Information technology is not computer science, and the distinction matters for your career. Computer science is the theory — algorithms, data structures, computational logic. IT is the application — building, managing, securing, and optimizing the systems that organizations depend on daily. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth for computer and information technology occupations through 2033, adding over 680,000 new positions. Median annual pay across the field is $100,530.
If you are comparing IT against related fields, our guides on computer science careers and cybersecurity careers cover those tracks in detail. This guide focuses specifically on what an information technology degree prepares you for and what graduates actually earn.
Career Paths for IT Graduates
Systems Administrator
Systems administrators manage an organization's IT infrastructure — servers, networks, operating systems, and cloud platforms. Median annual pay is $96,710, per the BLS. Entry-level roles typically require a bachelor's degree in IT plus one to three years of experience or certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Azure Administrator. Growth is steady at 2% annually, but demand spikes significantly in healthcare, finance, and government sectors where systems uptime is critical.
Network Administrator / Network Engineer
Network professionals design, implement, and maintain the communication systems that keep organizations connected. Median pay is $95,360 for network administrators, climbing to $120,000+ for senior network engineers. The Cisco CCNA certification is the industry standard entry credential. This role is one of the most recession-resistant in IT because every organization needs reliable network infrastructure. Our AI career risk guide rates network engineering as having low automation exposure due to the hands-on troubleshooting required.
Database Administrator
Database administrators (DBAs) ensure that organizations can store, organize, and retrieve their data efficiently and securely. The BLS reports median pay of $101,510 with 8% projected growth through 2033. DBAs who specialize in cloud databases (AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL) command premium salaries of $115,000 to $140,000, per Robert Half's 2025 Salary Guide.
IT Project Manager
IT project managers coordinate technology implementations across teams and departments. Median pay is $99,440, per the Project Management Institute, with experienced PMs in tech companies earning $130,000 to $170,000. A PMP certification combined with an IT degree is a powerful credential combination. This is an ideal career track for IT graduates who enjoy leadership and communication as much as technical problem-solving — a profile that aligns well with entrepreneurial majors.
Cloud Engineer / Cloud Architect
Cloud computing is the fastest-growing segment of IT. The BLS does not yet separate cloud roles from general IT, but Glassdoor reports median base pay of $118,000 for cloud engineers and $142,000 for cloud architects. AWS Solutions Architect and Google Cloud Professional certifications are the most valued credentials. Every major industry is migrating to cloud infrastructure, making this one of the best careers to start in 2026.
IT Security Analyst
IT security analysts protect systems and networks from cyber threats. Median pay is $120,360, per BLS, with 33% projected job growth — the fastest of any IT specialty. The CompTIA Security+ and CISSP certifications are standard requirements. For a deeper exploration of this career, see our cybersecurity degree guide.
Help Desk / IT Support Specialist (Entry Level)
Most IT careers start at the help desk. Median pay is $59,660, but this role is the launching pad — not the ceiling. IT support specialists who earn certifications and build skills typically advance to systems admin, network, or security roles within two to four years. The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-standard entry credential and can be earned during or immediately after your degree.
IT Degree vs. Computer Science Degree
The most common question from prospective students is whether to pursue IT or computer science. The answer depends on your career goals. Computer science programs emphasize programming, algorithms, and software development. IT programs emphasize systems administration, networking, database management, and infrastructure. CS graduates typically become software engineers. IT graduates typically become systems administrators, network engineers, and IT managers.
Salary-wise, the BLS reports comparable median pay — $100,530 for IT occupations broadly, $136,620 for software developers specifically. But the career trajectory differs. IT professionals often move into management earlier, since IT management roles value breadth of systems knowledge. CS graduates who stay technical often earn more at the individual contributor level, especially at major tech companies. Our salary by major guide breaks down the earning differences in detail.
Certifications That Boost an IT Degree
An IT degree opens the door. Certifications open specific rooms. The most valuable certifications for IT graduates, ranked by salary impact, are AWS Solutions Architect ($142,000 average certified salary per Global Knowledge), CISSP ($153,000), PMP ($135,000), Google Cloud Professional ($137,000), and CompTIA Security+ ($95,000). Most of these can be earned within six months of dedicated study and dramatically accelerate career progression.
Is an IT Degree Worth It?
By the numbers, yes. Georgetown's Center on Education and the Workforce reports that IT bachelor's degree holders earn a median of $72,000 at career entry, rising to $105,000 at mid-career. Unemployment for IT professionals is 2.1%, per BLS — well below the national average. The 2026 degree tier list consistently ranks IT among the highest-value credentials for career return on investment.
The field is also relatively AI-proof. While AI is automating some routine IT tasks, the demand for professionals who can implement, manage, and secure AI systems is growing faster than the tasks being displaced. IT graduates who combine their degree with cloud and security certifications are positioned for decades of career stability.
If technology is your direction but you have not narrowed which field, the MajorMatch assessment can help you distinguish between IT, computer science, cybersecurity, and data science based on your specific strengths and interests.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Computer and IT Occupations Outlook
- Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce — Economic Value of College Majors
- Robert Half — 2025 Technology Salary Guide
- Project Management Institute — Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey
- Global Knowledge — IT Skills and Salary Report 2025
- CompTIA — State of the IT Workforce 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can you get with an IT degree?
An IT degree leads to roles including systems administrator ($96,710 median), network engineer ($95,360-$120,000+), database administrator ($101,510), cloud engineer ($118,000), IT security analyst ($120,360), IT project manager ($99,440-$170,000), and help desk specialist ($59,660 entry level). Career paths span every industry.
Is an IT degree worth it in 2026?
Yes. IT graduates earn a median of $72,000 at entry level, rising to $105,000 mid-career. The field has 2.1% unemployment, 15% projected job growth, and 680,000 new positions expected through 2033. IT is consistently ranked among the highest-value college degrees for return on investment.
What is the difference between IT and computer science?
IT focuses on systems administration, networking, database management, and infrastructure. Computer science focuses on programming, algorithms, and software development. IT graduates typically become systems admins, network engineers, and IT managers. CS graduates typically become software developers and engineers.
What certifications should I get with an IT degree?
The most valuable certifications are AWS Solutions Architect ($142,000 avg salary), CISSP ($153,000), PMP ($135,000), Google Cloud Professional ($137,000), and CompTIA Security+ ($95,000). Most can be earned within six months and dramatically boost career progression and salary.
How much do IT professionals make?
Median annual pay across IT occupations is $100,530, per the BLS. Entry-level IT support starts around $59,660. Specialized roles like cloud architects ($142,000), security analysts ($120,360), and IT directors ($170,000+) earn significantly more. Certifications and specialization are the primary salary accelerators.
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