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.
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.
IT Manager
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.
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.
Applications Development Manager
Mean Income: $120,000 Top 10%: $154,448
Your system or software is old, cumbersome, and outdated? Your business probably needs an application development manager. Those people are in charge of improving internal systems and software, and could probably save you from constantly having to restart your computer whenever your office chatroom crashes (which is about twice an hour).
Good application development managers will have a bachelor’s degree under their belt, as well as a few years of experience in the field.