Best IT Jobs for 2016
These in-demand tech jobs pay well. Some don’t even require a college degree.

Companies are hiring IT workers at a frantic pace. In fact, information technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in America right now, with more than half a million open jobs. So what kinds of IT jobs are companies hiring for (and which pay the most)? Some of the most in-demand positions are related to cybersecurity and protecting consumer information online.
Surprisingly, Dubuque, Iowa and Midland, Tex., are the two cities expected to add the most IT jobs in the next five years, according to Economic Modeling Specialists, Intl., which analyzes labor market data. In Dubuque, this growth will likely come from companies that design computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. In Midland, the growth will likely be from from the oil and gas industry.
Here are the the six IT positions (and their average salaries) that are expected to be most in-demand in the next five years, according to EMSI.
1. Information Security Analysts.

With all the recent cyber attacks on American companies, it’s no wonder companies are hiring workers to protect consumer information. This field is expected to grow the fastest--16 percent--and pays an average salary of $42.74 an hour.
2. Application software developers
Jobs for people who can develop computer and mobile device apps are expected to grow by 12 percent in the next five years. The median hourly wage is $45.92.
3. Computer systems analysts
Analysts design computer systems tailored to the needs of specific businesses and clients. These jobs are expected to grow by 12 percent in the next five years and the median hourly wage is $39.76.
4. Web developers
These tech workers program web pages and make sure they work well. The number of web developer jobs is expected to grow 11 percent in the next five years and the median salary is $30.52 an hour. Bonus: you can get into this field with only an associate’s degree.

5. Software developers, systems software
These developers created computer operating systems like Mac OS X. These jobs are expected to grow by 10 percent in the next five years and the median hourly wage is $49.46.
6. Computer user support specialists
These are the people who help the tech-challenged workers at a company resolve their computer problems. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 10 percent and the median hourly wage is $22.89. Bonus: a college degree is not required for many of these positions.