These are the Information Technology Careers to Look Out For in San Diego
A tech industry that likely began because of a large number of military presence in San Diego, the sunny coastal Southern California city has grown into one of America’s top tech hotspots, where technology-related employment has become crucial for the local economy. In the Tech Cities 2.0 report published by Cushman & Wakefield, San Diego is mentioned as one of the major cities where the technology industry makes up a substantial part of the location’s economy.
This screams good news for individuals that are looking to start a blossoming career in information technology and other tech-related industries and just so happen to live in San Diego or are wanting to relocate.
But just how much growth in the tech market can be seen throughout San Diego?
According to the 2017 San Diego InnovationReport, 152,230 new jobs appeared within the innovation economy, with 35% of those from the software industry, 26% from other technical consulting services, and around 3% from computers and electronics. This growth and increase in employment for one city alone are significant, and the numbers are only expected to rise in the future.
Now that the statistics have been laid out on the table, let’s take a look at which specific jobs within the information technology sector can be expected to increase in San Diego’s booming tech job market.
What Makes San Diego so Tech-Friendly?
There is a combination of factors that makes San Diego such an ideal location for tech growth.
First, San Diego’s close proximity to the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, both tech central, gives companies the confidence to move or open new headquarters in San Diego. Commuting between the Bay Area and San Diego is convenient and relatively quick, especially when compared with other tech-friendly cities in America.
Next, San Diego has a large population of Millenials, who often possess the skills and ability to be employed in demanding tech and IT positions. After all, computers, the internet, and technology are right in line with the millennial generation who have been accustomed and exposed to these advancements for the majority of their lives.
Furthermore, affordable housing in San Diego encourages relocation to this city, which has lower prices than many of the comparable California regions. A high standard of living, from the beautiful sunny weather to easy downtown access because of a centrally located airport, makes San Diego a rather ideal place to move to.
Additionally, well-built infrastructure, including the network of convenient freeways and highways, makes movement throughout parts of San Diego quick and relatively hassle-free.
For those who are interested in studying information technology in order to work in the industry, San Diego is a fair prospect as well. Many schools, including ICOHS, are offering IT training programs that prepare students to enter the in-demand workforce.
IT-Related Careers with Expected Growth in San Diego
For those who intend to find employment within the information technology sector in San Diego, it is important to learn which careers seem to present the most opportunities.
Cyber Security and Related Professions
San Diego Magazine reports that “cybersecurity is expected to grow by 13 percent in the next year, compared to just 2 percent overall regional job growth.” What does this mean for San Diego’s tech industry? There is going to be a massive demand, undoubtedly, for cybersecurity professionals.
With growing international concerns related to hacking and the stealing of sensitive information, most companies rely upon the expertise of cybersecurity professionals to protect their confidential files and data.
Considering that San Diego is home to companies such as Illumina and Qualcomm, it makes sense that there is such a need for professionals that work to keep company data secure. As the world only turns more tech-heavy, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to increase, so it is expected that this growth in San Diego will not be stopping any time soon.
Some professions in cybersecurity to consider includes:
● Chief Information Security Officer (a newer position that many companies in San Diego are now employing)
● Information Security Analyst
● Security Architect
● Lead Software Security Engineer
Cybersecurity jobs tend to be extremely well paid, with top positions earning a salary within the range of $100,000-$200,000 yearly according to the University of San Diego.
IT-Related Careers with Expected Growth in the US
Although not enough direct research exists regarding how certain IT careers outside of the cybersecurity sector will grow or decline in San Diego, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has released many reports in pertinence to information technology and the expected job growth for related jobs.
We cannot say with confidence that there is absolutely a market for these careers in San Diego, but they are worth mentioning due to their faster than average increase throughout the United States. If San Diego’s employment trends follow the rest of the US, there are bound to be career opportunities in the following careers as well:
● Computer and Information Research Scientist (16% increase job outlook for 2018-2028)
● Computer Network Architect (5% increase job outlook for 2018-2028)
● Software Developer (21% increase job outlook for 2018-2028)
● Web Developer (13% increase job outlook for 2018-2028)
● Database Administrator (9% increase job outlook for 2018-2028)
● Computer Support Specialist (10% job outlook for 2018-2028)
San Diego’s Booming Tech Job Market: Conclusion
While San Diego’s tech industry spans far more markets than merely that of information technology, those who decide to select a career path in IT will likely find no shortage of work in this city.
With a housing market that is considered affordable when compared with other California cities, especially Southern California, and a standard of living that is extremely high from the weather to the centrally located airport, San Diego is an ideal location for tech industries to open branches and headquarters.
Additionally, its placement is within close proximity to the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, which is part of the reason why startups and already established tech corporations have their eyes set on San Diego.
If you have been searching for an affordable school for IT or for IT schools in San Diego to begin your training to become an information technology professional, ICOHS is a non-profit vocational school located in the heart of the city.
We offer four programs for those with a passion for information technology, including trainings to become a Computer Network Technician, an IT Network Specialist, and an IT Systems Administrator. Our fourth program, Continuing Education for Information Technology, is designed specifically for those already employed by the IT industry who want to improve their skills and learn new useful information.
Our dedicated team of professionals is passionate about seeing their students excel and achieve their goals. If this path sounds like the right one for you, reach out to us today and request more information.
