As companies scramble to adapt to a tight IT job market, they’re doing whatever they can to attract top tech talent. For some that means getting a head start in filling next year’s most in-demand roles, which range from data-focused to security-related positions, according to Robert Half Technology’s 2019 IT salary report. The survey also reveals the average salaries for each role based on experience.
While Robert Half Technology acknowledges a lot will impact a company’s starting salary, including competition, location, corporate culture and budgets, there are certain things you can look for to make sure you land the top talent. Here are 13 jobs expected to be in demand for 2019, the skills and experience you should look for and the average salary you’ll want to pay to stay competitive.
BI analysts need experience in database technology, analytics and reporting tools. Businesses typically look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or engineering. You’ll want to hire someone with the skills to understand your organization’s unique data needs and then communicate those to stakeholders. It’s a role with growing importance as businesses pivot from harvesting to making sense of data.
Skills and experience to look for:
Cloud architects oversee the company’s cloud computing strategy and are responsible for deploying, managing and supporting cloud applications. Cloud architects typically have a strong understanding of multiple operating systems in addition to networking, programming and security skills. Businesses should look for individuals with a strong knowledge of cloud services such as Amazon Web Services as well as experience with ITSM, I&O, governance, automation, and vendor management.
Skills and experience to look for:
Cloud systems engineers are responsible for developing, planning, designing, installing, managing, maintaining and supporting IT cloud systems. These professionals typically work with Amazon Web Services, OpenStack, Microsoft Azure, and other popular cloud services. Cloud systems engineers should have a strong understanding of programming languages, APIs, DevOps, automation and cloud databases.
Skills and experience to look for:
While you need a BI analyst to help understand and communicate data patterns from a business perspective, a data scientist is the person who helps gather, process and analyze data. They should also be skilled in communicating those findings and offering recommendations to others in the business.
Skills and experience to look for:
Database developers are responsible for managing database architecture and developing new database servers. They’re tasked with developing database systems based off front-end-user requirements using SQL code. These IT professionals need strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills as well as a long list of technical skills required to develop and maintain the database systems they build.
Skills and experience to look for:
Web, software and mobile Developers are responsible for designing, installing, testing and maintaining the appropriate systems. The job requires coding, designing and building applications, websites or mobile apps, working with multiple programming languages such as C#, C++, HTML, Java, Microsoft .NET and SQL Server. Developers need to be able to understand client requirements and be able to provide recommendations for improving web, software and mobile applications to ensure they meet user needs.
Skills and experience to look for:
DevOps practices encourage faster code deployment with fewer deployment failures, so more companies are hiring engineers with DevOps experience to oversee coding, scripting and processes development. DevOps engineers often manage IT infrastructure, provision resources, oversee software testing and monitor performance after release. These workers help simplify code updates, allowing companies to constantly tweak and improve processes in the organization for maximum efficiency.
Skills and experience to look for:
Full-stack developers are developers who have knowledge in every stage of software development. They aren’t necessarily experts in every area, but they have working knowledge of the key principles of development, including: servers, networks, hosting, relational and nonrelational databases, QA, APIs, UX and UI design, security and working with customer or business requirements.
Skills and experience to look for:
For customer-facing businesses, the help desk is an important part of running an efficient business. As the first line of defense for customer service and troubleshooting, help desk workers need to have the right technical and soft skills for the job. Robert Half Technology breaks out the role of help desk technician into three tiers, given that the job description and requirements can vary significantly based on the business.
Skills and experience to look for:
An internet of things (IoT) specialist is an IT professional who is an expert in at least one or more of the following IoT disciplines: devices, connectivity, edge and cloud analytics, enterprise integration, platforms, and development and DevOps. If your business relies heavily on one or two aspects of IoT, hiring a specialist will help the organization stay on top of trends, compliance and the scaling of IoT technology over time.
Skills and experience to look for:
Network administrators are responsible for handling LAN/WAN protocol, software and hardware. They spend a lot of time troubleshooting and typically need to be on call in case of an emergency or failure. What you look for in experience will depend on how extensive your network needs are, but there are certain skills and certifications that can help you find the most qualified workers.
Skills and experience to look for:
Data, information, systems, network and cloud security professionals are in demand as businesses increasingly rely on data for everyday business operations. These IT professionals ensure that enterprise IT initiatives remain safe from potential threats inside and outside the organization. They’re also tasked with keeping on top of industry compliance regulations, future security trends and ensuring the business’s hardware, software and networks remain secure.
Skills and experience to look for:
Like most jobs in IT, a system administrator should demonstrate strong problem-solving, communication and analytical skills. But a system admin also needs a strong technical understanding of the company’s specific hardware and software. What you need in a system admin will vary depending on the services, hardware and software you rely on.
Skills and experience to look for:
This story, “The 13 most in-demand tech jobs for 2019 — and how to hire for them” was originally published by
CIO.
