You’ve probably heard that there are too many tech jobs, and too few tech workers. Overall, 25% of the global workforce will need to find a new job (because theirs will be outdated or nonexistent) by the end of the year.
But that’s not a bad thing. There’s a wide variety of tech careers out there that lead to new challenges, higher growth potential, and more personal fulfillment. It’s just a matter of discovering those opportunities.
McKinsey & Company conducted a future skills gap study in 2019, and revealed that by 2030, 85% of professionals will work in jobs that do not even exist yet. As our need for intricate technical solutions grows, so does the need for advanced technical workforce skills.
The world’s next workforce won’t wait around. It’s here today and it’s only going to get bigger. You can check out the full list of U.S. News' Best Technology Jobs of 2020, but here’s our top five picks below.
Data Analyst
As a data analyst you’ll be tasked with collecting and gathering data points to pull insights about what you’re measuring. Your analysis will help your company make decisions to improve outcomes. You’ll have to maintain dashboards and reporting on the success of product updates and give specific reports to the executive team. Get the scoop on five unexpectedly cool companies that use data analytics.
Average salaries for data analysts: $62,453
Data Scientist
Data scientist roles are a bit more math-heavy than analysts, since they manipulate complex formulas to pull insights and reveal patterns. In this role, you’ll be responsible for making future predictions to help company objectives. You’ll develop and test new algorithms and write mathematical proofs to simplify data problems, all while researching the best ways to solve problems. Check out our must-read tips for launching a career as a data scientist.
Average salaries for data scientists: $113,309
Product Manager
If you’re highly organized and feel a need to see projects through to completion, then a product manager career may be a good fit. You’ll need technical chops, business chops, and communication skills to ensure everyone is on the same page. This role has constant contact with engineering and design teams. and balances work sprint planning with ongoing management of current and backlogged projects. Read up on some high profile Project Manager jobs (and their salaries).
Average salaries for product managers: $108,992
Software Engineer
Building software that millions can use is a skill set that is a hot commodity. Software engineers are the builders and problem solvers of the tech industry, since they can bring ideas to life. This role has a great focus on understanding what customers really need, and creating new technical solutions to fulfill those needs. Check out one Software Engineer’s unconventional career path.
Average salaries for software engineers: $92,046
UX/UI Designer
The visual backbone of tech products, UX/UI designers understand how to create beautiful and functional user experiences and interfaces. Behind every seamless online experience is a talented UX/UI Designer. A lot of brainstorming, researching, sketching, and collaborative feedback meetings go into this role. Explore a range of career paths within UX/UI Design - and how much you can expect to make.
Average salaries for UX/UI designers: $85,277
It’s the start of a new decade. Ready for a new career to go with it? We’ll help you discover the right tech field for you.
Salaries from Glassdoor. Art by Rachel Knobloch.