Median pay: $96,500
Top pay: $154,000
10-year job growth: 20%
Total jobs: 70,000
The job:
After hoarding cash during the recession, many firms are beginning to invest in technology again, much of it focused on mobile devices and applications. To master these complex areas, many firms are enlisting the help of IT consultants, who can recommend and implement improvements to IT systems, resolve system problems and manage the installation of new software and system upgrades.
How to switch:
Most IT consultants have bachelor's degrees in computer science, engineering or other related fields, but many consulting firms require an MBA.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
C |
C |
A |
By Jessica Dickler, Anne C. Lee and Greg Swiatek
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