Much speculation were raised during the late 1990s that information technology-related jobs would not be marketable because of the "dot-com bubble." But as we know by now, IT has become a booming industry with giants like Google and Apple leading the way. And with the declining economy, these jobs can be your security blanket. The following are the top jobs in the IT industry over the next decade, and remember that most of the skills needed for these jobs can be learned through online training or enrolling at a technical school.

Information systems manager – The exact duties may differ from employer to employer, but information systems managers determine the overall technology strategies for major companies. They combine information technology training with an eye for business, making decisions about servers bandwidth, and desktop tools for their companies. A senior position of this occupation is paid at an average of over US$92,000 a year.

Database administrator – They guarantee the security and the accessibility of information for employees and customers. While many online training programs include basic database skills, hiring officers prefer administrators who have ongoing technical training to stay up-to-date with the latest products. Well-known companies usually pay their database administrator an average of US$85,000 every year.

Operating system developer – Operating systems go beyond computer companies, as these programs have actually become important in other devices like mobile phones, cars, refrigerators among others. Manufacturers of these items rely on highly-skilled graduates of technology degree programs to develop custom software platforms. Many operating system developers earn up to US$80,000 a year.

Application developer – Computer sciences degree holders are excited about building applications using work processors, spreadsheet tools, and other familiar software tools. Meanwhile, many programmers put their technology know-how on specialized projects ranging from consumer note-taking applications to medical research tools. Application developers earn over US$70,000 a year. In some cases, compensation packages can include tuition reimbursement programs for online technology courses.

Computer systems analyst – They work closely with information systems managers as they dig deeper into the kinds of tools that companies use to solve their computing challenges by evaluating hardware and software for their employers. Analysts can earn over US$66,000 worth of annual salary.

Computer systems designer – They spend their time focused exclusively on a single function or on a particular section of a larger software project. Like in any creative field, computer systems designers requires creative thinking and conflict resolution skills. Their typical salaries are around US$65,000 a year.

Data processing specialist – While managers and administrators provide the platform for company data, data processing specialists assure the accuracy of that data. Highly skilled data processing specialists are needed in large enterprises like banks and brokerage houses, using their technology degrees and their industry-specific knowledge to handle complex tasks like backups and data transfer. Specialist jobs are usually paid more than US$64,000 per year.

Web hosting technician – With so many companies and individuals relying on web hosting companies for their promotional sites, applications, and photo libraries, professionals with a background in computer training of serving these clients are being sought after by web hosting companies. Web hosting jobs often require familiarity with the software and hardware, as well as experience with large power generators and security systems. Senior technicians earn as much as US$64,000 or more a year.

Computer support specialist – With more and more owners of personal computers, we now have more customers who would have problems using them and they seek highly-skilled technical support specialists. People involved in this occupation like to solve problems and work with people. Computer support specialists with technology degrees often earn more than US$40,000 per year once a good track record is established.

Desktop publisher – Even if you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you can still get involved in a financially-rewarding information technology industry. Desktop publishers working in print shops or commercial printers are being sought after by many small companies who need a professional polish in their materials. Meanwhile, larger companies rely on staff members with computer training to produce internal documents like reports and manuals. Desktop publishers take raw materials and use common software tools to develop them into attractive documents. Training in publishing and graphic design can usually be completed in less than two years, and can earn more than US$32,000 per year.