How to Grow Your IT Career to a 6-Figure Remote Role
You’ve landed your first IT job or you’re just about to. Now what?
The truth is, getting into IT is just the beginning. The real game is building a career that gives you freedom, flexibility, and financial security. Yes, we’re talking about six figures and remote work and it’s more achievable than you think.
Here’s how to grow your IT career from entry-level to six figures, step by step.
1. Pick the Right Track Early
Some IT paths cap out around $60–70K, while others push well into the six-figure range remotely. Choose strategically.
High-paying, remote-friendly IT tracks:
🛡 Cybersecurity Analyst → Security Engineer
📊 Data Analyst → Data Scientist
☁️ IT Support → Cloud Administrator → Cloud Engineer
💻 Junior Web Dev → Software Engineer
Pro tip: Certifications like CompTIA Security+, AWS Solutions Architect, or Google Data Analytics can help you pivot into one of these growth tracks quickly.
2. Stack Certifications That Signal Valus
Certifications are your cheat code especially in remote hiring, where employers rely on credentials to assess candidates.
Certs that open six-figure doors:
· 💥 AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
· 🔐 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
📊 Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
⚙️ Microsoft Azure Fundamentals → Azure Administrator
Start with beginner-level certs and level up every 6–12 months.
3. Build a “Proof Portfolio”
Even non-developers can and should build a portfolio. Why? Because remote employers want to see what you can do.
Examples:
Document a network setup in a blog post
Share a cybersecurity lab walkthrough
Create dashboards using Power BI or Tableau
Record a video showing how you troubleshoot a system
Tip: Link your portfolio to your LinkedIn and resume.
4. Level Up Soft Skills (Yes, Seriously)
Tech skills get you hired. Soft skills get you promoted.
In a remote environment, your ability to:
· Communicate clearly
· Manage your time
· Lead a Zoom meeting
· Write professional messages
…matters more than you think. Consider leadership and communication training as part of your growth strategy.
5. Get a Mentor, Then Become One
Find someone 1–2 steps ahead of you in your chosen field and learn from them. This shortens your learning curve and exposes you to real-world insights that courses can’t teach.
Once you hit mid-level, become a mentor. It boosts your confidence, builds leadership skills, and makes you a standout in interviews and promotions.
6. Negotiate Smart, Early, and Often
When you hit around 2–3 years of experience, don’t settle.
By this point, you should:
· Know your market rate
· Be able to articulate your impact
· Have examples of projects or wins
Remote tech salaries often vary by location. If you’re in a lower-cost region, negotiate like a candidate in a higher-cost city because remote work has leveled the playing field.
🧭 The 6-Figure Timeline (Realistic Projection)
Year 1–2: Entry-level IT Support / Jr. Dev / Analyst ($45–65K)
Year 2–3: Mid-level or specialized role + certification ($65–85K)
Year 4–5: High-value specialist or lead remote role ($100K+)
With focus and guidance, some reach this in just 3 years.
Final Thoughts: Six Figures Is Earned Not Given
You don’t need a computer science degree, 10 years of experience, or to live in Silicon Valley to earn a six-figure IT salary. You need:
✅ A strategy
✅ Smart certification choices
✅ Real-world proof
✅ Ongoing growth mindset
At 365AUTHORITY, we help you plan this journey from first role to remote success.
Ready to grow into six figures?
Let’s map your personalized roadmap.
