Curious about the future of tech jobs? We've got the inside scoop on the most in-demand roles for 2023, featuring AI engineers, data scientists and more.
New technologies continue to disrupt and reshape the way businesses operate. This has put tech professionals in the spotlight, since only they possess the necessary skills to unlock the potential of era-defining technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and the cloud.
Despite a turbulent 2022, the tech industry is projected to grow in 2023 and beyond, boosting demand for various IT roles. We’ve got the lowdown on six of the hottest jobs, though remember that this is just the tip of the keyboard…
1. AI engineer
Many still think of AI as a future technology. However, it already powers many of our daily activities — from the moment we unlock our phone in the morning with biometrics to some late-night Netflix-and-chill with an algorithm-generated recommendation.
This is where AI engineers come in. Their expertise and knowledge are critical in identifying business problems and applying artificial intelligence to develop effective tech solutions. Their responsibilities involve building and managing complex systems and utilizing algorithms to make accurate predictions. The job requires a unique combination of problem-solving skills, programming languages, statistics and big data analysis. Additionally, flexibility is essential in this fast-moving field, where change is the only constant.
2. data scientist
All roads lead to data. It provides invaluable insights into customer behavior and trends, and enables businesses to make informed decisions based on factual evidence.
Meanwhile, the Internet of Things (IoT) is collecting mountains of data from connected devices — 43 billion this year and counting — just waiting to be mined for insights and trends. Enter data scientists — individuals with the expertise to analyze, interpret and visualize information. This skill set is in high demand in 2023 as organizations seek to gain a competitive edge through data-driven decision-making.
3. data engineer
Back in the day, a data scientist would have also tackled the duties of a data engineer. However, data engineering has become more specialized as datasets grow in volume and complexity. Today, data engineers pave the way for data scientists, ensuring the data is properly structured, accessible and ready for analysis.
4. video game designer
As technology evolves, so do our entertainment options. The video game market, for instance, is expected to grow by nearly 13 percent annually up to 2030, driven by a range of factors, including advancing real-time graphics, the proliferation of mobile gaming, the growth of esports tournaments and the potential for game-based learning.
Behind every video game is a team of designers responsible for bringing the game to life. From the initial storyboard and narrative design to motion graphics, coding, video production, sound and art, designers collaborate with specialists to create an immersive experience.
5. DevOps engineer
With a focus on boosting productivity in the workplace, DevOps engineers aim to develop, launch and maintain software and systems that optimally align with business goals. As well as proficiency in programming languages — and in-depth knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure — DevOps engineers need strong business acumen and excellent communication and collaboration skills. No wonder it’s one of the most in-demand jobs right now, with one source reporting a 443 percent rise in DevOps job postings.
6. full-stack developer
Web developer is consistently one of the most in-demand job titles worldwide, and within this field, full-stack developers are the hottest commodity. Like a Swiss Army knife for businesses, they can do it all, working on a website's front end (client side) and back end (server-side). This versatility makes them an appealing and cost-effective hire for companies, as they can work on all aspects of a project.
Talking of full stacks, Randstad USA has a comprehensive range of resources for technology and IT candidates. Check out our dedicated page for job seekers, where you’ll also find tools to compare salaries by job title and craft an impressive resume.