10 High-Paying IT Jobs after an IT Degree

The IT industry is booming, with IT professionals working in various areas, such as supporting society with continual technical developments in our everyday lives, working in cybersecurity, and having the innovation to grow the technical industry and make new advancements. 

India is a popular location for tech candidates, with the industry a large generator of employment in the country and the government continuing to invest money in its growth. The average annual salary for a bachelor's degree in IT graduates is ₹656,000 [1], but salaries remain varied, and some executive IT positions can exceed ₹10,000,000 [2].

In this article, you’ll learn about 10 jobs in the IT field that pay high salaries and the requirements for each. 

High-paying jobs after an IT degree

Technology is everywhere and in everything we do, so IT roles stay highly relevant and in demand, with some of the highest-paid salaries. Within the IT sector, you’ll find a wide range of roles, from working in technical support to analyst, programming, and engineering roles, and even roles making innovations in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Each type of role comes with a different salary. Let’s take a look at some high-paying jobs in IT.

1. Cybersecurity professional 

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹862,000 [3]

Cybersecurity engineers are in high demand, with the role of understanding and protecting businesses and organisations from security threats and building systems to prevent attacks. Tasks might include:

• Encrypting networks

• Creating and upgrading security protocols

• Developing recovery strategies

Required skills: As well as a degree in computer science, systems engineering, or a relevant subject, you may need a master’s degree and several years of experience in cybersecurity. You’ll also need to show excellent problem-solving skills and programming abilities. 

2. Blockchain engineer

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹982,000 [4]

Having skills in blockchain, such as those of a blockchain developer, makes for good IT career prospects. Decentralisation through blockchain and cryptocurrency continues to grow and develop, and demand for skills in this industry is high. Duties include:

• Developing blockchain technology

• Designing and monitoring blockchain architecture 

• Implementing solutions in blockchain architecture and systems

Required skills: Blockchain developers are in high demand, and the technology is relatively new. In addition to a relevant degree in computer science or information technology, you must demonstrate technical skills in cryptography, programming, data structures, and networking and a solid understanding of blockchain. 

3. Cloud engineer

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹806,255 [5]

The cloud is a remote server where businesses store data and information. The role of the cloud engineer is to find ways to incorporate the cloud into existing storage networks. Duties may include:

• Moving data to a new system

• Maintaining cloud data

• Managing cloud security 

Required skills: Cloud engineers need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject, such as computer science, although some employers may accept certifications and experience. Necessary skills include knowledge of cloud infrastructure, programming languages, and database management.  

4. Big data engineer

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹912,685 [6]

The role of a big data engineer is to take the massive amount of data available, make sense of it, and turn it into something meaningful that businesses can use. Duties may include:

• Developing algorithms and data management systems

• Using data to forecast trends and experiences

• Building data applications

Required skills: Big data roles are in high demand and fast-growing. You’ll need a degree in maths, data science, computer science, or a related field, along with technical skills and experience with data visualisation, programming, and data modelling.

5. Solutions architect

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹2,389,246 [7]

Solutions architects use technology to come up with solutions to everyday needs and situations. They design and release these into businesses and organisations they built to serve. Responsibilities include:

• Translating business needs to technical products

• Using programming and hardware design to build solutions

• Designing and developing new networking systems 

Required skills: Solutions architects have skills in programming and computer hardware and excellent communication skills. You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or similar to work in this role.

6. Full stack developer

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹739,389 [8]

A full stack developer has the skills to work on both the front end (what the user sees) and the back end (the infrastructure and coding) of websites and applications, which are in high demand. Duties include:

• Managing the communication between the front- and back-end functions

• Developing websites and applications using code

• Managing maintenance of websites 

Required skills: Most front-end developers have a technical degree in computer science and skills in coding and programming languages.

7. Software developer

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹625,511 [9]

Software developers take on roles developing anything from computer systems to applications. Computer systems could be part of the technology we use daily, like washing machines, cars, and anything with a computer embedded. Application software developers create applications for mobile devices and computers. Duties include:

• Developing software to the specifications of clients

• Testing and debugging software

• Maintaining software applications

Required skills: Software developers generally need a degree in computer science or similar with skills in programming. 

8. Machine learning specialist

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹1,000,000 [10]

Machine learning is a growing field, and machine learning professionals are in high demand. The field involves building machines and computers that use learning systems. Duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing algorithms to predict outcomes based on data

• Working with data scientists to test models

• Building models according to business needs

Required skills: You’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, maths, or similar, and you may need a master's in machine learning, neural networks, or related fields with additional certifications to get ahead. You’ll also need to have strong maths skills, problem-solving abilities, and programming and coding skills. 

9. AI engineer

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹982,635 [11]

Like machine learning, AI engineers are in high demand due to the recent increase in AI applications and technology. With such an in-demand job comes competition from some companies with exceptionally high salaries. AI engineers provide machines with artificial intelligence. Duties include:

• Designing and managing AI development processes

• Creating AI algorithms

• Automating functions and processes

Required skills: AI engineers have a degree in computer science, maths, or a technical subject, along with certifications or skills in AI. Essential skills include programming, analytics, communication, business intelligence, and critical thinking. 

10. Data scientist 

Average annual salary (Payscale): ₹992,461 [12]

Data scientists collect, investigate, and interpret data to determine trends to help businesses grow. They use algorithms and business intelligence tools to aid analysis. Duties include:

• Collecting, analysing, and reporting on data

• Using machine learning and algorithms to collect and make sense of data

• Supporting businesses to make data-driven decisions

Required skills: Employers generally require a degree in computer science or a similar field, but not always. You can enter the field with skills, experience, and business knowledge. Skills in programming, maths, algorithms, and data modelling are essential. 

Do I need a degree to work in IT?

It is possible to work in IT without a degree. IT is a practical field, so employers are looking at skills relevant to the industry. In a fast-paced sector, IT professionals need to update their skills frequently, and employers generally look at your skills and experience along with, or sometimes over, theoretical knowledge. With this in mind, many turn to certifications over degrees. However, a degree is still important and is often asked for by employers. It shows that you can work at a certain level and are dedicated to your field. A degree still gives graduates an advantage and entrance to high-paying roles and is the stepping stone to further education, such as a master’s degree.

IT certifications 

If you choose not to enroll for a degree course or want to enhance your resume further, IT certifications are a great way of demonstrating your knowledge and practical experience. Certifications to consider include:

• Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Certification 

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Get started in IT with Coursera

Consider enhancing your IT career prospects with a Professional Certificate, such as the AWS Cloud Technology Consultant Professional Certificate or the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera.