Job Prospects... At a glance
Job prospects for ICT architects and administrators are good. Demand for employees in these fields has been growing, and there are not enough graduates to meet this demand.
Both of these occupations are on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list, reflecting the fact there are currently not enough graduates to meet demand.
Job prospects are likely to remain strong in coming years
An ICT architect looks at how business goals can be met through the use of information technology. They do this by examining the systems and procedures an organisation uses, and deciding if and how computer applications could be used to improve business efficiency and productivity.
ICT administrators take care of businesses ICT needs on a day-to-day basis. This includes maintaining and updating hardware and software to make sure the ICT systems work properly.
ICT architects and administrators usually require a bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects or similar:
ICT architects usually also have many years of experience in another ICT role before progressing to their job.
| Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science |
|---|
| $20,500 over three years |
Average costs in 2018 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. First time students may be eligible for fees-free tertiary education for their first year of study, which will reduce the total cost. For more information about fees-free eligibility, go to feesfree.govt.nz. Some polytechnics may have a zero-fees scheme. Further costs include materials, textbooks, and accommodation.
Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services website.
The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning.
Tenancy Services: www.tenancy.govt.nz
StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz
Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner
Most universities and polytechnics across the country offer degrees in information systems, information technology or computer science.
The Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) is the professional organisation for ICT professionals. Its services for members include mentoring and training workshops. It also accredits IT Professionals in New Zealand via two professional certifications. – CITPNZ and CTech.
IITP: https://itp.nz
It is expected that ICT architects and administrators who hold professional accreditation will have a significant advantage in the job market; they will command a higher level of pay than those without professional accreditation.
Further information on certification can be found in the IITP website.
IITP certification: https://itp.nz/Members/Certification
The number of students completing computer science or information systems degrees grew from 2007 to 2014, but it did not grow quick enough to keep up with demand.
Qualification completions chart
Source: Ministry of Education
In 2017, the average income for ICT architects and administrators was around $80,100.
| Estimated Average Income | |
|---|---|
| $80,100 |
Source: MBIE estimates based on Statistics NZ Census and Labour Cost Index.
The Absolute IT recruitment company publishes a report of median salaries for different roles in the IT sector.
Absolute IT: www.absoluteit.co.nz
ICT architects and administrators’ employment
| Historic | Projected Growth | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2013 | 2021 | 2026 |
| 20,025 | 24,810 | 30,040 | 33,631 |
| 3.1% | 3.2% | 2.3% | |
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections. Percentages are compound annual growth rates.
*Growth projections are for the broader category “Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists”.
Employment has grown over the past several years, with employment in ICT architects and administrators increasing from 20,025 in 2006 to almost 25,000 in 2013. Strong growth is expected out to 2026.
Employment chart
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections
| Overseas | In further study | Receiving a benefit | In employment | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13% | 1% | 0% | 70% | $55,000 |
Source: Tertiary Education Commission
*Three years after completion of Bachelor Degree - Computer Science.
Most people are in employment two years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Some are overseas, while very few are in further study. Three years after graduation, the median salary was around $55,000.
The following specific occupations related to ICT architects and administrators are on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list:
The long-long term shortage list always applies for all regions. If a job appears on the list, it means the government is actively encouraging skilled people in the role to come and work in New Zealand. A full list is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Immigration NZ, skill shortage list: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz
ICT architect and administrator vacancies are advertised through public media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek websites, and also through many IT-specific recruitment agencies.
Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
Seek: www.seek.co.nz
ICT administrators can work their way into more senior positions. ICT architects are already in a senior position. Many take a project management role, and these jobs are often seen as a route to enter higher management-level positions, such as an ICT manager.
The following occupations are related roles or alternative titles. Some of the roles may require a higher level of skill than entry-level ICT architects and administrators.
More information on ICT architects and administrators is available on the Careers New Zealand website.
Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz
The Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is the official classification of occupations in New Zealand.
The occupation of ICT architects and administrators has been coded to the following ANZSCO codes for the purpose of this report:
2613 – Software and Applications Programmers
2621 – Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists
2631 – Computer Network Professionals