Are you contemplating where to focus your tech skills for growth? Or, perhaps you’re eyeing a career in the tech industry, but news about hiring slowdowns in 2023 has given you pause. There is good news on the horizon! Despite the sector leveling off in 2023, Computerworld, CompTIA, and CIO.com are optimistic about hiring in 2024 and beyond, particularly for certain specialized, in-demand tech jobs. We’ve summarized some of those here.
As technology continues its rapid evolution, new opportunities emerge for individuals who can stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re currently in an entry-level tech position or simply exploring pathways into the tech realm, let’s delve into some of the most sought-after technology roles predicted to be in high demand, offering lucrative salaries.*
Do you have what it takes for tech?
If you have a keen interest in this field, chances are you honed your science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills during high school and post-secondary education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), typical careers under this umbrella include computer and mathematical fields. However, they also span architecture and engineering, life and physical sciences, aerospace engineering, and managerial and post-secondary teaching positions linked to these areas. Plus, STEM careers encompass sales and marketing roles that require scientific or technical ability at the post-secondary level. To enhance your hiring chances, you’ll need to develop your skills toward jobs most likely in demand.
What are the opportunities?
Here’s a summary of what the Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say about the growth and value of the tech market. The data on employment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations compares figures from 2022 with projections for 2032.
- Growth Forecast: It shows significant growth in STEM jobs, with an expected increase of 1,122,400 jobs by 2032, a 10.8% rise.
- Wage Statistics: In 2022, the median annual wage for STEM occupations was $97,980, substantially higher than the median for all occupations, which was $46,310.
- Non-STEM Comparison: Non-STEM occupations are projected to grow by 2.3%, adding 3,543,100 jobs over the same period.
With this promising outlook, what exciting opportunities await you in these high-growth STEM careers? Here are just a few:
Cybersecurity Engineer. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and prevalent, experts urgently need to safeguard organizations’ networks, digital assets, and systems. In fact, BLS predicts that the employment of information security analysts, which includes cybersecurity experts, will grow by 32 percent from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting the increasing importance of cybersecurity in our digital world.
Cybersecurity engineers design, implement, and support security solutions to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber incidents. Their average salary range is $97,000 to $144,000.*
AI/Machine Learning Engineer. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing numerous industries, from healthcare to education to entertainment. AI/ML engineers develop, test, and deploy AI/ML models and applications for tasks like natural language processing, computer vision, and speech recognition. AI/ML engineers can earn an average salary range of $162,000 to $173,000.* In February, the top states for ad postings were California, Texas, Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts (CompTIA, Tech Jobs Report).
Cloud Engineer. Cloud computing is reshaping how computing services are delivered, offering scalability and flexibility. Cloud engineers design, build, manage, and optimize cloud infrastructure and services for various clients. The average salary range is around $124,000 to up to $230,000.*
Data Scientist. In the digital economy, data holds immense value, and data scientists are experts at extracting insights from it. They use statistics, machine learning, and data mining to analyze large datasets and solve business problems. Data scientists can earn an average salary range of $124,000, but depending on which city, it can rise to $143,000.*
Blockchain Engineer. Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions without intermediaries. Blockchain engineers develop and maintain blockchain solutions for applications like cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. Blockchain engineers can earn average salaries between $145,000 to $185,000.* These engineers are particularly critical in cryptocurrency technologies.
DevOps Engineer. If you like working with people, becoming a DevOps engineer could be your dream job. DevOps is a set of practices and tools that aim to improve the collaboration and communication between software development and IT operations teams so that product goals are met. DevOps engineers are the ones who automate, integrate, and streamline the processes of software delivery and deployment. They also need skills in programming languages like Python or Ruby and tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, or Ansible. DevOps engineers can earn an average salary range of between $91,000 to $155,000.*
These are just a few of the top tech roles expected to be in high demand in 2024 and beyond. If any of these careers pique your interest, you must acquire relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Consider enrolling in online courses, boot camps, or certifications to learn the latest technologies and best practices in your chosen field. The tech industry offers a dynamic, exciting, and rewarding environment, though it can also be competitive and challenging. If you are prepared to embrace these challenges, numerous opportunities await to grow your career and positively impact the world.
When you are ready to kickstart your job search, don’t hesitate to contact one of Partnership Employment’s technology experts. We employ innovative search strategies to connect you with the perfect company that aligns with your skills. From the initial interview to the final hire, our dedicated IT consulting team of recruiters is committed to finding you the ideal match.
Sources:
Employment in STEM occupations: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
CompTIA Tech Jobs Report | Monthly Jobs Report Analysis
How many jobs are available in technology in the US? | Computerworld
The 15 most in-demand tech jobs for 2024 — and how to hire for them | CIO
*Salaries vary across regions, and estimates have been collected from multiple online and government sources.
