IT Automation: 2026 Overview

Key takeaways

IT automation removes repetitive, time-consuming tasks so you can use your time and talents for more important responsibilities.

• IT automation can range from automating help desk answers to resource provisioning and security systems monitoring.

• Working in IT automation will require you to have technical skills like machine learning, AI, scripting, automation testing, and protocol writing.

• You can build IT automation skills by participating in boot camps, getting IT certifications, and earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, robotics engineering, or a related field.

Learn more about IT automation examples, how automation benefits businesses, and the types of IT automation jobs available in this high-demand field. If you’re ready to start building skills in IT automation, enroll in the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience with automating IT tasks using Python, managing IT resources, employing version control systems, and more in as little as six months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

What is IT automation?

IT automation is the process of using software to handle repetitive or menial tasks without the need for human intervention. This technology particularly benefits companies relying on large or complex cloud services and virtualized networks. The processes required to keep these structures running require extensive management and are often too much for teams to take on. 

Offloading this management to automated software frees up IT professionals to focus on more important or strategic tasks rather than filling their time with repetitive tasks. This can help IT departments scale their work and have the capacity to respond to other business demands. 

Read more: Automation vs. AI: Meaning, Differences, and Real World Uses

IT process automation examples

IT automation addresses any repetitive process that might take time away from more complex responsibilities. One such example is an IT help desk that provides automated answers for simple, daily questions, such as help with resetting a password. Network management, resource provisioning, and security system monitoring are other processes that benefit from IT automation. 

IT automation advantages and disadvantages

IT automation offers many benefits for businesses. The streamlined nature of IT automation means that businesses can save time and money since IT professionals can use their work hours for more impactful tasks. This automation also reduces the risk of human error and the recovery costs associated with it. Automated processes also offer stronger security protocols since they can easily flag incidents for response and require fewer humans to examine sensitive information.

On the other hand, IT automation does have some disadvantages. Automated processes can have a tendency to be inflexible, unable to change or update easily once in place. Although IT automation can save money in the long run, it does have a significant upfront cost to purchase the necessary software. Additionally, you risk encountering automation errors, which can occasionally pop up but cause more damage than human errors.

What skills do you need to work in IT automation?

IT automation tends to require professionals to have a strong background in computer science or STEM fields. While the specifics of an automation engineer or other IT automation jobs depend on a company’s needs and goals, some typical skills you may need to succeed include:

Technical skills

• Machine learning (ML)

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

• Scripting 

• Automation testing

• Protocol writing

Workplace skills

• Adaptability

• Strong communication skills

• Flexibility

• Leadership

IT automation software and tools

IT automation engineers and other professionals use various tools to design, implement, and manage different automation processes. Some tools include:

• Programming and scripting languages: Python, Java, and PowerShell can help create processes and programs to automate IT software.

• Laptops and computers: Devices are needed to write and store code, including motor controls and drives, communication systems, and human-machine interfaces (HMI).

• Automated testing software: Picreel, Codemagic, and Rainforest can help engineers check for bugs and malfunctions that impede workflow.

• Controls, measurement sensors, and actuators: These tools help monitor processes, measure information, and control instructions between inputs and outputs.

What are some ways to learn IT automation?

To learn the skills necessary to become an IT automation professional, you’ll need chances to practice with software and gain hands-on experience. Consider the following pathways to gain valuable industry experience. 

1. Boot camps

Boot camps are immersive courses that provide the opportunity to interact with different automation testing software and develop foundational skills. You can find boot camps for various experience and skill levels, so they are a great option if you’re looking to enter the IT automation field or you’re already an IT professional looking for chances to upskill. Many boot camps are available in person or online, providing flexibility to learn from anywhere. 

Some automation boot camps to check out include: 

• Hack Reactor

• Galvanize

2. Online certification programs

Online certification programs offer the chance to develop in-demand skills, often with an industry-recognized certification as the end goal. You may choose to pursue IT-specific or industry-related automation certifications. 

A few certifications you can look into include:

• ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)

• IIST Certified Software Test Automation Specialist (CSTAS)

3. Bachelor’s degree

Businesses tend to prefer IT automation professionals with strong engineering or computer programming backgrounds, including formal education. Gaining a bachelor’s degree is an effective way to learn necessary skills while setting yourself up to meet future job qualifications. It’s recommended to look for a computer science or mechanical engineering degree, where you can learn subjects like robotics, databases, AI, and statistics.

4. Master’s degree

As an IT automation professional, you may pursue a master’s degree to develop your skills in robotics engineering and automated testing. Earning a master’s degree can also unlock higher-paying job opportunities and offer a deeper level of knowledge and experience that can advance your career.

Do I need a degree to work in IT automation?

According to Zippia, 69 percent of automation engineers hold at least a bachelor’s degree [1]. Given the technical nature of the role, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is worthwhile to develop your skill set in automation, a high-demand field.

IT automation jobs

IT automation is a wide field with many different career options for various skill sets, interests, and experience levels. Some of these jobs include:

Entry-level IT automation jobs

Many professionals in IT automation begin their careers as IT automation engineers. Automation engineers are responsible for designing, building, implementing, and maintaining automation processes that streamline IT networks. Automation engineers continually test these processes with software to make sure everything is working correctly, then make recommendations based on any needs for improvement. 

Below is a breakdown of the salary of an automation engineer and similar entry-level positions. 

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of December 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

• Automation engineer: $117,000 [2]

• Automation developer: $128,000 [3]

• Automation engineer Level 1: $109,000 [4]

Mid-level IT automation jobs

Once you’ve gained some experience in IT automation, you have the option to advance into several different roles. Below are some mid-level US roles and their median annual total salaries:

• Senior automation engineer: $154,000 [5]

• Senior quality assurance engineer: $132,000 [6]

• Project manager: $105,000 [7]

Upper-level IT automation jobs

Senior-level IT automation jobs come with increased managerial responsibilities. Some of these roles and the median total US earnings include:

• Senior project manager: $141,000 [8]

• Chief technology officer: $315,000 [9]

• Senior test automation engineer: $151,000 [10]

Resources to help you build career confidence

Eager to grow your expertise? Discover the latest trends and in-demand skills in your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Or if you want to keep exploring IT roles, courses, and concepts, check out these free resources:

• Take the quiz: Which IT Course Should You Take? 

• Watch on YouTube: 7 IT Career Paths to Explore (And How to Start) 

• Hear from a learner: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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