7 In-Demand Tech Job Market Careers

The tech job market is strong due to the development of new advanced technologies and a growing need for professionals to master them. The technology field is rapidly expanding, providing you with a wide variety of career options to consider. By researching some of these career options, you can evaluate your own skill set and determine which role seems like a good fit. While the tech industry is fast-growing, it is also competitive; you may need to find ways to stand out by gaining experience or certifications to make yourself a strong candidate.

Is tech a good field to get into?

Many tech jobs are in high demand, and the industry offers varied opportunities for you as an aspiring tech professional. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment in the computer and information technology industry will likely grow faster than average between 2022 and 2032. BLS also reports that the median annual wage for the computer and information technology industry is $100,530 [1].

7 in-demand tech job market careers

Here are seven job role options available in the tech job market. Learn about their salaries, expected growth, job descriptions, and entry requirements so you can narrow down your career choice and work toward the qualifications you’ll need.

1. Data analyst

Job outlook: 25 percent growth between 2020 and 2030 [2]

Average annual US salary: $75,227 [3]

As a data analyst, you'll collect and analyze data to turn it into helpful information for companies. Data analysts develop reports based on the data they research and deliver them to their companies to illustrate areas for improvement and determine when to implement new products and services. In addition to gathering data, you might design and monitor new databases to help streamline your data collection processes.

Requirements: To start your career, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field. In some cases, you may also need a master’s degree. You should also have a strong understanding of computer networks and scripting and critical thinking skills.

2. AI engineer

Job outlook: 23 percent growth between 2022 and 2032 [4]

Average annual US salary: $115,529 [5]

As an artificial intelligence (AI) engineer, you will develop and train AI algorithms to function as closely as possible to the human brain. You’ll pull data from different sources to build machine learning models in which to test programs and discover the best way to implement your AI software. To develop your AI systems, you will likely use application program interface codes, requiring expertise in coding and computer science.

Requirements: To become an AI engineer, you will likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field. You may consider earning a master’s degree or additional certification to demonstrate your commitment and prowess in the field of AI. You must build strong computer programming skills and a developed understanding of data science and statistics.

3. Machine learning engineer

Job outlook: 23 percent growth rate [6]

Average annual US salary: $127,629 [7]

Machine learning engineers develop and monitor platforms for machine learning projects. As a machine learning engineer, you will build platforms based on statistical modeling procedures, test these platforms, and design algorithms. You will likely also train systems to perform different tasks or actions to help solve real-world issues.

Requirements: Machine learning engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science. You must have a strong computer fundamentals background, including programming, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. The workplace skills you’ll need include collaboration and problem-solving, as you will engage in lots of teamwork and troubleshooting in this role.

4. Video game developer

Job outlook: 16 percent growth between 2022 and 2032 [8]

Average annual US salary: $84,626 [9]

If you become a video game developer, you will be in charge of developing the software for video games, including creating the aesthetic and visual components of the game. You will also be responsible for making sure games function properly, as you will be designing and troubleshooting the coding process. Sometimes, you will work with pre-existing software, applying creative ideas for playing and leveling up to incorporate into a video game design.

Requirements: You do not necessarily need a degree to become a video game developer, but obtaining a degree in software engineering or earning a certification can help you stand out to employers if you want to work at a game design company. To enter this field, you must have advanced software engineering skills, creativity, and storytelling skills. You must also combine creativity and logistics to succeed as a video game developer.

5. Full-stack developer

Job outlook: 25 percent growth between 2022 and 2032 [10]

Average annual US salary: $94,694 [11]

Full-stack developers are responsible for the front and back ends of web development, which involve the visual elements that users interact with directly, along with the coding and data that keep the site functioning. As a full-stack developer, you'll make the components of a website or application responsive and easy to navigate, in addition to managing the internal software.

Requirements: You might not need a bachelor’s degree to start your career, but if you are considering higher education as an aspiring full-stack developer, you’ll want to concentrate on computer science or software engineering. You should build proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

6. Computer network architect

Job outlook: 4 percent growth between 2022 and 2032 [12]

Average annual US salary: $113,191 [13]

As a computer network architect, you will design and implement computer and information networks. You’ll create the plans for different networks based on your organization’s needs and then test those networks for optimal performance. You are responsible for documenting your plans to make it easier on others who are helping you manage and troubleshoot your networks.

Requirements: To become a computer network architect, you'll need a bachelor’s degree in computer information technology, engineering, or a similar field. In addition, you’ll often need several years of experience working with information technology systems, which you can gain via internships or entry-level roles. You must be comfortable working with internet and intranet infrastructures and other technological tools.

7. Cybersecurity analyst

Job outlook: 32 percent growth between 2022 and 2032 [14]

Average annual US salary: $103,588 [15]

Cybersecurity analysts monitor their company’s networks for security breaches and have an investigative system in place when a security problem arises. Along with monitoring these networks, you will be developing security standards and examining vulnerabilities to ensure that your company is well-guarded and prepared for any issues with network security.

Requirements: To become a cybersecurity analyst, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, but some employers may require you to have an MBA in information systems. You may also need to have work experience in a relevant occupation like information technology and a strong understanding of security technologies like firewalls and antivirus software.

How to get started in a tech career

To enter a tech career, you can start by determining which career requirements you may have already fulfilled. It’s also a good idea to decide where your interests and skills lie and whether you want to expand your knowledge and education to qualify for different positions.

Get experience.

Getting experience through entry-level positions or internships is a great way to enter the tech industry, as you will learn skills and abilities to apply to your career. Internships can help you gain practical skills and connect with others in your industry. Previous work experience can boost your resume and can help you advance your career in tech.

Get a degree or certification.

Getting a degree or certification is another way to strengthen your resume and help you enter the tech world. You’ll want to review education requirements for the specific positions that interest you; you may be a more competitive candidate with a degree or certification in IT or a related field. Certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and Certified Data Management Professional are basic certifications that can help you gain knowledge in a specific area in the tech field. These credentials illustrate your commitment to the field and show a higher involvement in tech that may impress potential employers.

Build your skills.

Building your skills can also be important in preparing for a tech career. Working on projects that allow you to expand your technical skills, like data and analytics, infrastructure, and cybersecurity, can make you a more viable candidate for job positions, as you may be able to complete tech-related tasks more efficiently. Programming and development skills can help you automate your technical processes, and cultivating workplace skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving can help you become a stronger candidate for any tech job.

Start your tech career with Coursera.

On Coursera, you can prepare to enter the tech field and boost your professional development with credentials like the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, where you’ll learn how to get ready for a career in cybersecurity. Or consider the Tech Support Career Guide and Interview Preparation course, where you can learn the fundamentals of tech support roles and discover the career paths available.