Information technology (IT) is still a killer career choice in 2025 despite some market ups and downs. If you’re wondering whether to jump into tech or level up your current IT skills, I’ve got good news: the outlook is bright for folks with the right specializations.
While there have been some high-profile layoffs making headlines, don’t let that fool you. The data shows tech unemployment is actually sitting at 2.8% (lower than the national average of 4.1%), and companies are actively hunting for specialists in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
So is IT a good career path? Let’s dig into the numbers, trends, and what you actually need to know if you’re considering a career in tech.
Why IT Is (Still) a Great Career Choice in 2025
Let’s face it – technology isn’t going anywhere. Every company is now a tech company whether they like it or not, and that means IT skills are in demand across literally every industry.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and IT jobs will grow much faster than average through 2033, with over 356,700 job openings annually. That’s a lot of opportunity knocking!
And let’s talk money – the median IT salary is sitting pretty at $105,990, more than double the median for all occupations. Not too shabby for doing work that’s intellectually stimulating and constantly evolving.
Current Market Trends (The Good, Bad, and Ugly)
The tech job market has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately. Here’s what’s actually happening on the ground:
Specialist demand is booming – If you’ve got skills in AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, or specialized software development, companies are fighting over you. Job postings for roles requiring 10+ years of experience grew by over 4% month-over-month by June 2025.
Entry-level roles are competitive – The days of walking into a junior dev job with just a bootcamp certificate are getting tougher. Companies want proven skills and experience even for starter positions.
Contract work is expanding – More companies are using the “try before you buy” approach with tech talent, hiring contractors for flexibility and specialized projects.
Salary premiums for hot skills – IT pros with AI expertise are earning nearly 18% more than their peers. Cloud engineers and cybersecurity specialists are also commanding premium pay.
I mean, just look at the unemployment numbers. When the general workforce is at 4.1% unemployment and tech is at 2.8%, that tells you something important about the resilience of this career path.
The Hottest IT Roles Right Now
Not all IT jobs are created equal. These specializations are where the real action is happening in 2025:
1. AI & Machine Learning Engineers
With ChatGPT and other AI tools becoming business essentials, companies are scrambling to find people who understand how to implement and customize AI solutions. If you can speak fluently about machine learning models, large language models, and practical AI applications, you’re golden.
2. Cybersecurity Analysts
Cyber attacks keep getting more sophisticated, and the average data breach now costs companies $4.45 million according to IBM’s 2023 report. That’s why companies are willing to pay top dollar for security experts who can protect their digital assets.
3. Cloud Engineers
The shift to cloud computing isn’t slowing down. AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud continue to grow, and organizations need experts who can architect, migrate, and optimize their cloud infrastructure. Getting certified in one or more major cloud platforms can seriously boost your market value.
4. Data Engineers/Analysts
Companies are drowning in data but starving for insights. If you can build data pipelines, wrangle messy datasets, and extract meaningful business intelligence, you’ve got a skill set that’s in massive demand.
5. DevOps Engineers
The days of throwing code “over the wall” from development to operations are long gone. DevOps engineers who can automate deployment pipelines, manage containerization, and implement infrastructure as code are essential for modern software development.
The Benefits of Choosing IT (Beyond Just Money)
Sure, the paycheck is nice, but there’s more to love about IT careers:
Work flexibility – Many tech roles can be done remotely or hybrid, giving you more control over your work-life balance. In 2025, about 78% of tech companies offer some form of remote work option.
Continuous learning – If you’re the type who gets bored easily, IT is perfect. The field evolves so quickly that you’ll always have new things to learn and problems to solve.
Industry transferability – Tech skills are needed everywhere from healthcare to finance to entertainment. You can follow your interests while keeping your core technical expertise.
Creative problem-solving – Despite what some think, IT isn’t just about coding in a dark room. It’s about creatively solving real business problems using technology.
According to Glassdoor’s 2025 report, 7 of the top 20 best jobs in America are in tech. That’s not just about the money – it’s about overall job satisfaction, growth potential, and work-life balance.
The Real Challenges (Let’s Be Honest)
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in tech land. Here are some legitimate challenges to consider:
Keeping skills current is basically a second job. The technologies that are hot today might be obsolete in 5 years.
Ageism is real in some parts of the industry. If you’re over 40, you might face subtle (or not-so-subtle) bias, especially in startups.
Work-life boundaries can be tricky when you’re dealing with global teams, on-call rotations, and the pressure to ship products quickly.
Entry-level saturation means getting that first job can be tough. Everyone wants to hire senior developers, but not everyone wants to train juniors.
That last point is worth emphasizing. The toughest part of an IT career in 2025 is often getting that first professional role. But once you’ve got 2-3 years of experience, doors start opening much more easily.
How I’d Approach an IT Career in 2025
If I were starting or pivoting into IT today, here’s what I’d do:
Focus on a growing specialization – General IT knowledge is good, but specializing in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, or data engineering will make you more marketable.
Get hands-on experience – Build projects that demonstrate your skills. Contributing to open source or creating your own applications is worth more than certificates alone.
Network aggressively – Join tech communities on Discord, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Many great jobs never even hit job boards.
Consider contract work – It can be easier to land contract roles than permanent positions, and they often convert to full-time if you prove yourself.
Never stop learning – Set aside time every week to explore new technologies and deepen your expertise in your chosen field.
The tech industry rewards people who are curious, adaptable, and willing to put in the work to stay current. If that sounds like you, IT could be your ticket to a rewarding and well-paid career for decades to come.
In conclusion, despite some market turbulence, IT remains an excellent career choice in 2025. The key is specializing in high-demand areas, building practical skills, and continuously adapting as the technology landscape evolves. The jobs are there, the pay is strong, and the future is bright for those willing to put in the work to stay relevant in this fast-moving field.
