Why Information Technology (IT)
is Still the Place to Be!

1. Information Technology is one of the fastest growing fields of employment, accounting for 1 of every 4 new jobs created between 2000 and 2010. ("Occupational Outlook Handbook - 2002" US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

2. The average salary of a professional with an IT certification is $55,577. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

3. 92 percent of all Information Technology professionals work outside of technology companies. (Information Technology Association of America)

4. In a press release, Bill Gates said Microsoft plans to hire more than 5,000 people over the next year. Current employees are getting raises, too. (“Microsoft Maintaining Strong Product Momentum and Long-Term Focus, Gates Tells Analysts” – Company Press Release, PRNewswire, July 25, 2002)

5. Over 50% of federal government IT professionals will be eligible for retirement by 2006. (“Changes in Federal Civilian Employment: An Update” Congressional Budget Office, May 2001)

6. 53 percent of professionals reported they had received a raise within the first year of attaining their primary certification. Of those who received a raise in salary, 74 percent said their primary certification had a significant impact on their salary increase. 39 percent said they received a definite, certification-related raise within the first year of attaining their certification. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

7. 37 percent of professionals received a promotion within the first year of attaining their primary certification. Of those receiving promotions, 83 percent felt their certifications played a major role in the advancement. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

8. While the US is home to half of all IT workers worldwide, the size of the IT workforce outside of this country is growing twice as fast. (about 20% annual growth internationally) (eWeek magazine “Fair Trade on Jobs?” by Lisa Vaas, May 13, 2002)

9. 91 percent of professionals in IT state that they are satisfied with their career choice, with over 56 percent stating that they are “very satisfied”. (Computerworld Magazine - 2001 Job Satisfaction Survey)

10. 79 percent of those who already have technical certifications will seek additional certifications in the coming year. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

11. Average earnings in the computer and data processing industry are 89% higher than the national average for all industries. (“Career Guide for Industries: 2002 - 2003” Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

12. Information Technology Association of America Survey – Almost half of all new jobs created in Information Technology go unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates. (“When Can You Start?” ITAA April 2001)

13. 56 percent of professionals in IT state that flexible work hours and casual work environment contribute to their job satisfaction (Computerworld Magazine - 2001 Job Satisfaction Survey)

14. 50 percent of professionals in IT state that opportunities to use new technologies and work on interesting projects contribute to their job satisfaction. (Computerworld Magazine - 2001 Job Satisfaction Survey)

15. 51 percent of all IT and technical professionals invest in technical certifications every year. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

16. More technical professionals hold certifications now than last year—an increase of some 29 percent over 2000. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

17. According to study results, the average professional currently holds nearly four (3.86 on average) different technical certifications. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

18. The average professional reported a 10.2 percent salary increase, equating to an average of $4,477, within the first year of attaining their certification. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

19. The average IT professional received a certification-related raise of 10.2 percent, which equated to a $4,477 increase in salary. Given that the average cost of a certification was $1,934, the average first-year ROI was 2.3 to 1, which means that on average, for every dollar invested in a certification, the certificant realized a $2.30 return within the first year. (Certification Magazine - 2002 Salary Survey)

20. Additional certifications lead to higher earnings.
(Certification Magazine - 2005 Salary Survey)