Typically, those who work in IT use specialized techniques for effective computer processing, apply statistical and mathematical methods to decision-making, and simulate higher-order thinking through computer programs.
IT technicians design, install, manage, and troubleshoot computers and networking components. The field of IT is constantly growing and evolving, and so are the various professional roles within the field. Taking an IT course can lead to a challenging career that offers flexibility, a higher salary, and the chance to learn something new every day.
Best IT Classes & Schools in Tampa
The Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education offers a variety of courses in the Tampa region focused on information technology. Their CompTIA Network+ Certification course is a vendor-neutral technology certification focused on the skills to design, manage, and troubleshoot any wired or wireless device. Although previous experience is not required to take the course, it is recommended for individuals with a CompTIA A+ Certification and 9 months of networking experience.
They also offer CompTIA Security+ Certification for those interested in roles like Security Specialist, Security Consultant, Security or Systems Administrator, and Network Administrator. The course is focused on cybersecurity tactics. Students will learn about routers, switches, protocols, and security measures. This will provide them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to confidently design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. This course will build on students’ existing user-level knowledge and experience with personal computer (PC) software, hardware, and computer networking. However, no prior experience in cybersecurity or IT is necessary. The course fee includes the eBook, practice, labs, and one test voucher with one retake for the Security+ Certification Exam.
There are also many online IT courses that one could take. Certstaffix offers a CompTIA CASP+ Prep Course. Designed to be a prep course for the CAS-004 exam, it covers security architecture, security operations, security engineering, cryptography, governance, risk, and compliance. The course includes units on operations, architecture concepts, techniques and requirements, risk analysis, mobile and small-form-factor device security, secure cloud integration, and cryptography. Students will master the skills needed to pass the CAS-004 exam and excel in a new cybersecurity career.
Certstaffix also offers a course for Database Administrators called Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/14/16 Databases Course. This five-day training focuses on administration tasks like installing SQL Server instances, configuring SQL Server databases and settings, monitoring database performance, controlling user access to databases, and maintaining databases. Not intended for beginners, this course requires familiarity with SQL Server databases. Students should have some basic knowledge of administering and maintaining SQL Server databases.
Tampa Industries That Use IT
Information technology is one of the most in-demand, stable, and growing professional fields. Most industries will require highly skilled IT professionals to support their business, even if the field itself is not technology-related. This section discusses a few of the top industries in Tampa where one can find work in information technology. Over 7,000 companies supporting more than 131,000 jobs with several world-renowned corporations call Tampa home.
Florida is ranked third in the nation for high-tech establishments while Tampa boasts 20% of the state’s IT positions. So there’s no shortage of tech companies that are in need of IT professionals. A professional working in IT at a tech company could take on a number of different roles within IT. The next section of this article discusses some of these career options.
Life sciences and healthcare also make up a thriving industry in the Tampa region. With over 5,400 companies supporting 80,000 jobs, the life sciences and healthcare industries will see a combined projected growth of more than 20% in Hillsborough County—where Tampa is located—over the next five years.
Financial and professional services are the fastest-growing industry in the Tampa metro area, earning it the nickname the “Wall Street of the South.” In fact, the financial and professional services industry had a five-year employment gain of 13%, adding more than 40,000 jobs with an average annual workforce of 344,000 by the end of 2021.
From network and systems support to Software Developers to Project Managers, there are a multitude of professional roles available for those adept at information technology. The above industries are only a few examples of the fields in which one could find fulfilling and profitable work.
IT Jobs & Salaries in Tampa
There are a variety of jobs one could pursue as an IT professional. These vary in responsibilities and compensation. One could become an Architect within IT—an IT Systems Architect, Enterprise Architect, or Cloud Infrastructure Architect—and determine how IT services, solutions, and infrastructure should be built. The average pay for an IT Architect in Tampa is slightly over six figures at $116,000. However, it can be as high as $150,000 for certain roles.
One could also pursue a role in network and systems administration and land a title like Computer Systems Manager or Network Administrator. A professional with one of these titles can expect an average salary of $85,000 in Tampa, with the potential to earn over six figures once they’re established in their career.
A worker who chooses to go into software development could become a Front-end, Back-end, or Cloud Developer. In Tampa, they could find themselves making $100,000-$125,000 as a Front-end Developer, around $100,000 as a Back-end Developer, and $118,000-$140,000 as a Cloud Developer.
Those who are looking for a more entry-level role within IT should take a look at Product Managers and IT Support Specialists. These professionals can make anywhere from $58,000 to $75,000 if working in Tampa. These roles can help one make a start in the industry while also making at or above the national average salary.