Overview

If you have a knack for computers and technology, consider a career in IT and cybersecurity. These fields offer lucrative income potential and opportunities for advancement. Plus, Virginia companies are always seeking solution providers to help support and enable industries as they operate globally. Explore how you can learn the skills to help sustain and protect businesses’ information technology, logistics, distribution, data centers and back office support. All of these areas are heavily dependent on technology and critical to the longevity and health of industries.

Examples of Occupations

Software Developers, Applications


Description

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyzer user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.


average annual WAGE:

  • Virginia:  $109,740
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  $85,600

EMPLOYMENT:

  • Virginia:  35,803
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  340

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s Degree

Computer User Support Specialists

 


Description

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.


average annual WAGE:

  • Virginia:  $58,300
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  $42,000

EMPLOYMENT:

  • Virginia:  23,421
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  331

EDUCATION:  Some College

Network and Computer Systems Administrators


Description

Install, configure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.


average annual WAGE:

  • Virginia:  $93,900
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  $69,200

EMPLOYMENT:

  • Virginia:  17,283
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  268

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s Degree

Information Security Analysts

Thumbprint scan for cybersecurity


Description

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.


average annual WAGE:

  • Virginia:  $111,800
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  $78,600

EMPLOYMENT:

  • Virginia:  10,881
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  107

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s Degree

Web Developers

Description

Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video comonents to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.

average annual WAGE:

  • Virginia:  $88,900
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  $65,500

EMPLOYMENT:

  • Virginia:  5,361
  • GO Virginia Region 3:  77

EDUCATION:  Associate’s Degree

Training Providers

Visit our GO TEC training partners page and expand the IT & Cybersecurity section to find a training provider near you.

Find Your Training Program

Other GO TEC Careers