Report
All Grades (K-12)
Digital Leadership
Technology Leaders/Support
LTC Created Resources
2025 Illinois K-12 Technology Workforce Report
25 Feb 2025
2025 Illinois K-12 Technology Workforce Report
The 2025 Illinois K-12 Technology Workforce Report offers a detailed look at the professionals who keep school technology operations running smoothly—from managing networks and cybersecurity to leading district technology teams.
Conducted in early 2025 by the Learning Technology Center (LTC), the survey gathered responses from technology staff across Illinois districts, capturing data on demographics, job satisfaction, compensation, and more. The report contains findings, trends, implications, and recommendations for improving the K-12 technology workforce conditions in Illinois.
Key Findings
- Heavy Workloads in Small/Rural Districts: Smaller districts typically have just 1–3 tech staff juggling multiple responsibilities—network administration, cybersecurity, instructional support—leading to higher burnout risks. Larger districts are able to employ specialists, allowing for a deeper focus on specific domains.
- Staffing Gaps & Turnover: With over 40 years of experience in some cases and an average workforce age of 46, many long-term technology professionals are nearing retirement. Meanwhile, smaller districts struggle to offer competitive salaries and benefits, increasing turnover.
- Budget & Salary Disparities: Rural and lower-funded districts offer salaries significantly below suburban and urban rates, where top-level technology leaders can earn six figures. This pay gap drives talent to wealthier districts and perpetuates staffing shortages in under-resourced areas.
- Growing Cybersecurity Concerns: Nearly 80% of respondents are responsible for cybersecurity, but relatively few hold specialized security certifications. Limited budgets, particularly in rural districts, make it challenging to implement robust cybersecurity measures.
- Rise in Cabinet-Level Roles: Over 60% of technology directors and coordinators now hold cabinet-level or executive leadership positions, allowing IT to shape district-wide strategy. This higher-level involvement fosters better alignment with instructional goals and budgeting priorities.
- Professional Development Needs: Although many respondents hold Google or other tech certifications, there is room for growth in network security, cloud, and leadership endorsements (e.g., CETL, Principal/Admin). Smaller districts report difficulty funding consistent training.
- Overall High Job Satisfaction: More than 77% of respondents report being satisfied or highly satisfied with their roles—citing impactful work, a sense of autonomy, and close collaboration with teachers as primary drivers.