Civilian career paths for 25B information technology specialist

the roles

• Computer user support specialist

  $59,240median a year

  The help desk: takes the ticket, diagnoses it, fixes it or escalates it. The most common first civilian IT role.

  soc 15-1232

• Computer network support specialist

  $71,530median a year

  Second-line network work: tests, troubleshoots and maintains the network other people depend on.

  soc 15-1231

• Network and computer systems administrator

  $95,360median a year

  Owns servers, accounts, patching and uptime for an organization. Often asks for a certification such as Network+ or CCNA.

  soc 15-1244

• Information security analyst

  $120,360median a year

  Monitors and defends systems, investigates alerts, and enforces policy. Security+ is the usual entry requirement.

  soc 15-1212

• Computer systems analyst

  $103,800median a year

  Sits between the business and the systems: works out what is needed and how existing systems should change.

  soc 15-1211

Pay is the national median annual wage from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 release. It describes the role across the country. It is not a projection of what any one person will earn.