Digital Technology
The Digital Technology Career Cluster focuses on developing digital systems for communication and data storage using critical technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cybersecurity.
What this cluster covers
- Definition
- The Digital Technology Career Cluster focuses on developing digital systems for communication and data storage using critical technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cybersecurity. This Cluster builds skills necessary for all careers to navigate and lead in the constantly evolving tech landscape and drives innovation across all industries to tackle complex challenges and opportunities in communities and economies. This Career Cluster is also a Cross-Cutting Cluster as the skills gained through this Career Clusters area are applicable across all Career Clusters. Practitioners are encouraged to combine content from this Cluster across other CTE programs.
Advance CTE
Digital Technology Career ClusterAdvance CTE- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Careers in this cluster
Entry education, license and BLS pay and outlook for every career page in this cluster. Each career page shows what the job is and links its step-by-step roadmap.
| Career | Typical entry | License | Median pay, May 2025 | Outlook 2025–35 | Career page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Software Solutions |
Bachelor's degree | Not required for most jobs |
$135,980 Software developers |
+10% BLSOccupational Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
|
Open: Computer Science |
| Software Engineering Software Solutions |
Bachelor's degree | Not required for most jobs |
$135,980 Software developers |
+10% BLSOccupational Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
|
Open: Software Engineering |
| Computer Support Specialist Information Technology (IT) Support & Services |
Associate's degree (network support) or some college (user support); a diploma plus IT certifications can also qualify | Not required | $62,890 Computer support specialists |
−3% BLSComputer Support Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Computer Support Specialist |
| Computer Systems Analyst Network Systems & Cybersecurity |
Bachelor's degree | Not required | $105,850 Computer systems analysts |
+8% BLSComputer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Computer Systems Analyst |
| Network & Computer Systems Administrator Network Systems & Cybersecurity |
Bachelor's degree | Not required | $99,130 Network and computer systems administrators |
−4% BLSNetwork and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Network & Computer Systems Administrator |
| Data Science Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
Bachelor's degree | Not required for most jobs |
$120,230 Data scientists |
+35% BLSOccupational Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
|
Open: Data Science |
| Web Developer & Digital Designer Web & Cloud |
Bachelor's degree | Not required | $99,520 Web developers and digital designers |
+5% BLSWeb Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Web Developer & Digital Designer |
| Cybersecurity Network Systems & Cybersecurity |
Bachelor's degree | Not required for most jobs |
$129,180 Information security analysts |
+21% BLSOccupational Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
|
Open: Cybersecurity |
| Computer Engineering Information Technology (IT) Support & Services |
Bachelor's degree | For some roles Engineering (PE) license |
$161,740 Computer hardware engineers |
+9% BLSOccupational Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
|
Open: Computer Engineering |
| Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
Master's degree | Not required for most jobs |
$140,300 Computer and information research scientists |
+22% BLSOccupational Outlook HandbookU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
|
Open: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning |
Pay is the BLS median for the occupation named under it, for May 2025; half of workers earned more, half less. For comparison, BLS projects all U.S. jobs to grow 3.5% over 2025–35. The career's sub-cluster comes from Advance CTE's SOC crosswalk.
Sub-clusters and example programs
Major groupings of career areas within a given field that have similar skills as defined by industry area. The programs are Advance CTE's examples of school and college programs of study; what is offered varies by state.
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Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Careers combining the power of data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI), including key processes such as data modeling and natural language processing.
Example programs Applied Data Science & Analytics
-
Information Technology (IT) Support & Services
Careers focused on providing setup, assistance, and problem-solving solutions for software, hardware, and other technology-related issues to ensure smooth and efficient operation of communication and data systems for individuals and organizations.
Example programs Information Support & Services
-
Network Systems & Cybersecurity
Careers focused on establishing and managing communication networks and protecting them against cyber threats.
Example programs Computer Networking · Cybersecurity · IT Systems
-
Software Solutions
Careers involved in the development and maintenance of software solutions, built on computer science and encompassing programming, application development, and front-end and back-end software development.
Example programs App Design · Computer Simulation · Game Development · Programming
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Unmanned Vehicle Technology
Careers related to the development, operation, and use of unmanned vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, and autonomous ground vehicles, across various sectors.
Example programs Drone Technology · Unmanned Aircraft Systems
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Web & Cloud
Careers focused on creating and managing websites and web applications, including front-end and back-end development and maintenance, as well as overseeing cloud services and infrastructure.
Example programs Cloud Computing · Web & Digital Communications · Web Development
Certifications and licenses
A state or federal license is the law; a registration through an employer comes with the job; a voluntary certification is something employers may ask for. Each card links the owner's own page.
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Voluntary
CompTIA A+
CompTIA
Two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, in any order; aimed at help desk and IT support roles.
CompTIA
CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2)CompTIA- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Career Computer support specialist
-
Voluntary
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA
One exam; CompTIA recommends A+ and 9 to 12 months in a junior network role first.
CompTIA
CompTIA Network+ (V9): exam detailsCompTIA- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Career Network administrator
-
Voluntary
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA
One exam for core security jobs; V8 is expected on or around 17 November 2026.
CompTIA
CompTIA Security+ (V7 and the coming V8)CompTIA- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Career Information security analyst
-
Voluntary
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
ISC2
Entry-level exam; no work experience required.
ISC2
CC — Certified in CybersecurityISC2- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Career Information security analyst
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Voluntary
CISSP
ISC2
5 years of security experience (a degree can count for 1); passing without it makes you an Associate of ISC2.
ISC2
CISSP Experience RequirementsISC2- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Career Information security analyst
-
Employer may require
Product certifications
Software and hardware vendors
Employers may require certification in the products they use.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
State license
Professional Engineer (PE)
State engineering boards (NCEES writes the exams)
FE exam, about 4 years of experience, then the PE exam; computer hardware roles rarely require it.
NCEES
PE examNCEES- Checked
- 7 Oct 2026
Career Computer hardware engineer
Closely connected clusters
This is a cross-cutting cluster: Advance CTE says its skills apply across all Career Clusters, and its page names no single closest cluster. Advance CTE
View source
Every cluster with its sub-clusters, and which hubs are open.