1. AI and Machine Learning Engineer
Top 5 trending tech roles for 2025
Do you have the skills
to get hired?
Companies are rapidly adopting new technologies to stay ahead of competitors and the latest market demands, creating a consistently high demand for skilled technologists. Big data, cloud computing and AI adoption are leading the way, with the World Economic Forum reporting more than 75% of companies are looking to adopt these technologies in the next five years. The report also shows an increasing focus on hiring candidates with complex problem-solving, creative thinking and technology literacy skillsets.
As a result, skills-based hiring is on the rise. According to TestGorilla’s State of Skills-Based Hiring Report, 81% of employers used skills-based hiring in 2024. In this article, you will learn the top skills candidates need when pursuing this year’s trending tech roles and when an employer should hire each role.
If you’re ready to take the next step to jump start your career this year, we can help. Search open jobs today.
Salary Range: $90,976 - $234,208
These roles remain in the limelight across various industries as the primary function is overseeing all Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) projects. This position handles a range of duties, from team collaboration on projects to minimize security risks to designing and implementing AI solutions for optimal efficiency.
Key skills
Strong programming skills, especially languages in Python or Java; understanding of machine learning algorithms and deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras; data handling and analysis; a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics; knowledge of cloud-based AI services; experience with tools like Docker and Kubernetes and an understanding of DevOps practices.
When to hire an AI and Machine Learning Engineer
Integrating AI and ML into your workflows can help your company stay ahead of competitors. An AI and ML engineer can help improve customer experiences, optimize supply chains, enhance cybersecurity measures, enable data-driven decision making, automate tasks and accelerate innovation.
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2. Software Developer
Salary range: $77,022 - $208,624
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that software developers remain a top career choice with a projected 18% growth in employment by 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Software developers spend their time designing and debugging new or existing software. These individuals have a strong understanding of programming languages and analyze user needs when designing programs. Aside from a heavy focus on displaying competencies with programming functions, soft skills are also helpful for success. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with exceptional teamwork and adaptability with cross-team functionalities set these candidates apart.
Key skills
Proficiency in coding languages, such as Python, Java and C++; software development frameworks such as Angular, React, Django and Spring; version control systems like Git; SQL and NoSQL databases; strong problem-solving skills for debugging; testing frameworks and methodologies; and experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
When to hire a Software Developer
Software developers are essential for businesses looking to implement unique software solutions. Software developers can create custom applications, scale software infrastructure, maintain and update existing software, integrate new technologies and create tools and systems to streamline processes.
3. Data Analyst
Salary range: $69,664 - $156,000
The primary function of this role is to gather and analyze data used to solve business problems and accomplish project goals. These jobs remain desirable as companies in various industries rely on the interpretation of data insights to influence business decisions. In fact, the global data analytics market is projected to reach $303.4 billion by 2030.
Key skills
Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL; data visualization tools like Tableau and PowerBI; statistical analysis; data cleaning and preparation; database management systems; and advanced experience with Microsoft Excel.
When to hire a Data Analyst
Hiring a data analyst enables companies to make data-driven decisions, identify trends and opportunities, streamline operations, understand customer behavior and preferences, monitor key performance indicators and forecast future trends.
4. Cloud Engineer
Salary range: $104,032 - $200,032
As companies continue evolving their cloud computing functions, the demand for these highly sought out roles continues to rise. Cloud engineers are dedicated to the delivery of cloud computing services, such as storage, networks and software analytics. Knowledge of overall cloud spend, as well as a deep understanding in networking and security, is essential.
Key skills
Proficiency in cloud computing infrastructure and programming; programming languages such as Python, Java, and scripting languages like Bash or PowerShell; infrastructure as code (IaC); Linux and Windows administration; knowledge of virtual networks, VPNs, firewalls, and load balancers; cloud security best practices; experience with DevOps practices and tools like Jenkins, Git, Docker, and Kubernetes.
When to hire a Cloud Engineer
Companies planning to migrate existing infrastructure to the cloud should hire a cloud engineer to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Additionally, cloud engineers can design and manage robust cloud architectures, create scalable solutions to handle increased demand, optimize cloud costs, ensure cloud infrastructure meets security and compliance requirements and setup and manage tools to ensure systems run smoothly.
5. Cyber Security Engineer
Salary range: $75,680 - $182,624
As we see an ongoing shift of businesses moving toward heavier cloud computing functions and storage, the imminent threat of security risks continue to be a top priority. Cybersecurity engineers help mitigate these concerns by implementing various security measures to protect sensitive data and network infrastructure against any unauthorized access within the network.
Key skills
A deep understanding of various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS; mastery of networking and system administration; proficiency in programming and scripting languages; familiarity with security frameworks and standards such as NIST, ISO, 27001, and CIS Controls; experience developing and implementing incident response plans, digital forensics, and disaster recovery strategies; ability to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
When to hire a Cyber Security Engineer
Hiring a cyber security engineer can help your company strengthen defenses and prevent future incidents, protect sensitive or confidential data from breaches, ensure regulatory compliance, implement proactive security measures, conduct security assessments, update systems with the latest security patches, and lead incident response efforts.
Published january 2025
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Software Engineer
Assess a well-defined problem and lead the development of a technical solution.
Software Engineer
Assess a well-defined problem and lead the development of a technical solution.
Security Analyst
Investigate security breaches and recommend corrective actions and best practices.
Security Analyst
Investigate security breaches and recommend corrective actions and best practices.
Business Analyst
Lead the collection, capture, and management of mission needs from concept development to user experience.
Business Analyst
Lead the collection, capture, and management of mission needs from concept development to user experience.
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Salary Range Sources
The compensation model combines wage data from two distinct sources. The backbone for all occupational wage data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) dataset. Job postings are used to supplement OES data by providing wage observations that can be tied to skills and certifications. Job postings are scraped from online sources.
open jobs
Top 5 trending
tech roles for 2024
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SPACE IN BETWEEN MODULES/ Macros/ Sections
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Software Engineer
Assess a well-defined problem and lead the development of a technical solution.
Security Analyst
Investigate security breaches and recommend corrective actions and best practices.
Explore jobs
Business Analyst
Lead the collection, capture, and management of mission needs from concept development to user experience.
More jobs
Learn more
Our Job Search Guide is filled with expert advice you need to land a job
Bureau of Labor Statistics
global data analytics market
World Economic Forum
State of Skills-Based Hiring Report