In 2024, the tech industry will continue revolutionising how we live and work. With emerging trends like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity shaping the tech space, the demand for skilled professionals has reached an all-time high. To remain competitive and drive innovation, it’s important to possess the top tech skills in demand. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, or transition into a new role, staying ahead of the curve is vital. The good thing is that in this post, we will be showing you the most in-demand tech skills to learn in 2024 to boost your tech career.
What are Tech Skills?
Tech skills are a specific set of skills that enable the efficient and effective use of technology in your job. These skills include knowledge about applying certain software, operating specific machines, or even programming. For instance, if you are a pro at sorting data with the help of Microsoft Excel, that can be a technology skill. Also, the knowledge of how to repair computers or solve issues is a tech skill. These skills are significant as they enable you to perform tasks and meet responsibilities through efficient problem-solving. Also, acquiring tech skills gives you an edge over other job candidates because most organizations want to hire candidates with technology skills. With technology being seamlessly integrated into every sphere of life, these skills can assist you in making it in the workplace.
Top 10 Most In-demand Tech Skills 2024
1. Cybersecurity
The demand for cybersecurity will remain high in 2024 as organisations continue to face new challenges and risks to cybersecurity and data breaches. People with skills in network security, ethical hacking, and risk assessment are in high demand, and one could expect to earn between $ 80,000 and $ 130,000 based on experience and geographical location. Since cyber threats are getting more advanced, the demand for more and more security professionals is increasing, which makes this field very rewarding as well as essential. Moreover, professionals who can assess risks, design secure environments, and handle threats are essential in any company as they are responsible for protecting customers’ data and their trust. Whether you are entering the field with basic IT and networking knowledge or you are there to get specialized knowledge, cybersecurity skill is an excellent advantage in the tech-savvy world today.
2. Data Analysis
Whether you choose to be a data analyst, data engineer, or any similar role, generally, having a background in data analysis is important in the tech industry in 2024. This is because more and more companies are using data to manage and make their decisions. Hence, people with adequate data analysis backgrounds are highly sought after. Other skills which may be required in this field include structured query language for managing the databases, statistical tools for interpreting data trends, and programming languages such as Python, which is important in the automation of data-related tasks and the development of predictive models. Noteworthy, knowledge of basic statistical concepts like probability, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis enables data scientists to make good predictions and decisions.
Furthermore, data analysts are critical to helping the company turn raw data into more intelligible information for business or company management. They use data visualization techniques to design charts and graphs, which help them in presenting complex and detailed ideas. They also track key performance indicators to detect signs of malicious activity or improve organizational practices. The average salary of data analysts or engineers is between $85,000 and $130,000 per year.
3. Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)
In 2024, the need for individuals proficient in artificial intelligence and machine learning is going through the roof, with employment rates expected to rise by 40% in the next few years. This increase is equivalent to 1,000,000 new jobs, and hence, it is one of the most rapidly growing professions in the job market. Not only does expertise in AI/ML make one a top choice for employers, but it also offers good pay with opportunities to earn more than $142,600 per year. AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s workplaces, which requires every organization and every professional to possess AI skills. Thus, it is essential to have an understanding of AI, even if you work in a field that is not directly related to the development of this technology. For example, ChatGPT and Copilot, among others, are changing the dynamics of how people work, making AI knowledge essential.
Furthermore, AI is being used to automate processes, improve data analytics, and fuel innovation across sectors, which makes AI skills essential for anyone who wants to stay relevant in the technology space. Regardless of whether you are working in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, mastering AI enables you to participate in further advancements and become one of the agents of designing the future.
4. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is still among the most promising tech skills as it is important for the tech industry. Cloud computing can be defined as the delivery of services like storage, databases and software over the Internet, and it is essentially characterized by scalability, flexibility and minimized cost. Since companies are migrating their IT services to the cloud to minimize the cost of infrastructure and enhance efficiency and viability, cloud computing professionals are high in demand. Cloud administrators, developers and cloud architects remain a necessity for the deployment, management and optimization of cloud platforms. These roles are undoubtedly popular in today’s job market, especially in industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare. Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure is recommended to advance one’s career. Thus, by acquiring knowledge on cloud computing, one can increase his or her chances of becoming a valuable asset in a progressive technological environment.
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5. DevOps
DevOps simply refers to a combination of ‘Dev’ for development and ‘Ops’ for operation. It is a framework for reformatting the way a software development team interacts with an organization’s IT operations department. DevOps is an important skill in the tech industry, as automating the process of software delivery can make updates faster and systems more dependable. The DevOps profession is already popular in 2024 since many organizations are striving to improve their software deployment. Continuous Integration/ Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes cannot occur without the active participation of DevOps professionals, who suggest solutions that will help to minimize errors and interruptions.
These professionals ensure that proper standards are maintained to avoid system failures and constantly ensure users have positive experiences. To succeed in this career, you need other skills, which include an understanding of continuous delivery, experience in working with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, and knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Ruby or C, and a basic understanding of cloud technology. Additionally, gaining DevOps skills can help you get jobs that can give you a unique position of linking development and IT, which is important for any tech organization seeking to improve the process of delivering software.
6. Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital record containing a series of transactions that are executed and stored on multiple computers. Industries ranging from finance and supply chain to the healthcare industry are being revolutionized by this technology because of the transparent and secure method it adopts in ensuring transactions are verified and recorded. In 2024, the importance of blockchain skills will be valued by organizations as they strive to improve security and transparency in various processes. Blockchain specialists can design, implement, and oversee blockchain-based solutions that improve corporate efficiency and minimize fraud. The nature of security provided by the blockchain makes the technology revolutionary in the fight against fraud and the establishment of authenticity in transactions. Understanding blockchain and its uses helps you be better equipped in a fast-emerging field, especially as the technology is no longer limited to virtual currency markets.
7. Data Visualization
One of the tech skills that are very useful in current and future jobs is data visualization. This is because it makes people understand the significance of data by providing it in a format of visual displays including charts, graphs, and maps. It is an intermediary skill that sits between technology and business to help translate technical information into business language. Thus, data visualization can be used to support decisions, improve communication, and facilitate an organization’s strategic goals. Regardless of the field you work within – data science, marketing, or any sphere that includes data interpretation – the knowledge of data visualization will be an essential asset in the modern world.
8. Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP is one of the sub-areas of AI, and it deals with the understanding of the complex relationship between computers and human language. It allows machines to decode, comprehend and synthesize human language, which is critical for applications such as chatbots, language translation, and sentiment analysis. In 2024, senior and skilled NLP professionals are in great demand as organisations continue to look for ways to enhance customer experience and analyse content. NLP plays an important role in improving user interaction and technology interaction, including voice assistants and chatbots. As an NLP specialist, you will design language models, analyze texts, and create systems that are capable of interpreting and even responding to natural language. This is a valuable skill in the current tech job market, as companies seek to improve the effectiveness of natural language processing.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that either overlay digital information onto the real world (AR) or create entirely virtual environments (VR) for users to explore. These technologies are revolutionizing fields like gaming, healthcare, education, and training by providing interactive and engaging experiences.
In 2024, AR and VR skills are increasingly in demand due to their ability to enhance user engagement and offer innovative solutions. AR and VR are used for various applications, from immersive gaming and virtual tours to training simulations and remote collaboration. As an AR/VR expert, you’ll be responsible for creating immersive content and applications that push the boundaries of how users interact with technology. The tech job market recognizes the immense potential of AR and VR, making expertise in these areas highly valuable.
10. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation, in which processes can be automated to save time, increase efficiency, and relay more serious tasks to staff members. Automating processes and learning new skills in RPA tools make a person a significant contributor to improving organizational effectiveness with minimized human errors. This is particularly true as organisations endeavour to enhance the efficiency of operations at their organisation, hence reducing costs. These repetitive tasks reduce drastically the cost and enhance customer satisfaction as they are performed efficiently by RPA. One of the benefits of RPA is that the skills acquired can be applied in any field since companies from the financial, healthcare, or manufacturing industries are going digital. Since there are various resources to learn from, there is no difficulty in acquiring RPA and process automation, and mastering these skills will make you stand out in the job marketplace, where there is a high demand for automation professionals. With more organizations implementing these technologies, the need for competent RPA practitioners is still on the rise.
Best Tech Learning Platforms in 2024
- Udemy: Provides more than 150,000 courses in targeted categories, such as IT, business, and software.
- Coursera: Offers coursework from prestigious institutions and employers specializing in tech areas such as data science and machine learning, among others.
- Job Ready Programmer: Specializes in coding, and provides real-related tasks and video solutions and explanations in Java and Python languages.
- Pluralsight: Focuses on software development and the IT industry and provides courses and practice tests for certification exams.
- Alison: Offers free IT lessons in such sectors as software development and cybersecurity with paid options for certificates.
- Codecademy: A platform that provides free coding classes in 12 programming languages but with extra enhanced features at a fee.
- Dash General Assembly: Offers simple web design tutorials for beginners through a set of open online classes in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- edX: It provides university-level courses that are offered by renowned institutions accompanied by example practices and certificate programs.
- Skillshare: Offers free and paid tutorials in web development, UI/UX design, and business analytics.
- Udacity: Offers certificates in artificial intelligence, computing and data science, with the option of free courses.
Conclusion
The tech industry is constantly transforming, and the job market is evolving with it. To remain relevant and competitive, professionals must adapt and acquire in-demand skills. If you are wondering what tech skills to learn in 2024, our list has highlighted the best tech skills to learn to get your career moving. Remember, skills are the currency of the future. Invest in yourself, stay curious, and keep learning.