The events of the past two years have reshaped the entire tech industry, speeding up the pace at which the whole sector is transforming. As a result, the jobs that were so in-demand just a few years ago have been replaced by new roles, designed to meet the changing needs of businesses and consumers.
With 120,000 positions filled just in 2021 and unemployment rates below 2%, the tech industry has been among the fastest sectors to recover from the pandemic. And, thanks to the industry’s ability to retain talents, it has been one of the least affected by the Great Resignation.
Nonetheless, it has never been more important for professionals in the sector to identify what the most in-demand jobs for 2022 and beyond will be. From DevOps jobs to Java developer jobs, discover the most sought-after roles in this guide.
Software Developer
Software developers are professionals responsible for the entire lifecycle of software. From the design phase to installing, testing, maintenance, and deployment, software developers provide businesses with customized, innovative solutions.
Software development jobs require a range of technical skills, including coding and building applications. Additionally, since each application will be specifically designed to meet the business’s needs, software developers are required to understand the client’s specific requirements and goals.
Some of the skills needed to start a career as a software developer include:
- Proficiency in several programming languages, including HTML, Java, Microsoft, C++, C, and .NET.
- Problem-solving and strong communication skills
- Data structuring and algorithm design
While a degree isn’t strictly necessary to become a software developer, most professionals in the field hold post-secondary study qualifications. For more specific software development roles, such as .net jobs, you might also consider investing in qualifying certifications.
- Average salary: $110,140
- Job outlook: 22%
Network or Cloud Architect
Over the past years, cloud systems are replacing internal legacy networks. That is because cloud computing allows for the safe and efficient sharing and storing of information. While businesses can use SaaS cloud alternatives, they might also opt for customized options designed for the business’s specific needs, size, and goals.
Thanks to cloud systems’ unique features, they have become an important asset for most businesses looking to undergo their digital transformation. And, as cloud systems become increasingly popular and necessary for businesses, network/cloud architects have never been more in-demand.
These professionals are responsible for designing, managing, and deploying every component of a cloud system or network. They are also responsible for the network’s maintenance and relevant upgrades, as well as managing front-end and back-end platforms.
- Some of the tasks cloud and network architects are responsible for include:
- Creating and maintaining data storage solutions
- Crafting cloud computing systems
- Understand and meet compliance requirements
- Respond to problems with the network
Network and cloud architects usually come from a background in cloud computing or IT, but they offer specialized skills such as proficiency in information security and Amazon Web Services (AWS), and vendor management.
- Average salary: $128,418
- Job outlook: 5%
Cybersecurity Specialist
As companies become increasingly reliant on data and information, the number of cybersecurity attacks has constantly been on the rise. Recent statistics show that cyberattacks have increased by 50% just in 2021 compared to 2020. At the same time, losses have become more significant, and over 90% of companies do not survive a major data loss.
So, businesses are looking for ways to protect one of their main assets – data – and they do so by hiring expert cybersecurity specialists. These professionals – also called information security analysts – are in charge of designing, reviewing, and implementing cybersecurity strategies. They might also evaluate current systems in place and ensure that there are no vulnerable points in a business’s IT strategy.
Some of the skills that cybersecurity specialists must have include:
- Reviewing, analyzing, and installing security systems
- Analyzing network vulnerabilities
- Familiarity with penetration testing and patch management
- Experience with firewalls and other security measures
- Problem-solving and lateral thinking
It is also important for cybersecurity specialists to understand the company’s IT infrastructure in detail, pinpoint threats, and always be a step ahead of potential attackers. Depending on the company’s internal structure, cybersecurity analysts might also train managers and employees to prevent cybersecurity attacks.
- Average salary: $103,590
- Job outlook: 33%
Data Scientist & Data Engineer
In 2020, a staggering 64.2 zettabytes of data was created just in 2020 – a figure that is expected to triple over the next three years! While so much data is available for companies to capture, just a percentage of it is utilized. At the same time, businesses have never been more conscious of the importance of harnessing this data to improve efficiency, create better products, refine the user’s experience, and customize their services.
With so much at stake, it isn’t surprising that data scientists and data engineers are so sought after by companies around the world. The two roles are slightly different:
- Data engineers have the responsibility of maintaining data warehouses and storage structures, facilitating the collection and use of data. They also are in charge of structuring and transforming the information available to make it usable by data scientists.
- Data scientists receive structured data from data engineers and work to identify patterns, trends, and shapes that are useful for the business’s goals.
Data scientist and data engineering jobs are among the highest-paying positions in the tech sector and growing at an unprecedented rate.
- Average salary: $103,930
- Job outlook: 22%
Web Developer
Web developers play a vital role in helping businesses create a robust online presence. Whether it is for a small business, a global smartphone app, or a large eCommerce platform, web developers are in charge of designing the user’s experience and keeping up with search engines’ rapidly changing standards.
Web developers need to be familiar with a variety of programming languages, including Python, CSS, and HTML. For JavaScript jobs, an understanding of JavaScript is essential, alongside experience with hosting solutions such as WordPress and AWS.
Aside from coding the entire website, web developers should be able to:
- Implement the principles of UX
- Communicate and collaborate with other departments, including marketing and sales
- Work with a variety of tools, including cloud systems
- Maintain and upgrade the website regularly
- Manage several web applications
Web developers are essential for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to grow through an online presence, as well as fully-virtual businesses.
- Average salary: $77,200
- Job outlook: 13%
Find the Best Tech Job For Your Career Goals
While these are some of the most in-demand tech jobs of 2022, the tech industry is in continuous growth and evolution. So, make sure to continue honing and upgrading your skills and look out for the right opportunity to present itself.
