Making a 100K+ after 4 or 5 years in IT?

Quick question...Has anyone here broke into 100K+ salary (base, without OT or bonuses) after only 4 or 5 years of IT or know someone who did? If so, what was the job/responsibilities? Is that really uncommon to happen?

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higherho

It’s very possible and depends on the environment you are in. I jumped from a help desk role to a Jr sys admin role in 4 months and then 6 months after that I jumped into a mid / senior SA role and stayed in that spot for over a year. Once I gained enough knowledge and needed to move I jumped ship. I'm 20k from that 100k mark with just from that experience I gained (2.5 years total).

Is this practical? Probably not. I guess luck really was on my side because either people left or I volunteered to take their positions or got promoted into them because they could not fill them. I had a lot to show and adapting quickly really helped. Because of that, the higher management was impressed and gave more cash.

In the end you have to be with the right company, have great relationships with your management, have the right knowledge, exp, and certs. With this you can be in the driver’s seat of the car and ask for those high figures.

Roles

Help desk (4 months - same company) - video equipment / getting meetings ready / assigned to helping with all your microsoft / day to day issues

Jr Sys admin (6 months - same company) - Imaging, hardening, AD account creation / removal, backup of servers, patching ,etc

Mid / Senior Sys admin (17 months - same company) - Multiple servers / forests, server clusters, multiple sans, VPN, Firewall, back end network, Windows OS, build / design of old to new network ,etc

New role (close to 100k - new company) - basically the same as above but with more sans, Linux (addition to windows), and a little more back end networking

Qualifications

4 year degree, minor in buisness, an addtional two year degree, security + cert and the rest is really knowledge / experience gained on the job or read from certification books.

halaakajan

A student from India got offered 250k at Facebook. But that is rare. More on Software Engineering the pay is high. but i believe with proper education, network of people and communication skills with luck people can reach 100k in that time frame.

Iristheangel

Yes. I did. And it took a LOT of hard work, certifications, getting through school, job hopping at the right times, and taking a lot of risks. I had to leave a couple comfortable jobs that were secure with benefits for contract or consulting jobs because they weren't offering me the progress I wanted to move ahead. I also worked two jobs at points to get additional experience and money to pay for school, study materials, and certifications. In the end, it worked out but It could have backfired and left me scrambling for a job at points but even if it had, I doubt it would have hurt my bottom line much. I've never been unemployed longer than a week in my adult life so I could have survived.

As far as jobs and responsibilities:
1st job - IT Technician/Jr Network Admin - Responsibilities included everything from servicing end-user equipment to working on the servers and switches/routers at the data center. It was a small shop that paid $12/hr with benefits. Stayed there for 2 years. Got my CompTIAs out of the way and half my MCSE before I jumped ship.
2nd job - Security analyst - Showed up for a contracting position for tier 2 help desk, ended up with a job on the security team out of luck and a little bit of charm. Most of this position had to do with creating/modifying access, policy writing, governance, VPN, etc. I started off as a contractor for the first 8 months getting paid $24/hr which seemed like a fortune compared to what I was making before. There were a few "OMG! They are going to outsource the entire department and cancel my contract!" scares in that 8 months but eventually I was onboarded as an employee with a SIGNIFICANT pay increase. I was given an EXCELLENT benefits package and 25 days a year for PTO. I could have comfortably cruised at this job for life but that's not where I wanted to settle at. Finished my college degree here as well as my CCNA, CISSP, MCSE, and the rest of my alphabet soup. Jumped ship for a consulting position as a network engineer after 2.5 years here
3rd job - Cloud Services Engineer II - Worked here while working at job number 2 (16 hour days!). Only stayed about 3 months. Too small of a MSP shop and was doing more system admin work than the stuff I wanted but I got a nice amount of exposure. They offered me a longer term position to stay but I would have taken a huge paycut (they were only offering $60,000)
4th job - Consultant - Did this while working job number 2 as well. Basically I did whatever jobs Onforce.com and Workmarket.com threw at me. These varied but it was anything from network to system repair or installation work for companies and businesses. Combined with what I was making with job 2 after I was onboarded, I was easily sliding into the six-figure area.
5th job (current and ONLY job) - Network Engineer (consultant)- Started this job a couple months ago but already received a pay increase (went from $50/hr to $55/hr). Not only am I making great money but they've offered me a permanent position if my SO ends up here for residency and they'd be paying me in the area of $135K if that happens. I'm also getting exposure to a lot of technologies such as back-end video conferencing, the newest implementation of ISE, Call Manager 9.0 (upgrading our international corporation), ASAs, IPS solutions, etc. Having that much exposure in configuring and managing these kinds of devices is going to make it EXTREMELY easy for me to find another job after this one that pays as much, if not more.

To answer your last question: Is it uncommon? I would say it is but not because the opportunities don't exist. I think it's very scary for people to jump out of a job that they have had for years and are comfortable at for the unknown, but I know I wouldn't have progressed to where I am now if it wasn't for taking risks and not stopping my momentum in both my career and education. I think many more people can get to that point in their career if they are willing to take risks and accept that sometimes they backfire.

ptilsen

It's probably not common, but it definitely happens. I'm on year six and while my base is not six figures, between my base, bonus, stock purchase plan, and other benefits, we'll call it close enough. We have a member here making more who in his second year in IT as a virtualization specialist. I'm more of a generalist with a focus on server-side technology, mostly Microsoft, although right now I'm doing workstation deployment and application delivery.

Also keep in mind that $100K is not $100K everywhere. If I moved to California to work for Facebook or Apple or Google or whatever or to Washington to work for Microsoft, I would need at least $150,000 base to live even close to the same lifestyle. Same with NYC. Even cost of living numbers can be misleading. For example, food and transportation costs might be 10% higher, but for these areas housing is 200-300% more expensive. Anyway, my point is that the magical six-figure mark is really meaningless. A salary of $100K is not that much in silicon valley, and it's nothing in Manhattan.

Aside from that, it is not horribly uncommon to attain high salaries in five years or less, and generally see rapid career progression, even in IT infrastructure. The great thing about IT is that there is generally a good career path in any area that will take you from starting between $20K and $40K to eventually getting $150K-$300K. There are a lot of factors in how quickly and even whether you get to the top, and some will be outside of your control. Generally speaking, though, you don't do it quickly without having above average intelligence and actually applying it to learning more than your age-group/experience/career-level peers.

Edit: Another note is that similar to Iris, I'm on my fourth permanent position in six years, and that's with some contracting and consulting in between. I don't know of very many in infrastructure who get anywhere near the mark that do so by staying in one position or even company for much longer than 2-3 years. I stayed at my first job for 24 months a few days, and the others have been less than 24 months each. I will probably stay at my current job for over five, though, because they offer good salary progression, tuition reimbursement after a year of service (that's $6K/yr to me), and I might have some opportunities to grow into a security role, which is what I want. Absent these things, I'd leave in 2014 (just started in July).

EV42TMAN

The 100k jump is my planned next jump. right now i'm in school a WGU so once i finish the certification classes I'll be job hunting. The frustrating thing is right now I have an incredibly flexible job which is helpful for school but i'm at least $20K to $30K a year under paid. So its hard not to go job searching right now but, I know the smarter move with all aspects of my life included is to wait until this term at WGU is done.

okplaya

Echoing Iris' thoughts, it can be done if you're willing to take some risks. Employers will pay for talent so focus on building your knowledge and skills and the money will come in.

JoJoCal19

I think it's definitely possible to do in that time frame but I think 6+ is more reasonable. I should actually be at that point but due to several reasons I have overstayed in my position by about 2 years. However that sacrifice is going to pay off well next spring/summer so I will be back on the road to $100k. I think the reason more people don't hit that mark in a reasonable amount of time, if ever, is due to what Iris said. People get comfortable and/or are too scared to move. I have always believed continual self improvement and upward mobility is a must. Out of everyone on my team of 14 people, about 10 of us always complain about being underpaid and not getting more opportunities internally or externally, however other than myself, only ONE other person is doing something about that. So the other 8 people will be stuck there complaining while me and the other teammate will be moving on next year. And some of the people that have been complaining have been doing so for about 4 years and haven't done anything about it!

shodown

Very possible, but as others have said it will involve job changes, studying 60-75 percent of your off time and be willing to move to the areas where the jobs are at. Since 2008 I have moved 4 times, had multiple jobs. I'm at the point where I'm happy with salary and won't be moving any time soon, but i had to keep it moving to get to the salary I wanted.

Iristheangel

I have a rule: Never have the same job title for more than 2 years during the first 5-10 of your IT career. Unless you are 100% sure you are happy with retiring in this job title, the chances of you getting promoted go down at the two year mark and you should probably jump ship before you become stagnant in that job role. I've met a lot of people who have worked help desk for 5+ years and were never considered for management or any other department but they're unwilling to leave their safety net.

networker050184

Sitting in the same job for four years probably won't get you there, but moving up the ladder in those four years it's definitely possible.

Moving to where the jobs are is a big piece of it as well as shodown pointed out.

tech_throwaway

I created a throwaway account, as it'd be fairly easy to tie my main account back to my personal life with all the information I'm providing. I make over 100k now w/o bonuses and I've been full-time in IT for a little over 4 years. I'd say it's fairly uncommon when I consider everyone I've worked with over the years and what they're currently doing given their education and intellect level. It's definitely possible, but as others have pointed out, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sometimes a little bit of luck. I've always considered myself extremely fortunate that I get paid to do what I love and I'm fairly good at it.

Education Level:
Associates in Science, Network Security

1st Job: Info Sec. Analyst
Salary: 32 - 35k.
Duration: 1+ year, relocated to take Job #2 at the same company

2nd Job: Security Consultant
Salary: 49k, then bumped to 55k
Duration: 1.5 years, left company to work at Job #3

3rd Job: Security Engineer --> then Security Lead
Salary: 70K
Duration: 1.75 years.

Current Position: Director of IT
Salary: 100k +

Slowhand

It really depends on how hard you're willing to work, how well you present yourself, and how good you are at taking advantage of the opportunities presented to you.

In a span of 4 - 5 years, you could go from networking newbie to full-blown CCIE, you could go from basic PC tinkering all the way up to holding multiple MCSEs or the RHCE cert. You could obtain no certs at all but still nail down a LOT of knowledge that would help you on your way and build your path forward. In that same timespan you could work your way through community college and go on to either WGU or a brick-and-mortar institution, all while working and keeping up with your experience-building.

In a span of 4 - 5 years, you could develop your business-networking skills by going to conventions, making sure to partake in company meetings, going to interviews, asking advice of your coworkers, and joining up with groups like ToastMasters. There's a lot to those under-taught 'soft skills' you hear about in IT classes and read about in cert books; they're not just for dealing with users and customers, they're also important to understand if you're going to climb the career-ladder, get along with your fellow IT professionals, and especially if you want to get the words 'senior', 'executive', or 'manager' in your title at any point.

In a span of 4 - 5 years, you could move between dozens of jobs as a consultant or contractor, stick with one or two jobs as a regular employee, or you could find a single job and climb the ladder internally. The trick is to keep your eyes open and figure out what you need to do in order to get ahead in your career. Your area doesn't have a lot of IT jobs available? Pack yourself up and move to where the jobs are, or start applying for jobs in other areas. Your current company doesn't pay very well or doesn't offer a whole lot of opportunity for advancement? Get that resume polished and start looking around. Unsure if that job offer is going to pan out, but you're even more unsure about staying in the job you have? Take a risk and move, nobody gets to a six-figure salary in a short amount of time without a modicum of risk. There are opportunities out there, but you have to be willing to take those risks, and possibly fall on your face a few times, if you want to move forward.

Is it possible? Of course. Is it likely? That depends on you, and a little bit of luck. Should you try? Absolutely!

NOC-Ninja

A guy that has 2 yrs network experience got his CCIE. He's in Florida now making $156k.

CISSP and CCIE will get you there very fast. Other than that, you will have to jump job to job and hope you get lucky.

blargoe

It is dependent on where you live, knowing when to change positions, working on technology that is in demand, being passionate about your work, and hard work. But yes, it is possible.

Zartanasaurus

Very possible, especially if you're willing to be a consultant.

Jordan2

JoJoCal19 and tech_throwaway

I looked up your degrees on google and all I am finding is online colleges? I thought companies looked down on online degrees? Other then your degree's what else did you have that allowed you to get to where you are?
For me, would a BS in computer science IT (currently in a JC and transfering to 4 year in a year or two), an A+, + other certifcations, be a good start?

Valsacar

I did, unless you really count my 5 years 8 months in the Army (where my MOS/job was IT but I didn't actually do it). I got picked up because of that experience, IT background but worked in operations for almost 4 years, they needed someone that could explain IT to the operations (business) side. At about 14 months I got a 35% pay raise (promoted 2 positions) and that pushed me into 6 figures. It wouldn't have happened had I not finished my BS during that first year, was a requirement for the higher positions (and of course, doing the work of those higher positions for a year).

IMO those that make the higher ranges are generally those with specialized skills. Highly skilled in one area, or have skills like I had working on both sides of the fence.

itguy7

Yeah if you notice a lot the guys here who make the big money live in high populated and IT-in-demand areas, such as Washington D.C. It's very possible but you have to "play the game to win" I've seen. Cutting corners and taking shortcuts can always make you the money. But enjoying it? That's a different story. I think staying in one job won't help. I've heard from pros that "job hopping" will always make you the money but it will burn bridges at the same time.

I'm 21 and have surpassed the 50k ceiling with only a few years experience in IT. InfoSec pays well but it's because I live near the National Capital Region why the pay is much higher than other areas.

TC1

Sure can, happened to me. Did it with only a CCNA. Get your foot into the door of a large company and impress the right people and it can be done.

Started out as a CUCM guy, moved onto Video/CUCM guy.

eansdad

I feel like such a slacker now....

On post ... yes it is possible. Like everyone else has said it depeds on how bad you want it and if you are willing o do what it takes to get it. After a 7 year stagnate in a desktop title (with jr level admin roles and had free rain as a domain admin) I've started to move on and up. I'm where I thought I'd be 5 years ago...Damned civil service jobs lull you into a sense of security but offer no real movement.

UnixGuy

Yes, possible but you need the right opportunity combined with hard work.

I know people who started as junior network support engineers, got their CCNA--CCNP-- then CCIE. They had to change jobs eventually after the CCIE to get the salary they wanted.

I myself went from servers support to Unix support to Unix administration, and my salary kept increasing, so it's possible. Learn difficult things that are in demand, and get the necessary hands-on experience, certifications and degrees if possible. It's all about determination.

truckfit

Iristheangel wrote: »

Yes. I did. And it took a LOT of hard work, certifications, getting through school, job hopping at the right times, and taking a lot of risks. I had to leave a couple comfortable jobs that were secure with benefits for contract or consulting jobs because they weren't offering me the progress I wanted to move ahead. I also worked two jobs at points to get additional experience and money to pay for school, study materials, and certifications. In the end, it worked out but It could have backfired and left me scrambling for a job at points but even if it had, I doubt it would have hurt my bottom line much. I've never been unemployed longer than a week in my adult life so I could have survived.

As far as jobs and responsibilities:
1st job - IT Technician/Jr Network Admin - Responsibilities included everything from servicing end-user equipment to working on the servers and switches/routers at the data center. It was a small shop that paid $12/hr with benefits. Stayed there for 2 years. Got my CompTIAs out of the way and half my MCSE before I jumped ship.
2nd job - Security analyst - Showed up for a contracting position for tier 2 help desk, ended up with a job on the security team out of luck and a little bit of charm. Most of this position had to do with creating/modifying access, policy writing, governance, VPN, etc. I started off as a contractor for the first 8 months getting paid $24/hr which seemed like a fortune compared to what I was making before. There were a few "OMG! They are going to outsource the entire department and cancel my contract!" scares in that 8 months but eventually I was onboarded as an employee with a SIGNIFICANT pay increase. I was given an EXCELLENT benefits package and 25 days a year for PTO. I could have comfortably cruised at this job for life but that's not where I wanted to settle at. Finished my college degree here as well as my CCNA, CISSP, MCSE, and the rest of my alphabet soup. Jumped ship for a consulting position as a network engineer after 2.5 years here
3rd job - Cloud Services Engineer II - Worked here while working at job number 2 (16 hour days!). Only stayed about 3 months. Too small of a MSP shop and was doing more system admin work than the stuff I wanted but I got a nice amount of exposure. They offered me a longer term position to stay but I would have taken a huge paycut (they were only offering $60,000)
4th job - Consultant - Did this while working job number 2 as well. Basically I did whatever jobs Onforce.com and Workmarket.com threw at me. These varied but it was anything from network to system repair or installation work for companies and businesses. Combined with what I was making with job 2 after I was onboarded, I was easily sliding into the six-figure area.
5th job (current and ONLY job) - Network Engineer (consultant)- Started this job a couple months ago but already received a pay increase (went from $50/hr to $55/hr). Not only am I making great money but they've offered me a permanent position if my SO ends up here for residency and they'd be paying me in the area of $135K if that happens. I'm also getting exposure to a lot of technologies such as back-end video conferencing, the newest implementation of ISE, Call Manager 9.0 (upgrading our international corporation), ASAs, IPS solutions, etc. Having that much exposure in configuring and managing these kinds of devices is going to make it EXTREMELY easy for me to find another job after this one that pays as much, if not more.

To answer your last question: Is it uncommon? I would say it is but not because the opportunities don't exist. I think it's very scary for people to jump out of a job that they have had for years and are comfortable at for the unknown, but I know I wouldn't have progressed to where I am now if it wasn't for taking risks and not stopping my momentum in both my career and education. I think many more people can get to that point in their career if they are willing to take risks and accept that sometimes they backfire.

Very nice progression

truckfit

Also remember guys the average salary in the area matters alot too.

For an example if you are living in an area where the average salary is 80k and if your making 100k it is just above average.

Neverless its a great achievement.

I being close to 3 years in I.T and I am on 55k, by the time I get to my 5th year I will be in the 70k to 80k range.

N2IT

Depends on the set of skills you possess

I've been in IT off and on for 7 years and not even close to 100,000. From a technology standpoint the only connections I have that make 100,000 consistently from a pure techology role are the J2EE developers. Most of them make ~120,000 on up, but they have 10+ years of experience.

I honestly don't personally know to many people who make that amount of money within 4-5 years. Most of the people I know who started making that kind of money at year 3 - 5 are sales people. One of my highschool mates is a RVP for Cisco's sales division and I think around year 4 he was making about 250,000 - 300,000 annual less bonus. He's up over several million a year now w/ bonus last I heard.

That's my only example of making that money that quickly. But like NOC Ninja and others have mentioned there seems to be several different ways.

rwmidl

As itguy7 said, notice "most" of those who make 6 digits or more live in highly populated areas/IT centric areas (CA, DC area). Also remember the cost of living is much higher in those areas too, so $100k in the Bay Area may be only $35000 in FL (I'm pulling some random numbers).

the_Grinch

Boy would I love to be a $100k! Right now I am just aiming to be at $70k and stay in my area, if I could do that I would be set.

skinsFan202

It's always more about what you keep after expenses than what you make

gunbunnysoulja

skinsFan202 wrote: »

It's always more about what you keep after expenses than what you make

Agreed.. I don't make 100k a year (only in IT for 2 years), however I own my own house, cars, no debt, work at home so minimal gas, wife also works from home + raises child so no day care to pay for, VERY low real estate taxes in my small town, etc, so I end up making much more than others I know. Most of my income is disposable income after food/electric/cable bill.

dave330i

ptilsen wrote: »

We have a member here making more who in his second year in IT as a virtualization specialist.

Sounds vaguely familiar.

How I did it: http://www.techexams.net/forums/off-topic/82554-happy-anniversary.html

king26

my question is can you get to 100k+ without a degree?