11 Hottest Tech Jobs of 2014
Tech jobs are hot, hot, hot.
Whether you desire to design programs, build computer systems, or prevent cyberattacks, there's a hot job in tech for you. With plenty of job openings and high salaries, technology positions make attractive careers. In fact, our No. 1 Best Job this year (software developer) is in this field. Here are the Best Technology Jobs of 2014.
1. Software Developer
Median Salary: $90,060
Unemployment Rate: 2.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 139,900
Software developers make it possible to for you to entertain yourself and manage productivity, whether your tastes run from "Angry Birds" to Evernote. These out-of-the-box thinkers design, test, maintain and improve applications and operating-system software.
Read more about software developers.
2. Computer Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $79,680
Unemployment Rate: 3.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 127,700
More than a quarter of these analysts work for computer systems design firms, but new positions should open in science, health care, banking and finance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 24.5 percent growth for computer systems analysts by 2022.
Read more about computer systems analysts.
3. Web Developer
Median Salary: $62,500
Unemployment Rate: 4.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,500
These developers are responsible for the design, navigation and functions of your favorite websites. To get started in this career, you should have coding skills and be familiar with current trends in design.
Read more about Web developers.
4. Information Security Analyst
Median Salary: $86,170
Unemployment Rate: 0.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 27,400
These analysts are tasked with staying ahead of cyberattacks and keeping company data and systems secure. They focus on risk assessment, vulnerability assessment and defense planning to prevent company or government data from being breached.
Read more about information security analysts.
5. Database Administrator
Median Salary: $77,080
Unemployment Rate: 3.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 17,900
Database administrators learn analysis and design skills on the job and build business databases to specifications. These professionals traditionally work more than 40 hours a week setting up databases to fit their employer's needs.
Read more about database administrators.
6. Civil Engineer
Median Salary: $79,340
Unemployment Rate: 3.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 53,700
Responsible for infrastructure such as highways, tunnels, rail systems, airports, water supply and sewage systems, civil engineers may work for state or local governments as well as in the private sector. Some also pursue careers in design, construction and teaching.
Read more about civil engineers.
7. Mechanical Engineer
Median Salary: $80,580
Unemployment Rate: 3.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 11,600
Mechanical engineers use research, design, building and testing skills to produce safe and quality machine-driven products. After a bachelor's degree, some employers may require a master's, and all states require engineers to receive a license.
Read more about mechanical engineers.
8. IT Manager
Median Salary: $120,950
Unemployment Rate: 3.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 50,900
IT managers guide companies to match modern technology to their business structure, needs and goals. While superior computer and technical skills are expected, management skills are equally important.
Read more about IT managers.
9. Computer Programmer
Median Salary: $74,280
Unemployment Rate: 4.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 28,400
Computer programmers are the linguists of technology. With knowledge of C++ and Java, they create software to run our computers. Programmers must work collaboratively in teams to complete projects.
Read more about computer programmers.
10. Computer Systems Administrator
Median Salary: $72,560
Unemployment Rate: 3.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 42,900
This job will grow as companies invest in new technology infrastructure. Computer systems administrators create systems to manage the workflow of companies, identify and fix network issues, and maintain equipment and software.
Read more about computer systems administrators.
11. Computer Support Specialist
Median Salary: $59,090
Unemployment Rate: 6.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 123,000
These troubleshooters identify computer issues and address them quickly and efficiently. Computer support specialists need more than technical skills -- they must also have superior communication skills.
Read more about computer support specialists.
