Which tech jobs are hot right now?
More importantly: which have the staying power to grow in the future?
Below is a list that looks at seven different tech careers that are expected to grow over the next decade.
Note: most of the information in this article has been gathered from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What It Is: Database administrators (DBAs) control an organization’s data. They ensure that databases run efficiently and are secure from unauthorized users. DBAs are also responsible for organizing a company’s data and storing it in a way that that makes sense and is resourceful.
How to become one: Database administrators generally have a bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS) or a computer-related field.
Moreover, DBAs must have an understanding of database languages -- the most common being Structured Query Language, also known as SQL. A DBA will also have to become familiar with whichever programming language their employer uses.
Projected Future Growth: 15% by 2022
What It Is: Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some software developers create applications, while others build systems. All software developers create software to meet user’s needs. And they also tend to work alongside computer programmers.
How to become one: Software developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a computer-related field. A degree in mathematics can be acceptable.
Today, there are ever-increasing in-person and online coding bootcamps that help train those to move into the software field, so a traditional academic education is becoming less of a requirement.
Projected Future Growth: 22% through 2022
What It Is: Web application developers use programming languages to create software that meets client specifications. Developers may work in multiple programming languages and operating systems.
How to become one: Employers typically look for computer-related education as well as relevant work experience. However, with the proliferation of coding bootcamps and other non-traditional education systems, it is possible to become one without a formal degree.
Out of the seven tech careers in this list, a web application developer has the most coding bootcamps available to them at this time.
Projected Future Growth: 23% by 2022
What It Is: Computer systems analysts observe a company’s computer systems and procedures. Then, they design information system solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently.
Computer systems analysts combine business and information technology (IT) by understanding the requirements and limitations of both. Typical responsibilities include consulting with managers to determine IT-related needs.
How to become one: Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. However, since they work closely to the business side of things, many also have a business background: through experience or through coursework.
Projected Future Growth: 25% by 2022
What It Is: Creating mobile applications on iOS, Android and other types of phone systems. According to Computer Training Centers, companies across industries need mobile application developers, including video game studios, advertising and marketing firms, media companies that recognize mobile as a powerful content distribution channel, government agencies, financial institutions, and many more.
A mobile app developer is listed at number 3 of the top 10 best jobs of the future by ThinkAdvisor.
How to become one: Most have a background in software engineering or computer science. While mobile app development is so new, colleges are starting to offer degrees in mobile development.
Mashable has a great infographic outlining the paths you can take to become a mobile app developer.
Projected Future Growth: 23% to 32% through 2020
What It Is: Simply put: market research analysts help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. Market research analysts collect data on consumers and products, analyze the findings, and prepare reports to present to others at their company-- namely clients and management.
A market research analyst is listed at number 9 of the top 10 best jobs of the future by ThinkAdvisor.
How to become one: Most market research analysts have a bachelor’s degree. However, the field varies. According to the BLS: “Many have degrees in fields such as statistics, math, and computer science. Others have backgrounds in business administration, the social sciences, or communications.”
Projected Future Growth: 32% through 2022
What It Is: Information security analysts coordinate and execute security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. A defining characteristic of people in these positions is adaptability: because you never know when a security breach can occur.
An information security analyst is listed at number 4 of the top 10 best jobs of the future by ThinkAdvisor.
How to become one: Most information security analysts havea well-rounded computer education, meaning a bachelor’s in computer science, programming or related. However, given the field’s growth, many schools are responding with majors in information security.
Projected Future Growth: 37% through 2022
More importantly: which have the staying power to grow in the future?
Below is a list that looks at seven different tech careers that are expected to grow over the next decade.
Note: most of the information in this article has been gathered from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
1. Database Administrator
What It Is: Database administrators (DBAs) control an organization’s data. They ensure that databases run efficiently and are secure from unauthorized users. DBAs are also responsible for organizing a company’s data and storing it in a way that that makes sense and is resourceful.
How to become one: Database administrators generally have a bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS) or a computer-related field.
Moreover, DBAs must have an understanding of database languages -- the most common being Structured Query Language, also known as SQL. A DBA will also have to become familiar with whichever programming language their employer uses.
Projected Future Growth: 15% by 2022
2. Software Developers
What It Is: Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some software developers create applications, while others build systems. All software developers create software to meet user’s needs. And they also tend to work alongside computer programmers.
How to become one: Software developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a computer-related field. A degree in mathematics can be acceptable.
Today, there are ever-increasing in-person and online coding bootcamps that help train those to move into the software field, so a traditional academic education is becoming less of a requirement.
Projected Future Growth: 22% through 2022
3. Web Application Developer
What It Is: Web application developers use programming languages to create software that meets client specifications. Developers may work in multiple programming languages and operating systems.
How to become one: Employers typically look for computer-related education as well as relevant work experience. However, with the proliferation of coding bootcamps and other non-traditional education systems, it is possible to become one without a formal degree.
Out of the seven tech careers in this list, a web application developer has the most coding bootcamps available to them at this time.
Projected Future Growth: 23% by 2022
4. Computer Systems Analysts
What It Is: Computer systems analysts observe a company’s computer systems and procedures. Then, they design information system solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently.
Computer systems analysts combine business and information technology (IT) by understanding the requirements and limitations of both. Typical responsibilities include consulting with managers to determine IT-related needs.
How to become one: Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. However, since they work closely to the business side of things, many also have a business background: through experience or through coursework.
Projected Future Growth: 25% by 2022
5. Mobile App Developers
What It Is: Creating mobile applications on iOS, Android and other types of phone systems. According to Computer Training Centers, companies across industries need mobile application developers, including video game studios, advertising and marketing firms, media companies that recognize mobile as a powerful content distribution channel, government agencies, financial institutions, and many more.
A mobile app developer is listed at number 3 of the top 10 best jobs of the future by ThinkAdvisor.
How to become one: Most have a background in software engineering or computer science. While mobile app development is so new, colleges are starting to offer degrees in mobile development.
Mashable has a great infographic outlining the paths you can take to become a mobile app developer.
Projected Future Growth: 23% to 32% through 2020
6. Market Research Analyst
What It Is: Simply put: market research analysts help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. Market research analysts collect data on consumers and products, analyze the findings, and prepare reports to present to others at their company-- namely clients and management.
A market research analyst is listed at number 9 of the top 10 best jobs of the future by ThinkAdvisor.
How to become one: Most market research analysts have a bachelor’s degree. However, the field varies. According to the BLS: “Many have degrees in fields such as statistics, math, and computer science. Others have backgrounds in business administration, the social sciences, or communications.”
Projected Future Growth: 32% through 2022
7. Information Security Analyst
What It Is: Information security analysts coordinate and execute security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. A defining characteristic of people in these positions is adaptability: because you never know when a security breach can occur.
An information security analyst is listed at number 4 of the top 10 best jobs of the future by ThinkAdvisor.
How to become one: Most information security analysts havea well-rounded computer education, meaning a bachelor’s in computer science, programming or related. However, given the field’s growth, many schools are responding with majors in information security.
Projected Future Growth: 37% through 2022