High-Growth Tech Careers: What To Expect

The job market is changing every single day, more so in the tech sector. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report shows that of the 10 jobs expected to grow between now and 2030, nine are more or less tech-related.

This is good news if you’re interested in tech careers, but how do you take advantage of the moment? What skills must you have? What are the growth prospects? This guide comes with answers to set you straight.

Software Engineer

A software engineer builds apps, websites, and systems that are used by thousands, if not millions. This is a profession that has been around since the 60s and has grown ever since.

The journey to becoming a software engineer starts with learning programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++. You also need to understand data structures (like arrays and lists) and algorithms (how computers solve problems).

Version control is another aspect. Like everyone else, you can use Git to keep track of changes in code. If you’re aiming higher, get familiar with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. You can also look into DevOps practices, which combine development and operations.

Earnings and Career Trajectory

Generally, you’ll begin your career as a junior dev, then move up to software engineer once you’ve grown your coding and problem-solving skills. You may then become a senior engineer where you’ll mentor others and handle more complex projects. The next step-up would be a team lead or architect.

Studies show that a principal software engineer takes home an average of USD$244,000. For perspective, the average American makes USD$66,621.80 annually, which is the starting rate that an entry-level software engineer can expect.

A few years later, it may get to USD$90,000 to USD$130,000 annually, then you get to the senior level and easily pull in over USD$200,000.

If this or other such opportunities are on your radar, consider looking into tech jobs on offer to see what best fits what you’re looking for. The right job can be not only a fulfilling way to apply what you’ve learned but also give you a chance to make a good living.

Data Scientist

Data scientists turn raw numbers into insights that drive business decisions. To thrive in this field, you need a strong foundation in math and stats. You’ll need to know how to analyze data and spot trends.

Python and R are the go-to languages for data science. Since you’ll be working with databases, you should consider taking up SQL, too. You may also need to brush up on your machine learning skills, as the ability to train models to predict outcomes will set you apart.

Earnings and Career Trajectory

Entry-level data scientists typically take home between USD$75,000 and USD$100,000. If you’re mid-career, you’ll discover that USD$100,000 to USD$150,000 is the norm, depending on your expertise and location. If you’re a senior, your earnings could go as high as USD$250,000 or more, especially if you specialize in areas like AI or deep learning.

You’ll often begin as a junior data scientist, where your tasks will include data cleaning, visualization, and basic analysis. The next step in the ladder is a data scientist role, which may then graduate into that of a senior data scientist. If it interests you, you can transition into roles like machine learning (ML) engineer or director of analytics, where you’ll lead entire teams.

Cybersecurity Specialist

If you’re interested in a career as a cybersecurity specialist, you’ll need to understand network security protocols. Things like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems should interest you.

Also, you’ll need certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+. They’re proof that you know what it takes to thrive in the industry. You should also be comfortable with tools like SIEM (security information and event management) and vulnerability scanners.

Earnings and Career Trajectory

You may start out as a cybersecurity analyst where your main focus will be monitoring systems and responding to incidents. There are many cybersecurity career paths. From this point, you can become a security engineer, then an information security manager where you’ll oversee teams and develop long-term strategies.

At the head of your career, you may be a CISO (chief information security officer). At this point, you may be making USD$200,000 and up. In the mid-level, you may bring home between USD$85,000 to USD$120,000. An entry-level analyst can make anywhere between USD $60,000 and USD$85,000.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) Engineer

This list wouldn’t be complete without talking about a career in AI and ML. Rather simply, these are professionals who teach computers to think and act like humans, maybe better.

To thrive in this career, you need a solid understanding of AI/ML algorithms; think neural networks, decision trees, and clustering methods. Python is a must-know language. Libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras make building models much easier.

You may end up finding your feet in specific applications like chatbots or image recognition. In that case, honing your skills in NLP (natural language processing) or computer vision can go a long way.

Earnings and Career Trajectory

A typical career in this field may see you start off as an ML engineer, where you’ll focus on building and deploying basic models. Pay rates for this role may be anywhere between USD$90,000 and USD$120,000. You can then grow into an AI researcher, and then a lead ML engineer.

At this mid-level, you can easily earn anywhere between USD$120,000 and USD$180,000. Senior roles in research and leadership may bring in upwards of USD$300,000 or more.

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain developers are the brains behind cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and more. If you’re looking to break into this field, you’ll need to look into fundamentals including distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, and cryptography.

There are also different blockchain platforms: Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Polkadot. Each is unique, so pick one and excel at it. Also, keep in mind that blockchains are supposed to be tamper-proof. Take security seriously.

Earnings and Career Trajectory

You may begin your career as a blockchain developer, where building and deploying basic smart contracts or decentralized applications (dApps) will be your job description. You’ll be making on average USD$80,000 to USD$110,000.

You can then become a smart contract developer at the mid-level, where you’ll be responsible for creating secure and efficient contracts. Pay at this stage is anywhere between USD$110,000 to USD$160,000.

Senior roles like a blockchain architect and research or leadership can see you design entire ecosystems while making USD$250,000 and over.

Closing Thoughts

A tech career can be incredibly fulfilling and lucrative. The best choice you can make is to go for one that best piques your interest. Do your research, establish your tech competencies, and go for what best fits your career orientation.

Career Reload Team

We’re a team of writers dedicated to providing insights and tips for navigating the professional world. With a collective wealth of experience across various industries and roles, our team understands the challenges and opportunities that come with seeking meaningful work and advancing your career. We help job seekers to better their careers by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs.