From cloud engineers to developers to security pros, the battle for the best IT talent wages. Here’s what to look for (and what to offer) when hiring for the 15 most in-demand IT jobs for 2024.
As we head into 2024, businesses are dialed in on hiring for cloud, DevOps, digital transformation, security and privacy, development, AI, automation, system upgrades, and data integration and analytics, according to Robert Half Technology’s 2024 IT salary report. Recruiting in the tech industry remains strong, according to the report, with job gains outpacing losses in the tech sector. Of those surveyed, 61% of managers said they plan to hire for new roles in the coming year and 34% said they planned to hire for vacated roles.
There will also be an increased focus on retention in the new year, with nearly 64% of tech workers saying that they’re planning to look for a new job in the coming year. Additionally, 90% of technology managers also said that it’s challenging to find and recruit top talent, and they’re speeding up the recruiting process as a response. For organizations pushing for RTO, the survey found that 89% of tech professionals would come back to the office full time if offered the right salary.
While many factors will impact the starting salary for any given role, including competition, location, corporate culture, and budgets, there are certain things you can look for to make sure you land the talent you want. Here are 15 jobs expected to be in high demand for 2024, the skills and experience you should look for when hiring, and the salary ranges you’ll want to pay to stay competitive in the marketplace — ranked by average pay.
Network/cloud architect
Network/cloud architects oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of network and cloud infrastructure in an enterprise, with a focus on developing secure and scalable solutions to suit business needs.
Requirements: Candidates should have experience with designing systems, selecting the right technology for each project, and ensuring security measures and protocols are followed to secure networks, cloud environments, and company data. Hiring managers typically look for a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or related field, along with a strong foundational knowledge in network and cloud technologies.
Certifications: Relevant certifications include the Cisco CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE certifications, along with cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect and the Microsoft Azure certification.
Skills and experience to look for:
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Experience with network engineering, cloud computing, and security
Knowledge of network design and implementation, automation and scripting, and best practices around firewalls, encryption, security compliance, and risk management
Applications architect
Applications architects are tasked with overseeing the design, development, and implementation of software applications in a business setting. They are responsible for identifying requirements based on business needs and building applications that support business goals and objectives.
Requirements: Depending on the role, candidates need at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, IT, or a related field along with experience in systems architecture, software development, and the ability to solve complex problems. Certifications: Relevant certifications for this role include AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, along with certifications for relevant frameworks such as TOGAF and Zachman.
Skills and experience to look for:
Experience with networking and application development
Knowledge of various coding languages such as Java, HTML, and CSS
Skills around database management, APIs, Scrum, PHP, UI, GIT, and more
ERP integration manager
An ERP integration manager oversees the integration of software systems and applications in an organization, maintaining the flow of data and ensuring interoperability across the organization.
Requirements: Candidates for this role should have strong ERP knowledge, experience integrating technologies in an enterprise setting, and strong technical expertise. It’s a role that typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, business administration, or a related field, along with experience in ERP implementation and integration project management.
Certifications: Relevant certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma certification scheme, Oracle SaaS ERP certifications, and SAP certifications.
Skills and experience to look for:
Project management, data management, and problem-solving skills
Strong technical knowledge of programming languages, databases, and integration tools such as SQL, ETL tools, and web services
Experience working closely with vendors, third-party providers, and working with cross-functional teams for successful integrations
Big data engineer
Big data engineers are responsible for building, designing, and maintaining the tools and software required to analyze and process large data sets in the enterprise. It’s an important role for maintaining data in a business, with a focus on ensuring data tools are scalable, reliable, and secure across the organization.
Requirements: Candidates will typically need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, computer engineering, mathematics, or a related field — more senior roles may require a master’s degree. Look for experience with data processing, software development, database management, and cloud-based data processing.
Certifications: Hiring managers will also want to keep an eye out for relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Data Analytics, Cloudera Data Platform Generalist, and Google Professional Data Engineer.
Skills and experience to look for:
Experience with multi-cloud computing, data visualization, machine learning and AI, and NoSQL
Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Apache Spark, and Rust
An understanding of automation, scripting, and enterprise architecture
Data security analyst
Data security analysts are tasked with overseeing the security of the organization’s data, assets, and information systems, protecting the organization from potential breaches, hacks, and threats.
Requirements: Candidates for this role should have a strong background in cybersecurity, data processing, security monitoring, and incident response. The role requires skills such as vulnerability assessment, security implementation, and security documentation. The role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in information security, computer science or a related field, along with experience in security, incident response, and with popular security tools.
Certifications: Relevant certifications for a data security analyst include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and CompTIA Security+.
Skills and experience to look for:
Knowledge of security tools and technologies such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, antivirus software, and vulnerability scanners
Experience with incident response, digital forensics, risk assessment and management
Understanding of compliance and regulations, along with security best practices
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