10 Fastest-Growing IT and Computer Science Jobs 2024

Written by Matt Cates
Published on March 5, 2023 · Updated on April 8, 2023

10 Fastest-Growing IT and Computer Science Jobs 2024

Written by Matt Cates
Published on March 5, 2023 · Updated on April 8, 2023

Ultimate List of The Fastest Growing IT and Computer Science Careers

The job market for students with computer science degrees saw a huge spike from 2000 to 2010, causing graduates to rush into the lucrative field. However, that rush soon caused a flood of too many workers, leading to a drop-off in students enrolling in CS programs. As you can guess, that led to a shortage of qualified workers as the rollercoaster continued up and down.

Today things have finally leveled off nicely. The job outlook for computer science careers is broad and promising, and grads are entering the workforce at a more even rate. This could be the best time in the past two decades for students to hop into an exciting CS program, paving the way to a rewarding, good-paying career!

Today things have finally leveled off nicely. The job outlook for computer science careers is broad and promising, and grads are entering the workforce at a more even rate. This could be the best time in the past two decades for students to hop into an exciting CS program, paving the way to a rewarding, good-paying career!

The 10 Fastest-Growing Computer Science Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, computer and information technology jobs are projected to grow 13% through 2030. That’s considerably higher than the average for all other types of employment. In fact, BLS expects over half a million new computer and IT-related openings by the end of this decade.

Although projections are not foolproof guarantees of work, these numbers offer a very exciting outlook. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 career paths for students and career-changers who are ready to enter the fast-paced world of computer science! 

1. Computer and Information Research Scientists

Filling roles across a broad spectrum of business and organizational sectors, computer and information research scientists dive deep into the various computing problems their employers face. These vital team members must then find or develop innovative solutions using current and emerging technology. This is a fantastic career option for students who want to work behind the scenes on the cutting edge of the CS field, but it may not be suitable for people who love being in the center of the action. 

This field is expected to grow 22% through 2030. The median annual salary is $126,830, with the lowest 10% of earners still making ~$72,210 or less and the top 10% raking in over $194,430.

The most common sectors of employment for this career are:

  • Federal government
  • Computer systems design 
  • Research and development
  • Software publishers
  • Colleges and universities
Most computer and information research scientists hold at least a master’s in computer science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems. Additional specialized training may be required for certain positions.
Their work can involve studying the IT needs and requirements of users, running experiments, creating new languages, and designing or improving systems to incorporate data science and machine learning. They may work in various specialties, such as programming or robotics. As research scientists, they’re also responsible for publishing and presenting their results. 

2. Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects create data communication networks serving users within an organization. Network types may include local or wide area networks as well as Intranets. This is a strong choice for workers with these traits and skills:

  • Analytical
  • Detail-oriented
  • Leadership skills
  • Organized

BLS predicts a 5% job growth for this field through 2030, which is near the national average. The median annual salary is $116,780, with the lowest 10% of earners making under $67,190 and the top 10% bringing home over $175,570. 

Common sectors of employment for this career are:

  • Company management 
  • Computer systems design 
  • Educational institutions
  • Insurance carriers 
  • Telecommunications
Most Computer Network Architects hold a bachelor’s or higher in computer science, engineering, or information systems. They may also be required to complete specific certifications, depending on employer requirements. 
Architects need to understand their employer’s business plan to build, maintain, and upgrade the correct network configuration. They must also review information security requirements and integrate new technologies, such as cloud infrastructure, as needed.

3. Computer Programmers

Computer Programmers write the code that apps and software programs run on. They work closely with developers and engineers to review the necessary functionality needed for the final project. However, programmers often work alone and sometimes even remotely. 

For some types of workers, this is a great benefit, but others might prefer to actively work within the dynamics of a group. 

Unlike the previous computer science careers, computer programmer jobs are expected to decline 10% through 2029. However, BLS notes that workers with degrees and knowledge of the latest programming tools have the best prospects. The median annual salary is $89,190, with the lowest 10% of earners making under $51,440 and the top 10% earning over $146,050. 

You can find programmers working in sectors such as:

  • Computer systems design 
  • Finance and insurance
  • Manufacturing
  • Software publishers
  • Self-employment
Many computer programmers finish their Bachelor’s in Computer and Information Systems, Computer Science, or even Math. They may be required to complete continuing education classes or vendor-specific certifications, depending on employer requirements. Other programmers have launched into the programming field through non-traditional methods, like coding boot camps. There are many ways to become a programmer.
Programmers use models and flowcharts to map out how their program is going to operate. They’re also responsible for screening code for mistakes and testing programs for bugs to ensure proper functioning before a product hits the market. 

4. Computer Support Specialists

Computer Support Specialists help users with direct tech support for any problematic issues. This is done in-person, over chat, email or phone, or remotely by using software to log into the affected users’ system. Workers in this field may enjoy helping others, but it does require strong customer service skills — plus a lot of patience and tact sometimes. 

Computer Support Specialist jobs are predicted to grow 9% through 2030. The median annual salary is $65,450, with the lowest 10% earning under $40,620 while the top 10% can fetch over $110,450.  

Computer Support Specialists are used in a wide range of settings, including:

  • Companies and enterprises
  • Data processing and hosting
  • Educational institutions
  • Finance and insurance
  • Governmental agencies
  • Software publishers
  • Telecommunications
Computer support specialists can often get started without a bachelor’s as long as they have sufficient computer-related skills or courses under their belt. However, many employers prefer to hire workers with an associate or bachelor’s degree. There could be vendor-specific training needed, as well. 

Computer support specialists have many responsibilities, including the following:

  • Provide direct IT support
  • Perform maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting on networks
  • Ensure important files are regularly backed up 
  • Other IT tasks to assist network and computer systems administrators

5. Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts review and improve their employers’ computer systems and processes. Also known as systems architects, they work between business and IT and collaborate closely with an organization’s leadership.

This can be a busy and demanding job, requiring strong project management skills to move up, plus the ability to communicate successfully between leadership and IT teams.

Employment opportunities for Computer Systems Analysts are anticipated to rise 7% through 2030. The median annual salary is $93,730, with a range of under $56,510 for the lowest 10% of earners up to more than $152,060 for the top 10%. 

Typical sectors of employment include:

  • Companies and enterprises
  • Computer systems design 
  • Finance and insurance
  • Governmental agencies
  • Information services
A degree isn’t always necessary for a computer systems analyst, but most do complete a Bachelor’s in Computer and Information Technology. Some major in a non-IT field, such as math or liberal arts, but they take enough relevant classes to qualify for the position they want. Advanced positions require graduate-level degrees, such as a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on information systems. 

Computer systems analysts have many duties:

  • Staying on top of new technologies
  • Estimating costs for upgrades
  • Overseeing projects
  • Partnering with related IT staff to plan and achieve overall objectives

6. Database Administrators

Database Administrators (DBAs) work with complex software programs to save and organize organizational data, including information about customers and financial transactions. DBA roles vary greatly because job requirements depend on the sector, such as health, education, or business. Thus there may be a need for continual learning for those who move from one sector to another during the span of their career. 

Jobs in this career should grow by 8% through 2030, according to BLS. The median annual salary is $98,860, with the lowest 10% bringing in less than $54,070 and the top earners getting in excess of $155,660. 

The most common sectors of employment for database administrators are:

  • Computer systems designers
  • Educational institutions
  • Private companies 
  • Insurance carriers 
  • Data processing and hosting services
Database Administrators generally complete a bachelor’s in a field related to computers or information systems. In certain cases, they need a graduate degree, with specific education and training in data or database management. Vendor-specific certification is often needed, as well.

DBA encompass a wide scope of responsibilities, and here are a few:

  • Ensuring information security
  • Preventing data loss
  • Enabling proper and timely user access
  • Merge previous databases with new ones while making sure appropriate permission levels are maintained 

7. Information Security Analysts

Jobs for Information Security Analysts are expected to grow an incredible 33% through 2030, in part due to the ever-growing threat of hackers. The median annual salary is $103,590, but pay ranges from the lowest 10% making $60,060 to the highest 10% reaching over $163,300.

Common employment sectors are:

  • Computer systems designers
  • Finance and insurance
  • Private companies 
  • Information, administrative, and support services
Information Security Analysts typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field of study such as computer science, programming, or information assurance. Employers may prefer or require certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Information security analysts have a lot of responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:

  • Scan for signs of breaches
  • Conduct investigations
  • Examine findings
  • Enact solutions to prevent future exploitation of vulnerabilities
  • Run penetration testing (i.e. simulated attacks
  • Educate users on best practices and oversee recovery in the aftermath of a serious breach

8. Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Network and Computer Systems Administrators maintain organizational networks and fulfill several other routine duties. They may deal with users and other IT staff, help Network Architects, and liaison with management to procure updates. It’s a busy and critical job requiring plenty of multitasking and problem-solving skills! 

Network and Computer Systems Administrator jobs will experience 5% growth through 2030. As part of the broader IT sector, that outlook is subject to impact by ever-changing technologies and the ways organizations choose to adopt them. The median annual salary is $84,810, with the lowest 10% earning under $52,830 while the top 10% can make $134,970 and up.

Employment sectors for this career include:

  • Computer systems designers
  • Educational institutions
  • Finance and insurance
  • Private companies 
  • Information services
Network and Computer Systems Administrators can find work with only an associate degree or certification, but a Bachelor’s in Computer or Information Science will open more doors. Vendor-specific certifications are a fairly common requirement. Advanced degrees can also pave the way for promotions to management positions and jobs like computer network architect.
Network and computer systems administrators have full schedules, ensuring all network hardware and software are operating safely and smoothly. They recommend and help implement updates or oversee repairs and perform routine duties such as adding personnel to the network and training them on procedures. They may also be tasked with managing servers, mobile devices, or telecom equipment. 

9. Software Developers

Software Developers analyze client requirements to create programs capable of performing specific tasks on designated systems. These programs may be used in-house only or released for sale or as free to the public. Developers collaborate closely with peers and team members to ensure the final product works as expected. They may experience pressure, especially if there’s a tight deadline or a hard problem to solve, but overall job satisfaction is high. U.S. News & World Report ranked Software Developer as the #1 Best Technology Job!

This field is expected to grow 22% through 2030. The median annual salary is $110,140 but ranges from $65,210 for the lowest 10% of earners to more than $170,100 for that upper echelon in the top 10%.

Some of the most common sectors to find software developers are:

  • Computer systems design  
  • Manufacturing
  • Software publishers
  • Private companies 
  • Insurance carriers 
Software Developers require a bachelor’s in a field related to computer science or information technology, engineering, or math. Programming language courses are recommended, and internships are a popular way to gain experience.
Software developers not only help to create and maintain programs, but they’re responsible for testing them through a rigorous quality assurance process. They also thoroughly document all work so they and others will have meticulous references for future work, including upgrades. This career field is often broken into sub-categories: application software development, software engineering, and systems software development. 

10. Web Developers and Digital Designers

Digital Designers are creatives who develop the layout and navigation for a website so that it is attractive, functional, and user-friendly. Web Developers, aka Front End Developers, are programmers who use these designs as maps to build and manage websites. While there may be an overlap of duties, each role does have different skill requirements. 

When working together, designers and developers can have a lot of fun but may need to learn when to defer to each others’ judgment. 

This field is expected to grow 13% through 2030, which is twice as fast as the average for all careers. The median annual salary is $77,200, with the lowest 10% earning about $40,750 or less and the top 10% earning over $146,430. Education and training may play a big role in that salary difference. 

Popular employment sectors for web developers and digital designers include:

  • Advertising and public relations
  • Computer systems design 
  • Private companies
  • Publishing 
  • Scientific and technical consulting 
  • Self-employment

Web developers and digital designers can find entry-level work without a bachelor’s degree, but as mentioned, a degree can make a difference in income potential. 

For developers, a bachelor’s in fields like programming or computer science can also give job-seekers an edge, helping them potentially find jobs faster. For designers, a creative degree related to web, digital design, or graphic arts may be very useful. 

Web developers and digital designers have generally different duties, but there are a few in common:

  • Code using common programming languages
  • Meet with clients or management to discuss projects and scope
  • Collaborate with other team members to determine how to integrate the capabilities, graphics, and audio a program needs
  • Build prototypes
  • Test applications to ensure functionality

FAQ

  • What are the fastest-growing computer jobs?
    • Some of the fastest-growing computer jobs in the industry are:
      – Computer and information research scientist
      – Software developer
      – Information security analyst
      – Database administrator
      – Mobile application developer
      – Software engineer
      – Computer systems analyst
      – Video game designer
  • What are the fastest-growing jobs in technology?
    • These are some of the fastest-growing jobs in technology right now:
      – Computer and information research scientist
      – Software developer
      – Information security analyst
      – Database administrator
      – Data engineering
  • Which IT jobs pay the most?
    • Big data engineering is in very high demand these days, and big data engineers are being paid the highest salary of all high-paying IT jobs as of 2021.
  • Which fields of computer science are in high demand?
    • Here are some of the fields currently in high demand:
      – Artificial intelligence and machine learning
      – Data science
      – Virtual reality
      – Back end development
      – Front end development
      – UX/UI design
  • Which IT field is best for the future?
    • As the tech industry shifts its focus to the field of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is the best field to focus on for the future.
  • Which IT degree makes the most money?
    • A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is the hottest degree for grads looking to enter high-paying IT careers.
  • What is the easiest computer science job?
    • While none of them are easy, developers, web designers, software testers, technical support, and technical sales may be some of the easier computer science jobs out there.
  • How do I get my first computer science job?
    • The best way to get hired is to be qualified through sufficient education and training, and then be able to demonstrate your qualifications to employers via a solid resume and strong interview. Many employers will also give candidates a coding or programming test in addition to the interview, so make sure your skills are up to date.