2023 Guide to the Best Tech Jobs for the Future
The tech industry is only continuing to grow, which means there are a lot of opportunities for new tech jobs in the future. As the industry continues to change and adapt, you might be wondering what the best tech jobs are now and in the future. Fortunately, the required experience and education for these roles can vary, as well as skill set.
Let’s take a look at the best tech jobs to pursue in the future.
Best Tech Jobs | Contents
Technology Careers List: A Wide Range of Opportunities
The tech industry is constantly changing, which means that new types of positions are being created at every turn. The technology careers list offers a wide range of opportunities, and some of the best tech jobs of the future can be found on the lists of highest-paying jobs of 2023.
Before we dive into the list of potential technology careers, let’s first define what exactly a tech company is. A tech company could be selling a tech product, service, or even infrastructure. There are also what we like to call “tech-adjacent” companies or tech-enabled companies that build tech into their products or employ tech-skilled workers. No matter where you fall on the technology careers list, you can find a sector that meets your needs, grows your skills, and pays you a high salary.
When looking at tech jobs that are in demand for the future, you will find that a majority of the jobs listed are in the technology field, including data scientists, information systems managers, information security analysts, and more. We’ve found that information technology careers top the list with pay and demand:
Information Systems (IS) Manager
An Information Systems (IS) Manager is one of the highest paying jobs in demand with a median salary of $159,010 in 2021. An IS manager typically requires, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in a tech-related field, backed by experience and a thorough and proven working knowledge and understanding of information systems. The projected growth rate for this job is much faster than average at 16% between 2021 and 2031.
Software Developer
A software developer is another top technology career with a median salary of over $109,020. Coding, analysis, and technical skills are the most valuable assets to being a software developer. You will likely need to be able to aptly perform in a technical interview as well.
Information Security Analysts
Information Security Analysts can make over $102,600 a year. They are responsible for holding their company’s data and information safe while maintaining digital security best practices. Most will have a Bachelor’s degree. As more and more digital information is being created every day, this position is definitely here to stay.
While these are the highest paying tech jobs of the future, here are some of the highest-paying tech jobs that you can secure without a college degree:
Web Developer
A web developer is the general creator and maintenance manager of a website. They are in charge of the overall visual style and technical aspects of the final website (what the user sees). While a degree is not necessary, many developers may have some sort of Associate degree to support their experience in the field. A web developer is typically earning an average of $82,026 a year.
Computer Programmer
A computer programmer is a job that will likely need certification backed with a lot of experience as a coding-centric job. This position will likely include a technical interview to give you an opportunity to showcase your skills and talents. The more experience one has with coding, the higher pay one can earn. The average computer programmer is earning over $70,000.
Computer Systems Analyst
An entry-level computer systems analyst job is your way into the technology field. As a ground-level job in this sector, you will work to design, rethink, and organize an information system as well as policy and procedures to increase a company’s profitability and efficiency. A benefit of this position is that a company is likely willing to invest in advancing your technical education to help your overall advancement in this information technology career. The average starting salary for a systems analyst is $70,289.
Cybersecurity Analyst
A cybersecurity analyst is one of the top technology careers on the list. Every company and organization with any web presence will need of a cybersecurity analyst. Although most of these positions prefer a degree, it is often not necessary. The average salary for this position is $91,000.
Data Scientists
A cybersecurity analyst is one of the top technology careers on the list. Every company and organization with any web presence will need of a cybersecurity analyst. Although most of these positions prefer a degree, it is often not necessary. The average salary for this position is $91,000.
Data scientists extract insights and knowledge from large, complex data sets. They leverage that data to make informed decisions to assist organizations to improve their performance and ultimately achieve their goals. Statistical programming is a needed skill, as well as being able to understand and analyze data as a means to predict and solve problems. This is where the scientist portion of the title comes into play. Needless to say, you need to be really good with crunching numbers and communication as well. The average pay for data scientists is $100,910.
One thing we’ve learned about the tech industry is that a traditional education path isn’t always what’s needed; as long as you are willing to dedicate time to learning specific skills through certification, coding academies, or specialized training, you can be a prime candidate without going to college (although, it can help!).
In addition to finding a tech job that is in demand, it’s important to look for a tech company that pays well and has a great culture. According to E-GMAT, some of the best-paying tech companies for entry level applicants include:
- Facebook: This is the company that’s backing and supporting TikTok, the app changing the way we experience social media. According to the PayScale report on Top Tech Company’s salaries, Facebook employers report the highest median salary of $116,800, and also ranks highest for job satisfaction at 96%. Facebook prioritizes taking care of its employees and offers benefits that many companies cant even compete with— like unlimited sick time, a 100% 401K match, and a newborn baby bonus. .
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn ranks at number two with a median salary of $110,800 plus unique benefits that you can personalize—with the option of fitness classes, gym memberships, massage, personal trainers, childcare, eldercare, pet care, house cleaning, tax preparation, and student loan repayments. LinkedIn is big on professional development and allows their employees access to the LinkedIn Speaker series, free Premium accounts, and discounts on Microsoft products.
- Google: It’s no surprise that Google is thriving as the most popular search engine with a median salary of $106,900, backed by an 89% job satisfaction rate. Google offers top-notch healthcare, generous PTO, and incentives at their campuses—we’re talking about free food, fitness classes, and even nap pods.
Tech Jobs in Demand
When considering a move into an information technology or a technology career, you will need some refined skills to stand out from the competition and to ensure you can handle the workload. Let’s look at some of the top tech and information tech jobs, as well as some of the in-demand skills for the future.
Cybersecurity Skills / Cybersecurity Analysts
Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. In fact, it’s predicted that up to 10 million professionals will be employed in the field during 2023. As an in-demand job, these are some things a potential employer will be looking for to ensure you’re a good fit for a cybersecurity position:
- Problem-solving skills
- Fundamental computer forensics skills
- Understanding hacking and its implications
- Technical aptitude
- Communication skills
Sometimes, these skills are more important than education and could be weighted more in an interview, especially if you’re looking to advance in a management or leadership role.
AI & Machine Learning
A sector that is on the rise in information technology is definitely AI & machine learning. It’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after services and positions on the technology career list. Education and experience are a must as it’s new and in such high demand. The skills needed for this type of position include:
- C++
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Python (Programming Language)
- Machine Learning Frameworks
- Cloud Platforms
- Workflow Management Systems
AI is transforming our everyday life. This tech career will likely be one of the most demanding in the future, but it will also have a high payoff. AI has the potential to transform every industry, so building up this skillset will only open up more opportunities to tech job seekers in the near future.
Mobile Application Developers
More and more people are making the shift from traditional laptops and computers as their main source of Internet access to their mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). As a result, the demand for mobile application developers is greater than ever before. Here are the skills that companies need to see when hiring for these roles:
- Mobile user interface design
- Backend computing
- Modern language programming skills (e.g., Java, objective- C, etc.)
- Creativity
- Analytical skills
- Mathematical aptitude
- Cross-platform development skills
Being able to navigate programming for apps is going to be a higher priority for companies, especially ones with aggressive growth goals.
All of these skills have an underlying theme in common: automation. As technology careers grow and the continuous improvement of the algorithm comes into play, the need for more advanced automation and digital intelligence must stay aligned. Here, we see the niche and possibly ever-expanding role of AI & machine learning specialists. This field is quickly increasing in demand, ranking in the top 5 emerging jobs of 2022 according to TeamLease Digital.Moving hand-in-hand (literally and figuratively) with AI is mobile development. With more people switching to their smartphones and tablets as their primary devices, the need to invest in mobile app developers is ever-increasing in demand. If a product doesn’t move seamlessly between a laptop, a tablet, and a mobile device, there is a major problem. This is another example of how automation is playing into the future of technology careers.
Moving hand-in-hand (literally and figuratively) with AI is mobile development. With more people switching to their smartphones and tablets as their primary devices, the need to invest in mobile app developers is ever increasing in demand. If a product doesn’t move seamlessly between a laptop, a tablet, and a mobile device, there is a major problem. This is another example of how automation is playing into the future of technology careers.
By this point, we all know cybersecurity jobs have been in-demand and will continue to be in the foreseeable future. As technology grows, the need to protect our data is greater than ever. According to Cision, cybersecurity’s importance and impact reaches (and will continue to reach) all levels of the tech workforce. In fact, cybersecurity will continue to grow and include many sub-niches, running the gamut of authentication, cloud data protection, and application monitoring.This type of position definitely tops the list of a long-lasting tech career.
Another major IT career is the Cloud Architect. This position is a strategic planning position that requires a lot of engineering, coding, programming, leadership, planning, and problem-solving skills. This role is in charge of a company’s entire computing and data retrieval system, as well as their storage and back-up system. Many companies want to have an internal position and department as opposed to hiring an external company to handle sensitive and timely needs.
There are also some burgeoning sectors that are starting to gain traction, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing. MintyMint indicates that IoT development is “shifting from nice-to-haves towards a more utilitarian range of application across essential spheres of human activity”. This includes automated tracking and shipping, remote monitoring and care, wearables, contract-tracing solutions, and beyond. A lot of information technology careers in IoT will be rooted in software engineering, but will need to have a lot of integration context and experience with various other roles. There is a lot of growth potential for this new role in information technology.
Salaries for In-Demand Tech Jobs
With so many Information Technology Careers in high demand, the average salary of these positions has skyrocketed. Let’s take a look at comparable salaries as well as recommended skills and education to best secure these positions.
Artificial Intelligence Specialist
An artificial intelligence specialist’s median salary is listed at $125,494. An entry-level job will likely require a Bachelor’s degree, however, most employers are looking for experience and prefer advanced Master’s degrees. The skills needed for an AI Specialist are also fairly specific:
- Expertise in AI and ML
- Expertise in deep learning
- Experience working with TensorFlow
- Experience with natural language processing
- Knowledge of the Python programming language
- Experience working with algorithms
- Knowledge of object-oriented and functional design principles
- NoSQL design
- RDBMS design and optimization
- Development of REST APIs
Software Developer
A software developer is an engineer who builds programs, applications, networks, and operations systems with a median salary of $109,020. Entry-level jobs can be secured with coding certificates and Associate’s degrees, but most companies are looking for Bachelor’s degrees. For a senior-level position, you’ll most certainly want an advanced degree. Skills needed for a software developer include;
- Coding in multiple languages (e.g., C++, C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, .Net, SQL, Ruby, and HTML)
- General knowledge of computer science and software development
- Critical thinking
- Strong Communication
IT Manager
An IT Manager encompasses a lot of the aforementioned roles and oversees them plus more. Collaboration is an added skill that most employers will look for, and the median salary for an IT manager is $159,010. Most IT Managers hold a Bachelor’s degree, if not a Master’s. The skills required include:
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership
- Project management
- Communication
- Work well in high-pressure, high-stress situations
- Effective collaboration
- Broad technical skills
- General computer science expertise
- In-depth awareness of current technologies and market trends
On the other hand, what if you are highly creative and want to explore your options in the technology career field, but have yet to find something that sparks your interest? Don’t fret, there are plenty of options for you, too. Here are some viable options for design careers in tech:
Mobile Designer
Creating a design that creates a positive user experience is always the end goal. It’s up to the designer to make the app easy to navigate and engaging to use. This takes creativity and an understanding of design.
Web Developer/Designer
Being able to interpret a client’s needs, wants, and specifications isn’t always easy for a technical-minded person. This is where you, the creative, come into play. By being able to take the client’s vision and turn it into a product by using some basic coding skills, you’ll be able to satisfy your creative itch and achieve your financial goals, while possibly challenging yourself to learn new skills along the way.
Tech Jobs of the Future
When we look at what the best tech jobs of the future will be, we know that information technology positions top the list, along with some more exciting and outside-of-the-box jobs. Some include AI application developers and cybersecurity specialists, which are to be expected. But what about robot mechanics? As robotics becomes embedded in more industries, there will definitely be a need for people to help service, maintain, and fix these devices when they malfunction or break down.
Another is a 3D printing technician. Since more and more companies have access and a need for 3D printing, it’s clear that we will need experts in utilizing these machines and operating them properly; from calibrating them to using the proper materials to print, to selling the materials with which to print and beyond. This position will likely be a tech job of the future as well.
Lastly, let’s think about virtual reality creators. With Facebook (and many others) investing in a whole space dedicated to VR and it becoming an accessible way to play for many, this is the next step in gaming and beyond. There will likely be a need for experts in this field. If you’re considering a coding bootcamp to aid in a career change, VR may be a good option for you. Most people in this field have a background in software engineering.
Globally, Cloud Engineers, Chief Digital Officers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Specialists and AI Designers/Developers/Engineers are the jobs that will be most important for our future economy, according to The Adecco Group. While you may not be required to have a degree to get your foot in the door initially, to have the opportunity for upward mobility, you will likely need to explore getting a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in data science, computer science, engineering, or mathematics. By doing so, you will gain more knowledge and will have a better opportunity to make a highersalary in your chosen field. Not only will you be earning top dollar, but you will be part of redefining technology as we know it today and leading the way into the future.
Say you want to dip your toe into the tech industry before fully committing to getting a degree. Are there entry-level jobs that you can gain insight and experience without a degree? Fortunately, there are quite a few, and not all of them are technical. These jobs focus less on the technical side, but still allow you to interact with their positions to get some sort of understanding and knowledge base. Plus, the salaries are decent as well.
For example, a Digital Marketing Manager will oversee and run digital marketing efforts, including social media, for a company or brand. Although their goal is to help increase sales, brand awareness, and company loyalty, this role will still need to oversee the website, social media pages, and electronic communications as well.
A Content Marketing Manager creates and produces blogs, newsletters, social media posts, white papers, and more to represent the company or brand to help during the sales and marketing process. Basic skills will include HTML and CSS as well as WordPress. Collaboration is also a must for this position.
There are so many different tech positions out there, and tech isn’t just for people who are really great at math, science, or technology anymore. Explore all of the tech job opportunities to see which positions meet your skillset.
Tech Career Path
You may be wondering what a potential tech career path looks like? Since the landscape of tech jobs is always changing, so is the career path. To help explore what a tech company is, what types of jobs exist, what skills are required, we developed Jobs in Tech 101, a resource for anyone exploring the tech field. This includes information about tech positions in:
- Product development
- Data science
- Design
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Customer Success
- Support
- Sales
- Marketing
- Finance
- HR & Office Admin
As the midwest tech hub, Indiana’s tech industry is quickly growing along with the job opportunities. Some of the best tech jobs can be found in Indiana, along with tech companies who have headquarters or offices here. Not only does Indiana offer some of the best jobs in Tech, but we also offer some of the widest range of tech-enabled and tech-adjacent jobs, too.
TechPoint offers a variety of resources, knowledge, and networking for tech workers, companies, and investors to connect and share. No matter what kind of job you might want to explore in tech, Indiana has an opportunity for you and TechPoint can help connect you.
Explore some of our most helpful resources to get started, including:
- Jobs in Tech 101, a resource for anyone exploring the tech field
- Job Board, a curated list of tech job opportunities in Indiana
- Tech Directory, a list of Indiana tech companies
The Index, a go-to place for all of the latest tech news in Indiana