People are eager to forge a career in tech mainly because it pays well and keeps growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations had a median annual wage of $109,470 in May 2025, more than double the $50,980 median for all occupations, with about 280,000 openings projected each year from 2025 to 2035.
Key Takeaways
- Pay is the biggest draw: the BLS median for computer and IT occupations was $109,470 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all occupations.
- Demand is strong but uneven: data scientists (+35%), computer and information research scientists (+22%) and information security analysts (+21%) are among the 20 fastest-growing U.S. occupations for 2025-35, while computer programmers (-7%) and computer support specialists (-3%) are projected to shrink.
- Most tech roles list a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry route, but support, security and web roles also accept certifications, portfolios and relevant experience.
- Competition is real, so a targeted skill, a portfolio of projects and a well-written IT resume matter more than enthusiasm alone.
- Tech careers exist in every industry, not only at technology companies, which widens the pool of opportunities.
Getting into the right career can be difficult for many reasons, and one of these is often the sheer level of competition you face. Certain industries generate a lot more interest than others, and one of the really hot industries and sectors these days is technology.
With tech now being such a huge part of everyday life in business and our personal lives, people are eager to forge a career within this industry because it has become an unofficial essential service.
Of course, there are lots of reasons why people are so eager to forge a career in tech, and the level of competition in most areas of technology can be huge. If you want to stand any chance of succeeding in this sector, you need to make sure you gain the right qualifications and complete the right training courses.
In addition, it can help to get a great resume created and sign up to job sites for opportunities once you are qualified. From IT consultancy to software engineer, there are lots of different jobs you might be interested in within this sector. In this article, we will look at why people are eager to forge a career in tech.
Some Reasons This Is a Popular Choice
There are lots of reasons why this career option has become such a popular choice with so many people from different walks of life. Some of the key reasons are:
It Offers Stability
One of the reasons a lot of people are interested in this type of career is that it offers a high level of stability. This is something that many people are looking for so that they can work toward a brighter future and more financial security.
The tech sector has become a vital part of daily life, and demand for skilled professionals remains strong: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. That stability is not spread evenly, though. As of September 2026 the BLS projects declines for computer programmers (-7%) and computer support specialists (-3%) over the same decade, so job security depends on the role you choose and on keeping your skills current.
You Can Earn Great Money
Another key reason many people want to get into this type of career is the pay. BLS data for May 2025 puts the median annual wage for computer and IT occupations at $109,470, compared with $50,980 for all occupations. Earnings vary widely by role: computer support specialists had a median of $62,890, while software developers had a median of $135,980 and computer and information research scientists $140,300.
Even entry-level positions tend to pay above the national median. User support specialists, a common first IT job that the BLS says can be entered with some college courses or a high school diploma plus IT certifications, had a median wage of $61,860 in May 2025. Pay then rises as you specialize, gain experience and take on more responsibility.
There Are Lots of Opportunities
One of the other reasons why this industry has become so popular with those who want a lucrative and exciting career is that it offers so many opportunities.
There are many different positions you can choose from, and there are many different sectors that you can move into with the right training. In addition, you can perform tech jobs in all sorts of industries, so there are many different opportunities for you to consider.
These are some of the many reasons why a lot of people decide to enter into a career within the tech industry.
How Much Do Tech Jobs Pay? BLS Figures by Role
Pay is the clearest reason a career in tech attracts so many people. The table below uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which reports May 2025 median annual wages and employment projections for 2025 to 2035. Figures are for the United States; pay in other countries differs, so treat them as a guide to relative earnings between roles.
| Occupation | Median pay (May 2025) | Projected growth 2025-35 | Typical entry-level education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and information research scientists | $140,300 | +22% | Master’s degree |
| Software developers, QA analysts and testers | $134,040 | +10% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer network architects | $134,050 | Not stated on the summary page | Bachelor’s degree |
| Information security analysts | $129,180 | +21% | Bachelor’s degree (certifications also accepted) |
| Database administrators and architects | $126,760 | Not stated on the summary page | Bachelor’s degree |
| Data scientists | $120,230 | +35% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer systems analysts | $105,850 | Not stated on the summary page | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer programmers | $100,390 | -7% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Web developers and digital designers | $99,520 | +5% | Bachelor’s degree (portfolio can substitute) |
| Network and computer systems administrators | $99,130 | Not stated on the summary page | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer support specialists | $62,890 | -3% | Varies: associate’s degree, some college, or high school diploma plus IT certifications |
For comparison, the BLS median for all occupations was $50,980 in May 2025. Even the lowest-paid group in the table, computer support specialists, sits above that national figure.
Which Tech Jobs Are Growing Fastest?
Three computer occupations appear in the BLS list of the 20 fastest-growing U.S. occupations for 2025 to 2035: data scientists (35% growth, median pay $120,230), computer and information research scientists (22%, $140,300) and information security analysts (21%, $129,180). The BLS attributes the security outlook to rising cyberattacks and the need to protect new technologies such as artificial intelligence and e-commerce systems.
Software developers remain the largest group. The BLS counted 1,905,400 software developer, QA analyst and tester jobs in 2025 and projects 185,400 more by 2035, with about 106,100 openings a year as workers change careers or retire. If you are weighing a data role, the guide to data science career paths explains how analyst, engineer and scientist tracks differ.
Which Tech Jobs Are Shrinking?
Not every tech job is growing, and honest career planning starts with knowing which roles are under pressure. The BLS projects a 7% decline for computer programmers from 2025 to 2035, noting that programming work continues to be automated and that some higher-level work is shifting to software developers. Computer support specialists are projected to decline 3% overall, with user support roles falling and network support roles roughly flat. Even shrinking occupations still produce openings from turnover, however: about 4,400 a year for programmers and 48,700 a year for support specialists.
The practical lesson is to build toward roles that design, secure or analyze systems rather than roles built only on routine tasks that AI tools can handle. The article on how AI is changing career paths and job skills covers which skills are gaining value.
Do You Need a Degree for a Career in Tech?
A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level education the BLS lists for most computer occupations, including software developers, information security analysts, network architects and database administrators. Computer and information research scientists usually need a master’s degree.
There are documented exceptions. The BLS notes that some information security analysts enter with a high school diploma plus relevant industry training and certifications, that web developers can substitute demonstrated ability through prior work or portfolio projects, and that computer support specialists may qualify with an associate’s degree, some college courses, or a high school diploma plus IT certifications. Coding bootcamps are another route; the guide to the best bootcamps for coding compares options, and cloud certifications are covered in how to start a career in cloud computing.
How to Start a Career in Tech: Step-by-Step
- Pick a target role, not just “tech”. Use the table above to compare pay, growth and entry requirements, then choose one role to aim for first.
- Learn the core skills for that role. Software developers typically study computer science, engineering or mathematics; security analysts need networking and systems knowledge; data scientists need statistics and programming.
- Build proof of ability. Portfolio projects, open-source contributions or a home lab give employers evidence, and the BLS confirms that portfolios can substitute for formal credentials in web development.
- Add a recognized credential where it helps. Certifications are explicitly listed by the BLS as an entry route for support and security roles.
- Write a role-specific resume. Follow the guide on how to write an IT resume so your skills match the job description.
- Prepare for interviews. Technical screens and the standard opening question are easier with practice; see how to answer “tell me about yourself”.
- Keep learning after you land the job. The BLS outlook shows that roles built on routine tasks are the ones declining, so ongoing skill updates protect your job security.
Tech Careers Beyond the United States
The pull toward tech is global. In India, the IT-BPM industry generated an estimated $253.9 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024 and employed 5.4 million people as of March 2023, according to figures compiled on Wikipedia from the Press Information Bureau and Indian business press. The article linked above about India’s tech industry topping $200 billion in revenue reported an earlier milestone; the FY24 figure shows the sector has kept growing since.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a career in tech so popular?
A career in tech is popular because it combines high pay, strong projected demand and a wide choice of roles across every industry. BLS data shows computer and IT occupations earned a median of $109,470 in May 2025, more than double the median for all occupations, with about 280,000 openings projected each year through 2035.
Is tech still a good career choice?
Yes for most roles, as of September 2026. The BLS projects faster-than-average growth for computer and IT occupations overall from 2025 to 2035, led by data scientists, research scientists and security analysts. Computer programmers and computer support specialists are the exceptions, with projected declines of 7% and 3%.
What is the highest-paying tech job?
Among the occupations in the BLS computer and IT group, computer and information research scientists had the highest median pay in May 2025 at $140,300. Software developers ($135,980) and computer network architects ($134,050) were next.
Can you get a tech job without a degree?
Sometimes. The BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical for most computer occupations, but it also states that computer support specialists can qualify with certifications or some college, that some information security analysts enter with a high school diploma plus training and certifications, and that web developers can use a portfolio in place of formal credentials.
Which tech skills are most in demand?
Based on the BLS growth projections, skills in data science, cybersecurity and software development are tied to the fastest-growing and largest occupations. The BLS specifically links the security outlook to rising cyberattacks and to protecting artificial intelligence and e-commerce systems.
Is a tech career stable with AI automation?
Stability depends on the role. The BLS attributes the projected decline in computer programmer jobs to automation of programming tasks, while it projects growth for developers, data scientists and security analysts. Roles that design, secure and analyze systems are better placed than roles built on routine tasks.
