There are many paths to a rewarding career in IT, but the three career paths that rank highest are information security analyst, software engineer and computer systems analyst, according to the recently released Best Jobs in IT of 2017 list by CareerCast.

IT jobs routinely rank near the very top of its annual Jobs Rated report, and this list whittles jobs in the IT field even more:

Profession Annual Median Salary Growth Outlook

1. Information Security Analyst $92,600                            18%

2. Software Engineer         $102,280                            17%

3. Computer Systems Analyst         $87,220                            21%

4. Network Computer Systems Administrator $79,700                      8%

5. Web Developer                 $66,130                           27% 

6. Technical Writer                 $69,850                           10

Rankings were based on that report while salary and growth outlook information were compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) with growth outlook through 2024.

One of the top IT jobs on the list, web developer, has a growth outlook estimated at 27 percent by 2024. Much of this growth outlook is fueled by the growing demand for mobile-friendly site design and usability.

In late 2016 StatCounter released findings that 51.3 percent of all internet users in October 2016 used mobile devices, marking the first time ever that mobile usage outpaced desktop. As tablets and smartphones become more prevalent, that trend will continue.

With the demand for software designed to meet the needs of changing user practices and the burgeoning growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in all facets of our lives, there’s a growing need for software engineers.

Information security analyst is a relatively new field tracked in the Jobs Rated report, but one of great importance. As more day-to-day activity is conducted online, the threat of illegal activity has become one of today’s hot-button issues.

The work of information security analysts is of 24-7 importance. To meet the exponential growth demand, there are a variety of burgeoning methods of getting started down the career path. More universities are offering degree programs specifically tailored for information security, and the military has new training programs designed specifically for information security work.

In the same vein, one need not work in coding to find a great job in the industry. To translate the complexities of IT into more accessible terms, the skills of writers are in-demand, evident in the 10 percent growth forecast for technical writers.

– CareerCast

About the Author: CareerCast is a job search portal with local, niche and national job listings from across North America.