13 High Paying Tech Careers You Can Get Without A College Degree

Who said you need a college degree to earn the big bucks? It’s a common misconception that if you don’t have a bachelor’s, you’ll be stuck in minimum wage all your life. In reality, there are plenty of jobs out there that won’t make you take out a billion student loans. Here are 13 lucrative tech jobs you can land without a four-year degree.

All data has been taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise noted.

1. Computer user support specialist

Median annual wage, 2015: $48,620 (BLS)

Computer user support specialists provide technical assistance to users by answering questions or resolving computer problems. This can be in person, through telephone or electronically (over chat messaging or email).


2. Junior data analyst

Median annual wage: $52,188 (Payscale)

Data is so hot right now that even entry-level analysts can make good money. Usually, junior analysts are the ones who conduct searches for data, create Excel spreadsheets and generate material for analysis, and present their findings to more senior colleagues, who handle the bulk of the more complex work. Some jobs do require a degree to enter the field; others do not.

3. Computer network support specialists

Median annual wage, 2015: $62,250 (BLS)

Computer network support specialists are responsible for keeping networks running smoothly. They test, troubleshoot, analyze, perform maintenance, and solve network problems. Usually you’ll need a certificate or associate’s degree to enter this career.

4. Digital marketer

Median annual wage: $63,239 (Payscale)

Marketing via the Internet is one of the primary ways companies reach customers in the 21st century. Digital marketers enable this in a variety of ways: search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing, content marketing, e-mail marketing, and others. Often a digital marketer will specialize in only one or two of these areas.

5. Cyber security analysts (entry level)

Median annual wage: $63,911 (Payscale)

Many cyber security professionals who obtain four-year degrees head straight for the higher-up positions after graduating, leaving companies with a dearth of entry-level workers to handle a lot of the day-to-day. Junior cyber security analysts handle the “grunt work” like reviewing logs, controlling network settings, doing basic testing, etc.

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2 POPULAR CAREER PATHS AFTER COMPUTER NETWORK SUPPORT TRAINING

What are your job options in Montreal as a computer support specialist? And which career paths are most likely to provide stable employment and competitive salaries after graduation?

In this post, we look at two of the most popular employment options for graduates of computer support programs. Compare salaries, required skills, duties, and the latest job forecast for both roles, in the city of Montreal.

COMPUTER NETWORK TECHNICIAN

Computer network technicians (also known as IT technicians) work in-house for companies and organizations large enough to require on-going computer support.

Potential employers include telecommunications companies, large businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. If you pursue this career path, you'll be responsible for maintaining your employer's network—ensuring all systems are up-to-date, secure, and functioning optimally.

Tasks you'll perform on a regular basis include:

• setting up and optimizing new workstations
• taking charge of user accounts in the Active Directory (including creating/disabling accounts, setting attributes, assigning group and policies, etc.)
• installing, configuring, and updating new hardware and software as needed
• researching and recommending new hardware/software to meet the specific needs of users
• responding to requests for technical support from users, and troubleshooting problems
• providing technical training to company employees
• maintaining filing systems, training manuals, and logs
• organizing the use/booking of technical equipment for company employees

Computer network technicians usually report to a director of IT, and are expected to work fairly autonomously. Employers are looking for candidates who can quickly diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communications issues, without a lot of supervision or "hand-holding".

Since you'll probably be dealing with users in this role (helping with training and troubleshooting), communication skills will also be key. Montreal employers will prioritize candidates who are fluent in both English and French, and have demonstrated a talent for patient, professional customer service.

Working in-house as a network support technician is an excellent way to develop expertise in a particular field or industry. Permanent/full-time positions offer a great opportunity to hone your skills, and work your up to more advanced network administrator and supervisor roles.

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