IT Executives Enjoy the Top of the Ladder

Amelia Gray

The IT department is the backbone of the corporate world, and rising through the ranks to the level of chief information officer is lucrative. Top IT professionals can earn six figure incomes while they develop the technological landscape and future of corporations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technology jobs make up a third of the top nine fastest-growing jobs through 2014. In order to thrive in the current market, businesses turn to programmers, designers, managers, and help-desk supervisors to keep technology running smoothly.

From virus scanning to single-machine upgrades to minor troubleshooting, IT professionals just starting out do it all. It might not be unusual to see a tech trained in computer science or information systems moving computers and heavy equipment from one side of the building to the other.

Jobs at the Top

With the right training, experienced techs can rise up the ranks. Check out these top-level jobs available for IT professionals.

Information Technology Manager

These top techs manage large IT departments with an eye for detail. IT managers go beyond normal managerial duties, as they must also need knowledge of a variety of software programs and hardware. It's important to know how to manage people, and communication skills are essential for this position.

• Training: Typically, a bachelor's degree in IT management or related fields and at least five years' experience is required.
• Salary: IT Managers in New York make an estimated $121,618 a year.

Top Division Information Technology Executive

These professionals sit at the top of the ladder, serving as executive managers of the personnel and equipment of large corporations. Top division IT executives typically manage an extensive team of managers and report to top management. Creativity and strong organizational knowledge are highly preferred.

• Training: Typically, a bachelor's degree in IT management or related fields and at least ten years' experience is required.
• Salary: Top Division IT Executives make an estimated $182,755 a year.

The view from the top is great, and there are additional opportunities now to help you climb the ladder. Network systems and data communications analyst jobs are expected to grow by 55% through 2014. Careers in both network and computer systems administration as well as database administration are expected to grow by 38%. That means a more secure career for the trained IT professional.

The Benefit of Education

IT executives need to have a unique combination of skills in order to confidently run their team. The career calls for a cutting-edge knowledge of technology in order to properly assess necessary upgrades versus costly programs or equipment that won't be used. Managers and executives also do well with managerial training and employee communication skills.

Technology wizards with interpersonal skills are a valuable commodity in the corporate world. For this reason, bachelor's degrees in computer science, computer information systems, or management are typically required or preferred for management positions.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics—Salary.com

About the Author: Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor??s Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.