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The Six Hottest Tech Careers of 2012


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technical worker at a keyboard

Credit: eWeek

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tech sector will create more than one million new IT positions by 2020. While overall demand remains high across nearly every functional area, there are some job titles that are doing better than others. Software developers top this year's list of the best technology jobs, followed by database administrators and computer systems analysts. As a result of this increased demand for IT professionals, compensation is also trending higher for 2012.

Software developers, who write code and design or customize computer applications, top this year's list of best technology jobs. The U.S. Labor Department reports that software developers earned a median salary of $87,790 in 2010. The second most popular jobs are database administrators, an occupation that is on track to experience 30.6% employment growth over the next decade. Web developers, who spend much of their days designing and maintaining websites, can expect a 21.7% employment increase over the next decade. Computer Systems Analysts, professionals responsible for configuring hardware and software as well as designing and developing computer systems, can see employment growth as high as 22.1% by 2020.

Whether it is a bachelor's or master's degree, some form of post-secondary education in computer science is needed for breaking into these high-growth fields. Some of the most commonly earned bachelor's degrees include management information and information technology. Building an online presence such as a personal website is another crucial step to applying for these IT jobs. By maintaining an online portfolio of websites or apps, applicants can differentiate themselves from their competitors and gain an edge in the application process. They can also showcase their digital skills by earning a certification or by cultivating top customer-service skills.

From U.S. News & World Report
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