Technology is the smart career choice for a wide range of people these days. New jobs are being created every day, and organizations worldwide are investing in everything from emerging technologies to cybersecurity, data analytics and much more.
In fact, Robert Half – an HR and staffing company – recently released its list of 15 High-Paying, In-Demand IT Jobs in 2024. All 15 jobs show 50th percentile salaries well into six figures, based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide.
Of course, we must clarify that the data in this list is based on research for the latest Robert Half salary guide. But the information presented tracks with CompTIA data, too.
For example, the CompTIA Tech Jobs report, which updates monthly, shows that employment in a technical field continues to prove to be a great career path for IT professionals breaking into the industry. Data from the report shows that tech unemployment consistently tracks lower than overall unemployment in the United States, and new job postings for technology roles are robust across many industries.
According to Robert Half's research, many technology leaders (62%) are increasing salaries to attract in-demand professionals and keep their most valued team members from leaving.
The demand is there. Organizations are looking for qualified IT pros to bridge gaps and fill newly created positions – and they are willing to pay a pretty penny. But how do you get the skills you need to make that kind of money? That’s where IT certifications can help.
CompTIA categorizes technology jobs across six major families that contain the many different roles an organization might fill:
- Support
- Infrastructure
- Software
- Cybersecurity
- Data
- Enablement
IT support is widely considered a launching pad for a career in technology, and CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for getting started. The other families include entry-level, intermediate and advanced-level jobs. Following these career pathways could earn you a paycheck with lots of zeros. Let’s look at the training, skills and experience you need to land the most in-demand and high-paying technology jobs.
Support Jobs
Many people just getting their start in IT find themselves working at the help desk. The help desk requires you to know a lot about frequently asked questions and issues that end users experience. Of course, there is room for growth at the help desk. There are typically different tiers of support and a manager.
A help desk support manager, or IT support manager, appears on Robert Half’s list of high-paying and in-demand jobs. This job is within reach for anyone with just a few years of experience at the help desk. To win a role as a help desk support manager, you must have working knowledge of the software and hardware systems in place at an organization and be able to implement or optimize the troubleshooting processes that lead to the successful resolution of IT issues.
You must also be willing and able to manage and train a help desk team – many of which may be entry-level employees.
|
Robert Half Ranking |
Tech Job |
Certification(s) |
Experience and/or Skills Required |
Salary* |
| #9 |
Help desk support manager |
Proficiency in relevant IT systems, hardware and software, understanding of help desk software and ticketing systems, and strong communication skills. | $102,500 |
*Salary based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, 50th percentile data defined as: Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
Infrastructure Jobs
We hear a lot about innovative software and app development, the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, and the sheer potential data and analytics have to offer. But none of these technologies would be possible without secure and stable infrastructure.
Security, mobility, agility and resiliency depend on a solid network architecture, and companies need qualified IT pros to support and manage it. Additionally, the accelerated need for digital transformation and remote work will continue to push demand for workers in the future.
The following IT infrastructure job roles appear on Robert Half’s list of high-paying and in-demand jobs. While it is helpful to have a degree in computer science or a related field, it’s not always a deal breaker. Earning IT certifications can help you validate the specific skills you need to land one of these jobs.
| Robert Half Ranking |
Tech Job |
Certification(s) |
Experience and/or Skills Required |
Salary* |
| #11 |
Network/cloud architect |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) | Extensive background in routing, switching, wireless, security and system architecture, and typically five or more years of experience working with leading network operating systems. | $165,750 |
| #12 |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) |
Strong background in interfacing, security, and server and network infrastructure. |
$127,750 |
*Salary based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, 50th percentile data defined as: Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
CompTIA certifications align with IT infrastructure career paths, with each added certification representing a deepening of your expertise. Explore the CompTIA Networking Career Pathway.
Software and Web Development Jobs
There’s already an app for everything, yet new ideas are born every day! If you know how to program and code, the job opportunities in this area are endless. Software developers must identify the core functionalities that users need, while web developers are responsible for the design and look of the site as well as performance and capacity. Both roles require customer-facing skills to determine client wants and needs.
The following software and web development job roles appear on Robert Half’s list of high-paying and in-demand jobs. While a degree in computer science or a related field is helpful, further developing specific skills via IT certifications can help you home in on your creative and technical passions.
|
Robert Half Ranking | Tech Job | Certification(s) | Experience and/or Skills Required | Salary* |
| #1 | Applications architect | Coding boot camps AWS Certified Solutions Architect CompTIA Project+ | Highly proficient in programming languages like SQL, Java, C and .NET, with extensive experience in aligning application development with business needs. | $163,250 |
| #3 | DevOps engineer | Coding boot camp | Experience with coding languages, software engineering and security systems, cloud platforms and strong analytical, problem-solving and collaboration skills. | $140,250 |
| #14 | Senior web developer | Coding boot camps Programming language certificates | Experience in all phases of the web application development life cycle, as well as an excellent understanding of customer needs and business strategy. | $137,750 |
| #15 | Coding boot camps Programming language certificates | Experience working with the .NET Framework and programming languages like C#, C++ or Java. | $129,250 |
*Salary based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, 50th percentile data defined as: Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
See how CompTIA certifications pair with software and web development designations to help you land the job of your dreams. Explore the CompTIA Software and Web Development Career Pathway.
Cybersecurity Jobs
There’s always something new to learn in technology – and staying at least one step ahead of cyber criminals is the goal. If you have a technical background and an interest in cybersecurity, do your homework and inventory what skills you need to specialize in.
If you don’t have a technical background, start by establishing that core foundation of knowledge, getting some experience and then upskilling. Think of every position you have as steppingstones to something bigger and better.
The following cybersecurity job roles appear on Robert Half’s list of the highest-paying and in-demand jobs. While it is helpful to have a degree in computer science or a related field, there are multiple pathways to becoming a cybersecurity professional, and earning IT certifications can accelerate learning.
|
Robert Half Ranking | Tech Job | Certification(s) | Experience and/or Skills Required | Salary* |
| #4 | Systems security manager | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Technical background in systems and network security, interpersonal and leadership abilities, and analytical and problem-solving skills. | $167,750 |
| #6 | Data security analyst | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Understanding of computer and network security, with at least three years of practical data security experience. | $147,500 |
| #13 | Network security engineer | At least five years of experience installing, monitoring and maintaining network security solutions. | $140,000 |
*Salary based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, 50th percentile data defined as: Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
CompTIA certifications align with cybersecurity career paths, with each added certification representing a deepening of your expertise. Explore the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway.
Data and Analytics Jobs
Organizations have been collecting all sorts of data for years, but they’ve only been scratching the surface when it comes to utilizing it. The data and analytics job market is booming because companies are seeking qualified people to fill these roles. This demand is one reason CompTIA released CompTIA Data+, an early-career data analytics certification for those tasked with promoting data-driven business decision-making, and CompTIA DataSys+, a foundational level data management certification that focuses on the logistics of data administration and security.
The following data analytics job roles appear on Robert Half’s list of high-paying and in-demand jobs. While considered a technology position, many of these jobs don’t require the technical skills you’d expect but instead require a knack for visualization, communication, and big-picture thinking.
|
Robert Half Ranking | Tech Job | Certification(s) | Experience and/or Skills Required | Salary* |
| #2 | Big data engineer | Google Professional Data Engineer | Typically, four to six years of professional experience in statistics and software engineering with knowledge of coding, enterprise architecture and data science. | $149,500 |
| #5 | Strong background in statistics and mathematics with five to 10 years of experience in computer science or information systems. | $144,250 | ||
| #7 | Database developer | CompTIA DataSys+ | Skilled at writing SQL code, designing new systems and understanding front-end user requirements. | $130,500 |
*Salary based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, 50th percentile data defined as: Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
CompTIA Data+ and CompTIA DataSys+ align with data and analytics job roles. Explore the CompTIA Data Analytics Career Pathway.
Enablement Jobs
The complex technology ecosystem is driving demand for a wide array of workers who ensure technology activities run smoothly, such as IT project managers, department leads and IT channel professionals. This means that jobs that may not have typically been thought of as “tech jobs” are now solidly in the mix. The following job roles appear on Robert Half’s list of high-paying and in-demand jobs.
|
Robert Half Ranking | Tech Job | Certification(s) | Experience and/or Skills Required | Salary* |
| #8 | ERP integration manager | Three or more years of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation experience, exemplary project management skills and a thorough understanding of ERP solutions. | $153,250 | |
| #5 | Five to 10 years of experience in IT management, developing and leading the IT strategies and solutions that align with the business needs of the organization. | $161,250 |
*Salary based on the Robert Half 2024 Salary Guide, 50th percentile data defined as: Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role.
What Are You Waiting For?
There is a place for everyone in the technology industry. If you have the desire to learn and the dedication to succeed, there is a pathway that’s right for you. The trick is finding that pathway and sticking to your plan. Start your journey to a stable, lucrative and rewarding career today.
Ready to get started? Take our quiz to see which CompTIA certification is right for you.
