Network/System Administrator

 Network/system administrators recommend, install, and maintain local area networks, intranets, and organizational communications systems. They resolve network problems and take measures to optimize network performance. Network/system administrators also evaluate threats to systems and establish security protocols.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network/system administrators earned a median annual wage of $82,050 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $50,990, and the highest 10% earned more than $130,720.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for network/system administrators will grow by 5% from 2018 - 2028, about as fast as other occupations.

6. Database Administrator

Database administrators oversee the implementation and maintenance of software to organize records and data needed by staff to carry out their duties. They modify databases to reflect user needs as they emerge. Database administrators ensure the security of organizational databases from threats.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators earned a median annual wage of $90,070 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $50,340, and the highest 10% earned more than $138,320.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for database administrators will grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than for other occupations.

7. Systems Engineer

System engineers are responsible for creating or modifying computer systems for their clients or employers based on their specifications, and they work extensively with hardware engineers, software engineers, system administrators, hardware technicians, programmers, and product development staff. In addition to developing computer systems, system engineers may also customize computer systems, which are purchased from vendors.

Salary: According to Payscale, systems engineers earn a median annual wage of $77,875. The lowest 10% earned $57,000, and the highest 10% earned more than $122,000.

Entry-Level IT Jobs for Candidates with Associate's Degrees

Graduates with two-year degrees will often be targeted by employers for technical positions where they provide support to IT professionals.2 Common titles for such positions include “network technician,” “support technician,” “help desk associate,” “web developer,” and “IT operations specialist.” 

IT is considered to be a “show me” field, so associate’s-degree holders with a resume or portfolio showcasing freelance or internship experience and/or certifications will be considered by some employers for software/applications developer, network administrator, and other professional roles.3

How to Be a Competive Candidate

The more experience you have, the better your chances of being a competitive candidate. The IT skills you have acquired will also boost your candidacy, so don’t hesitate to apply if you meet the requirements listed for the position.

If you're short on qualifications, consider one of the easy work-from-home computer jobs that don't require much experience.