Mean Income: $142,530 Top 10%: $146,945
You know the IT person you call whenever your work computer starts showing signs of ADHD? Apparently, those people have other responsibilities too, such as overseeing information technology systems. Sure, they help workers navigate through technological problems, but they also perform system maintenance on any software the company uses, install and upgrade different hardware systems, and more.
With all the sensitive information on their hands (plus, their anti-virus responsibilities), IT managers need professional training which includes at least a B.A. in computer science. They would also need a rewarding paycheck or they will be easily tempted to sell the company secrets to online psychopaths.
Strategy Manager
Mean Income: $130,000 Top 10%: $140,769
Strategy manager sounds like one of those overly vague, made-up, hi-tech titles, but we promise it's a real thing and that it pays well too. What strategy managers usually do is help a company reach its full potential. Again, we know it sounds vague, but trust us, we're getting somewhere.
Helping a company grow and become more efficient is usually done through business partnerships and planning new initiatives. Strategy managers are able to do just that thanks to an academic background which includes a bachelor’s (and sometimes a master's) degree.
Integrated Circuit Designer Engineer
Mean Income: $127,500 Top 10%: $176,000
Those of you who aren't in hi-tech must read this title and think you're looking at a foreign language of some sort. Those of you who are in hi-tech are probably here by mistake because you must be too busy making money to be reading this. But we're not bitter. No matter what the therapist says.
Anyway, let us just explain that integrated circuit designer engineers deal with electrical design as well as development support. They also solve technical hardware problems for the companies that hire their services. In order to be able to do that, they study for a B.S. or even a Master’s of Science degree in electrical engineering.
Solution Architect
Mean Income: $120,000 Top 10%: $200,500
Wait a minute. We thought architects design buildings, don't they? Well, generally speaking — yes. But solution architects aren't regular architects. Solution architects deal with product or project design and are also deeply involved in their technological aspects.
In order to become a solution architect, one will need to study. Hard. One will typically start with a B.A. in computer systems, but they could also start with a degree in information systems. Those who are exceptionally passionate about the field might even go for a Master’s in marketing or engineering.
Engagement Manager
Mean Income: $120,000 Top 10%: $178,580
Believe it or not, engagement managers have nothing to do with couples getting married. What they actually do is come up with new ways to keep clients involved with the company they work for. After all, if your client relationships are less than optimal, your company's days are numbered.
Engagement managers will need to study both marketing and project management, but really good ones will also have some software or technical skills.