What you’ll do

Research, design, implement and test software and systems

How much you’ll work
Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though you should expect long hours when project deadlines approach

Where you’ll work
Office, much of time spent alone writing code

What you’ll make
Median salary, $92,660

Biggest benefits

Job is in high demand, as the world increasingly relies on technology

Biggest drawbacks
Job is generally low-stress, though project deadlines can become intense

What you’ll do
Design, code and maintain database systems to store and manage data

How much you’ll work
Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and after-hours crises can spring up

Where you’ll work
Office, generally for large organizations

What you’ll make
Median salary, $77,080

Biggest benefits
Generally have ability to work with lots of different types of people and of projects

Biggest drawbacks
Risk of database failure can make for high-stress job

What you’ll do
Configure hardware of computers; improve layout and design of devices for increased efficiency

How much you’ll work
Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and crises can lead to night and weekend work

Where you’ll work
Factory, research facility or lab

What you’ll make
Median salary, $100,920

Biggest benefits
Typically get to work with newest technology

Biggest drawbacks
Narrow, project-based focus can make for monotonous days

What you’ll do
Design IT solutions; adapt existing systems to improve business efficiency and productivity

How much you’ll work
Generally, 40-hour workweek, though extended hours aren’t uncommon, particularly at end of projects or for consultants working with clients

Where you’ll work
Office; freelancers and consultants travel to client offices

What you’ll make
Median salary, $79,680

Biggest benefits
Good deal of flexibility to work on variety of projects

Biggest drawbacks
Can be high-stress when systems fail

What you’ll do
Design, build and test communication networks

How much you’ll work
Generally, 40-hour work week

Where you’ll work
Office, but often must work on-site at different buildings and offices

What you’ll make
Median salary, $91,000

Biggest benefits
Likely to see increase in job openings as companies expand use of wireless and mobile technology

Biggest drawbacks
Dozens of possible certifications can be daunting

What you’ll do
Use software languages and other tools to create, implement and test Web applications

How much you’ll work
Full time, but hours vary widely; a quarter of Web developers are self-employed

Where you’ll work
Good chance of working from home; otherwise, office setting

What you’ll make
Median salary, $62,500

Biggest benefits
Flexible schedule

Biggest drawbacks
Project deadlines can create stress

What you’ll do
Develop and implement security measures to protect organizations’ computer networks and systems

How much you’ll work
40-hour workweek is typical, though after-hours crises are not uncommon

Where you’ll work
Office, most likely for large company

What you’ll make
Median salary, $86,170

Biggest benefits
Job security thanks to ever-increasing cyber threats

Biggest drawbacks
Must keep on top of constantly changing attack methods

What you’ll do
Plan, coordinate and direct technology-related activities in organizations

How much you’ll work
Generally, 40-hour workweek, though overtime is common

Where you’ll work
Office, for small or large companies; limited ability to work from home as manager

What you’ll make
Median salary, $120,950

Biggest benefits
Chance to influence entire company

Biggest drawbacks
After-hours crises common

What you’ll do
Provide technical help and support to organizations

How much you’ll work
Most likely full-time, but not necessarily 9-to-5

Where you’ll work
Call center, could even work from home

What you’ll make
Median salary, $48,900

Biggest benefits
Flexible schedule

Biggest drawbacks
Must be constantly available for users