In 2020, almost a million job positions went vacantOpens a new window , indicating a significant technological skill gap in the U.S. Even in Udemy’s surveyOpens a new window , more than half of learning and development professionals stated that tech skills were their primary concern for training in 2020. In this article, we cover the eight most in-demand and trending technologies of 2022 that technology workers should master to stay ahead of the competition and grab the best jobs.
If you’re looking to advance your tech career in 2022, look no further than the latest IT trends. Not only will you learn of new and better opportunities, you’ll also know which tech skills are most in-demand and come with a potential compensation of over $150,000.Â
Presented in alphabetical order, here are eight high-paying tech skills you should consider:
Artificial intelligence
With companies adopting more AI applications every day, the demand for AI skills will continue to grow throughout the coming year and beyond. According to Indeed, IT professionals with AI skills earn an average salary ranging from the US $110,000 to over $150,000. To qualify for these AI positions, you will need to be proficient in these skills: Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Python, R, C++, Java, Linux, Unix, SQL, Hadoop, NLP, Machine Learning, ML Algorithms, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, TensorFlow, Spark, Scikit learn, neural networks, data engineering, and signal processing, as well as language, audio and visual processing.Â
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Blockchain
Applications for blockchain technologies are no longer confined to digital currency. Blockchain applications now include crowdfunding, identity management, file storage, person-to-person payment systems, and digital voting, to name a few. As a result, there now exists a high demand for blockchain engineers. Key skills for blockchain engineers include cryptography, smart contracts, data structures, algorithms, consensus methodologies, security protocol stacks and computer networking, and R3, Ripple, Ethereum and Bitcoin. The annual salary for blockchain engineers is approximately $150,000.
Cloud computing
According to Statista and Monster, the average salaries for cloud computing professionals range from $121,000+ to $141,000. According to Robert Half, Cloud Computing professionals with several years of experience and strong communications skills can expect to earn a median salary of $153,750.
Highly sought-after cloud computing skills include the ability to work with the leading cloud computing platforms (Amazon AWS, MS Azure, and/or Google Cloud) in addition to the following languages: Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, ASP.net, and Go. You will also be required to have a working knowledge of Linux, SQL, orchestration and automation. Certifications in cloud computing technologies will also help qualify you for these high-paying positions.Â
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity skills will definitely be in demand, with cybercrimes rising over the coming years. According to Indeed, average salaries for professionals with cybersecurity skills range from $100,000+ for network security engineers to over $130,000 for software architects. According to Robert Half, an information systems security manager can expect to earn a median salary of $157,250. Key cybersecurity skills you should acquire to obtain these high-paying positions include risk management, incident response, cloud and blockchain security, threat intelligence, Privacy Enhancing Computation (PEC), application development security, compliance and controls, computer forensics, security governance and access management. To qualify for a cybersecurity management position, you should also have leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills and have obtained the necessary cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP.
Data science
According to Indeed, with average salaries ranging from $122,000+ for Data Scientists to 140,000+ for Enterprise Architects and ML Engineers, it is definitely worth your while attaining the necessary skills in this trending field. Key skills to work toward include: Mathematics, Statistics, Python, R, SQL, Hadoop, Pig, Spark, Hive, Machine Learning, GPUs, AI, NLP, and data visualization, mining, analysis, modeling, manipulation and wrangling. According to Robert Half, data techs that can translate business requirements into database solutions and organize, manage, and secure data centers can qualify for data architect positions with a median salary of $154,750.
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Internet of Things
Another area that has seen tremendous growth in applications across diverse industries is the Internet of Things over the past year. According to Indeed, IoT engineers with the right skills can command a salary of US $100,000+ annually. Required skills for IoT engineers include:
- Data management, analysis and visualization.
- Knowledge of hardware interfacing and field gateways.
- UI/UX design.
- Embedded software development.
- Application design and development.
- AI, ML, networking skills, and information security and business intelligence.Â
Project management
By 2027, the Project Management Institute estimates that there will be 22 million job openings for project managers. At present, project management professionals are in short supply. According to Indeed, a certified IT Project Manager can command an average salary of US $100,000+ per year. In addition to knowing Project Management methodologies such as Agile and Scrum and Project Lifecycle Management, Project Managers must be well-versed in planning, forecasting, financial modeling, data analysis, cost management, risk management, budgeting, and quality management. They should also possess the necessary communication and leadership skills to carry out a project, such as conflict management, problem-solving, and negotiation.Â
Software engineering
If you are looking for a career with steady advancement over the next decade, look to software engineering. According to Indeed, professionals with software engineering skills can earn an average salary ranging from $100,000 to $145,000+. Positions for software engineers include everything from technical program manager, enterprise architect, and data warehouse architect to site reliability engineer and full-stack developer. Skills that can qualify you for these positions include:
- Rust, Dart, Go, Scala, Ruby, Python, Java or JavaScript programming languages.
- SQL, Docker, Kubernetes and Redux.
- Cloud platforms Amazon AWS and MS Azure.
- The ability to work with Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Ansible, Jenkins, React.js, HTML, CSS, Node.Js, and Git.
According to Robert Half, software engineers with security systems experience and strong analytical, problem-solving and collaboration skills can qualify you for a DevOps Engineer position that pays a median salary of $125,750 per year.Â
For positions such as full-stack developer, you should also develop Web, database and mobile apps. Mobile app development is becoming one of the fastest-growing tech fields, requiring cyber security, C#, Java, Kotlin and JavaScript skills. Web developers should also possess the following skills: HTML, CSS, PHP, Ruby, APIs, HTTP, MySQL, and work with the various Web developer frameworks and libraries and content management systems. According to Indeed, average salaries for Mobile app developers range from $100,000+ to over $135,000, while Web developers’ salaries average from $100,000+ to over $113,000 annually.Â
How to future-proof your career
Keeping up with the most in-demand tech skills is the best way to future-proof your career. It will help you adapt to the constantly changing workplace and ensure you have the most up-to-date skills. While these eight technologies aren’t going away anytime soon, there is no guarantee they will remain in demand for your entire career. Hence, while building your skills based on today’s trends, you must still keep a constant lookout for new technologies to come. Â
Which tech skill would you like to master in 2022? Comment below or let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you!