TrainACE - IT and Cybersecurity Training Blog

The career outlook for jobs in the IT and cybersecurity industries is extremely promising in Washington, D.C., and the country as a whole. Technology positions have low unemployment, and some of the highest-paying roles are found in this field. In CBRE’s recent study, Scoring Tech Talent 2022, Washington DC was ranked fourth best technology talent market in the U.S. The ranking is based on the market’s depth, vitality, and attractiveness to companies seeking talent and IT professionals seeking employment. 

But the benefits of working in technology don’t end there. You’ll find that additional benefits make getting into IT or cybersecurity an excellent career choice.

Why is Technology a Good Career Choice?

The following are some of the best reasons to get into an IT or cybersecurity career:

Demand: One of the most beneficial aspects of going into cybersecurity is that employees are in demand in the industry. The workforce gap is huge. According to the 2021 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there is still a gap of about 2.7 million. That means that there is little unemployment for cybersecurity professionals. The gap is the largest in North America and continues to grow.

Earning potential: Because there is a high demand and low supply of qualified cybersecurity workers, the earning potential for cybersecurity jobs is favorable. The average salary for cybersecurity professionals in the United States is $84,945 per year. The average salary is even higher in the metro Washington D.C. area at $98,804. Both are significantly higher than the average national salary in the U.S. (all industries) of $53,490 annually. With added experience, training, and certifications, it isn’t unreasonable to expect an annual income of at least double the national average.

Education and Certifications: Typically, higher-paying professions require college degrees that can be very expensive and take a long time to get. That isn’t the case with many IT and cybersecurity positions. Many self-taught tech professionals have degrees in other fields or no college degrees at all. Instead, successful IT employees often have earned numerous professional certifications that validate their knowledge and skills. In IT and cybersecurity, certifications are well-respected and often used for advancement or promotion within the industry.

Remote Work: Even before everyone had to work from home during the pandemic, many cybersecurity, and IT experts had that option. Because many cybersecurity tasks can be performed remotely, working at home may be possible. Of course, that depends on the organization and its security needs.

Job Satisfaction: Over three-quarters (77%) of North American cybersecurity workers reported that they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their jobs, and that number has been increasing year over year since 2018.

Are There Drawbacks to Working in Technology?

As with any profession, there are some drawbacks you might experience when working in the technology industry. First, when you’re in cybersecurity, it’s likely that when you get called upon, it’s because there is a problem of some kind. And whatever the problem is, it probably needs to be fixed as soon as humanly possible. The importance of security and the urgency to fix issues can cause a lot of stress for some individuals.

Additionally, some IT professionals find that they have to work more overtime than they like, especially if there is a system compromise or data breach. Of course, how much overtime is expected or required depends on the organization you’re working for, and fortunately, these types of emergencies aren’t all that common. But it’s something that can come with the job, so it’s important to be aware of it.

If you are considering working in technology, it’s essential to be aware of both the benefits and the drawbacks that may come along with the job. Most employees in this industry find that the benefits far outweigh any stress or overtime they encounter, and they enjoy their jobs immensely.

Final Thoughts about the Tech Job Outlook in Washington DC

As you can see, working in the IT industry has some great benefits and a favorable job outlook – especially in the Washington D.C. area. It has almost no unemployment, great earning potential, flexible working conditions, and most employees have high job satisfaction. In addition, it isn’t as difficult to get started as it is in some other high-paying careers.

If you are interested in getting started in IT or cybersecurity, we suggest starting with the CompTIA A+ certification training course. At TrainACE, we have the right course for you wherever you are in your IT career. Contact us today to determine where to begin your training.