Are You Cut Out for a Career in Tech?
Whether starting your career or thinking about jumping into a new field, the tech industry can be quite appealing. Being at the forefront of innovation, thinking creatively, and earning high salaries all attract new applicants. So just how good can a career in tech be? Let’s break it down:
Tech Jobs Salary: As of 2021, the average salary for tech jobs is in the six-figures—$104,566 to be exact. While that number can be skewed by areas with higher costs of living, it is possible to find remote positions that pay well.
Cutting Edge Development: The tech industry is full of exciting opportunities to work on never-seen-before advances. Think of augmented and virtual reality and how those are changing the way people interact with the world around them.
Problem Solving: Tech companies exist to solve problems. Whether dealing with data entry applications, video editing software, or market research, your work would make peoples’ lives easier.
A Shot at the Top: Microsoft, Amazon, Google… the list goes on of tech companies that started out in garages and rose to the top of the industry. Their achievement of global success and cultural impact inspires entrepreneurs to develop their own ideas in hopes of changing as many lives. In fact, 1.35 million tech startups are created yearly across the globe to innovate ride-sharing, photo editing, remote work, communication with friends and family, gaming, and so much more.
While these features are certainly enticing, a career in tech isn’t for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the benefits—and challenges—of the tech industry so you can know how to make the most out of your career.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Working in the Tech Industry?
Pros
The talent shortage gives job seekers more power to negotiate favorable contracts.
Creative problem solving is often a necessity, which can be a welcome change from jobs filled with tedious tasks.
Cons
Benefits can be lacking. Tech jobs can sometimes prioritize in-office perks such as lounge areas over healthcare and dental.
Upward mobility lags without job transfer. If you want to see large increases in pay, it’s likely that you’ll have to switch jobs as employers are less inclined to give raises than they are to boost starting salaries. Having competing offers can give an advantage when negotiating raises, but you still have to go through the process of securing those offers.
Don’t let these cons discourage you from a career in tech, however. There are still companies that offer comprehensive benefits packages and opportunities for internal promotions. How do we know? Because that’s what we provide for our team members.
Do Entry Level Tech Jobs Pay Well?
Many tech jobs do pay well for entry-level positions. While some entry-level jobs don’t require any experience, many do, and you can fill out your resume with freelance work, school projects, and certifications. Here are some of the highest starting salaries, according to Monster:
Computer Systems Analyst: $85,276
Web Developer: $93,530
Technical Support Analyst: $43,418
Information Security Analyst: $91,675
Software Developer: $102,943
Salaries will vary depending on position, background, education, experience, and location, so be sure to compare postings to find the best fit for you.
Is Tech a Stable Career?
Yes—the majority of companies are wary of laying off tech workers because there is a shortage of talent. That gives employees an edge up when navigating job offers and negotiating raises at their current positions. Still, there are some tech careers that are less stable than the rest. For example, cryptocurrency companies are a lot more volatile than IT support.
What Are Some of the Least Stressful Tech Jobs?
Tech jobs are often associated with high-stress, but there are positions that aren’t known for raising your blood pressure, such as technical writing and database architecture. If you are looking for a job that won’t stress you out too much, here are a few things to watch for:
Independent projects
Loose deadlines
Flexible hours
How Long Should You Stay at a Job Before Leaving?
According to Indeed, you should typically stay at a job at least two years before leaving. The reasoning behind this is that employers want loyalty and a return on their investment. That doesn’t mean you always have to stick it out. One short-stint employment isn’t going to ruin your resume. However, if most of the jobs you’ve held have been for less than two years, potential employers may have some concerns about hiring you.
Can I Start an IT Career at 30?
You certainly can! The most important qualification to focus on when shifting into a new career is the specific skills required for the job you want. In the tech industry, you might have to learn several specific coding languages like Python or Javascript. It’s also possible to transfer related skills from non-tech jobs. For example, experience as a project manager in a marketing company would make it easier to land a managerial role in a tech company.
Is It Too Late To Break into Tech?
It’s never too late to break into a career in tech as long as you are willing to learn. If you’re new to the industry, you’ll likely need to go through a college program or self-guided learning to catch up to speed. To test out how you like working with technology, you can even take a few courses through online learning platforms like codecademy.
What Is the Best Career in Information Technology?
Joining the Moser Team!
If you’re wondering if you’re cut out to work in the tech industry, that means one of two things. You’re either laser-focused on building your skillset or your current job in the field is causing you more grief than you think it’s worth. If you’re in the first group, you’re the kind of person we like to welcome to our team at Moser Consulting. And, if you’re part of the second group, know that all tech companies don’t push their team members to the point of burnout. In fact, Moser was rated a Great Place to Work for 2022-2023. We’re proud that 97% of our employees love working here (compared to a 57% national average). And, we think that you’d be excited to work here, too!
If you’re passionate about a career in tech and making an impact on the world around you, consider applying to one of our current openings. We’d love to see what you can bring to the table!
