Are you gunning for a career in the tech industry? You’ve no doubt made a smart choice.

The employment of computer and IT-related occupations is forecast to grow 13 percent from now through much of the next decade. Considering that the average employment growth for all occupations in the United States is 7 percent, it’s safe to say tech jobs have a strong demand.

But then, there are so many career paths in the tech industry that it can be difficult to choose the right one. This is where our expertise comes in!

Here’s a lowdown on the top tech jobs in the country.

Data Scientist

Every year, Glassdoor, an occupational resources website, publishes a list of the best jobs in America. Can you imagine one job has held the #1 spot for four straight years?

Yes, a data scientist is the country’s best job, and it’s no doubt a top tech job you should consider pursuing.

Data scientists are the professionals who make sense of the data that’s in the possession of various organizations. If you start a business today and start collecting customer data, you’ll need a data scientist to analyze it and interpret it into meaningful information.

Increasingly, data scientists are also being tasked with developing models and tools that analyze data. As such, it’s not uncommon to find data scientists who’re also data engineers.

So, what does it take to become a data scientist?

You must start off in undergraduate school, where you should earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. Your next stop is graduate school, where you should pursue a master’s data science, which the minimum qualification for employment.

DevOps Engineer

If you’re keen on the tech industry, you’ve probably heard the word ‘DevOps’ being thrown around.

Well, every organization that uses software and other IT infrastructure on a large scale needs a DevOps team. As such, a DevOps engineer is responsible for the development and deployment of high-velocity software and tech infrastructure. They work to keep software failures at a minimum because a single failure can disrupt operations and lead to massive losses.

At heart, a DevOps engineer is a coder. But in this role, they rarely write code. Theirs is more of a management role. They develop the practices, strategies, and standards an organization’s software development staff should follow.

To become a DevOps engineer, you need a combination software development education and vast coding experience. Pursuing a professional DevOps certification will enhance your chances of getting hired for this position.

Information Security Analyst

You probably don’t keep tabs on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, but here’s the thing: The agency now keeps a ‘Cyber Most Wanted’ list, which has 42 people and groups as of 2018.

Clearly, cybersecurity is fast become a major threat in the U.S. American businesses are losing billions of money to these cybercriminals. At the heart of fighting this cyber war are information security analysts. These are the professionals who help organizations to prevent and recover from cyber-attacks.

Want to become an information security analyst?

Like in most IT careers, you’ll start off by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in IT or a closely related field. You can then choose to pursue professional certifications in information security, or head off to graduate school and pursue a master’s degree in the same field, or go for both.

Whichever path you choose, you’re almost assured of getting a job. As more and more business become aware of cybersecurity risks, the demand for security analysts will only keep growing.

Solutions Architect

A couple of years ago, it was common practice for organizations to purchase stock software from vendors. Today, organizations are developing their own custom software solutions.

A solutions architect is responsible for delivering these solutions. They assess the technical problems or challenges an organization is facing and develop effective software solutions. This means a solutions architect is an experienced software developer with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

As a solutions architect, you can either be hired by an organization as an in-house developer, or you could start your own solutions architecture consulting firm.

App Developer

Let’s admit it: Apps are the reason we’re hooked to our smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, and it’s easy to see why.

Mobile applications make life easier and more convenient. You can now shop online through an app, monitor your health, connect with friends, find a new date, find a new job… you name it.

App developers are the brains behind these apps. They not only envision an idea for an app but also use their coding and design expertise to bring the idea to life. Once that app is published, the developer will keep working behind the scenes, bringing us updates with new features.

Interested in becoming an app developer?

There are a couple of pathways that can lead to this job. The traditional route is to go to college and pursue a degree in computer science. Some colleges are also beginning to offer specialized programs in mobile app development.

Then there’s the DIY route. There are developers who never set foot in a formal classroom, but their apps are raking in millions of money. If this option excites you, then be ready to make use of online coding and app development tutorials!

With the second option, though, it can be harder to find a job. Most employers of app developers want people with professional training.

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

If you’re like most people, artificial intelligence (AI) evokes mental images of futuristic robots doing human tasks. Well, that’s still AI at work, but it has more subtle applications. The smart assistant on your phone is a good example.

AI engineers play a big role in creating these products. Their job combines data science, data engineering, and software development.

As more businesses and individuals embrace the power of AI, the demand for AI engineers will keep increasing. This makes it one of the top tech jobs in the country right now.

An increasing number of tech schools are beginning to offer computer science programs with concentrations in AI engineering. Such a degree will give you the best preparation for employment as an AI engineer.

Product Designer

When we think tech, the software is what comes to mind. Who can blame us?

However, the hardware is still an integral aspect of tech. In fact, without hardware, there’ll be no platform for software to run on. Even cloud-based software still need the support of physical infrastructure.

If you want to a tech job that focuses on hardware, why not become a product designer? These are the professionals behind your favorite devices. They focus on creating products that meet the set technical specifications and standards.

Also, the role of a product designer doesn’t end once a product hits the market. They keep working behind the scenes, making physical improvements that will improve the usability of the product in its future versions.

To become a product designer, pursue a bachelor’s degree in product design. A master’s degree will enhance your knowledge and boost your job prospects.

IT Manager

This isn’t one of the tech jobs most people think of when looking to pursue a career in the tech industry. Nonetheless, it’s a top job, and arguably the most lucrative.

An IT manager is in charge of an organization’s IT department and infrastructure. They hire and supervise tech people, oversee the acquisition of tech equipment, and set an organization IT strategy.

In large organizations and tech startups, IT managers are known as chief technology officers.

How do you get this job?

Like most management positions, you have to work your way up. This means starting out in any of the positions described above, then using your leadership skills to lead teams, and hope you’ll catch your employer’s eye. To boost your chances, pursue a master’s degree in IT management.

Top Tech Jobs: Have Your Pick!

From California’s Silicon Valley to New York’s Wall Street, there’s no shortage of tech jobs. But getting hired isn’t really the problem. The problem is finding a job that’ll bring out the tech nerd in you.

With this list of top tech jobs in the U.S., you’re sure to find one that’ll excite you. Go for it!

All the best and keep reading our blog for more tech tips and insights.