Tech Job Forecast for 2022

2021 was rough for employers, with more than 38 million U.S. workers quitting their jobs. On the flipside, job seekers experienced an unprecedented number of job openings. This trend extended into the tech industry, as the industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 5-6% year over year according to the Computing Technology Industry Association. Discover ten tech jobs that are projected to be in demand in 2022 below.

1) Data Scientist

Market Growth: 14% through 2028

Data scientists are one of the highest-paying careers in tech, as they analyze and interpret complex data sets using statistical methods. A data scientist possesses multiple skills to complete their work, including:

• A deep understanding of various machine learning algorithms
• Ability to create data models
• Coding across multiple programming languages like R, Python, and SAS
• Providing strategic enterprise decision-making solutions for executives

There has been a shift towards using cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (A.I.) and machine learning (ML) to scrub and analyze large data sets. Data scientists use A.I. and ML as a tool to help run more complex simulations, discover solutions, and create make more accurate recommendations.

2) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineer

Market Growth: 40.2% CAGR between 2021-2028

Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers remain highly sought after, as machine learning engineers are now the fourth fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. With massive demand from data-driven organizations and the rapid adoption of A.I. and ML into the traditional technology processes, this uptick will continue. AI/ML engineers primarily design and develop algorithms and models that computers use to calculate accurate predictions. AI/ML engineers are pivotal for an organization’s foray into the internet of things, natural language processing, and automatic forecasting ventures.

3) Full-Stack Developer

Market Growth: 22% between 2019-2029

The number of software developers worldwide is projected to reach 27.7 million by 2023. A large chunk of those is full-stack developers, who build end-to-end solutions for web applications. Full-stack developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end software development, including:

• Technologies like .NET, JAVA, SQL, NoSQL, MongoDB, HTML, CSS, PHP, ExpressJS, Node.js, and Angular
• API design and development
• Database and web development

4) Blockchain Engineer

Market Growth: 300% yearly

Blockchain is the future, with investments in blockchains worldwide expecting to reach $15.9 billion by 2023. The recent resurgence of cryptocurrency and the emergence of NFTs have further solidified blockchain’s position as a technology leader. With an increased push towards building web3 and the metaverse, blockchain roles will continue to experience massive market growth. A Blockchain engineer or specialist is expected to:

• Have solid programming skills in languages like Solidity, Java, and Python
• Possess a deep understanding of peer-to-peer, tokenized blockchain-based technologies like Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Operate, analyze, implement, and troubleshoot a Blockchain network
• Understand different cryptography standards

5) Cloud Architect

Market Growth: 10% of total tech jobs, up 40% since 2020

Organizations continue to cut down on capital and operational expenditures by moving their existing data centers to the Cloud. This has increased the demand for cloud architects and engineers who help companies make the transition. At its most basic, a cloud architect has:

• Proficiency in multiple public Cloud service provider platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
• Thorough knowledge of end-to-end Cloud implementations, including new app onboarding and migrating on-premises apps to the Cloud.
• Solid communication skills to work in tandem with the business and multiple teams

6) Information Security Analyst

Market Growth: 33% in the next ten years

As cyberattacks continue to reach unprecedented levels, the demand for cybersecurity professionals and infrastructure has skyrocketed. Information security analysts implement the most current cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and information from cybercriminals. Some skills information security analysts need include:

• Reverse engineering to patch bugs and perform malware analysis
• The ability to design applications that are secure and adequately protected
• Installing and updating firewalls to prevent hackers from gaining access to computers and data
• Stellar communication skills because they need to explain to others in the organization (who are not cyber experts ) the details of an attack

7) DevOps Engineer

Market Growth: 24% between 2019-24

Agile methodologies in software development and deployment created the need for DevOps. These days, a DevOps engineer is key to an organization’s deployment and release strategy. DevOps engineers build automated pipelines to integrate development, building, packaging, testing, and deployment. They also:

• Are proficient in multiple technologies and tools, including Git, Jenkins, Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Write code in Python and can write/parse JSON and YAML
• Build supporting infrastructures, setup efficient development environments, and implement production-improving tools
• Deploy security best practices across the entire software deployment pipeline
• Act as the glue to all resources in the full SDLC

8) Big Data Engineer

Market Growth: 28% by 2026

Internet users generate an astronomical amount of data. In response, more than 97% of organizations are investing in big data and A.I. Accordingly, big data engineers are an invaluable addition to any company, providing a mixture of skillsets that help plan, design, deploy and maintain big data solutions, including:

• Programming in Python, R, and other languages
• Proficiency in data modeling using industry-standard tools
• Deep understanding of Hadoop, NoSQL, Spark as well as data warehousing technologies

9) I.T. Managers (Product Manager, Project Manager)

Market Growth: 10% between 2019-29

I.T. managers are the middlemen between several teams on a project. In this role, they must understand business requirements and communicate with developers, testers, and release engineers. Additionally, I.T. managers are strong at managing software development lifecycles and have expertise in ticketing tools like ServiceNow and JIRA. Overall, they use their strong analytical skills to empower teams, boost morale, and increase productivity.

10) Mobile App Developer

Market Growth: 19% over ten years

As the world shifts to mobile platforms and more features are being offered to customers, the need for skilled mobile app developers is rising. Mobile app developers are now listed as the ninth fastest-growing job in the U.S. market. While app development for mobile platforms does not veer from traditional software development, it does require deep knowledge in mobile-focused software like Swift, Java, Objective-C, as well as familiarity with UI/UX design.

Job Market Forecast 2022

The International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that the I.T. market will reach $5.3 trillion by the end of 2022. An interesting factor in this boom is tech diversification. Not only are organizations adopting standards like public and private cloud, blockchain, and advanced security, they are also foraying into areas such as e-commerce, streaming platforms, education, and healthcare. In 2022, this portfolio expansion will create more jobs in technology than in any other sector. The IDC predicts tech employment in the U.S. will grow double the speed of overall employment in the country.

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While the job forecast in technology has not drastically changed since 2021, newer players like blockchain have created opportunities for technology professionals. Tech workers are in a great position to job search, with openings increasing. Conversely, employers may find it challenging to find and secure top talent throughout this next year. Either way, the outlook for tech professionals remains high for years to come.

Are you looking to make a career move or hire new top-tier talent? If so, contact us today at info@enamix.com to set up a consultation with one of our senior account managers.