Computer

Do you know your way around a computer? Perhaps you've always dreamed of turning your passion into a career. Information techology professionals are required in every field imaginable. Everyone needs computers and someone has to be able to keep those computers running. Now might be a good time to take an aptitude test to see if a career in computers is right for you.

Careers in computers fall into two categories: hardware and software. Hardware professionals are the ones who fix and install the actual machines. They make sure everything is connected properly and keep the network up and running. Software professionals are the ones who write and edit the code that keep the programs functioning. They also maintain the database and other programs.

Some career options to consider in the hardware field:

Network administrator: These professionals design and install the network that connects all the computer systems in a company. They are responsible for making sure that things stay up and running and will be called upon for repairs in case the network goes down. Variable amounts of education are required by employers, with some asking for a BS in Computer Science and others asking for nothing more than some experience installing the hardware. The average salary for a network administrator in the United States is about $62,000.

Computer repair technician -- Most computer retail locations have some sort of repair or maintenance department. Computer repair technicians work to keep customer's computers running at optimal performance. Qualifications for this position are usually nothing more than an A+ certification and some locations are willing to provide training. A computer repair tech who is just starting out can expect to make about $21,000 the first year.

Career options to consider in software:

Software engineer -- Software engineers are the people who actually create the code used by computer programs. These jobs usually require a BS or MS in Computer Science, although an extensive knowledge of computer programming languages like C+ or C++ may be enough. Software engineer's salary can start as high as $70,000.

Database administrator -- DBAs design, implement, support and maintain the database for an organization. Employers often want DBAs to be certified through Microsoft, with an MCDBA certification. Programs that a DBA should be familiar with include SQL and Oracle. Database administrator salaries start at about $50,000 but it's easy to earn more with experience.