Tech Skills In Demand 2024: Top 19 Highest Paying

Top 19 tech skills in demand in 2024: Are you someone that is looking to maximize your marketability by pursuing technological skills that will definitely be in vogue in the future, or are you looking to change fields? Perhaps you have no prior knowledge in technology, but you want technological skills that will launch your career? Then this article is definitely for you. The truth is that technology continues to change rapidly, therefore the demand for professionals with advanced IT skills also rise.

Another truth also, is that technology by far dominates the categories of best jobs or most in demand jobs that will be relevant in the future. There is need as an individual who wants to be at the top in your career, to garner one or more of these skills. Skills that are in demand no doubt, can boost your career.

Definitely, knowing what employers look out for in this present time, will enable graduates out there gain these skills so as to stand out from the saturated pool of candidates. In this regard, below are few IT skills and technological skills that employers and candidates should be aware of.

Top 19 Highest Paying Tech skills In demand 2024

1. Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence and machine learning is no doubt in vogue in 2021. They have revolutionized industries to the extent that hiring in these areas of tech is continually on the increase globally. According to Linkedin’s 2020 emerging jobs report UK, “artificial intelligence specialist” was the number one emerging job of 2020.

The skills in demand across machine learning and artificial intelligence are: Java, R, natural language processing, tensor flow and Python. These skills are in demand because of their popularity. As a tech guy or upcoming tech person, it is recommended that you equip yourself with one or more of these skills, in order to be relevant and climb to the top of your game in 2023 and beyond.

2. Augmented reality (VR) and virtual reality (VR): Augmented reality and virtual reality are collectively known as extended reality (XR). The European market size, predicts that by 2026, the size of the market for extended reality (XR) will increase by $7.59 billion to $104 billion.

The importance of augmented reality and virtual reality cannot be overemphasized. Even numerous industries like advertising, entertainment, education and health care, have adopted extended reality technologies as the new normal. This in turn, has led to massive increase in the demand for skilled technicians, who are highly professional in the use of this technology.

Currently, over three-quarter of software engineers, predict that the full impact of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will be evident in the next five years. They also predict that acquiring knowledge in Unity, will help IT professionals skilled in coding, to path their way in extended reality (XR).

3. Data science and analytics: These two jobs are consistently and constantly in demand yearly. It is predicted that revenue from this tech skills, will grow from $5.3 billion in 2018 to $19.40 in 2026. 53% of companies globally, employees data skills also known as Big data, to accelerate decision making and ensure greater accuracy. These big data are employed by various industries. Industries like the federal government, banking, manufacturing, professional services such as: accounting firms and financial advisors make use of this skill.

It is also important to note that due to the influence and advantages big data offers, they have earned a top spot on Linkedin’s emerging job reports, for three consecutive years the report was conducted.

4. Data engineering: Data engineering is distinct from data science, but that does not mean they are not related. Data engineering is what enables data science to exist. Also, data engineering enables the build of tools and infrastructure that data science relies upon to conduct its work. The growth of data engineering is conspicuous.

In fact, the growth of data engineering is historically said to have surpassed the growth of data science. Statistically, since 2015, the hiring rate of technologically inclined jobs has increased by nearly 35% throughout the various industries. The salary of data engineers is not meager. Data engineers receive not less than $92,000 annually.

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5. Data visualization: What data visualization does, is simply to provide a visual context, so that people can better understand the significance of data. For example: turning spreadsheets into graphs or charts, thereby creating a pictorial representation, so that the charts and graphs can better be understood. Data visualization as a skill is mostly employed by data analyst and data scientist.

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As a skill, data visualization is also very helpful in most digital marketing roles. It is also advisable to acquire this skills because, not only is it in demand, it can also be fun, because your job will be to collect data gathered by analysts, and convert it into a form anyone can understand.

6. Cyber security and Network Information Security: As a network operator or tech person, security of data is very important. Any company that collects customer data or information, especially those that are sensitive in nature, has to keep such data secure. If they do not keep such data safe, and they are exposed to public knowledge, it can cause havoc to the company’s image and market.

That is why it is important for these companies to engage persons specifically trained in network security. In truth and fact, there is shortage of people trained in this area of tech, and this is not encouraging. So, as a young graduate, take one or two courses in this subject and start earning good money.

7. Cloud computing: Cloud computing simply entails switching from classical server infrastructure to cloud solutions. In a research conducted by Forrester, the market for global public cloud services grew from 35% to 20 billion dollars in 2021.

This means that cloud native architecture skills are currently in vogue in 2021, and will stay so beyond 2021. Therefore, go ahead find a good tutor or school, pick up a form and begin learning about cloud computing as soon as possible.

8. UI and IX design: It may look like UI and UX are the same, but they are not – though they are in the same family. While UI (also known as user interface) specialists, design interface for websites and apps, creating appealing visuals that are beautiful and easy for users to navigate, UX (also known as user experience) specialists, do all that is necessary, including carrying out research and testing, in order to figure out every element of how the user communicates and interacts with the company and website.

User interface is for those who want to specialize on the layout, look, feel or visuals of a product, while user experience is for those that want to meet users needs through analysis and testing.

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9. Block chain: Block chain was originally invented for the digital currency-Bitcoin, however it has evolved. Block chain is no longer used for only Bitcoin, it is now used for crowdfunding, file storage, identity management, digital management, peer to peer payments etc.

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In 2020, the block chain skills that are in demand include: cryptography computing, networking, database design, and various programming languages such as Java, C+ to Go, solidity, JavaScript and Python. Those skilled in block chain earn a lot annually, clinching not less than $150,000 per year.

Statistically, demand for block chain engineers increased by 40% from 2017 to 2018, and tech giants such as Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Facebook are currently working with block chain.

10. Software developments: The demand for software developers is on the increase globally, this is especially so with the increasing use of apps, mobile and technology. The change of technology yearly, demands the change of skill and knowledge, therefore developers have to continually engage in knowledge acquisition to stay relevant in the tech market.

11. Software testing: Detecting errors and providing data for the best functioning of a software is a skill that is increasingly used. Today, not only software testers are in charge of carrying out this testing, so knowing how to do it is an increasingly required skill among technology workers.

This represents a 513% increase in consumption and is expected to continue growing in 2022. There are a lot of benefits a software tester stands to gain, but in knowledge and monetarily.

13. DevOps: Software development and IT operations are combined via the use of a set of tools and processes known as “DevOps.” DevOps aims to reduce the length of the system and product development lifecycle. In other words, it contributes to a more dependable process for designing, evaluating, and delivering software systems.

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A DevOps expert aids in the development of software and monitors code releases to ensure seamless operation. Currently, it ranks among the remote IT jobs with the greatest salaries. Markets and Markets’ research indicates that the DevOps market will increase from its 2017 estimate of US $2.9 billion to US $10.31 billion between 2017 and 2023, growing at a CAGR of 24.7%. DevOps is a highly practical option for global IT businesses of all sizes. It is also a foundational tenet for businesses like Facebook, Amazon, Walmart, Adobe, and Netflix.

14. Robotic Process Automation: RPA refers to the use of business-controlled technologies to automate workflows and business processes. RPA is, in other words, the process of developing software robots that automate any repetitive or labor-intensive commercial operation.

The PR News Wire reports that the RPA industry was worth $477 million USD worldwide in 2018. By 2025, it is anticipated to reach US $1930 million. This results in a 21.3% CAGR between 2019 and 2025.

Robotic process automation (RPA) enables firms in all sectors to automate any type of normal or repetitive desk work. With more and more employment opening up in this area, it is one of the technologies with the quickest growth rates currently.

15. Cloud architects: Information and communication technology specialists known as cloud architects are in charge of an organization’s cloud computing infrastructure. This include creating the architecture for cloud applications, cloud approval strategies, and cloud storage management systems. They may also be referred to as cloud system administrators or cloud developers.

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One needs a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related subject to work as a cloud architect. It will also be helpful to have a strong background in scripting and programming languages.

The market for cloud services has expanded, and it doesn’t appear that it will slow down any time soon. The job forecast for computer network architects and cloud architects is favorable, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By 2029, these jobs are expected to increase by 5%.

16. Product manager: A product manager is in charge of supervising the entire entire value chain of commodity, from original design through collaborating with administration to sell the product to customers. A product manager’s duties also include doing market research and analysis, evaluating customer needs, and suggesting new features to add to already-existing goods.

Given that it necessitates a person with in-depth understanding of both technology and business, this is among the most difficult professions in the tech industry. 2023 will be a great year for product managers since many companies are now more open to creating new products that customers would find beneficial, especially in the wake of the epidemic.

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17. Internet of Things: The phrase “IoT” is used to refer to anything that is linked to the internet in the widest sense, but it is also increasingly being used to describe items that “speak” to one another. All linked gadgets, from basic sensors to smartphones and wearables, make up the Internet of Things.

Security is a major issue with these gadgets since everything that is linked to the internet may be hacked. Legislation to increase the security and safety of IoT devices was introduced in 2019 in California and the UK. Likewise, the Internet of Things (IoT) Security Improvement Act (2020) mandates that organizations strengthen cybersecurity for IoT devices held or managed by the federal government. IoT-specific cybersecurity experts will probably be in great demand for this reason.

18. Digital Marketing: The practice of promoting through digital devices, such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, and other digital platforms, is known as digital marketing.

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It is the process of disseminating information and promoting goods, services, and brands using digital media channels like social media, search engines, email, websites, and apps. Digital marketing expertise is needed for positions as virtual reality developers, email marketing professionals, content managers, digital marketing managers, and strategists.

19. Network Maintenance: The tasks required to keep a network operating correctly are referred to as network maintenance. It includes being able to diagnose issues and offer solutions, being knowledgeable about configuring and installing hardware and software, keeping an eye on and enhancing network performance, protecting the network from outside threats, and making plans for network expansion.

Network and computer systems administrators, integration developers, IT networking teachers, software and application engineers, and computer repair technicians are among the tech jobs that need network maintenance expertise.

Conclusion

The entire world is in a constant state of change. Even with the pandemic, the world has noticed a huge shift in the professional world. The demand for ICT has increased because of the resort to the Internet and web platforms, rather than physical engagements, for example, firms resorts to video conferencing on Zoom, Google Classroom, Google meet etc., to conduct conferences, seminars, workshops etc.

This has no doubt also increased the competition in the job market. Certain traditional roles in various industries have phased out, so as to make way for newer roles anchored on ICT. It is therefore imperative, that one knows what the top IT and tech skills are, in order to secure the right role.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.