Business Technology Degree Jobs – Salaries & Outlook

The modern age has made every business rely on technology, and business technology degree jobs are snowballing. Technology enables employees to complete their tasks efficiently and proactively, whether reviewing old records, updating policies, or communicating with a team. A deeper insight into business technology allows one to use the available resources in a workplace to their advantage.

This article is the best choice if you are interested in a similar role or career. It delves into business technology degree jobs, business technology degrees, and other aspects of this field. Let’s look into this world of numbers, statistics, and technology to find answers!

Article Navigation: What Is Business Technology? | Career Overview | Business Technology Programs | What Can You Do With A Business Technology Degree? | Licensing & Certifications | Professional Organizations & Resources | FAQs | Start Your Career Today!

What Is Business Technology?

Business technology, also known as business technology management, is a specialized strategy that coordinates and organizes technology management throughout an enterprise. It comprises a comprehensive set of managerial tools, organizational structures, technology governance, and management practices.

Together, these mechanisms ensure the optimized use of technology to effectively satisfy customer expectations and requirements. Businesses also use these tools to challenge their competitors, enhance their ability to meet market demand, and improve customers’ views of their products or services.

Information technology was born more than 30 years ago as a specialized topic. Organizations around the globe developed new departments to maintain and manage this innovation, which ultimately birthed the IT department. Many view it as a pure support function starkly distinguished from the functioning of a business.

Extensive efforts control and contain this phenomenon, primarily to bring information technology and business technology under IT professionals’ supervision. Cost control was, of course, one crucial discipline that has now spread to various departments.

Presently, business technology administration works hand-in-hand with all business areas to increase skills while emphasizing disciplines of product development, revenue generation, and customer focus.

Career Overview

Business technology degree jobs are abundant and include various career paths. Options in this sector include business technology manager, intelligence analyst, software developer, search engine optimization (SEO) specialist, quality assurance analyst, UX designer, and others. The particular responsibilities of each designation vary. We will provide a detailed outline of each.

Academic qualifications for business technology jobs also vary but generally include a degree in information technology or computer science.

Professionals in a business technology discipline may be responsible for the following:

• Managing information storage and retrieval
• Collaborating with software designers to devise effective programs
• Developing innovative tools to monitor business data
• Implementing and acquiring new business technology

Qualifications To Get A Job In Business Technology

The academic and professional qualifications for business technology jobs vary but typically include a college degree. Most business technology positions necessitate a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. Still, some may hire people with an associate’s degree and substantial professional experience.

Regardless of the position and job responsibilities, a professional in business technology requires strong communication skills, technical skills, and the patience and ability to work with others

Business Technology Programs

Associate’s Degree

Various academic institutions and universities offer associate degrees in business technology. Programs are also available in information technology and sciences with a concentration in business. Most information technology associate’s programs provide business training in their coursework, whereas others may have a general business concentration option. Associate’s degree programs in business technology generally take one to two years.

These programs are also available online. The coursework in online business technology programs usually combines classroom learning with practical training in industry-current computer software. Students learn how to establish and manage secure computer network connections, remedy typical computer malfunctions, and develop the necessary leadership and managerial skills through business coursework. Some standard courses present in most online associate programs in business technology are as follows:

• Business Principles
• Computer Networking
• Web Design
• Database Administration
• Project Management
• Data Protection
• Information Technology Administration
• Operation Systems Support

Bachelor’s Degree In Business Technology

A bachelor’s degree in business technology focuses on the significance of IT systems and technology in modern industry. To this end, it provides the primary business management information and skills necessary for a business technology workplace. Also, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the present and future standing of this industry.

Graduates with a bachelor’s have excellent employment prospects, as jobs in this industry are generally well-paid and widely available. They are also eligible for entry-level positions, primarily because of the skills they gain during the four rigorous study years.

Let us look at some other benefits of a bachelor’s degree in business technology:

• Quickly start from scratch: A bachelor’s degree does not require prior business or IT knowledge or experience.
• Learn effectively through a combination of theory-based studies and practical experience.
• The skills gained to enhance your employability, as IT and business skills are in high demand in today’s digital world.
• Develop a unique business personality that helps you stand out from a crowd of potential candidates.
• Develop specialized practical attributes such as a flexible mindset and innovative thinking abilities.
• Pursue various career opportunities in digital transformation, web development, consultancy, business analysis, and project management.

Although the courses in this degree vary depending upon the institution, some standard classes most bachelor’s programs offer are as follows:

• Marketing Fundamentals
• Finance and Business Performance
• Applied Operations Management
• Business Economics
• Systems Analysis and Design Quantitative Business Skills

Master’s Degree In Business Technology

A master’s degree in business technology benefits professionals who already hold an undergraduate degree in a particular field. Advanced business technology programs elevate a student’s skillset beyond the preliminary or introductory level, allowing a better mastery of the profession. Most online master’s programs in business technology require a culminating thesis or final project. They are completable in about one to two years full-time.

Students cover business domains such as analytics, systems analysis, design, project management, knowledge management, change management and strategy, and analytics. They can also choose between various electives, some of which are:

• eBusiness Supply Chains
• Digital Innovation
• Enterprise Systems
• Business Intelligence

Candidates with previous experience or studies may also be eligible for credit for the program. Added credit reduces the program duration.

What Can You Do With A Business Technology Degree?

Typical Employers

Business technology graduates can work in all organizations and enterprises that use technological processes to support their business requirements and needs. They may work as help desk technicians to sort out software applications and hardware equipment issues or as network administrators to manage a company’s network infrastructure, such as servers. Several industries offer employment positions for these individuals, owing to the high demand for computer application developers.

System analysts and business technology professionals must collaborate to ensure tasks’ smooth functioning. Some other lucrative and emerging fields for these professionals are software testers, cyber security, and game design. Globally renowned companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Facebook offer employment positions in business technology.

Aspirants can opt for a business technology program online or on campus.

Some famous universities offering courses in this field include:

• Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
• Columbia University
• University of Arizona
• Virginia Tech
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Southern California

Now, let’s check out the jobs directly related to a business technology degree:

1. Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is optimizing a company’s website to bring it to par with the search engine priorities, increasing its standing on the search results. This process is not as easy as it sounds. Search engines work on algorithms that are complex to understand. They require different approaches and techniques to achieve desired results. One of the most common business technology degree jobs is SEO specialist. These professionals are responsible for the following:

• Carrying out tests, collecting results, and evaluating the acquired data to attain insights and determine trends that allow a maximum return on investment in paid search campaigns
• Recommending changes to website content, architecture, linking, and other factors that enhance SEO positions for target keywords
• Tracking, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting PCC initiatives and campaigns and website analytics
• Collaboration with development teams to determine the best SEO practices to be implemented on the newly devised code
• Managing and supervising campaign expenditures, ensuring budget needs, rooting out and reconciling discrepancies, and calculating the monthly costs
• Collaborating with editorial and marketing teams to drive SEO in content programming and content creation
• Landing pages and optimizing copies for search engine optimization recommendations
• Monitoring and researching competitor advertising links
• Devising and implementing link-building strategies

A business technology degree allows professionals to become both convincing and persistent, which are crucial qualities of an SEO specialist. According to PayScale, professionals in this field typically earn around $49,000. However, salaries can vary depending on education, professional experience, certification, additional skills, and geographical location. Formalized education is not a prerequisite for entry into the SEO industry. Still, most positions require a bachelor’s degree in business technology, information technology, business, marketing, or communications.

2. Quality Assurance Professional

Software development is no easy gig, and giving a product the necessary final touches in this domain is as important as the initial steps. Quality assurance professionals are a crucial element in business technology degree jobs. These professionals are responsible for the following:

• Thoroughly testing products to gain insight into their minute discrepancies
• Ensuring products meet the requirements and expectations of clients, businesses, or consumers
• Bringing products at par with a business’s standards

Although most of these positions are technical, they also require many non-technical skills, such as communication and negotiation. The average annual salary for these professionals as of 2022 was around $63,419, with the typical range falling between $55,616 and $70,629. A business technology salary may change depending on various crucial factors, such as professional experience, education, certification, and geographical location.

Quality assurance job positions may also undergo an average increase over the next ten years. The academic requirements of most entry-level positions in this career choice are a bachelor’s degree in business technology or a relevant field. Although prior work experience is not a prerequisite, those who have it may have a competitive advantage.

3. User Experience (UX) Designer

No matter how innovative and powerful a particular technology may be, users will be unable to benefit from it if it is not user-friendly. Mobile phones, computers, and website apps are all designed keeping the user experience in mind. UX designers have the same responsibility: ensuring that a product or service is easily usable, glitch-free, and seamless. Professionals with a background in business technology can undertake this task with added knowledge and expertise that allows them to get into users’ minds and better satisfy consumers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for these professionals in 2021 was around $78,300 per year or $37.65 per hour.

Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in business technology, information technology, or a related field without requiring prior work experience. UX specialists do not need any on-the-job training.

The BLS also sheds light on a promising job outlook for this field, with a 23% increase anticipated between 2021 and 2032. This profession’s job outlook is much brighter than the average across all occupations. An employment change of 45,400 may occur within the next ten years, making it one of the best business technology analyst jobs.

4. Data Analysts

Data analysts have various responsibilities, but their primary job is to analyze data to attain beneficial consumer and market information for a company. This information allows a company to capitalize and change according to the prevalent trends. Professionals with a business background are highly suited for this position, as they possess the necessary skills to excel as data analysts. These skills include:

• Ability to go through billions of raw data rows
• Comprehend and devise the primary questions that business decision-makers need answers to
• Format, review, and transfer data to answer those questions in business language as opposed to technical language
• Squash communication gaps where technical professionals face difficulties understanding business requirements

Professionals with a business technology background can work better as data analysts if they have a basic understanding of Python for data mining, SQL (structured query language), basic task automation, and statistical analysis. These skills qualify a professional for not only a data analyst position but also a quality assurance engineer and junior data scientist.

Data analyst salaries differ depending on the geographical location, years of experience, academic experience, certification, and skills. Although data analyst salaries fluctuate, the median annual salary is about $70,033. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 19% job growth is expected between 2018 and 2028, much faster than average across all professions. This outlook is primarily because of the demand for suitable market researchers across various industries.

5. Software Developer

A software developer's career is quite technical, with the responsibility of the complete software development program on their shoulders. They are primarily responsible for the following:

• Designing a software program
• Determining user requirements
• Writing the software code or collaborating with other programmers to do so
• Supervising a team of programmers in managerial positions

Professionals with a business technology background hold the ability to monetize their development, which differentiates them from software developers who produce excellent products but without any penetration.

The software development industry needs business technology analysts who are also tech people with resources. The Bureau of Labor Statistics declares the median annual business technology analyst salary to be $109,020 in 2021, which comes to about $52.41 per hour. The typical entry-level academic requirement in this industry is a bachelor’s education. There is no need for work experience in a related field. There were about 1,622,200 jobs in this field in 2021. A 25% increase in job outlook may occur between 2021 and 2030, much faster than the average across all occupations. An employment change of 411,400 is also expected.

The typical entry-level education requirement for this field is a bachelor’s degree. Apart from that, neither on-the-job training nor prior work experience is necessary.

6. Cyber Security Analysts

Cyber security analysts, as the name entails, safeguard the systems and information in a company. They are responsible for the following:

• Monitoring security breaches
• Developing programs that prevent cyber attacks
• Testing the permeability of their systems
• Discussing ways to best protect digital assets from malware and attacks
• Staying up-to-date on recent attack methods used to infiltrate IT security and computer systems

Cyber security analysts must always stay two steps ahead of cyber attackers, which requires training. However, a cyber security analyst able to balance the needs of a business through business technology management and its cyber security demands is the best professional for this field. A robust business technology sense enables them to sensibly rationalize, prioritize, and apply the most suitable technical practices.

The median annual salary for cyber security specialists was around $102,600 per year or $49.33 per hour in 2021, according to the BLS.

The typical entry-level job requirement for this position is a bachelor’s degree. Still, four to five years of hands-on experience in a related field is necessary. Cybersecurity specialists do not require any on-the-job training. This field offers one of the most lucrative business technology degree jobs. The BLS predicts a 35% increase in job outlook, considerably faster than the average across all other occupations. The number of jobs in 2021 was around 163,000, but employment change in the next ten years may add 56,500 new positions.

7. Product Managers

Product managers supervise the entire IT setup process, from its ideation stage to its market release. They apply a company’s goals and objectives to the product while managing the various development stages and keeping the communication lines open in all cases.

Product managers drive in the direction of both development and marketing and are thus in high demand across various fields. The median product manager salary is about $111,868 per year. Still, it may vary depending on academic standing, experience, geographical location, etc. They may also vary depending on the employment position:

• Junior Product Managers 
  Average Annual Salary: $79,601
• Mid-level Product Managers
  Average Annual Salary: $104,58
• Senior Product Managers
  Average Annual Salary: $125,554
• Product Management Director
  Average Annual Salary: $151,484
• Vice President Product Manager
  Average Annual Salary: $175,000

The minimum academic requirement for entry-level positions in this business technology analyst position is a bachelor’s degree. Still, one to two years of practical experience may be necessary. The BLS expects an increase in the job outlook for managerial occupations of about 8% between 2021 and 2031, relatively faster than average across disciplines. This increase may result in approximately 883,900 new jobs over the next ten years.

8. Scrum Master

Scrum masters are involved with companies that follow agile development methods. This career choice is a relatively uncommon business technology degree job but is a lucrative one. Although these professionals do not have distinctly mentioned job responsibilities, they are development-focused variations of project managers. They supervise development teams to ensure they follow all necessary procedures and processes adequately and remove all hurdles that may hinder their team’s productivity. Additionally, these professionals communicate with stakeholders and pen user stories. Although there are no professional experience requirements for agile managers, employers may require technical experience for employment.

A survey by the Age of Product showed that the average annual salary for scrum masters with no previous work experience and an entry-level certification was around $85,000 in 2021. However, their median annual salary is about $110,000 per year. This profession may experience a 6.9% increase in job outlook between 2020 and 2021, as fast as the average across occupations.

Jobs Where a Business Technology Degree Would Be Helpful

A business technology degree program opens the doors to various job opportunities and is helpful in several others. Some of these include:

• Webmaster
• Applications developer
• IT sales professional
• Business analyst
• Network engineer
• Estimator
• Forensic computer analyst

Skills in Business Technology

• Planning and implementation of tasks to meet organizational goals strategically
• Knowledge of project management tools and theory, along with systems analysis and design by using the Unified Modeling Language (UML)
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture and software development processes
• Understanding of innovation and technology management strategies that enhance security and performance
• Knowledge of IT and business-focused law, such as security, licensing, intellectual property, and privacy
• Ability to determine the suitable personnel, finances, resources, and materials allocation
• Understand the ways of sourcing information and its use in developing new knowledge
• Collaboration and teamwork skills to identify your role in a team
• Effective communication skills
• Critical thinking ability
• Problem-solving skills
• Punctuality and ability to meet deadlines
• Creativity and innovativeness
• Management of time, resources, and data
• Rational thinking ability

Licensing & Certifications

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

A Certified Information Technology Professional is a Certified Public Accountant acknowledged for their specialized ability to offer business insight by using knowledge of supporting technologies and information relationships. This certification requires more than two years of continued education or training after high school graduation and generally more than two years of practical work experience in the field.

Every three years, candidates must also pass a written or oral examination and renew their certification. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides this program. The accreditation is prevalent among business consultants, senior consultants, and information technology professionals.

IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)

The ITIL Foundations Certification course suits all information technology service and support staff members. Whether working on a continuous service improvement or adopting ITIL, this certification allows a primary understanding of how IT support and service can reduce expenses and enhance service quality.

Some specific course benefits of this certification are:

• Attaining a thorough understanding of the ITIL framework, its working, and its relationship with the Service Desk function and ten foundational processes
• Learn how the various ITIL processes can function in an organization, irrespective of its size
• Promote a particular language and shared vision within the Information Technology infrastructure

The requirements for ITIL are relatively lenient: applicants do not need to hold unique educational or professional experience as long as they pass a written or oral exam. Certification renewal is also not necessary.

Six Sigma Green Belt

The Six Sigma Green Belt is an IASSC-certified credential provided to professionals well-versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology. This process supports and leads improvement projects. Professionals with this certification thoroughly understand all aspects of the D-M-A-I-C phases, standard Lean principles, and how to comprehend and perform Six Sigma tools.

Candidates must hold more than two years of training or education after high school and more than two years of practical work experience. They also must pass an oral or written examination. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam practice test works wonders in helping aspirants prepare for the certification.

Management Consultant Professional (MCP)

The Management Consultant Professional certification is offered by the American Academy of Finance and Management (AAFM). It requires about two years of training or education after high school graduation. Candidates must also possess more than two years of professional work experience and pass an oral or written exam.

It is an executive program that explores the intricacies of management consulting and facilitates a framework to offer management counsel to public and private institutions and clients. Candidates connect information from the core curriculum to the practical world and open their minds to examples in their global consulting roles. Holders can renew this certification every year.

Professional Organizations & Resources

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

One of the most significant scientific and academic computing societies is the ACM. It offers resources essential to advance computing as a profession and science. It also provides the premier Digital Library in computing, benefitting the computing profession with various leading-edge conferences, publications, and career resources.

Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)

The ASIS&T is the only professional association connecting research with information science practice. It has been leading the quest for better and new techniques, technologies, and theories to enhance information access for over 75 years.

Association for Women in Computing (AWC)

The AWC is a national professional organization working for professionals in information and technology. It is fundamentally dedicated to the advancement of females in the technology fields. Like-minded individuals can connect through the ever-increasing number of members and benefit from networking and outreach across various business segments, computing and technology functions, and personal interests. This association also offers valuable tools for career-enhancing mentoring relationships through association opportunities and programs, such as continuing education.

Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

The AITP endeavors to advance the information technology profession by supporting IT education, professional development, and national IT policies that enhance society.

Computing Research Association (CRA)

The CRA joins the government, academia, and industry to improve advanced education and research in computing. It functions by leading information policymakers, the computing research community, and the general public to facilitate diverse talent in this field.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

The ISSA is a renowned non-profit international organization for information security practitioners and professionals. It allows its members enhanced skills, knowledge, and professional growth through publications, educational forums, and peer networking opportunities.

International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT)

The IACSIT performs various functions, such as:

• Promoting lifelong professional learning
• Encouraging international and regional communication and collaboration
• Encouraging researchers and scholars to pursue careers and studies in Information Technology and Computer Science
• Recognizing the commendable contributions of organizations and individuals in this field.

This association also facilitates research highlighting modern applications in information technology and computer science, such as business, physics, agriculture, mathematics, biomedicine, geography, e-learning, education, and the environment.

EDM Council

The Enterprise Data Management Council is a non-profit association that works to develop suitable data management practices and data content standards.

FAQs

What can you do with a degree in business and technology?

Various lucrative career opportunities are available in business technology. Some standard business technology degree jobs include the following:

• Business Analyst
• Technology Consulting Analyst
• Information/Computer Systems Manager
• Project Manager
• Database Manager
• Information Systems Auditor

Is a business technology degree worth it?

A business technology degree is worth it in today’s world full of technological advancements. Most job roles in the future may switch to technology for managing daily duties. This change would increase the demand for business technology specialists who understand the relationship between business and technology.

What is the use of business technology?

Business technology refers to all the technology that allows the seamless running of an organization’s operational functions. The technology may be based on business-critical production, back-office financial systems, logistic solutions, customer-facing applications, or several others.

Can I work in tech with a business degree?

Generally, you cannot work in technology with a business degree, as the former is a technical profession that requires relevant training. However, you can easily find employment opportunities with a business background if you possess the necessary tech skills and knowledge.

What is business technology management?

Business technology management refers to specialized services and processes that combine an organization’s business management and business technology strategies. Enterprises generally use business technology management for enhanced risk control, execution, and profitability.

Start Your Career Today!

Business technology degree jobs are widely available in a broad spectrum of careers for professionals who want to combine business and technology aspects in their desired roles. Whether you opt for an entry-level or advanced position, business technology is a lucrative career choice.

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