Information Technology career cluster
Information Technology career cluster
Information Technology relates to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services. The United States is the world’s largest technology market, and the IT industry is a major contributor to our overall economy.
Which industries employ the largest numbers of people in IT careers?
- Business operations
- Government
- Education
- Entertainment
Quick facts
Global impact
The U.S. accounts for 32% of the technology market worldwide, contributing over $1.7 trillion to the economy each year.
Job flexibility
More so than perhaps in any other industry, many IT jobs can be performed remotely, as long as a reliable Internet connection is available.
Industry trends
Almost 550,000 new IT jobs are expected in the coming years, with substantial growth in information security, software and application development, cloud computing, and data storage.
National and regional hubs
Major cities with a well-established IT job market include: San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago. Newer IT job markets are growing in cities like Austin, Charleston, Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Madison.
Is a career in information technology for me?
IT offers a great variety of both creative and technical careers, from designing and developing software applications, databases, and websites to providing customer support and ensuring information security.
Some points to keep in mind:
- In an industry that changes and upgrades constantly, workers must be willing to learn new software, coding languages, and other technologies on an ongoing basis.
- While the majority of IT work is done in front of a computer screen, some fields also involve hands-on work to fix and maintain equipment.
- Attention to detail, flexibility, and cooperation are key aspects of many IT careers.
What are some careers in information technology?
Job opportunities are expanding at a variety of education and experience levels in IT. Although training in computer science or software engineering can be an asset, for a number of jobs, employers are more interested in a candidate’s experience, portfolio, and technical skills than in a college degree.
Take a look at the list below to learn about IT careers at different levels of education. Select any link to find out more about a career, including average wages, employment projections, training requirements and more. You’ll also see whether they require that you pass a certification exam and/or offer licensure in your state.