Types of IT Jobs (With Duties and Salaries)
Information technology professionals help organizations build, operate and protect the systems they use every day. Some IT roles involve writing code, while others focus on user support, networks, data, security or project coordination.
This variety makes IT accessible to people with different interests and strengths. Someone who enjoys troubleshooting may prefer technical support, while a person with strong analytical skills might pursue data analysis or business intelligence.
15 Common Types of IT Jobs
1. IT support specialist
National average salary: $51,613 per year
IT support specialists help employees or customers solve problems involving computers, software, accounts and network connections.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Responding to help desk tickets
- Diagnosing hardware and software problems
- Resetting passwords
- Configuring employee devices
- Installing applications
- Explaining technical solutions to users
- Escalating complex incidents
This position can provide an entry point into IT because it develops practical knowledge of operating systems, networks and common business software.
2. Network administrator
National average salary: $83,577 per year
Network administrators maintain the systems that allow computers, servers and devices to communicate.
They may:
- Configure routers and switches
- Monitor network performance
- Manage wireless networks
- Troubleshoot connectivity problems
- Install network updates
- Maintain access controls
- Document network configurations
Knowledge of networking protocols, firewalls and hardware is important. Professional networking certifications can help candidates demonstrate their skills.
3. Systems administrator
National average salary: $94,059 per year
Systems administrators manage servers, operating systems and employee access to business applications.
Common duties include:
- Creating user accounts
- Managing permissions
- Installing operating system updates
- Monitoring system capacity
- Automating administrative tasks
- Maintaining server backups
- Investigating system failures
Systems administrators need strong troubleshooting skills and practical knowledge of common operating systems, cloud environments and server technologies.
4. Software developer
National average salary: $134,091 per year
Software developers design and build applications that solve user or business problems.
They typically:
- Analyze product requirements
- Write and review code
- Test software features
- Fix defects
- Maintain existing applications
- Collaborate with designers and product managers
- Document technical decisions
Developers may specialize in mobile applications, business software, embedded systems or web products. Employers frequently consider portfolios, coding assessments and previous projects when evaluating candidates.
5. Web developer
National average salary: $83,824 per year
Web developers create and maintain websites and browser-based applications.
Front-end developers focus on the interface users see, while back-end developers build the servers, databases and application logic behind it. Full-stack developers work across both areas.
Web developer responsibilities may include:
- Building responsive web pages
- Connecting websites to databases
- Improving page speed
- Testing browser compatibility
- Fixing technical errors
- Implementing accessibility standards
- Maintaining website security
6. Database administrator
National average salary: $109,625 per year
Database administrators manage systems that store and organize business information.
Their primary duties may include:
- Installing database software
- Managing user access
- Monitoring performance
- Creating backups
- Restoring lost data
- Improving database efficiency
- Protecting sensitive information
Database administrators often work closely with developers, security professionals and data analysts.
7. Information security analyst
National average salary: $102,130 per year
Information security analysts help protect company systems and information against unauthorized access, malware and other threats.
They may:
- Monitor security alerts
- Review suspicious activity
- Test security controls
- Manage access permissions
- Investigate incidents
- Recommend security improvements
- Help employees follow security policies
Strong candidates understand network security, risk management and incident response. Certifications may be valuable, although practical experience is also important.
8. Cloud engineer
National average salary: $135,265 per year
Cloud engineers design, deploy and maintain infrastructure hosted on cloud platforms.
Their work can include:
- Creating cloud environments
- Migrating applications
- Automating deployments
- Monitoring resource usage
- Managing cloud permissions
- Controlling infrastructure costs
- Supporting backup and recovery
- Improving system scalability
Cloud engineers typically need experience with networking, operating systems, automation and at least one major cloud platform.
9. Data analyst
National average salary: $85,843 per year
Data analysts collect, clean and interpret information to help organizations make decisions.
They commonly:
- Prepare datasets
- Identify trends
- Create reports
- Build dashboards
- Check data quality
- Explain findings to stakeholders
- Support operational and strategic decisions
Useful skills include spreadsheets, database querying, visualization tools and basic statistics.
10. IT project manager
National average salary: $113,727 per year
IT project managers coordinate technology initiatives from planning through completion.
They may be responsible for:
- Defining the project scope
- Creating schedules
- Assigning responsibilities
- Managing budgets
- Monitoring risks
- Communicating with stakeholders
- Tracking project progress
- Coordinating vendors
The role requires technical awareness, but project managers do not necessarily write code. Communication, organization and leadership are particularly important.
11. DevOps engineer
National average salary: $132,380 per year
DevOps engineers improve collaboration between software development and IT operations teams.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Automating software deployments
- Creating continuous integration pipelines
- Monitoring application performance
- Managing infrastructure through code
- Improving system reliability
- Supporting incident response
- Standardizing development environments
DevOps professionals commonly need experience with operating systems, scripting, cloud infrastructure and automation tools.
12. Business intelligence analyst
National average salary: $94,773 per year
Business intelligence analysts organize and interpret data to support business planning.
They may:
- Create reporting dashboards
- Define performance metrics
- Combine information from multiple systems
- Analyze business trends
- Automate recurring reports
- Present recommendations to managers
- Help departments improve data quality
The role combines technical data skills with an understanding of business operations.
13. UX designer
National average salary: $114,386 per year
User experience designers improve how people interact with websites, software and digital products.
They often:
- Conduct user research
- Create user journeys
- Build wireframes
- Design prototypes
- Perform usability testing
- Analyze user feedback
- Collaborate with developers and product managers
A strong portfolio is usually important because it demonstrates the candidate’s design process and problem-solving ability.
14. Quality assurance tester
National average salary: $82,775 per year
Quality assurance testers evaluate software before it reaches users.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing product requirements
- Creating test cases
- Performing manual tests
- Documenting software defects
- Reproducing reported issues
- Testing updated features
- Supporting automated testing
- Confirming that defects have been fixed
Attention to detail and clear documentation are essential. Technical knowledge can help testers understand why errors occur and communicate more effectively with developers.
15. IT consultant
National average salary: $96,729 per year
IT consultants advise organizations on how to use technology more effectively.
They may:
- Evaluate existing systems
- Identify technical risks
- Recommend software or infrastructure
- Plan system migrations
- Support implementation projects
- Prepare technology strategies
- Train employees
- Coordinate specialist vendors
Consultants need technical knowledge, business awareness and the ability to explain complex recommendations to nontechnical clients.
Other IT Career Areas
The technology industry includes many additional specializations, such as:
- Artificial intelligence engineering
- Machine learning
- Technical writing
- Product management
- Solutions architecture
- Cybersecurity engineering
- Penetration testing
- Mobile application development
- Computer forensics
- Site reliability engineering
- Data engineering
- Robotics
- IT auditing
- Technical sales
- Enterprise architecture
Job titles vary between companies, so review the duties rather than relying only on the title.
Skills That Are Useful for IT Jobs
Technical troubleshooting
IT professionals frequently need to identify the source of a problem and test possible solutions.
Communication
Technology teams must explain issues to users, managers, clients and colleagues who may have different levels of technical knowledge.
Programming and scripting
Coding is essential for development roles and useful for automation, data and infrastructure positions. However, not every IT job requires advanced programming.
Networking knowledge
Understanding how devices communicate is valuable in support, systems administration, cybersecurity and cloud engineering.
Data skills
Spreadsheets, databases and reporting tools are useful across many technical and business-focused IT careers.
Documentation
Clear documentation allows teams to repeat processes, investigate incidents and maintain systems after responsibilities change.
Project management
Planning, prioritization and risk management help IT professionals coordinate complex upgrades and implementations.
Adaptability
Technology changes frequently. IT professionals need to learn new platforms and update their skills throughout their careers.
How To Choose the Right IT Career
Identify the work you enjoy
Consider whether you prefer solving user problems, building products, analyzing information, protecting systems or coordinating people.
Research entry requirements
Some careers accept candidates with certificates or portfolios, while others typically require a degree or several years of technical experience.
Complete practical projects
Build a website, configure a home network, analyze a public dataset or create a small application. Projects help you test your interests and provide evidence of your ability.
Consider relevant certifications
Certifications can support careers in support, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing and project management. Choose credentials that employers in your target field actually request.
Start with an adjacent role
An IT support specialist may progress into systems administration. A systems administrator may move into cloud engineering or cybersecurity. Career paths do not have to be completely linear.
Review more than salary
Consider job availability, working hours, stress levels, remote-work options, development opportunities and the type of problems you would handle every day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which IT job has the highest average salary?
Among the roles listed here, cloud engineers and software developers have some of the highest national average salaries. Actual compensation varies by location, specialization and experience.
Do all IT jobs require coding?
No. Technical support, project management, UX design, IT consulting and some administrative roles may require limited or no programming.
Can you get an IT job without a degree?
Yes. Some employers consider certifications, portfolios and practical experience. However, degree requirements vary by company and position.
What is a good entry-level IT job?
IT support specialist, help desk technician, junior web developer, QA tester and junior data analyst are common entry points, depending on your skills.