Is Technology a Good Career Path?

We may live in a rapidly evolving world, but technology sits right at the center as an integral part of our daily lives. And as the technology industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled workers looking for technology careers grows too: Employment in computer and information technology is projected to rise faster than all other occupations until at least 2033, with a whopping 356,700 openings projected each year¹.

Below, we’ll answer the question of whether technology is a good career path by exploring the current state of the tech industry, its benefits and challenges, the most popular technology careers, essential skills for success, and strategies for how to get into IT.

The Current State of the Technology Industry

The technology sector is expansive and ever-evolving, making technology careers a promising prospect for many job seekers. And that’s not limited to the tech industry itself: Many organizations, across a variety of industries, seek professionals in areas like software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud computing.

Despite a decline in the last few years, the tech sector is back on the up and up, uniquely positioned for growth. Analysts predict that global IT spending will grow by 9.3% by the end of 2025, and that global spending on artificial intelligence (AI) in particular will grow at a compound annual rate of 29% until 2028².

As an emerging technology, AI is making waves in other places too, particularly when it comes to technology careers. While generative AI (GenAI) has caused some concern about the future of work, about 70% of leaders in tech say they intend to increase headcounts as a direct response to GenAI³. And with AI’s potential to make processes more efficient, tech leaders see an opportunity to shift their focus to business strategy and resolving talent shortages.

Benefits of a Career in Technology

One of the major benefits of a technology career is that, more often than not, there is a high demand for tech professionals. This also means that for those interested in pursuing a technology career, there’s space to find a role that aligns with your interests, whether that’s working in software development for a major book publisher or building the code for an independent video game.

According to Tabitha Miles, a midlevel software engineer here at Savvas, there’s technology careers also offer high career stability. “There’s always more jobs than there are people in this industry. So you’re always going to have a job available to you,” she says.

Another benefit? While many tech giants have encouraged a return to the office, there are still plenty of jobs in the tech sector that allow employees to work fully or partially remote. Thanks to that flexibility, remote workers often have higher levels of job satisfaction⁴.

Challenges in the Tech Workforce

Despite the many advantages of a technology career, professionals still face challenges. The tech industry’s rapid change of pace can be both an advantage and an obstacle, overwhelming for some. And according to Tabitha, breaking into a technology career in the first place can be overwhelming, too. “The interview process can be a little daunting,” she says, noting that for some interviews, there may be multiple steps, including an hour-long coding test.

Another consideration is work-life balance. While technology careers do offer flexibility, that sometimes comes at the cost of long hours and high expectations. More so because tech workers must be continuously upskilling to stay on top of new trends. That means expending time and resources outside of your regular work hours to keep up with tech’s ever-changing nature.

The good news is that by showing a willingness to stay up-to-date with those emerging technologies, employees can open the door to advancement and new opportunities.

Popular Career Paths in Technology

The technology sector offers a diverse range of career paths catering to various interests and skill sets. The most sought-after roles typically fall under five categories: artificial intelligence, which uses machine learning to solve problems and perform tasks that typically require human cognition; cybersecurity, which protects computer systems from malicious digital attacks; computer science, which is concerned with computer systems, software development, and more; data science, which uses scientific methods to gain insight from data; and digital media, which combines artistic skill with technical skill to design experiences for web, video, games, and more. 

The most in-demand technology jobs⁵ include:

When it comes to salary expectations, the pay for technology careers can vary significantly based on role, experience, and location. Still, people who work in tech typically earn 5.7% more than their peers in other industries; the average salary for tech professionals within the industry is $114,861, while the average salary for tech professionals outside of the tech industry is $108,674⁶.

Skills Needed for Success in Technology Careers

Success in technology careers requires a blend of technical and soft skills. Technical skills encompass specific knowledge and abilities related to programming, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. These skills can be bolstered by continuous learning via boot camps, relevant certifications, and online courses that focus on digital technology.

Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are equally vital. These interpersonal skills enable professionals to collaborate effectively, present ideas clearly, and navigate challenges in diverse environments. And with the rise of AI, these soft skills are becoming even more crucial: Employers in the tech sector increasingly value these interpersonal skills as a way to foster company cultures that are people-centered⁷. 

How to Get into IT

Wondering how to get into IT and start your technology career? The opportunities in the tech industry are plenty, whether you’re interested in becoming a data engineer or a software developer. After considering the benefits and challenges of a career in tech, the next step is to acquire relevant education or certifications that align with your career interests. 

Networking can also be a boon to a potential career in tech. Engaging on social media and platforms like LinkedIn can help build relationships with industry experts. Attending industry meetups, workshops, and the like can be a way to connect with professionals with experience and crucial insight. A mentor can also be invaluable, helping potential tech workers navigate the complexities of the tech landscape and discover new opportunities. 

Whatever path your students choose, Savvas offers a variety of resources to aid in technology career development, including digital technology courses in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and more.

Check out our College Readiness and Career Readiness blog to learn more about the best strategies to prepare your students for high school, college, and beyond.