IT Worker: Job Description, Income & How To Apply
Are you interested in becoming an IT worker? Find out every detail about the job and how to snag a gig working as one. Plus, find related careers.
- IT careers offer diverse roles in tech, with most workers reporting high satisfaction.
- Top IT jobs: computer support, programming, systems administration, network maintenance, software development.
- IT work often requires analytical skills, problem-solving, and continuous tech education.
- IT jobs pay well, with average salaries around $97,000 and strong job growth potential.
Brett Helling is a gig economy expert who has been running his own small business for over 10 years.
Are you looking for a career field that you'll find satisfying?
Searching for jobs that fit our interests can be challenging, but if you enjoy working with tech, a career as an IT worker could be the perfect fit.
In North America, nearly 75% of IT workers feel satisfied. That number is fantastic, and if you want to join them, here's everything you need to know.
Below is a guide to an IT worker's daily schedule, education requirements, salary, and helpful tips for getting a job.
Plus, some similar career suggestions if it doesn't seem to fit your needs.
What Is an IT Worker?
It's hard to define an IT worker.
Realistically, the term IT worker covers a broad category of careers.
Some are rooted in offices, while others can be types of freelance jobs.
Overall, IT workers are people who work with computers and networks.
When they think of IT, most people think of Computer Support Specialists who help solve computer issues for other users.
This work can be a great job that you can do on the side.
There are various careers available for IT workers, but they all center around computers and information processing technology.
What Does an IT Worker Do?
Depending on the specialty, an IT worker can have a variety of tasks during the day.
IT workers in computer support may spend time assessing computer problems and finding corresponding solutions.
They'll likely communicate with customers or other workers while maintaining the computer systems, updates, and network.
Support workers may also spend time setting up new computers, fixing devices like printers, or instructing others on tech use.
Some IT workers may find careers in designing software and testing different computer programs or processes.
What Does an IT Worker Usually Focus On?
One of the best aspects of being an IT worker is that you can choose where you'd like to put your focus.
If you prefer to spend time alone, you may avoid support work and focus your career primarily on software development.
Then you'll spend your day finding coding bugs, testing programs, and working on your computer.
Others might enjoy helping people with their tech problems.
In support, you'll likely focus on customer or co-worker questions and spend each day wherever you're needed most.
IT Worker Job Description
Even though the IT worker field is diverse, some primary functions can remain the same between jobs.
Generally, you can expect some tasks like:
- Monitoring the computer network and systems
- Updating and maintaining antivirus protection
- Assessing technical issues and finding solutions
- Setting up technological devices (Computers, printers, etc)
- Training others on computer software
- Installing and updating programs
- Maintaining routers
- Properly backing up and protecting data
- Communicating tech issues in clear terms to other users
Top IT Worker Jobs and Careers
In the IT worker field, some jobs are more popular than others.
Here are a few top careers available for people interested in IT work.
- Computer Programmers: Programmers craft computer code to create programs and applications. They have to write, test, and edit complex coding.
- Computer Support Specialists: These specialists help people navigate computers in person or virtually. They answer computer-related questions and assist people with software and hardware issues.
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Administrators help maintain an organization's network and ensure operating systems, servers, and databases work smoothly. They can help control software and network usage.
Where Can an IT Worker Work?
Usually, IT workers will find a position within a company or organization's IT department.
They may stay in an office, but more likely, they'll spend their time traveling around different offices or buildings of a company to help whoever is in need.
Some IT workers can work remotely, which is why IT makes for a great side hustle for people willing to help virtually.
Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for IT Workers
IT work is usually fulfilling, so what does it take to become an IT worker?
Here are all the skills, experience, and education required to decide if IT is the right field for you.
Who Should Consider an IT Worker Career Path?
There are a few noteworthy qualities for people interested in becoming an IT worker.
First, they should have an interest in computers. You'll be spending all day every day working with technology.
If you're not already skilled with computers, you at least are interested in the training.
Usually, IT workers tend to be analytical, curious, and realistic.
They have to be able to diagnose and investigate computer issues while operating within strict tech systems.
Who Should Not Consider an IT Worker Career Path?
Unfortunately, IT work isn't always a good choice for everybody.
Some people can find the career's deadlines and responsibilities stressful.
IT workers often have to handle situations independently.
IT may not be a good fit if you struggle with computers or have issues working on them all day.
Finally, IT careers may not be ideal for people unwilling or unable to pursue further training and education.
Higher education isn't always a requirement, but IT workers must continuously educate themselves about the newest tech.
Is it Hard to Become an IT Worker?
Becoming an IT worker does take some dedication.
Most IT workers have some formal education in the field before their employment.
However, there are many IT jobs, and it is usually easy to find entry-level work after completing the necessary training.
What Do I Need to Become an IT Worker?
Some IT jobs only require a high school diploma, but they're difficult to find and generally need other experience or certifications.
Generally, IT workers need a bachelor's degree in a related computer field to get an entry-level position.
Interpersonal skills and experience can also help people snag jobs in the IT field.
Requirements for Becoming an IT Worker
Some entry-level IT work, like computer support, doesn't require much.
In addition to a high school diploma, these careers only need you to have either an associate's degree, college courses in computer fields, or an IT training certificate.
Interest in computers is an essential component for any IT worker, and it can help to have the skills to communicate computer issues with others.
What Skills Does an IT Worker Need?
IT workers need computer skills like programming, familiarity with various software, understanding the components of computers, and setting up hardware.
People interested in IT work also benefit from sharp critical thinking skills, active listening, and complex problem-solving.
Writing, time management, and communication skills also help IT workers manage their systems.
What Education Does an IT Worker Need?
Some IT workers can find careers with only a high school diploma and some supplementary training, like an associate's degree, college courses, or IT certifications.
Usually, IT workers complete a bachelor's degree in computer sciences.
Some advanced careers can require employees to complete master's degrees.
What Experience Does an IT Worker Need?
There are many entry-level positions for IT workers with little to no experience if they have proper education.
Experience in customer service or other service-related fields can help people interested in computer support careers.
How to Become an IT Worker
You may already be qualified for IT work, or you're ready to plan for finding an IT career.
Either way, becoming an IT worker can be an exciting process.
Here's how to make the job search go smoothly and find the ideal IT job.
Where To Find IT Worker Opportunities
There are plenty of places you can look for IT career opportunities.
Search popular job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or ZipRecruiter for IT fields by name.
You can also become a freelance IT worker by searching for odd jobs on sites like Fiverr or Upwork.
You could also research starting an online business to run your own IT support.
Applying for the Gig(s)
Spend time perfecting your resume and ensuring that it lists all of your relevant skills and training.
When you feel ready to begin applying to become an IT worker, ensure your cover letter and resume have proper formatting.
It's a red flag for employers if their IT application has issues with the file or attachments.
Interviewing for the Gig(s)
Prepare for your interview by researching the company and brushing up on the necessary skills for the job.
Impress employers with facts about recent tech developments or knowledge about their goals.
During the interview, they may ask you to perform IT tasks or take basic computer assessments.
How Do I Prepare for IT Worker Gigs?
You can prepare yourself for IT work by spending time researching computers.
You must understand as much as possible about how computers and their systems operate.
It can also help to spend time completing any necessary training or education.
What It’s Like To Be an IT Worker
Now that you know some of the basics of IT work, you might wonder what it's like to work in the field.
Here are the basics of an IT worker's day and job stress levels.
Is Being an IT Worker Hard?
The difficulty of IT work can depend on several factors, including some that are personal preferences.
If you enjoy working with computers and tend to find technology easy, you likely won't struggle in IT work.
That said, an IT worker's job can go through varying difficulties.
Some days you may be doing routine maintenance, while others, you could be troubleshooting complex software issues.
Is an IT Worker’s Job Stressful?
There is some stress in IT work, as most of an organization's computer systems will rely on your help.
Computer programmers face the most stress as they have to maintain strict deadlines.
Software projects can have many people overseeing the progress and demanding results.
Still, the stress in IT work tends to come and go in waves as projects move through an organization.
Common IT Worker Work Day
IT workers usually have days that look different from each other, as they often address issues as they arise.
Generally, IT workers start their day in a centralized office where they may perform some tasks to maintain a network.
They could spend time updating software or check for viruses.
Throughout the day, they may help fix software and hardware issues or assist with setting up new computers, either in person or through calls or emails.
IT workers can also spend time troubleshooting computer issues and taking apart and fixing laptops or PCs.
IT Worker Tasks & Duties
You may have to juggle various tasks as an IT worker.
Some might be training people on computers, setting up and maintaining network security, and protecting systems from viruses and malware.
Other tasks could be reading technical manuals, speaking with staff or customers to fix computer issues, inspecting and setting up equipment, and repairing hardware.
IT Worker Work Hours & Schedule
IT workers can work at any hour, as some virtual support careers may assist users from various time zones.
Usually, IT workers operate during typical 9-5 office hours.
Many people in the IT field report that they tend to work overtime, and some may need to consistently work outside of standard hours to finish projects by a deadline.
Does This Career Field Embrace Work/Life Balance?
Some IT workers find a decent work-life balance, but people in software development and other fields tend to feel overburdened.
Many tech careers stress fast-paced deadlines that can be overwhelming.
It's still possible to build a proper work-life balance, but it's crucial to consider which stressful environments you work best in before choosing a specialty in IT work.
Do IT Workers Make Good Money?
Generally, yes, IT workers make good money.
What qualifies as good money can be subjective, but the average income in America in 2020 was around $67,000.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 9 out of 10 popular IT jobs earn over that amount.
Some experienced IT workers in advanced careers can even earn over $130,000.
How Much Do IT Workers Make?
IT workers can make vastly different amounts of money depending on their experience, education, and specialty.
Entry-level IT workers tend to make at least $40,000 yearly.
After gaining experience, most IT employees make a salary of over $57,000.
The BLS estimates the average IT wage is around $97,000.
Some example median wages of popular careers discussed include Network and Computer Systems Administrators making $80,000, and Computer Support Specialists tend to make $57,900.
How Do IT Workers Get Paid?
Most IT professionals work as W-2 employees and receive payment through a fixed salary.
Some IT workers are still employees with paychecks but may have an hourly rate.
Rarely, if you work as a freelance IT worker, you'll likely receive set amounts from clients for projects completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular IT job?
Based on the number of jobs from the BLS, the most popular IT career is being a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester.
With over a million jobs, this field is still growing at a faster-than-average pace. Popularity does not equal scarcity for this specialty for IT workers.
Is being an IT worker a good job?
IT careers are expanding quickly, meaning there is demand and availability to be hired.
Many IT workers are satisfied in their jobs and usually earn an above-average salary.