Students considering pursuing an education in this area, perhaps through an associate degree or bachelor’s degree program, should explore the applied technology degree jobs that may be available to them. What level of education do the jobs require, and what are their average salaries and career outlooks? 

What Is An Applied Technology Degree Program? 

Before exploring specific applied technology degree jobs, it’s important to first understand more about applied technology and what programs in this field teach.  

Applied technology professionals combine theory and practice to address challenges and enhance how people interact with technology in their everyday lives. For example, an applied technology professional might help an organization enhance its customers’ experience by turning existing artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and technologies into practical solutions. 

Students may pursue an undergraduate or a graduate degree in applied technology, either of which can equip them with the technical expertise and hands-on experience necessary to use technology to solve concrete problems across industries.  

Courses in an applied technology program typically cover oral and written communications, physical science, mathematics, management and technical electives targeted toward specialty areas, such as architectural drafting and design, total quality assurance, server maintenance and troubleshooting, and manufacturing resource analysis.  

Associate degree programs in applied technology can be completed in as little as two years, while bachelor’s degree programs typically take about four years to complete.  

What Types of Roles Can Applied Technology Graduates Pursue?

Graduates find applied technology degree jobs in settings where technically oriented roles are available, such as in manufacturing and industrial environments.  

Here’s a breakdown of key applied technology roles, including a job description, key skills, the median salary and the employment outlook for each. 

Industrial Engineering Technician 

Engineers working in manufacturing industries often turn to industrial engineering technicians to help them with matters involving manufacturing layout or production, including finding solutions to problems. Duties of an industrial engineering technician can include suggesting improvements to operation methods, working on quality standards, helping optimize work assignments and collecting data. 

• Educational requirements: Employers seeking industrial engineering technicians typically look for candidates with an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in applied technology or a related field. More advanced-level roles may require a bachelor’s degree. 
   

• Certifications: Industrial engineering technicians can boost their credentials with a certification in a related area such as Six Sigma or lean manufacturing, which demonstrates their ability to use process improvement methodologies in manufacturing and industrial settings.  
   

• Salary and job outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industrial engineering technologists and technicians had a median annual salary of $64,790 in May 2024. The BLS projects 4 percent job growth for this role from 2023 to 2033. 

Information Technology Specialist 

Whether they are ensuring computer networks function as they should or assisting customers or users with technical issues, information technology specialists play a critical role in a business world that relies heavily on technology and innovation.  

• Educational requirements: Information technology specialists, also known as computer support specialists, typically need an associate degree in a relevant field, such as applied technology. Related but higher-level roles, such as information security analyst and network and computer systems administrator, often require a bachelor’s degree.  
   

• Certifications: Individuals pursuing information technology specialist roles can benefit from completing a relevant certification program from an industry association or organization. For some employers, a professional’s completion of a software-specific certification program is proof of their proficiency with and understanding of the tool. General certifications, like CompTIA A+, can also help individuals who are pursuing information technology specialist opportunities and other applied technology degree jobs to stand out. 
   

• Salary and job outlook: Compensation for computer support roles varies based on the specific role. For example, according to the BLS, computer network support specialists and computer user support specialists had median annual salaries of $73,340 and $60,340, respectively, in May 2024. The BLS projects 5 percent to 7 percent job growth for various computer support roles from 2023 to 2033, which outpaces the average for all occupations.  

Project Management Specialist 

Project management specialists with an applied technology background use their practical knowledge to deliver successful project outcomes in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Their duties include communicating with clients, planning projects, delegating responsibilities, and reporting on their projects’ progress.  

• Educational requirements: Project management specialists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related area. While a background in applied technology may not be required for project management specialists, it can be helpful in technology, manufacturing and industrial settings, which is where a significant percentage of them work.  
   

• Certifications: Although not required, obtaining the project management professional (PMP) credential from the Project Management Institute, or any of a number of other relevant certifications, can help professionals demonstrate their competence and can support their career advancement.  
   

• Salary and job outlook: According to the BLS, the median annual salary for project management specialists was $100,750 in May 2024. The BLS projects 7 percent job growth for project management specialists between 2023 and 2033, which exceeds the average projected growth rate for all occupations.  

Prepare for an Applied Technology Degree Job

Technology is now embedded in nearly every industry. With this in mind, individuals interested in pursuing a technology career may want to consider enrolling in an applied technology degree program to help them develop the skills and expertise needed to succeed in their career.  

SEMO Online offers two flexible applied technology programs that combine coursework with hands-on experiences, allowing students to learn through real-world situations in a supportive environment led by experienced faculty. The school also offers on-campus programs in applied technology. 

• Online Associate of Applied Science in Applied Technology. This degree is ideal for individuals ready to enter the field and seeking to develop foundational technical skills. Students can build a strong foundation in both communication and technical skills, preparing them for various roles in industrial or manufacturing environments.  

• Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Technology. Students can build on their associate degree education with a smooth transition into SEMO Online’s bachelor’s degree program. They can deepen their knowledge and prepare to pursue leadership roles in applied technology. This program includes a senior capstone project focused on hands-on, real-world experience. 

Discover how SEMO Online can help you turn your tech passion into valuable, future-ready skills. 

Recommended Readings 
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree Online? 
How to Build Technology Skills for Your Resume 
Computer Information Systems vs. Computer Science  
 
Sources: 
CareerExplorer, “How to Become an Industrial Engineering Technician” 
CompTIA, What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?  
Forbes, “19 In-Demand Tech Skills Everyone Can (Even Should) Learn” 
Indeed, “5 Types of Industrial Technology (with Related Careers)” 
J.P. Morgan, “Innovation Economy Sector Spotlight: Applied Technology” 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Support Specialists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists