Information Technology Job Descriptions (Top 21 Careers)

Career prospects in IT vary by role and skill set, but overall demand for capable workers remains strong. Here’s a list of the top 21 careers and job types in information technology, ICT and data science. Each career description has job title examples.

21 ICT Careers and Job Types

It’s good to know the different career streams available in information technology (IT) and information and communications technology (ICT). Each job has a distinctive set of required skills and personal traits.

Almost all IT jobs depend on strong technical knowledge. But each has a different emphasis, whether the job centres on coding, managing hardware, applying software, data science or managing systems or people.

This list of 21 careers and major job types was constructed by researching which jobs require an IT background. The Mallory Careers team searched through hundreds of job ads listed across Australia to identify the most common job openings. Having an IT or similar degree would be an asset for each career.

Entry into the field usually depends on demonstrable skills rather than just qualifications. For example, support and technician roles often require troubleshooting ability and certifications, development roles typically require a portfolio of working projects, and data roles generally require evidence of analytical and programming capability. Graduates commonly begin in support, junior developer, or analyst positions before specialising.

Analytics Engineer

Analytics engineers design and maintain the structured datasets that analysts, dashboards, and AI systems rely on. They transform raw data into clean, consistent tables that reflect agreed business definitions.

The role involves writing and maintaining SQL models, managing data transformations in cloud warehouses, and ensuring that metrics are accurate and reusable across the organisation. Analytics engineers work closely with data analysts, data engineers, and business teams.

Most analytics engineers have strong SQL skills, experience with data warehouses, and familiarity with tools such as dbt and BI platforms. Many come from database, data analyst, or data engineering backgrounds.

Job titles: analytics engineer, senior analytics engineer, analytics engineering lead, BI engineer, data modelling engineer, analytics platform engineer.

Business Analyst

Business analysts examine an organisation (or part of a business) to determine how to better achieve goals. Almost always, there’s a strong information technology component because IT is integral to modern business operations. Analysts may scope out the potential effects of changing software systems and operational processes. Analysts need to be adaptable because job requirements vary from company to company. Business education in addition to IT training is an advantage.

Job titles: business analyst, business and technology analyst, ICT business analyst, IT continuity risk analyst, reporting analyst, reporting and insights specialist, senior data business analyst, senior insights analyst.

Cloud Platform Engineer

Cloud platform engineers build and operate the infrastructure that modern software runs on. They manage cloud environments, automate deployments, monitor system reliability, and keep platforms secure and scalable. The role combines systems engineering, automation, and operational responsibility.

Job titles: cloud engineer, DevOps engineer, site reliability engineer (SRE), platform engineer, infrastructure engineer, cloud operations engineer.

Computer Service Technician

Computer service technicians repair computer hardware and software. Tasks include replacing defective components, removing malware, assembling hardware, and running diagnostic tests. Experience building and repairing computers is valuable. Certifications such as CompTIA A+ are helpful.

Job titles: computer service technician, ICT support technician, IT systems technician, onsite support technician.

Cyber Security Specialist

Cyber security specialists protect computer systems and networks. The role requires broad technical knowledge across operating systems, networks, and applications. Experience is important and certifications provide an advantage.

Job titles: cyber security analyst, ICT security specialist, information security officer, IT security consultant, IT security engineer.

Data Centre Technician

Data centre technicians maintain server hardware and network equipment. Duties include monitoring systems, maintaining equipment, and troubleshooting faults. The role requires networking, hardware repair and inventory skills.

Job titles: data centre technician, data centre support engineer, data centre operations manager.

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyse large datasets and build predictive models using programming and statistics. A master’s degree in data science or related field is a common pathway.

Job titles: data scientist, machine learning engineer, data science consultant, lead data scientist.

MORE ON THIS: Data Science Careers

Database Administrator

Database administrators manage database security, performance and integrity. They ensure reliable access to information and resolve technical problems.

Job titles: database administrator, ICT database administrator, information management specialist.

Hardware Engineer

Hardware engineers design and test computer hardware such as circuit boards, servers and embedded systems. A degree in computer or electrical engineering is usually required.

Job titles: hardware engineer, computer hardware engineer, hardware test engineer.

IT Consultant

IT consultants provide expert advice on systems, software and infrastructure. They often work across multiple industries and may operate independently or within consulting firms.

Job titles: IT consultant, technical specialist, ICT security consultant, technology consultant.

IT Manager

IT managers oversee organisational IT systems and teams. They ensure systems meet operational requirements and manage technical staff and projects.

Job titles: IT manager, ICT coordinator, ICT project manager, program director.

Network Engineer

Network engineers design and implement communication networks, configure hardware and ensure reliable connectivity.

Job titles: network engineer, network systems engineer, network infrastructure engineer.

Software Developer

Software developers create applications and systems software. They design functionality, write code, test software and maintain applications.

Job titles: software developer, software engineer, applications developer, technical lead.

Systems Analyst

Systems analysts evaluate business requirements and design IT solutions to improve efficiency and performance.

Job titles: systems analyst, application analyst, ICT systems analyst.

Tech Support

Tech support specialists troubleshoot technical problems for users and organisations. The role combines technical knowledge with communication skills.

Job titles: help desk technician, IT support officer, desktop support technician.

Web Developer

Web developers design and build websites, implement interfaces and maintain online services. Experience building websites is often sufficient to enter the field.

Job titles: web developer, front-end developer, web designer.

Employment outlook for IT careers in Australia

Future growth is expected to be concentrated in software development, IT management, systems analysis and support roles.

Projected employment for IT careers, Australia (‘000s)

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia – Employment Projections

Methodology
Employment data comes from national projections at the ANZSCO 4-digit level. Figures show total workforce size rather than graduate demand.