7 answers
Joshua
Student
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
2
Questions
Updated
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What does it take to be rich as an IT professional?
My goal as when I become an IT professional is to have financial freedom. so in the next five years will I still be ok in the IT world. I am a 9th grader at largo high school doing college classes
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7 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
879
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Joshua,
It’s great that you're thinking ahead about financial freedom in IT! The tech industry is always evolving, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success. Here’s what it takes to build wealth as an IT professional:
1. Choose High-Demand Skills
Some of the most lucrative IT careers include:
- Software Engineering (Python, Java, C++)
- Cybersecurity (Ethical Hacking, Network Security)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- AI & Data Science (Machine Learning, Big Data)
- IT Management & Consulting (Project Management, Business Strategy)
Since you're already taking college classes, try exploring different areas to see what excites you the most!
2. Get Experience Early
- Work on coding projects and build a strong portfolio.
- Join hackathons, open-source projects, or internships.
- Consider getting IT certifications (CompTIA, AWS, Google IT Support).
3. Make Smart Financial Moves
- Start saving and investing early – Even small amounts add up over time.
- Develop multiple income streams – Freelancing, side projects, or even starting a tech business can boost your earnings.
- Keep upgrading your skills – IT is competitive, and continuous learning is key.
4. Will IT Still Be Profitable in 5 Years?
Absolutely! Technology is only growing, and businesses always need skilled IT professionals. If you stay updated on industry trends and keep improving, you’ll have no problem staying ahead.
You're already on the right track by taking college classes in 9th grade. Keep pushing yourself, stay curious, and remember—financial freedom in IT is totally possible with dedication and strategy. You've got this!
Best wishes!
It’s great that you're thinking ahead about financial freedom in IT! The tech industry is always evolving, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success. Here’s what it takes to build wealth as an IT professional:
1. Choose High-Demand Skills
Some of the most lucrative IT careers include:
- Software Engineering (Python, Java, C++)
- Cybersecurity (Ethical Hacking, Network Security)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- AI & Data Science (Machine Learning, Big Data)
- IT Management & Consulting (Project Management, Business Strategy)
Since you're already taking college classes, try exploring different areas to see what excites you the most!
2. Get Experience Early
- Work on coding projects and build a strong portfolio.
- Join hackathons, open-source projects, or internships.
- Consider getting IT certifications (CompTIA, AWS, Google IT Support).
3. Make Smart Financial Moves
- Start saving and investing early – Even small amounts add up over time.
- Develop multiple income streams – Freelancing, side projects, or even starting a tech business can boost your earnings.
- Keep upgrading your skills – IT is competitive, and continuous learning is key.
4. Will IT Still Be Profitable in 5 Years?
Absolutely! Technology is only growing, and businesses always need skilled IT professionals. If you stay updated on industry trends and keep improving, you’ll have no problem staying ahead.
You're already on the right track by taking college classes in 9th grade. Keep pushing yourself, stay curious, and remember—financial freedom in IT is totally possible with dedication and strategy. You've got this!
Best wishes!
Chaitanya Patel
Capture Manager
19
Answers
Bloomfield, New Jersey
Updated
Chaitanya’s Answer
There is a difference between being RICH and having financial freedom or financial independence. Any kind of hard work will get you financial freedom. To be RICH, you must be an exceptional individual with creativity in your heart and passion to believe in yourself with dedication and hard work. Just remember, Nothing is EASY.
Ankush Dey
Software Developer
2
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Ankush’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
John's first couple of lines of advice are very valuable because I have seen people leave companies paying handsome salaries but having a toxic work culture. So your first step before accepting an offer should be to know about the company and its culture.
About getting rich as an IT professional, you need to learn skills that are in-demand and scarce to find in the market.
Today the skills in demand are:
1. AI / Machine Learning
2. Cyber security
3. Web Development
These change with time, so for example blockchain was most popular couple of years back just to be taken over by AI now.
I wish you good luck for your career ahead.
John's first couple of lines of advice are very valuable because I have seen people leave companies paying handsome salaries but having a toxic work culture. So your first step before accepting an offer should be to know about the company and its culture.
About getting rich as an IT professional, you need to learn skills that are in-demand and scarce to find in the market.
Today the skills in demand are:
1. AI / Machine Learning
2. Cyber security
3. Web Development
These change with time, so for example blockchain was most popular couple of years back just to be taken over by AI now.
I wish you good luck for your career ahead.
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
39
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Joshua
I'll answer your question, but I do want to raise the point that money isn't everything. If you have a highly paid job, but the working conditions are not good, or the hours are anti-social, then is that something you really want? I just wanted to raise that point before moving on...
Two thoughts for you. 1). Work in sales, selling IT solutions. In my experience, sellers make more money than technical people in IT. They may be putting salary at risk, but when they achieve their targets, their bonuses and commission will often be significant. Obviously, selling large expensive solutions will be more lucrative than selling individual components or smaller sales.
2). If you want to stay on the technical side of things, then the highest paid IT professionals I know are 'quants' who work for financial markets trading firms or hedge funds. They are the individuals who translate financially interesting ideas into maths and then into code. It is their algorithms that make some of these firms the large amounts of money that they make and so consequently they are highly paid individuals when their work makes that money.
My last thought is about the industry that you work in. While this is very variable, industries such as investment banking will pay higher than say anything in the public sector for instance. Just look at the median salaries for different industries to see this. Working in a higher paying industry will likely give you more money than one which pays less. There are always exceptions that break these rules of thumb but you will get the idea.
I come back to where I started however. Is money the only thing that matters? I would say not. I've had many opportunities offered to move to other jobs paying more money and invariably I don't move. I like the people I work with. I like the working environment. I like the flexibility I have. All of that counts for a lot more. Just because you can't put a financial value to it doesn't mean that it isn't important.
I'll answer your question, but I do want to raise the point that money isn't everything. If you have a highly paid job, but the working conditions are not good, or the hours are anti-social, then is that something you really want? I just wanted to raise that point before moving on...
Two thoughts for you. 1). Work in sales, selling IT solutions. In my experience, sellers make more money than technical people in IT. They may be putting salary at risk, but when they achieve their targets, their bonuses and commission will often be significant. Obviously, selling large expensive solutions will be more lucrative than selling individual components or smaller sales.
2). If you want to stay on the technical side of things, then the highest paid IT professionals I know are 'quants' who work for financial markets trading firms or hedge funds. They are the individuals who translate financially interesting ideas into maths and then into code. It is their algorithms that make some of these firms the large amounts of money that they make and so consequently they are highly paid individuals when their work makes that money.
My last thought is about the industry that you work in. While this is very variable, industries such as investment banking will pay higher than say anything in the public sector for instance. Just look at the median salaries for different industries to see this. Working in a higher paying industry will likely give you more money than one which pays less. There are always exceptions that break these rules of thumb but you will get the idea.
I come back to where I started however. Is money the only thing that matters? I would say not. I've had many opportunities offered to move to other jobs paying more money and invariably I don't move. I like the people I work with. I like the working environment. I like the flexibility I have. All of that counts for a lot more. Just because you can't put a financial value to it doesn't mean that it isn't important.
Mark Scarberry
Student
41
Answers
Huntington, West Virginia
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hello, Joshua!
The best way to find the most way to make money in the IT profession is to specialize in a very demanding area of study. Here are a few in-demand areas currently:
* Web Developer
* Cybersecurity
* Software Developer
* Computer Systems Analyst
* Computer Network Architect
There are hundreds of more that you can choose from, but these are just a few. You should look around to find which one suits you the best
Good luck with your IT profession! I hope this helped!
The best way to find the most way to make money in the IT profession is to specialize in a very demanding area of study. Here are a few in-demand areas currently:
* Web Developer
* Cybersecurity
* Software Developer
* Computer Systems Analyst
* Computer Network Architect
There are hundreds of more that you can choose from, but these are just a few. You should look around to find which one suits you the best
Good luck with your IT profession! I hope this helped!
James Patterson Wicks
Cyber Security Leader
26
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
James Patterson’s Answer
Focus on maximizing your skillset, exposing yourself to new technologies, and taking every opportunity to innovate. If you do that, you don't have to chase the money. The money will chase you.
Anita Belwal
Program manager in IT
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
I would say it depends on your definition of rich . However Software engineering jobs can definitely provide you financial security and helo you to lead a life with satisfaction. Now the first suggestion would be to choose the field which are high in demand like AI and ML Apart from that cloud services and working for companies who are working to build widely used tools will help you make more money
Do not stick to a single coding language. learn more and be flexible with the ever changing demand. This is the best hack. Be on top of things. This will help you to be highlighted. Working smart and working hard is the key. Competition is high but the people will real skill are paid very high. So choose wisely and be adaptable . As of today I would say focus on A and ML as these fields are here to stay for quite some time.
Wishing you good luck.
Best Regards
I would say it depends on your definition of rich . However Software engineering jobs can definitely provide you financial security and helo you to lead a life with satisfaction. Now the first suggestion would be to choose the field which are high in demand like AI and ML Apart from that cloud services and working for companies who are working to build widely used tools will help you make more money
Do not stick to a single coding language. learn more and be flexible with the ever changing demand. This is the best hack. Be on top of things. This will help you to be highlighted. Working smart and working hard is the key. Competition is high but the people will real skill are paid very high. So choose wisely and be adaptable . As of today I would say focus on A and ML as these fields are here to stay for quite some time.
Wishing you good luck.
Best Regards