Employment growth in the computer and information technology industry is expected to increase by 13% during the 2020s. It’s predicted that almost 700,000 new jobs will be added, making the demand for technology professionals even higher than it is currently. That demand, which is greater for technology jobs than any other occupations, stems from the need for cloud computing, collecting and storing big data, and cybersecurity professionals.
If you are on the fence about getting started or staying in the technology industry, the following list of the 12 most in-demand tech positions should change your mind. They are the jobs that are most likely to remain relevant for years.
#1 - DevOps Engineer
DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations. As a DevOps Engineer, an individual will support software developers throughout the development process. After launching the software, the DevOps Engineer is responsible for maintaining the product lifecycle and providing technical support as needed.
An ideal DevOps Engineer will have the following skills:
- Coding and scripting
- Familiarity with git and git workflows
- Knowledge of Linux or UNIX system administration
- Working knowledge of databases and SQL
- Knowledge of Python or Ruby programming languages
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Deep understanding of DevOps best practices
Average annual salary is $122,791.
#2 - Software Engineer
As long as there have been computers, there have been Software Engineers. They are the professionals who develop, build, and install software systems, applications, and more. This role is very popular because nearly every industry requires software engineers, including healthcare, government, and private organizations. As a result, there are about 40,000 job openings in the U.S. for Software Engineers.
An ideal Software Engineer will have the following skills:
- General computer and software development skills
- Knowledge of programming languages including Java, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby
- Ability to test, interpret, maintain, and improve software built by other engineers
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Average annual salary is $118,184.
#3 - Data Scientist
Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that includes computer science, statistics, social science, machine learning, and other areas that relate to big data. Data Scientists typically work alongside Artificial Intelligence Engineers to develop innovations that make people’s lives easier. In addition, Data Scientists often work with large sets of data to derive conclusions that are based on statistics so that organizations might better understand their customers and increase revenue accordingly.
Data scientists work on large data sets and derive conclusions based on statistics so that companies can understand their customers better and increase their revenue.
An ideal Data Scientist will have the following skills:
- Ability to extract, investigate, and interpret large amounts of information from various sources, including data mining, algorithmic, machine learning, and artificial intelligence
- Statistical analysis skills
- Programming skills
- Data storytelling skills
Average annual salary is $122,969.
#4 - IT Security Specialist
The IT Security Specialist is a role that is responsible for establishing effective safeguards to prevent the destruction, modification, or disclosure of important company information. Without a knowledgeable team of IT Security Specialists, organizations run the risk of data breaches, which can be very costly.
An ideal IT Security Specialist will have the following skills:
- Ability to analyze an organization’s security system and make suggestions about how it can be improved
- Ability to immediately respond to security threats and/or emergencies
- Understanding how to monitor network systems for signs of malicious activity
- Maintains current, up to date knowledge of security risks
Average annual salary is $102,202.
#5 - Cloud Architect
A Cloud Architect manages an organization’s cloud computing strategies and procedures. In addition, they manage cloud infrastructure, ensuring that it remains secure and functioning effectively at all times. Companies are looking for Cloud Architects who are familiar with cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services.
An ideal Cloud Architect will have the following skills:
- Excellent networking, programming, and cybersecurity skills
- Experienced with programming languages including Ruby, Python, and Elixir
- A background in or thorough understanding of IT engineering
- Leadership skills
Average annual salary is $150,359
#6 - Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the development of a particular product from the product’s inception through the final stages. In addition, Product Managers will manage business programs and supervise the task flow to ensure team members stay on task.
An ideal Product Manager will have the following skills:
- Strong analytical skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Management experience
- Knowledge of tools like Jira or PivotalTracker
- Ability to define a vision for a product
Average annual salary is $119,980.
#7 - Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Specialists are in demand because organizations need effective ways to protect their data from malicious hackers and other cybercriminals. Cybersecurity Specialists fulfill that role by designing, reviewing, and deploying cybersecurity strategies. They may also appraise current systems to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities in a business’s IT strategy.
An ideal Cybersecurity Specialist will have the following skills:
- Ability to review, analyze, and install security systems
- Ability to analyze network vulnerabilities
- Knowledge of firewalls and other security measures
- Familiarity with patch management and penetration testing
- Problem-solving and lateral thinking skills
Average annual salary is $87,771.
#8 - User Experience (UX) Designer
A User Experience Designer is responsible for analyzing an organization’s requirements and feedback from users to create user-centric designs. User experience is concerned with the look and feel of a website or application. UX Designers are tasked with producing user flows, prototypes, wireframes, and mockups. They also must fulfill the organization’s requirements for style guides, design patterns, design systems, and appealing user interfaces.
An ideal UX Designer will have the following skills:
- Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- Knowledge of prototyping tools like InVision and Sketch
- Basic knowledge of CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript
Average annual salary is $109,505.
#9 - Mobile App Developer
A Mobile Application Developer is charged with designing, coding, and managing applications that are used on mobile devices. They often monitor the performance of live applications, identify and mitigate bottlenecks, work on code optimizations, and optimize application performance.
An ideal Mobile Application Developer will have the following skills:
- Solid knowledge of basic computer, application, and software functions
- Knowledge of programming languages like Java, SQL, HTML, and Swift
- Familiarity with third-party libraries and APIs
- Experience with development methodologies like Waterfall or Agile
- Excellent analytical skills
Average annual salary is $108,603.
#10 - Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for handling hardware, software, and LAN/WAN protocol. Much of the work in this area includes troubleshooting problems and resolving those issues.
An ideal Network Administrator will have the following skills:
- Good diagnostic and analytical skills
- Solid understanding of networking
- Problem-solving skills
- Applicable professional certifications
Average annual salary is $82,379.
#11 - Web Developer
Web Developers help organizations create strong online presences. The types of organizations that utilize a Web Developer vary widely in today’s technological environment. Small businesses, ecommerce platforms, brick and mortar businesses, fully virtual companies, large corporations, and many others employ Web Developers to design websites, keeping user experience in mind.
An ideal Web Developer will have the following skills:
- Familiarity with multiple programming languages, including CSS, HTML, Python, JavaScript
- Experience using hosting solutions like AWS and WordPress
- Ability to implement user experience principles
- Excellent communication skills
- Collaborative approach and attitude
Average annual salary is $98,116.
#12 - AI Architect
Artificial Intelligence Architects are responsible for developing, programming, and training complex networks so that they function similarly to human brains. They bring the world closer to smart lifestyles every day. To be effective in this role, AI Engineers must combine their expertise in programming, software engineering, database operations, and data science to produce extremely sophisticated algorithms. Many companies are already utilizing deep learning techniques, including Apple, Amazon, IBM, Google, and Microsoft. This demonstrates the demand and prominence of AI.
An ideal AI Architect will have the following skills:
- Linear algebra expertise
- Statistics knowledge
- Big data technologies, including MongoDB and Hadoop
- Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and Java
- Familiarity with Agile framework
Average annual salary is $126,966.
Finding the Best Tech Job for Your Career Goals
While the above are some of the most current in-demand positions in the tech industry, it’s important to remember that the industry is ever-changing and advancing when it comes to technology. So make sure that you continue to upgrade and hone your skills, looking for the best career opportunities that meet your goals.
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