Technology is part of nearly every modern workplace, from small businesses and schools to healthcare organizations, manufacturers, and large corporations. That widespread reliance on computers, networks, software, cloud platforms, and digital security creates an ongoing need for people who can support and maintain technology. But asking whether IT jobs are in demand does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. Information technology includes many different occupations, and the outlook can vary considerably from one role to another.
For someone considering an IT career, it can be more useful to look at the field as a whole, then examine which skills and specialties are changing. Some technology occupations are expanding quickly, while others are being reshaped by automation, outsourcing, and new tools. Understanding those differences can help prospective IT professionals make more informed decisions about the skills they want to develop.
What Does the Job Outlook for IT Look Like?
The overall outlook for computer and information technology occupations remains positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment across computer and IT occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. BLS projects about 280,000 openings per year, on average, across this occupational group. Those openings reflect both employment growth and the need to replace workers who permanently leave their occupations.
However, those figures cover a broad category. Demand is not distributed evenly across every IT job. For example, some cybersecurity and systems-focused occupations have stronger projected growth, while certain support and administration roles have flatter or declining employment projections. That makes it important to consider a specific career path rather than assuming every technology job will follow the same trend.
Which Areas of IT Are Growing?
Several areas of technology are expected to remain important as organizations expand their digital operations. Cybersecurity is one example. BLS projects employment of information security analysts to grow 21% from 2025 to 2035 as organizations continue working to protect networks, systems, and information.
Computer systems analysis is another area with projected growth. Systems analysts help organizations evaluate their technology needs and improve computer systems. BLS projects employment for computer systems analysts to grow 8% over the same period. Software development, cloud infrastructure, data, and technology management are also areas affected by continued investment in digital systems.
At the same time, automation is changing some traditional IT responsibilities. Routine troubleshooting and administrative tasks can increasingly be handled by automated tools or centralized services. That does not mean foundational IT skills are no longer useful. Instead, it highlights the value of learning how hardware, software, operating systems, networks, security, and newer technologies work together.
Why Do Organizations Continue to Need IT Skills?
Most organizations depend on technology for everyday operations. Employees need reliable devices and applications, businesses need secure networks, and customers increasingly interact with companies through digital platforms. When those systems fail or create security risks, someone needs to diagnose the problem and determine what comes next.
The growth of cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and connected systems is also changing the type of knowledge technology teams use. BLS notes that organizations’ continued reliance on IT, including AI, is expected to contribute to demand in several computer occupations. For people entering the field, adaptability may be just as important as familiarity with a single platform or tool.
What Skills Are Useful for an IT Career?
IT work often combines technical knowledge with problem-solving. Depending on the role, useful skills may include troubleshooting computer hardware and software, understanding operating systems, working with networks, recognizing basic security risks, and supporting users.
Communication matters, too. An IT professional may need to explain a technical issue to someone who does not have a technical background, document a problem, or work with other departments to find a solution. Because technology changes quickly, being willing to continue learning is another important part of working in the field.
Is an IT Career Right for You?
A career in IT may appeal to people who enjoy technology, troubleshooting, and figuring out why something is not working as expected. Some roles involve frequent interaction with users, while others focus more heavily on systems, infrastructure, security, or analysis. Work environments and education requirements also vary by occupation and employer.
It is also worth considering how quickly the field changes. New software, security threats, automation tools, and platforms can alter the way IT work is performed. Someone who enjoys learning new systems and building on existing knowledge may be more comfortable with that pace of change.
Preparing for an Information Technology Career
For students who want to build a foundation before pursuing entry-level technology work, an IT program can provide structured experience with the systems and concepts used in the field. The Information Technology program at ICT covers areas such as IT support and troubleshooting, networking, security, cloud services, virtualization, hardware, and software. ICT also includes hands-on learning and preparation related to industry certifications.
No program can guarantee a particular job or career outcome, and the requirements for IT positions vary. Looking at current job descriptions, occupational outlook information, and the skills employers request can help you decide which direction makes sense for your goals.
Author: Tom Milham has worked in IT education for over 30 years. His career began in the US Army where he learned about computers and how to maintain them. He had a long-term career of over 20 years as a Professor of IT at DeVry University and since 2021 has taught at ICT. Tom’s specialties include Cybersecurity, AI, routing and switching, networking and design, wireless and VoIP.