- Mobile Applications Developer
- Information Assurance Analyst
- Database Administrator
- User Experience Designer
- Webmaster
- Computer Support Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Software Systems Developer
- IT Business Analyst
- E-learning Specialist
Computer-savvy millennials are often most comfortable behind the screen. As a result, they can take advantage of today’s above average growth of great information technology jobs. It is definitely worth considering a career in the field of information technology. A career in IT can guarantee a lucrative salary, as well as job security. The need for workers in the field is not limited to any specific geographic region of the country, or even the world. Additionally, a job in IT almost always allows options for remote work. This offers the employee a great amount of flexibility. Information technology is an umbrella term that covers many different careers. These include careers concerned with:
- data storage retrieval
- transmission
- security on computer networks
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States will add 546,100 IT jobs by 2026. This means a faster-than-average growth of 13 percent. There are many benefits to find IT associates degree jobs. One of the benefits is that there are plenty of entry-level job opportunities for those who have earned an associate’s degree in IT. Many professions require at least a bachelor’s degree to secure a good job, but that is not the case with information technology. It is possible to land a great job in IT with nothing more than an associate’s degree. This field is also unique in that experience is often as valuable as extra education. There are also many certifications that can help a candidate stand out when seeking a job. Some jobs such web developers require only an associates degree. For others such as in software development or computer programmers, a bachelor’s degree program or even master’s degree will be required.
After consulting with CNN Money, we’ve chosen the following ten IT jobs with associates degree. Each of these is facing pipeline shortages of STEM technical talent.
Check out these 10 jobs for associate degree in information technology.
1. Mobile Applications Developer
Pew Research reports that three-fourths of U.S. adults own smartphones. With this in mind, the demand is high for mobile applications developers. They are needed to code programs for iOS, Android, Windows, Firefox, and more. These skilled IT designers attract downloads by maximizing cellular technology. This helps to both entertain and assist mobile users. Mobile applications developers are responsible for analyzing customers’ needs and developing software. They are also responsible for:
- testing for bugs
- creating maintenance upgrades
- marketing apps to investors
Graded “A” for telecommuting, mobile applications developer is an IT career with 10-year job growth of 19% and median yearly pay of $97,100. There might be some advantages to further study. Yet it is possible to find a job as a mobile applications developer without a four-year degree. An associate’s degree in IT or computer science is a good start. Along with a drive to succeed, you can kick start a career as a mobile app developer in one of the top job markets available today. Mobile applications developer is one of the top associate degree in IT jobs.
2. Information Assurance Analyst
When considering IT jobs with an associate’s degree, think about an information assurance analyst. Symantec’s 2017 Internet Security Threat study discovered that hackers target 400+ businesses each day,. This means that information assurance is unsurprisingly one of the hottest tech jobs. Information assurance analysts are superheroes without capes. They monitor networks to protect against data breaches. Stopping cyber attacks involves installing IT encryptions. It also involves:
- testing for vulnerabilities
- researching new security software
- training staff on safe practices
- crafting recovery plans
Information assurance analysts fare well with certifications like ISSEP and CSFA in a field poised for 18% growth and a $98,900 mean wage. Landing a job as an information assurance analyst usually requires a bachelor’s degree. It is possible, though, to find an entry-level position in the field. You can meanwhile seek to earn the appropriate certifications. These certifications can help to qualify you for upward mobility in the profession.
3. Database Administrator
Famous databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, LexisNexis, and Scopus rely on administrators to keep user-friendly data available to users. Ranked sixth among information technology jobs by the U.S. News & World Report, database administrators are gatekeepers who store pertinent records. Database administrators are needed at libraries, hospitals, corporations, government bodies, and more. Their day-to-day tasks include:
- establishing user permissions
- creating security measures
- testing for errors
- backing up data
- installing upgrades
Currently, 11% job growth is increasing database administration openings with average income of $93,800. A database administrator is one of the IT jobs that almost always requires a bachelor’s degree. However, earning an associate’s degree can be a stepping stone towards either continuing your education, or seeking an associate’s degree IT job. It is also always an option to gain experience working with databases while finishing up a degree program. Extra experience will always help you find a satisfying job in the field.
4. User Experience Designer
Moz found that the top 100 applications on Google Play had 3.1 million ratings on average. This means that customer satisfaction has a great effect on marketing and sales. Tech companies are hiring user experience designers at a higher rate than ever. It is one of the great associate degree in information technology jobs. They help to improve the usability, visual appeal, and digital accessibility of products for consumers’ delight. Key duties include creating user personas and analyzing the information architecture. They also include:
- crafting wireframes
- prototyping ideal designs
- conducting test runs
- using feedback for updates
With median pay of $85,900 and 13% growth, UX designer is among the information technology jobs graded “A” for low stress. Becoming a user experience designer has more to do with the right skills than experience than the proper degree. That being said, it is a good job option for those who have only an associate’s degree in information technology.
5. Webmaster
Imagine typing the URL for popular websites like Facebook, Wikipedia, YouTube, and Amazon only to receive a disappointing 404 error page. Webmasters are World Wide Web wizards who help to prevent this. They do so by working to maintain servers for steady Internet traffic. It is one of the associate degree information technology jobs where professionals upload content, repair broken links, and troubleshoot user issues. Webmasters also:
- design page templates
- code enhanced scripts
- monitor security
- market for SEO
Webmasters who stay abreast of tech changes can expect 27% growth for a $61,200 average salary. The need for webmasters is great, and it is easy to find a job as a webmaster with only a two-year degree.
6. Computer Support Specialist
Computer usage isn’t easy for everyone. The National Center for Education Statistics found that 16 percent of Americans are digitally illiterate. Many others struggle to troubleshoot significant tech glitches. That’s where computer support specialists come in. Computer support specialists give accurate advice to troubleshoot network issues. Computer support specialists are technological tutors who guide clients through remedies and repairs. Important duties include:
- diagnosing computer errors
- outlining problem-solving steps
- installing new IT equipment
- training network users
- performing system maintenance
Computer support specialists can work remotely. These jobs can be done via phone or email and at in-person help desks. These specialists offer one of the best job options for those who have only earned an associate’s degree. They earn a salary averaging $56,550. The 10-year job outlook is bright with a 10% hiring uptick expected. This job is another good example of one you can secure without a four-year degree. Training and certifications may be necessary. However, these require much less time and resources than a degree program.
7. Network Administrator
Businesses in today’s interconnected world need efficient, secure networks to communicate. Desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, and other cutting-edge tech interfaces must meld into one cohesive system. Network administrators lead these systems so to achieve their organizations’ computing goals. Network administrators are the computer captains. They man the inner workings of local and wide area networks cable by cable. Key tasks include:
- designing network infrastructure
- installing critical hardware
- updating system software
They can also include adding server users, outlining security protocol, and monitoring network performance. Network administrators usually work on-site and full-time. They work for companies in diverse industries from accounting to advertising. Network administrators with certifications, such as CompTIA and Cisco, maximize the field’s 5% job growth. Their average annual pay is $88,410. You can find a job as a network administrator with only a two-year degree in a related field. This is one of the great associates degree in information technology jobs.
8. Software Systems Developer
Applications can not run on their own. Every computer program relies on the operating system to function. Operating systems determine how computers receive and process coded information from applications. Widely used operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Android OS, and Linux. Software systems developers are the back-end builders who brainstorm efficient machine solutions. Unlike app developers, systems developers focus on how hardware loads and executes computer functions when commanded. Daily responsibilities include:
- analyzing computer users’ needs
- designing system interfaces
- presenting system models
- giving programmers coding instructions
- testing software usefulness
- creating future updates
Software systems developers post mean yearly earnings of $111,620. Demand for systems development will add 10% more jobs from 2018 to 2028. There are many training programs and certifications available for aspiring software developers. This makes it a great option for an IT job for someone who has earned nothing more than an associate’s degree.
9. IT Business Analyst
Companies have tons of options in today’s whopping $426 enterprise software market. Executives need to choose technology advancements wisely. When they do, they can reap the best return on their big-dollar investment. Fortunately, IT business analysts are there to run the cost-benefit analyses. IT business analysts collaborate with finance departments to determine whether new software meets company needs on budget. This career uniquely blends IT and business. This perfect blend makes organizational networks more efficient without wasting spending. Job duties include:
- evaluating business technology
- assessing change proposals
- running data tests
- defining tech improvements
- recommending top-quality IT products
Graded “A” for low stress, IT business analysis is a high-growth job multiplying by 21% this decade. Analysts earn an information technology associate degree salary averaging $83,000 per year. A job as an IT business analyst typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
10. E-Learning Specialist
In December 2019, Inside Higher Ed reported that 34.7 percent of college students study at least partially online. Nearly 10.2 million Americans take online university courses. Information technology advancements make it possible to earn entire degrees online 24/7. Thus, e-learning specialists are essential to architect virtual classrooms where pupils prosper. E-learning specialists are educational masterminds. They are responsible for programming internet tools for teachers to reach young people’s brains. Day-to-day roles include:
- adapting learning management systems
- suggesting online delivery strategies
- uploading courseware
They also coordinate learning material, run student/teacher demos, and facilitate tech support. Information technology graduates have many employment options. They can work for K-12 schools, colleges, trade schools, and even adult training programs. E-learning specialists will see 8% growth for jobs with median annual pay of $64,900. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree to be hired as an e-learning specialist. However, it is possible to land a job with only an associate’s degree.
Getting an Associate Degree in Information Technology
An associate degree program has a two-year curricula of 60-70 credits. These can be completed at community colleges or vocational schools. Most 24-month associate degrees start with a survey of general education courses. This general education courses vary from English composition to mathematics. Associate students then declare a career-specific major, such as information technology. IT associate majors take fundamental 100- and 200-level undergraduate courses in computing. For example, information technology students take classes like Computer Operating Systems and Network Security. Having a high school diploma or GED certificate is the only course prerequisite. Most IT associate degrees are project-based with computer lab experience and practice. Information technology associate programs prepare for 21st-century “new-collar” jobs from Silicon Valley to Wall Street. IT associate degrees are starter kits for launching versatile tech careers.
Why is finishing an IT associate degree worth it? Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science majors are the shortest college degrees. Ambitious associate majors could study year-round and graduate in 18 months. Associate students save time and money by going the two-year school route. The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) lists an average yearly tuition of $3,435. That’s nearly one-third of the public, four-year price of $9,410. This means that less of the IT associate degree salary goes toward loan debt repayments. Associate degrees aren’t necessarily dead ends either. Senior colleges have 2+2 transfer pathways. These lead students to an IT bachelor’s degree in another two years. Associate graduates can establish entry-level employment and get bachelor’s tuition assistance. Associate degrees can be cheap stepping stones into universities.
The information technology associate degree salary is higher than most two-year majors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says computer/IT positions provide a mean $88,240 annual income. In comparison, average associate degree earnings are $41,496. Information technology majors at the associate level make more than many bachelor’s graduates. The IT sector affords workers tremendous benefits and job security. It also offers low unemployment rates of 1.6 percent. IT associate degrees build essential skills for designing, programming, installing, and troubleshooting tech solutions. Associate IT majors learn to coordinate computer systems and analyze efficient improvements. IT associate graduates have the qualities and skills that employers want. These include communication, problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills. Associate degrees let IT professionals work up the career ladder to management titles.
Succeeding in lucrative IT careers typically only requires an associate degree to start. Two-year degrees also provide the least expensive path to a bachelor’s IT diploma. Talented information technology professionals collect high compensation for leading computer innovations. Over time, IT workers can advance into more senior-level positions. These can include chief technology officer. Other great IT jobs for associate degree include:
- software engineer
- data analyst
- scrum master
- user interface designer
- computer forensics investigator
- network architect, programmer
- cloud computing specialist
- web developer
- quality assurance analyst
- site reliability engineer
- social media manager
Opportunities are limitless for earning a big information technology associate degree salary.
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