Eager to make six figures? Explore the salary of information technology—an industry that continues to grow

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If you’re tech savvy, you may be well on your way to earning a six-figure salary.

Computer and information technology (IT) occupations take home a median annual wage of $104,420—that’s over 2x more than all occupations—according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, for those with a master’s degree from a top IT school, achieving a much higher salary is likely in your future.

There are more than 5.6 million tech workers in the U.S. alone—and that number is only expected to grow as companies and the world become increasingly digital and require experts to support growing areas like cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics. 

3 high-paying information technology jobs and their salaries

IT support specialists

• Median total pay: $64,000
• 10-year growth: 38%
• Experience level: Entry
• Associated titles: Computer support specialists; IT repair technician 

Most companies, no matter their industry, have some sort of IT support specialist—to aid employees across the organization in their technology needs. This includes installing, loaning, and/or training hardware or software, troubleshooting issues both on-site and remotely, and ensuring safe and stable internet connection.

IT project managers

• Median total pay: $136,000
• 10-year growth: 82%
• Experience level: Mid-level

IT project managers are master organizers and help companies keep their technology goals and sprints on track. Their tasks may focus on one particular project, such as hardware or software upgrades, network changes, or website redevelopment. Project managers track projects from start to finish—from idea to execution to conclusion. They may have certifications specifically in IT or project management from organizations like the Project Management Institute.

IT directors

• Median total pay: $214,000
• 10-year growth: 134%
• Experience level: Senior
• Associated titles: Chief technology officer; chief information officer; vice president of technology

IT directors are the leaders of their department and responsible for part or the entirety of their company’s technology. They provide direction for all others in their umbrella, lead company IT policy, and oversee risk assessment and management. Moreover, IT directors have significant administrative tasks, whether that be communicating internally with their team and externally across the company as well as helping in the hiring of others.

Being up to date with new and emerging tech is paramount to their role, since they will play an integrate role in directing future endeavors.

There are countless high-paying jobs in IT and tech space—many of which have varying responsibilities, including those that may duplicate and overlap. It is important when applying to jobs to take a serious look at the description, including responsibilities and requirements. For example, in Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Report, other roles, IT specialists in consulting, hardware, and software are identified—all earning average pay above $130,000.

3 ways to make more money in IT

Upgrading your skills is key to advancing your career in IT. But instead of waiting for a promotion to come to you, leveraging your passion for a new challenge can demonstrate to current and future employers that you are up to the task. 

However with technology constantly changing, upskilling must also remain constant for those who want to remain competitive. 

Certifications 

For those holding certain IT certifications, average salaries can exceed $200,000, according to Skillsoft.

In particular, those with certifications from top companies, like Google Cloud or AWS, tend to have higher salaries. However, Skillsoft’s research shows that one certification is not enough to make thousands of dollars more. For example, those reaching the top mark of a $200,000 salary, for example, had graduated from Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect program as well as completed eight other certifications. 

Many certifications are relatively affordable—costing less than $1,000—compared to a full-on degree and can be completed on a part-time basis, allowing you to learn while keeping your full-time job.