and learning on the exciting ride of a long-lasting career.
*These are averages based on a national scale over the first few years on the job. Entry-level developers usually make between $65k-$80k.
