Name a career that doesn’t use some kind of tech—I’ll wait. Exactly. Tech is everywhere, influencing almost every part of life.
But is technology a good career path to get into this late in the game? Well, people flock to the tech industry for a reason. The jobs pay well and offer awesome perks. The industry is steadily growing and isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon. More tech equals more jobs, and honestly, who wouldn’t want in on that action?
Let’s explore where a career in tech could take you in 10 or 20 years, how much you could earn, and what it actually takes to score your first role in this booming workforce.
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Does the Tech Industry Have a Future?
If you’re thinking about tech careers, this question probably popped into your head. Spoiler: the answer is a big yes.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says tech careers are set to grow much faster than the average from 2022 to 2032. That means more opportunities, better trends, and an exciting future ahead.
Take generative AI, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, as an example. Since ChatGPT hit the headlines and became big news, companies all over the globe started adopting AI innovations that are reshaping entire industries—from investing and customer support to product development and market research. And it’s not stopping there!
There’s also spatial computing (mixing virtual content with the real world) and quantum computing, which does a lot with genome sequencing, weather forecasting, drug discovery, and even cybersecurity.
In short, tech careers aren’t just hot right now—they are the future. So, if you think it’s too late to get in the game, you’re wrong. Creating Coding Careers’ non-profit organization has helped many people without degrees or coding experience start great careers in tech without going into debt.

What Kind of Tech Career Fits You?
Let’s be honest. Tech is such a broad term! But that’s the cool part. It means you can bring all kinds of skills into the field and get creative. In fact, over 270,000 new jobs popped up in tech fields in 2023. And no, you don’t have to work only for software companies!
Here are some tech sectors you can explore:
Software Development and Engineering
If coding is your thing, this could be the perfect path. Software engineers design, build, and test apps, websites, and other digital solutions. You’ll work with various programming languages to create user-friendly apps. The best part is there are multiple ways to grow.
Jobs to consider:
- Applications Developer
- Game Developer
- Web Developer or Designer
- Information Technology (IT) Consultant
- ServiceNow Developer
Data Science
Computers, math, and problem-solving are at the heart of data analysis. According to Northeastern University, the demand for data science skills is expected to grow by 41.9% through 2031. Since companies are struggling to find skilled professionals, now is your time to step into this in-demand field.
Jobs to consider:
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Database Administrator
- Data Journalist
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity safeguards computer systems and data from cyber attacks or unauthorized access. With the rise in cyber threats, there’s never been a better time to bring your technical skills into this field.
In this job, you’ll defend computer networks, install firewalls, create security plans, and keep customer data safe. In case of a data breach, it’s the job of job cybersecurity professionals to find the problem and fix it fast.
Jobs to consider:
- Information Security Analyst
- Digital Forensic Examiner
- Security Systems Administrator
- IT Security Specialist
- Cryptography Engineer
Artificial Intelligence
Have you ever noticed how Meta knows what ads you’ll like or how Amazon recommends the perfect product? That’s machine learning in action! It’s basically algorithms, data, and tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch making smart predictions.
You can learn programming languages like R or Python and use tools like Tableau and Power BI to analyze data and interpret trends. Yes, you can do all that, from crunching numbers to designing and programming robots.
Jobs to consider:
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Natural Language Processing Engineer
- Big Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence (BI) Developer
Medical Technology
Although you might be used to seeing a doctor and talking to them in person, there’s a ton of software and technology playing a part in the process. Robotic assistance is used for surgery, while software is used for scheduling, medical records, and treatment, just to name a few. Medical technicians carry out vital procedures that help doctors make accurate diagnoses and find the best treatments.
Jobs to consider:
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Laboratory Technician
- Radiologic Technologist
- Medical Lab Technologist
- Medical Records Specialist

What Makes Technology A Good Career Path
Tech is a fantastic career choice for more than just the high salary opportunity.
1. Create the Next Big Thing
You can’t talk about technology without mentioning innovation and progress—and the other way around. Think about it—smartphones, electric cars, the internet, and even AI tools exist because of tech pros. By joining the field, you could be the genius behind the next groundbreaking invention. The future could have your name on it.
2. Work Where and How You Want
Office life? Remote work? A bit of both? In tech, flexibility is the name of the game. Many tech companies let you work remotely or on a hybrid schedule. With cloud-based tools, you can access work files from anywhere. Some roles even let you set your own hours as long as deadlines are met. Balance work and life your way!
3. Great Pay and Perks
The bottom line is tech jobs pay well. With the right skills and passion, you could land a job offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Expect perks like:
- Performance bonuses
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Stock options
- Career development programs
4. Climb the Career Ladder
Tech careers uniquely position you for plenty of growth opportunities. You can climb to higher roles by taking training courses, earning certifications, and tackling new challenges. Plus, career growth often comes with a bigger paycheck—and the chance to make an impact across industries.
Do Tech Jobs Really Pay Well?
Yes, tech jobs pay handsomely—but they do require skills. Although many think you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science to get a job, this is usually not the case. Many companies hire as long as you have the skills. With the rapid growth in the tech industry, companies are constantly creating new roles to keep up.
For example, in the US, on average, software engineering managers earn over $157,000 a year. AI engineers rake in more than $140,000. Front-end developers (the ones who design websites and apps) make an average of about $74,000 annually.
Tech Career Salaries
Take a quick look at the top 10 most in-demand tech jobs this 2025 as published by CIO, with average salaries for those with some experience and the right skills:
- Data Engineer – $154,000
- Senior Software Engineer – $147,500
- Software Developer – $130,750
- Network/Cloud Architect – $129,750
- Systems Engineer – $119,250
- Developer/Programmer Analyst – $120,500
- Senior Consultant – $116,000
- Systems Administrator – $96,250
- Desktop Support Analyst – $66,500
- Help Desk – $49,000
If you are feeling doubtful about whether you have what it takes to get a tech career, don’t feel discouraged just yet.
There are plenty of tech jobs that don’t require years of schooling to get started. In fact, many tech pros start out acquiring skills from a coding boot camp or a paid apprenticeship.
Which Tech Job is Highest in Demand?
Tech is buzzing with opportunity. Even during the tough times of COVID-19, tech jobs thrived since many could be done remotely. Over 200,000 tech jobs are open right now—and that number is climbing.

How to Break into Tech in Your 30s or Higher
No. 30 isn’t too old for a tech career. The Creating Coding Careers apprenticeship has helped people in their 40s and 50s break into the tech industry. With technology growing more every year, it’s not just for the 20-somethings anymore. The competition may be fierce, but with the right steps, you can secure your place in the field.
Step 1: Acquire Industry Skills and Learn to Code
You may be surprised to learn that the majority of tech jobs don’t require a computer science degree. Many people go the route of joining a coding boot camp, which can be helpful. However, boot camps can cost between $10,000-$20,000. Apprenticeship degree programs or free resources, like Creating Coding Careers, are the best way to learn to code without going into debt.
Step 2: Upskill and Reskill
Technology is constantly changing. Having a successful career in tech means you have to continue learning year after year to keep up. You can sign up for online courses, get new certifications, learn new programming languages, and more. Whether it’s coding, new projects, or other tech skills, there’s always a way to improve your knowledge.
Step 3: Build Your Network
Networking is key when switching careers. Connect with people already in the field—developers, data analysts, and IT experts. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about your interest in tech.
Step 4: Create a Portfolio
Show off your skills! Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source work, or take on freelance gigs. A solid portfolio with your best projects on GitHub will demonstrate your abilities and give you an edge.
Step 5: Hack Your Job Search and Don’t Give Up
Getting that first job in tech can feel like an uphill battle, but don’t take your foot off the gas. Books like Hacking the Job Search: Landing Your First Role in Tech can help you navigate the tricky terrain of breaking into tech as a newcomer. In this quick read, author and software engineer Mike Roberts shares his insider tips that have helped countless beginners launch their careers as developers.
Things To Think About If You Want a Tech Career
Like any career, tech has its challenges. It’s good to think about them ahead of time to prepare yourself.
- Be ready for pressure. Working in tech can mean high-pressure projects, tight deadlines, and intense expectations. The drive to meet customers’ needs and drive innovation can make it stressful at times.
- Work-life balance? Maybe not always. Tech jobs can vary in their pace. Some companies have a chill atmosphere with a great work-life balance. However, some companies require long hours, and sometimes, the work can spill over into evenings or weekends. Remote work sounds great, but don’t forget, you’ll still need a little social interaction now and then.
- Competition is fierce. Tech is full of competition—whether it’s landing a job or chasing that promotion. The hardest part is breaking into tech, but once you have your first job and some experience under your belt, getting other jobs gets easier.
- It’s always moving fast. Tech never slows down! New trends and advancements are constantly happening, so you’ll need to keep up by constantly upgrading your skills. It’s a fast-paced ride, but that’s part of the thrill!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Which Tech Job is Least Stressful?
Tech jobs don’t always have to be high-pressure. While many can get intense, some roles are much more chill. Here are a few that are known for being less stressful:
Computer Hardware Engineer. This job requires technical skills, but the work is often solo and done at your own pace. You’re not constantly racing against deadlines.
Web Analytics Developer. Web analytics is more of an ongoing project, so there aren’t too many last-minute rushes. You can tackle coding and testing at your own speed.
Web Developer. Creating and maintaining websites usually involves flexible hours and fewer time pressures. Most communication is done online, giving you space to focus.
Technical Writer. As a technical writer, you work mostly on your own. After gathering info from the team, you can write and edit documents at your own pace with minimal stress.
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What Are Some Tech Careers That Don’t Require a Degree?
Believe it or not, there are tech jobs that can pay you over $100,000 a year—even without a degree!
Forbes lists some tech careers that don’t need a four-year degree but still offer great pay:
1. Software Developer
2. ServiceNow Developer
3. Cybersecurity Analyst
4. Cloud Solutions Architect
5. Technical Product Manager
6. UX/UI Designer
7. Systems Administrator
8. Salesforce AdministratorWhile a degree in computer science or IT can make things easier, many people have found success in tech without it. They’ve built their careers by learning on the job and gaining skills through apprenticeships, boot camps, online courses, or self-study.
Just a heads-up: you’ll need to work a bit harder to prove yourself and stand out, but it’s totally possible!
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Which Tech Company Pays the Highest Salary?
Any tech company can pay high salaries, but it just depends on the position and how fast you can rank up in the organization. Many people move up quickly in ServiceNow developer positions, a field that’s growing rapidly right now.
Of course, tech giants like Google and Amazon pay well, but getting a job at those companies can be competitive, especially if you’re just starting out.
Google employs over 150,000 people worldwide, with salaries ranging from $83,000 to $317,500 a year.
Amazon also offers great pay, with a median salary of $160,600 per year. Depending on your role and location, you could earn anywhere from $43,420 to $281,260.However, if you’re just beginning a career in tech, starting out working at a startup or a small company can be the recipe for success. If you get experience for a year or two at a startup, it’s great for your resume and can win you higher-paying roles at bigger companies down the line.