IT Professionals Are Generally Satisfied and Focused on What’s Next

Job satisfaction is higher among IT professionals, reaching 84% among IT managers and 80% among IT staff, compared with 64% among those working outside IT. But satisfaction doesn’t mean standing still, especially in IT. Career growth is one area where there is room for improvement. Just under half (47%) are satisfied with their current career growth opportunities, the lowest rated of the five job aspects measured. Furthermore, when asked about career concerns, lack of career growth opportunities and uncertainty around next career steps top the list, both at 37%. These concerns are even more common among those working outside the IT field.

Still, most IT professionals see their future in technology. Looking ahead one to two years, about two-thirds (68%) prioritize further development within their current field, whether by enhancing their technical skills in their current role or moving to a higher-level role.

AI is changing skill development priorities

Career growth in IT continues to involve keeping pace with changing technology. Increasingly, that includes developing skills related to AI.

More than half (55%) report that AI is already helping them work more efficiently, while 34% indicate AI is changing the skills they need. When considering the AI skills that are most important for them to develop, nearly 9 in 10 point to at least one (88%), with using AI tools effectively at the top of the list overall (57%).

Not surprisingly, skill development priorities vary by job family among working professionals. For instance, 68% of cybersecurity professionals prioritize developing AI security and risk management skills, compared to 32% of those in data roles. Which AI skills professionals prioritize can depend on the work they do today as well as where they want to go next.

Supporting continued career growth

Current and aspiring workers point to a range of resources that could help them reach their goals. More than 9 in 10 (92%) say at least one would help. Hands-on projects or labs top the list at 43%, followed closely by employer-paid training at 40%. More time for learning (39%) and certification guidance or recommendations (38%) are also among the top resources professionals identify as helpful.

However, access to some of these resources remains limited. Only 13% of employed professionals report access to hands-on labs or simulation environments, while 18% have dedicated learning time during work hours. Among those at small and midsize businesses (<500 employees), one-third (33%) report their employer does not provide ongoing learning support or they aren’t sure what support is available. This isn’t limited to smaller organizations, though. Across company sizes, there are opportunities to improve both access to learning support and awareness of existing resources.

Credentials are another piece of the career development picture

Credentials are another resource professionals turn to as they look to build skills and advance their careers. Among CompTIA certification holders, 84% report they have realized at least one benefit from their certification, led by a stronger resume or professional profile (50%) and greater confidence in their abilities (49%).

Yet employer support for certification remains limited. For example, just over one-third (34%) of employed professionals say their employer pays for certifications.

Looking ahead

Overall, the findings are largely positive. IT professionals report relatively high job satisfaction, and most remain focused on continued growth within their field. At the same time, changing skill needs, particularly around AI, mean continued learning is likely to remain an important part of building a career in technology.

For IT professionals, staying current is part of moving forward. For employers, the opportunity is to make that continued development easier to pursue.

 

About the research 

CompTIA’s IT Career Insights examines how professionals across 12 countries navigate their careers, including what they want to learn, the level of support employers provide, and what credentials deliver. Findings are based on responses from 3,631 CompTIA certification alumni and other professionals across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the majority of respondents currently holding a CompTIA certification.