The top careers of 2021: Three fast-track jobs in the tech world worth investing in
Our world today is primarily built off of technology, particularly here in the west. But we didn’t get here overnight.
Since the tech explosion of the 1980s, the advancements we’ve seen in the past 40 years have become exponentially greater year after year.
With all of this in mind, the basics of the tech world still remain true. That is, you have to have a basic structure to develop programs and innovative advancements to reach new plateaus. This combination is what has advanced our technology into the world we live in today.
The tech industry is also one of the fastest-growing in the world, with new demands calling for faster and smarter technologies.
Though this is largely a male-dominated work sector, recruitment efforts are being made to bring more women into the tech space, and for good reason, because you can earn a comfortable living, even at the entry-level positions of this vast industry.
In this article, we’ll explore three tech jobs that won’t take years of education in order to land them but also come with a nice salary as well.
1) Coding
At the very basic level, coding is also known as computer programming. This is the written instruction that tells a computer what actions to take and how to behave.
Coding is the fundamental framework for creating software, websites, apps, and a host of other computer-related processing mechanisms. But, how do you learn something that seems so complex?
One of the fastest and most effective ways to learn coding is to attend a coding bootcamp. These are fast-track pathways to learning the basics of coding, and these programs generally take anywhere between 10 and 36 weeks or around three to six months on average. And at a basic level, coders can earn around $50,000 per year on average. At a higher end with years of experience, a coder can make as much as $80,000 or more.
Investing in yourself through a coding bootcamp is, ultimately, securing yourself a bright and successful future, as we live in a digital world and it needs coders to keep the digital landscape afloat.
2) Computer technician
Computers are in just about every office and every home throughout the United States. And one thing that all computers have in common is that they often need repairs or upgrades.
A computer technician is skilled in advanced electronics and computer programming language. And though computer techs are often considered an entry-level position in the IT world, you can still make an above-average salary in this profession.
In fact, on average, computer technicians make around $59,000 per year, though this number will fluctuate based on specialty and geographic location.
The pathways to becoming a computer technician are relatively short as well, usually requiring a year-long certificate program or an associate’s degree from a technical school.
3) Tech support specialist
If you’re good with people and you have above-average knowledge of computer systems, you could be a shoo-in for a job as a tech support specialist.
If you’ve ever had a problem with your mobile device, your WiFi, Cable TV, or any other technological system, you’ve likely had to call a specialist to get help. This is essentially what a tech support specialist does.
Tech support specialists don’t only live on the other end of a phone call either. Some of these jobs require going to the source to assess and fix the problem. And you can make a handsome salary doing so, with a reported national average of $45,000 per year.
Though most employers prefer a 4-year degree for a job in tech support, there are several certificate programs available that take at least a year as well as associate degree programs that take up to 2 years.
The tech industry is rapidly advancing day after day, and careers within this space are becoming even more essential as our society advances alongside technology. Though the choices are vast, the earning potential within this space is forecast to continually grow into the foreseeable future.
Whether you’re on the cusp of a career change or getting your start in the workforce, the tech industry is one that will be around for years to come. From coders to tech support specialists, and everything in between, choosing a career in the tech industry will put you on the fast-track to success in today’s digital landscape.
Photo by Mimi Thian
