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Last updated 11/21/2024
The tech landscape is ever-evolving, and more opportunities are becoming available for new and seasoned professionals in the industry. Tech areas like cybersecurity and data analytics are growing 4-6 times faster than other occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics), creating a skills gap as there are not enough professionals to meet the industry growth rate. This makes those with technical skills highly in demand by employers hiring for tech positions.
In spite of the vast openings in the tech sector, a survey conducted by Robert Half found that 80% of tech hiring managers struggle to find top talent, offering many opportunities for those seeking to break into the industry. If you're looking to change or level up your career, this year is the ideal time to transition into tech or advance your current skills. Here are some of the top tech areas hiring in 2025:
Is Tech a Good Field to Get Into?
Yes, tech can be a great field to get into in 2025. The tech field offers numerous opportunities for career growth, high salaries, and job security. With the increasing reliance on technology in various industries, the demand for skilled tech professionals continues to soar.
Cybersecurity Analytics
Cybersecurity analysts are primarily responsible for defending businesses and organizations against cyberattacks and restoring security after an attack. According to Cyber Ventures, cybercrime will inflict $10.5 trillion USD in damages worldwide in 2025. With trillions of dollars at risk and a cybercrime estimated to occur every 39 seconds, businesses are urgently seeking cybersecurity analysts and other information security roles.
Job Outlook: From 2023 to 2033, the employment of information security analysts/cybersecurity analysts are expected to grow by 33 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average annual salary for an entry-level cybersecurity analyst in the U.S. is $132,962 a year (ZipRecruiter).
- Requirements: Cybersecurity analyst roles require strong technical skills, including knowledge of networks, operating systems, and security protocols. Analytical and problem-solving abilities. As part of their job duties, cybersecurity analysts perform a variety of other tasks, including:
Analyzing the digital infrastructure of an organization for potential vulnerabilities
Monitoring, reporting, and recording cyberattack attempts
Identifying the source of breaches or attacks and responding rapidly
- Paths to a Cybersecurity Career: For those seeking an accelerated pathway, cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA Security+, along with relevant bootcamp training, can prepare you for a career in cybersecurity. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field may provide a strong foundation for a successful career in cybersecurity. Experience in IT or related fields can be valuable in understanding the broader technology landscape and applying cybersecurity principles effectively.
- Demand: Cybersecurity professionals are in increasingly high demand as instances of cyber threats continue to grow and evolve. This demand is present across industries, including finance, healthcare, and government, as organizations increasingly rely on technology.
Data Analytics
Companies use data analysts to examine and synthesize large amounts of information in order to make better decisions. Some of the most important tasks a data analyst performs include:
Setting up and using business intelligence (“BI") and analytics tools
Identifying patterns in raw data and then analyzing those patterns to find business insights
Creating visualizations and reports based on the data
Optimizing data collection and training other staff members or teams in the data-collection system
Data analytics is considered one of the most attractive fields in tech due to its high earning potential and broad range of uses.
Job Outlook: Nationally, the employment of data analysts is projected to grow 23.4% over the next 10 years (Lightcast™). The average annual salary for an entry-level data analyst in the U.S. is $68,487 a year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements: Data analysts typically possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in data analysis tools such as SQL, Python, and R is essential. A solid understanding of statistical concepts and data visualization techniques is also crucial. Moreover, business acumen is necessary to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
Paths to This Career: A bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field is a common pathway to a data analyst career. Data analyst bootcamps or certifications can also provide the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, experience with data analysis tools and techniques can enhance job prospects.
Demand: The demand for data analysts is strong and growing, driven by the increasing reliance of businesses on data-driven decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing subfield of data science with significant demand for skilled professionals. AI is being integrated into various industries, from healthcare to finance, to automate tasks, make data-driven decisions, and enhance products and services.
Job Outlook: The PwC 2024 Global AI Jobs Barometer reports that the demand for AI jobs is growing 3.5x faster than all other jobs globally. AI careers span a wide range of roles, including machine learning engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and AI product managers.
Requirements: Proficiency in languages like Python is essential for developing and implementing AI algorithms. A solid understanding of machine and deep learning techniques is crucial for building and training AI models. A strong foundation in data analysis and statistical modeling is also necessary for working with large datasets and extracting meaningful insights. AI professionals need to be able to identify problems, formulate solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of AI models.
- Paths to This Career: Specialized certifications in machine learning, deep learning, or AI can validate skills and enhance job prospects. Popular certifications include those offered by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. Hands-on experience with AI projects, through internships or personal projects, can demonstrate practical skills and knowledge. Online courses and bootcamps offered by providers like Fullstack Academy can give you flexible learning options to acquire AI skills.
- Demand: AI professionals are highly sought after by a diverse range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, automotive, and retail. Their expertise is crucial for developing innovative AI solutions, such as AI-powered software and hardware, algorithmic trading systems, medical diagnosis tools, self-driving cars, and personalized marketing strategies.
Web Development/Full-Stack Development
Developers who work on both the client side and server side of a web application are known as full-stack developers. They possess a thorough understanding of all aspects of an application and expertise in a wide array of coding languages as well.
Job Outlook: As a whole, the web development industry presents a wide range of opportunities. The average salary for mid-level web developers with 4-6 years of experience is $85,205 (Glassdoor), providing lucrative employment opportunities.
Requirements: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential as a developer, along with a strong understanding of front-end and back-end development principles. Knowledge of popular frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js is crucial, as is the ability to design user-friendly and responsive interfaces.
- Paths to This Career: Web development bootcamps offer intensive, short-term programs that provide hands-on training in the latest web development technologies and tools. Self-taught learning through online resources, such as tutorials, courses, and coding challenges, offers a flexible and cost-effective way to acquire web development skills. A computer science degree with a focus on web development provides a strong foundation in computer science principles, programming languages, and software engineering practices, which are essential for building robust and scalable web applications.
- Demand: Developers are in high demand across various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, finance, and education. According to BLS, by 2033, web development roles are expected to grow 17%, with 115,500 openings projected to become available in the industry.
How To Learn Tech Skills
Getting into technology and earning high wages in the field doesn't require a college degree. Self-paced courses and online intensive bootcamps can help individuals acquire tech skills quickly. Using industry-driven curricula and instruction, programs like OU Outreach Tech Bootcamps prepare individuals for roles in fast-growing areas.