Last updated on September 24, 2019
Hello! This week, we’re talking a little more about U.S. News and World Report’s 100 Best Jobs of 2018 — this time, as it relates to IT jobs in Texas and the degrees and certificates DCCCD offers to help get you started.
Fair warning: some of these jobs might require a bachelor’s (or maybe even a master’s) degree, and some won’t; the requirements can vary widely by position and even by individual employer. That said, we think you’ll find that we have programs well suited toward getting you started in every single one of them, and all of them offer salaries comfortably above the living wage for many families in Dallas.
Now let’s get started…
1. Software Developer
- Role: Software developers invent technologies that we sometimes take for granted — for instance, apps or other software, like digital calendar systems, accounting and tax software and more.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $104,910 for app software developers, $106,280 for systems software developers
- Expected Employment Growth: 24 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway: You can earn a programming certificate in as few as one or two semesters, or you can finish an associate degree in computer programming in two years. (Note: you’ll also find programs relevant to this career on our site listed under Internet Development Technologies and Multimedia Technology.)
32. Information Security Analyst
- Role: Information security analysts are the security guards of the technology world, working to protect the computer systems of the organizations for which they work.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $92,890
- Expected Employment Growth: 28 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway: a Cyber Security Associate in Applied Science degree or a Digital Forensic Analyst Advanced Technical Certificate (offered through our Cyber Security program), a Network Administrator and Support Associate in Applied Sciences degree, an IT Security Skills Achievement Award, or an Information Security Skills Achievement Award (offered through our Computer Information Technology program)
42. IT Manager
- Role: IT managers can usually be found working with the top executives of companies, planning software or hardware upgrades, and negotiating with vendors for the service of current products or the purchase of new ones.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $154,620
- Expected Employment Growth: 12 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway: start by earning certifications or an associate degree in an IT field
- You Should Also Consider: earning a bachelor’s degree or even an MBA
46. Computer Systems Analyst
- Role: Computer systems analysts know a little about both information technology and business.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $93,610
- Expected Employment Growth: 9 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway: start by earning certifications or an associate degree in an IT field
- You Should Also Consider: earning a bachelor’s degree
55. Computer Systems Administrator
- Role: Computer systems administrators help manage an organization’s workflow and lines of communication.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $84,570
- Expected Employment Growth: 6 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway: some employers will hire candidates with an associate degree in an IT field and related work experience
- You Should Also Consider: earning a bachelor’s degree
76. Web Developer
- Role: The page you’re reading this article on right now was created by a web developer.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $71,140
- Expected Employment Growth: 15 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway:Some employers may prefer you have a bachelor’s degree, but many will be more interested in your portfolio or certifications. Coursework or an associate degree in Computer Information Technology, Multimedia Technology or Internet Development Technologies can help you get started.
77. Computer Support Specialist
- Role: Computer support specialists primarily work with customers experiencing computer issues, often over the phone but also in a variety of settings, such as in person or via online chat.
- Annual Mean Wage in Texas: $52,140
- Expected Employment Growth: 11 percent from 2016 to 2026
- Educational Pathway: Personal Computer Support Associate in Applied Sciences degree
Not familiar with Dallas Community Colleges? Let us help you with that…
- Learn more about our technology and data systems programs.
- Read more about Dallas Community Colleges.
- Interested in taking classes with us? Apply for admission on our website.