The technology industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the demand for skilled IT professionals with expertise in various areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
According to a report published by The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the need for every organization to secure its critical data and people will drive a 33% growth in the employment of information security analysts from 2020 to 2030, much faster when compared to other occupations. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most in-demand IT jobs for 2023 and beyond, along with their average base salary and the skills and qualifications required for success.
10 in-demand Security and IT jobs based on research
Cloud Architect
According to Forbes, cloud computing will continue to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tech industry in the coming years. Cloud architects are responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based solutions, such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). They must have a strong understanding of cloud platforms and services and experience with coding and infrastructure design.
According to Indeed, the average salary for a cloud architect in 2023 is $135,574 annually.
Cybersecurity engineer
The demand for cybersecurity professionals will also increase as the threat landscape evolves. Cybersecurity engineers develop and implement security measures to protect organizations from cyberthreats. They possess a deep understanding of cybersecurity protocols and technologies and experience with security testing and vulnerability assessments.
The average base salary of a cybersecurity engineer is $107,436 annually.
Watch this video where John Stephenson explains Kalles Group’s Engineering Capabilities to learn more about this skill.
Data Scientist
Data is the lifeblood of the modern business world, so the demand for data scientists will continue to rise. Data scientists analyze large data sets to identify patterns and insights that can inform business decisions. They must have experience with data modeling and analysis and expertise in programming languages such as Python and R.
The average base salary for a data scientist in 2023 is $125,882 per year.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers are responsible for deploying, automating, and maintaining software systems. They work closely with developers to ensure that software is delivered quickly and reliably. They also focus on infrastructure such as code, automation, and monitoring.
DevOps engineers require a combination of programming, system administration, and communication skills. They should be proficient in programming languages like Python, Ruby, or Java. They should also have experience in tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef. They must be familiar with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
The average base salary for DevOps Engineer in the United States is $125,179
Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers are responsible for designing and developing software applications from the front end to the back end. They are proficient in front-end and back-end technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React, and Angular.
Required skills and qualifications: Full-stack developers require technical and soft skills. They should have a strong foundation in computer science, algorithms, and data structures. They should be proficient in several programming languages, including JavaScript, Ruby, Python, or PHP. They should also be familiar with front-end and back-end frameworks and technologies.
The average base salary is $120,734 annually
IT Manager
IT managers manage IT departments and oversee IT operations. They are responsible for ensuring that technology is aligned with business objectives and for making sure that systems and applications are running smoothly.
IT managers require a combination of technical and leadership skills. They should have a strong foundation in IT systems and technologies. They should also be skilled in project management, communication, and strategic planning.
The average base salary is $93,849 annually
Network Engineer
Network engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks. They focus on network performance, security, and reliability.
Network engineers require technical and problem-solving skills. They should be proficient in network protocols and technologies like TCP/IP, VPN, and DNS. They should also have experience in network design and troubleshooting. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is typically required.
The average base salary is $92,433 annually
Security Analyst
Security analysts work to protect their organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They are responsible for analyzing security risks and vulnerabilities and developing and implementing strategies to minimize them.
The job description of a security analyst includes the following:
- Monitoring computer networks for security breaches and investigating any security incidents.
- Developing and implementing security policies and procedures to protect the organization’s computer systems and data
- Conducting vulnerability testing and risk assessments to identify potential security weaknesses.
- Recommending security solutions to mitigate risks and improve the organization’s overall security posture.
- Keeping up with the latest security threats and trends and implementing security measures accordingly.
Security analysts require technical and analytical skills. They should be proficient in network security, intrusion detection, and incident response. They should also be familiar with security frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001. Some employers require a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, and many security analysts also have specialized certifications, such as CISSP or CISM. Interestingly, you can break into a cybersecurity career as a security analyst without a degree in Computer science.
The average base salary in the United States is $92,349 annually
Software engineers
Software engineers design and develop computer programs, applications, and systems to create efficient, reliable, and scalable software that meets the organization’s and its users’ needs. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, write clean code, test and debug software, and continuously improve software development processes. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, proficiency in programming languages, experience in software development, familiarity with software development methodologies, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and excellent communication and collaboration skills are required.
The average base salary is $114,253 annually
System administrators
Systems administrators maintain, configure, and operate computer systems and networks to ensure they run efficiently, securely, and reliably. They install, configure, and maintain hardware and software systems, monitor system performance, troubleshoot system problems, develop backup and recovery strategies, and stay up-to-date with the latest system administration technologies and best practices. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, experience in system administration, familiarity with operating systems and networking protocols, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and excellent communication and collaboration skills are required.
The average salary range is $79,808 per year.
How to Prepare for a Career in security and IT
Developing a strong foundation in computer science and technology is important to prepare for a career in security and IT. You can apply for entry-level positions and take online courses if you don’t have a tech background.
Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can be beneficial for building skills and a strong resume. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field is also crucial and can be achieved through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Some other tips for preparing for a career in security and IT include:
- Building a strong network of professional contacts in the field.
- Seeking out mentors and learning from experienced professionals.
- Developing a personal brand through online presence and networking.
- Specializing in a particular area, such as cybersecurity or cloud computing.
Conclusion
The demand for skilled security and IT professionals will continue growing as we enter the digital age. The 10 most in-demand security and IT jobs for 2023 offer diverse opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. From cloud architects to data scientists to network engineers, these roles require a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
While the specific skills and qualifications required for each role may vary, certain universal qualities are essential for success in the IT industry. These include a willingness to learn and adapt, strong communication skills, and a passion for technology.
By investing time and effort into developing these skills, gaining experience, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, aspiring IT professionals can position themselves for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.