What are the 15 Top Jobs in Demand Today? What Skills Do You Need to Qualify?

A 2022 Harvard Business Report mentions the rising importance of a multidimensional skill-driven talent pool that can swap different hats on a given day. The pandemic has further accelerated this trend, giving candidates breathing space to develop crucial skills and build formidable portfolios. This blog highlights the top five industries with the best hiring potential and the highest-paying jobs in demand within each domain. 

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Data Scientist

Every industry requires multiple layers of business data to uncover actionable insights from hidden data patterns and trends, and this is why data scientists are always in high demand. From designing personalized consumer experiences to predicting their shopping preferences, data scientists are the cornerstone of today’s data-driven economic paradigm.

Skills

• Coding and programming language expertise in Java, C, or C++
• Python expertise
• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Understanding neural networks

Average annual U.S. salary: $144,600

Expected growth in demand: BLS predicts a whopping 36% rise in demand for data scientists between 2021-2031.

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Data Visualizer

Data visualizers interpret data and relay these insights with the help of a realistic and easily-understandable data story. They work in conjunction with data scientists to bring everyone on the same page irrespective of their extent of data literacy. They also promote organizational synergy by incorporating both technical and non-technical intelligence into the realm of the data development lifecycle, and finding hidden trends while limiting errors. Visualizers are essential as they produce succinct interpretations of available data.

Skills

• Understanding the purpose of data and strong analytical skills
• Understanding the audience (data sources)
• Data visualization software such as Tableau
• Exceptional understanding of MS Excel
• Managing databases

Average annual U.S. Salary: $68,275

Expected growth in demand: The data visualization market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% between 2021-2027, indicating a huge demand for data visualizers.

Data Architect

A data architect analyzes how an organization’s data infrastructure works to produce quality information. They define the policies and models that govern the data development lifecycle—collecting, cleaning, organizing, and assessing data and adding it to the overall company asset. Data architects also plan future databases and cybersecurity measures and handle sophisticated policies of Business Intelligence (BI), making it one of the most prevalent jobs in demand.

Skills

• Strong business acumen
• Translating business requirements into data collection methodologies
• Detailed industry-specific knowledge
• Strong understanding of database models and their diverse applications
• Principles of data management and database access

Average annual U.S. Salary: $110,283

Expected growth in demand: Data administrators and architects will witness a 9% rise in job demand between 2021-2031.

Digital Marketing 

SEO Specialist

Among the current jobs in demand, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) specialists are essential to digital marketing as they help boost website traffic and maximize the conversion of potential customers into loyal buyers. Moreover, internet searches are very fragmented nowadays and with the majority of businesses migrating online, there’s a need for specialized search marketing tactics to deal with search engines, retailer websites, and social media platforms.

Skills

• Understanding intent analysis
• Basics of coding to enhance website management
• Content writing and editing
• Market analysis and knowledge of customer segments
• Keyword research
• Strong collaboration and communication 

Average annual U.S. Salary: $68,341

Expected growth in demand: According to a 2022 Search Engine Journal report, the number of SEO experts in the industry grew by 7.5% compared with 2021.

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Email Marketing Specialist

Despite the rise of modern tools of instant communication, email marketing is among the sector’s top jobs in demand as it offers the most inexpensive means to ensure quality contact with the consumer base. Email marketing engages people with value-driven messages and pushes them along the sales funnel. It also allows marketers to achieve and compare quantifiable progress of marketing efforts and enhance hyper-personalization.

Skills

• Strong market analysis skills
• Crisp writing and editing
• Market segmentation
• Understanding of the sales funnel and how it works
• Keyword research
• Strong collaboration and communication with the design team

Average annual U.S. Salary: $58,678

Expected growth in demand: A Fortune Business Insights report claims the email marketing software industry will grow at a CAGR of 11.8% between 2022-2029, implying growth in job demand for this field.

UX/UI Designer

We live in a customer-centric, design-oriented world where users’ emotions and feelings drive product success. Also, the abundance of products in the market makes it imperative for companies to focus on immersive experiences to ensure a long-term impact on consumers. This is why a UX portfolio is one of the highest-paid jobs in demand in marketing.

Skills

• Expertise in programming languages such as C++, R, and Python
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• Screen mapping
• Market research
• Visual communication
• Design proficiency
• Software development

Average annual U.S. salary: $97,294

Expected growth in demand: BLS projects a 23% rise in demand for digital designers between 2021-2031. 

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Sustainability  

Chief Sustainability Officer

A Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) aligns company goals with environmental regulations and policies by optimizing energy consumption, recycling used resources, overall resource conservation, waste management, etc. In the wake of a re-energized corporate response to global warming, CSOs are in high demand across various industries.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the best environment and sustainability practices 
• Understanding of regulatory compliances of different industries and organizations
• Ability to identify environmental problems after thorough research
• Extensive research and problem-solving capabilities
• Interpersonal communication

Average annual U.S. salary: $97,183

Expected growth in demand: CSOs will only grow in demand given that the green technology and sustainability industry is projected to touch $60.7 billion by 2027 from $17.8 billion in 2022.

Energy Analyst

Data-literate professionals who specialize in studying information on energy usage are known as energy analysts. This is one of the most promising jobs in demand in the sustainability sector. Their responsibilities include developing efficient energy models after thoroughly investigating organizational data and recommending systemic improvements based on their observations. Energy analysts are primarily associated with architectural projects and the construction industry, where they assist clients in understanding the best ways to improve energy efficiency.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of renewable energy
• Data-literacy
• Communication, logical reasoning, and critical thinking
• Ability to efficiently assess energy conservation measures and audits

Average annual U.S. salary: $78,901

Expected growth in demand: Operations research analysts—including energy analysts—will witness a 23% rise in demand between 2021-2031.

Air Quality Engineer

Air quality engineers constitute one of the top jobs in demand for both the government and private sectors. They perform high-caliber monitoring with the aid of chemical and statistical analysis to prevent mishaps ranging from industrial fires to smog from vehicles. This profession holds extreme significance in the face of changing global temperatures, which directly influences the technical details of safety measures.

Skills

• Strong understanding of environmental sciences
• Critical thinking
• Strong data analysis skills
• Understanding of data development lifecycle
• Knowledge of air-sampling techniques 
• Expertise in emission control, contaminant removal, and workplace ventilation

Average annual U.S. salary: $91,843

Expected growth in demand: Environmental engineers will witness a 4% rise in job demand between 2021-2031.

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Cyber Security  

Security Architect

Security architects enjoy a constant demand because every industry has sensitive information; a dynamic data-protection framework strengthens customer trust and contributes to national security by neutralizing infrastructural threats. Over the years, cyberattacks have become even more complex and untraceable, underlining the relevance of a fully functioning security architecture. A security architect can think as hackers do by optimizing routers, firewalls, hierarchical access points, and intelligent password-change mechanisms. 

Skills

• Scripting with Python
• Understanding of nominal security frameworks
• Intrusion detection and incident response
• Understanding of multiple networks of Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Knowledge of the latest threats
• Intuition and creativity

Average annual U.S. salary: $175,641

Expected growth in demand: A Cybercrime Magazine report predicts cybersecurity architects will witness 3.5 million job openings in the US by 2025.  

Computer Forensics Analyst

Cyber forensics involves investigating cybercrimes by studying digital resources and evidence related to severe data breach incidents. With the FBI reporting a whopping 400% increase in cyber fraud since the start of the pandemic, cyber forensic analysis ranks high among the current jobs in demand in this sector. Similar to investigating crimes in real life, cyber forensic experts examine the digital crime scene to find out the details behind every attack. They do this by gauging patterns and forging a reliable chain of evidence. Upguard quotes the cost of a data breach in 2022 to be $4.35 million. Also, apart from being massively expensive, they expose businesses to sabotage and extortion.

Skills

• Knowledge of internet crimes, laws, and regulations
• Technical aptitude
• Innovation and creativity
• Thinking like a hacker
• Working knowledge of Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) and Automated Fingerprint Identification (AFIS)

Average annual U.S. salary: $82,910

Expected growth in demand: A 2021 Forensics College Report projects a massive 33% rise in demand for jobs for this role between 2020-2030.

Malware Analyst

Any software created to harm, maneuver, or disrupt a computer system, server, or chain of networked systems is called malware. A Tech Target report mentions ransomware (malware designed to block user access to networks unless a ransom is paid) attacks affected 66% of organizations in 2021, a 78% increase from 2020. Malware analysts are experts at tackling different threats associated with every kind of suspicious software activity. With dynamic and static analysis alongside full reverse engineering, malware analysts rapidly detect malicious programs before they get the chance to wreak havoc.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of programming languages
• Malware analysis tools such as Immunity Debugger
• Unpacking and anti-debugging techniques
• Reconstructing unknown TCP protocols and recovering unknown file formats

Average annual U.S. salary: $87,018

Expected growth in demand: Malware analysts, who belong to the category of information security analysts, will witness a 35% growth in jobs between 2021-2031.

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Fintech  

Business Analyst

Business analysts connect real-world needs with technological capabilities and solutions. From deciphering the future of businesses to creating scope for innovation within the existing business model, a business analyst furnishes everything. They need to acquire a solid understanding of the following:

• Company data 
• The different ways industries utilize customer information 
• How to optimize business processes and prioritize business needs

In a climate of intense workforce shifts, business analysis—a critical part of business intelligence—is among the highly-paid jobs in demand.

Skills

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Aligning business objectives with technological infrastructure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Unique approaches toward cost-benefit analysis
• Hands-on knowledge of programming languages such as R and Python
• Working knowledge of network BI tools such as Zoho Analytics

Average annual U.S. salary: $82,003

Expected growth in demand: Management and business analysts will witness a rise in demand of about 11% in this decade.

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain refers to a decentralized economy based on an immutable ledger technology that powers cryptocurrencies and optimizes payments from one party to another. Blockchain’s credit lies in reducing financial fraud and transaction costs, preventing identity theft, and providing lending access to small companies that have been limited by traditional banking systems. Blockchain developers code decentralized applications known as dApps that facilitate decentralized and anonymous cryptocurrency transactions. They are responsible for maintaining the entire blockchain-fintech ecosystem of a company, as well as its smart contract management.

Skills

• Understanding of blockchain architecture
• Cryptography and other security principles
• Programming expertise in Python and C++
• Working knowledge of data structures and distributed systems

Average annual U.S. salary: $90,815

Expected growth in demand: The Global Blockchain Employment Report states that blockchain developers are witnessing a 300%-500% surge in demand, with the U.S. leading the race.

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Product Manager

Fintech product managers score high in the domain of jobs in demand. They have a strategic dimension to their jobs—driving an innovative culture and acting as their sole visionary. They serve as directors right from the inception of a product till it’s finally rolled out in the market. The challenge in the job is extensive collaboration with on-field business development executives, on one hand, and innovation drivers, on the other, to come up with a product that inspires future technologies while solving the present problems at hand.

Skills

• OPC: Organizing, Prioritization, and Communication
• Data-driven decision-making practices
• Approaching customers and stakeholders with a business mindset
• Basics of programming languages
• Data-literacy
• Creativity and extensive knowledge of the specific domain

Average annual U.S. salary: $108,155

Expected growth in demand: The fintech industry market size is predicted to reach $492.81 billion by 2028, highlighting the predominant demand for fintech product managers in the coming years.

In a climate of unpredictability, your best bet is honing your technical skills. This will go a long way in ensuring a lasting and rewarding career. To get started, explore the latest courses on Emeritus, offered in collaboration with top global colleges, as an investment in your future self.

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