Teamwork turns tech dreams into reality. Those who make technology are supported by a variety of specialized personnel, from project managers who make sure projects get done well and on time, to Chief Information Officers who develop the technical strategies for organizations and advise CEOs on technology issues.
This is the field of tech responsible for planning, starting, managing and ensuring the success of technology projects. People in these roles should be able to translate technical information into non-techspeak, and vice versa. They need working knowledge of technology and business in order to succeed. They should also really enjoy communicating and socializing with many different kinds of people.
Support personnel include IT project managers, who serve as the go-between for the business and technology sides of the organization. They outline project stages, get progress updates, lead team meetings and make sure work goes according to plan. Median salary is $80,780 in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. A college degree is required. Ongoing professional development and advanced certifications are also expected.
At the top of the ladder stands the Chief Information Officer, or CIOs. Also known as Chief Technology Officers or CTOs, these executives lead the technology departments of organizations. They direct tech strategies and work closely with CEOs and other high-level executives. Generally, CIOs are extremely knowledgeable about coding and making technology as well as business operations and marketing. Median salary is $183,637 per year. CIO jobs usually expect candidates to have a decade or more of experience in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as a Master’s or PhD.
Education Requirements
People in these positions typically have a Bachelor's degree and a few years of experience.
Average Salary
They make about $80,710 per year, the median annual salary for the Omaha area according to Glassdoor..
Information Technology (IT) Project Managers oversee, coordinate, and ensure the success of technology projects. They set expectations for coders and provide updates to the tech and business sides of an organization. They strive to remove obstacles to success.
Education Requirements
CIOs usually have at least a Bachelor's Degree and often a graduate degree in computer science and/or business, along with a decade or more of experience in roles of increasing responsibility.
Average Salary
They can expect a median salary of $183,637 in the Omaha area according to Glassdoor.
Chief Information Officers or CIOs are the most senior-level executives responsible for an organization's IT and computer systems. They lead tech strategy and have a deep understanding of how technology informs a company's business vision. As businesses increasingly rely on technology, more and more CIOs go on to become the CEOs or presidents of organizations.
Education Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Average Salary
$47k according to ZipRecruiter
A field service technician is responsible for helping clients install, repair, and maintain equipment. A few of the main duties of a field service technician are troubleshooting the equipment, building relationships with customers, and following company procedures. To become a field technician, you first need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some positions may prefer a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Education Requirements
Associate's degree or bachelor's degree
Average Salary
$45k, according to ZipRecruiter
As a Geek Squad agent, your job duties vary depending on your specific role, but generally include determining the customer's needs, selling tech support services, and installing and repairing equipment and software. Geek Squad technicians typically work at Geek Squad locations or Best Buy. There are several education requirements to become a Geek Squad agent. Geek Squad agents usually study computer science, business or information technology. 37% of Geek Squad agents hold a bachelor's degree and 25% hold an associate's degree, according to Zippia.
Education Requirements
Associate's or bachelor's degree or postsecondary classes
Average Salary
$56k, according to UsNews
A desktop support specialist is an information technology (IT) professional who maintains computer hardware and software systems. They're responsible for installing new programs, managing updates and providing technical support. A bachelor's degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate's degree or postsecondary classes may be enough for others.
Career salary data provided by: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook handbook and O*NET OnLine.
