Skipping the pink-slip party: The Bureau of Labor Statistics' February 2009 unemployment numbers support this picture, with the tech sector boasting 30 percent lower unemployment than the national average of 8.1 percent. Jed Koiko, an economist at the Public Policy Institute of California, reports that unemployment "is still a very low level. People in most industries and occupations would be thrilled if their unemployment was 5.4 percent."

Stimulus check in the mail: Meanwhile, a new administration is directing billions of dollars of economic stimulus funds into the tech sector. The tech sector has the potential to pull the economy out of the recession, say industry leaders such as IBM CEO Sam Palmisano. Palmisano argues that "the U.S. needs to invest in innovation not just as a solution to our current recession but as a competitive measure in an increasingly integrated and technologically advanced world." President Obama is answering that call in the form of investment dollars and tech-friendly policies. He recently appointed the nation's first Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra, to "promote technological innovation to help achieve our most urgent priorities."

Database administrator

Information still makes the economy go 'round. Database administrators serve as the custodians of this crucial business asset. Using database management software, database administrators develop a system for storing and organizing an organization's data. The database should facilitate access for the company's users without compromising the security of proprietary information.

Database administrators are among the Bureau of Labor Statistics' top twenty fastest-growing occupations, with nearly 30 percent job growth expected through 2016. The standard qualification for this hot high tech career is a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science or management information systems. Average salary in 2007: $70,260

Network architect

Network architects keep people and data connected the world over. They tend the communications infrastructure that businesses rely on to foster relationships among employees and with business partners. Also known as network systems and data communications analysts, these architects design, analyze, and troubleshoot the company LAN, WAN, and Internet-based resources such as virtual private networks.

Network architects take the top prize as the fastest-growing occupation through 2016. The Department of Labor predicts a 53.4 increase in jobs. The required training depends on the level of the role. An associate degree is sufficient for a Web master position, but to expand your opportunities further, work toward an online bachelor's degree in information systems. Average salary in 2007: $70,760

Computer software engineers

Here's where the innovation comes in: Computer software engineers design and develop software applications. Companies rely on their engineers to build competitive advantage in the form of new products and/or streamlined internal processes.

A bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science is required to get started as a software engineer. The Department of Labor forecasts "excellent job prospects...for applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in the field and work experience." Specifically, software engineers can expect their ranks to grow by about 45 percent through 2016, making this the fourth hottest occupation in the U.S. Average salary in 2007: $85,660

Digital media artist

Creative types don't need to stand by the sidelines in the new high-tech economy. Digital media relies on artists to create the visual effects for the thriving digital entertainment, marketing and communications industries. Video game design alone brought in $21 billion last year, with $68 billion annual sales forecast for 2012, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Other avenues for trained digital media artists include computer-generated imagery for the movie industry, music video production and animation for online and television advertising.

Art schools and colleges offer a range of training programs in digital and multimedia arts. An associate of applied arts degree offers a studio-based education emphasizing hands-on training. A bachelor's degree takes a more broadly academic approach and emphasizes high-level technical design training. Average salary in 2007: $61,010

Web designer

Another creative outlet in the world of high tech is Web design. Web designers create the face (and function) of the World Wide Web. They play a crucial role in online commerce, building a business' virtual storefront, adding online browsing and sales functionality and attracting customers to the site. Web designers also build features that promote virtual community, including blogs, discussion boards, animated personal avatars, chat and more.

An associate degree in Web design, graphic design, or information technology offers a solid foundation for a Web design career. A Web design curriculum marries technical career training and design skills. Salary range in 2007 (Robert Half International): $47,000 to $71,500