8 Hot Tech Jobs for 2014
February 20, 2014 12:00 AM
The predicted worldwide IT spending increase will translate into a robust job market for information technologists with the right set of skills. Dice Holdings, which runs the IT job site Dice.com, reports that a rising number of employers about 13 percent more than in 2013 are preparing to make a significant number of technical hires this year. Overall demand will be about the same in 2014, reports David Foote, CEO of research firm Foote Partners LLC. But sporadic skill shortages and an onslaught of new certifications will buoy the prospects and pay of professionals in key strategic roles. Professionals in operational roles are on the wrong side of IT and will continue to lose value. The researchers at Robert Half Technologies concur. In the recruiting firms 2014 Salary Guide for Technology Professionals, they note that the market for certain technology professionals is especially hot, and top candidates may have multiple offers. This slideshow first appeared at Information Management.
Software Developer
Software developers are among the most sought-after technology workers and enjoy one of the lowest unemployment rates around just 1.8 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2014 salaries will range from $90,250 to $127,250, up 7.7 percent from 2013. Source: U.S. News & World Report, Robert Half Technology
Mobile Applications Developer
With mobile devices proliferating in both the corporate and consumer worlds, it's little wonder that mobile app development skills are in big demand. And because this is a relatively new skill set, its also not surprising that its one of the most difficult job categories for employers to fill. "People with three years' experience in mobile apps are considered senior now," notes Rona Borre, CEO of Chicago-based tech recruiters Instant Technology. Its also not surprising that salaries have jumped an average of 7.8 percent this year, ranging from $100,000 to $144,000. Source: CNN Money, Robert Half Technology
Business Intelligence Analyst
Global data will burgeon by a factor of 44 by 2020, reaching a volume of 35.2 zettabytes, according to market researcher IDC. That leaves numerous businesses scrambling to upgrade their analytics capabilities. But employers are no longer satisfied with a generic skill set, explains Jack Cullen, president of IT staffing firm Modis. Particularly in the financial services sector, he notes that "Companies are looking for some real specific areas," such as, "derivatives experience, capital markets experience, low latency-high frequency experience. They want skills very specific to a type of application in those areas." These skills are in short supply and the salaries for this position reflect this. They range from $101,250 to $142,250, up 7.4 percent from 2013. Source: InformationWeek, Robert Half Technology
Information Systems Security Manager
Scot Melland, CEO of Dice Holdings, says demand for cybersecurity specialists is up 23 percent from last year. "It's one of those skills that falls into a lot of job types, like network engineering, software development and database architecture," he observes. Respondents to a recent Robert Half Technology survey indicate that, along with application development and database management positions, security jobs are among the most challenging to fill. Its not surprising then that salaries for an Information Systems Security Manager range from $115,250 to $160,000 and are up 6.8 percent year to year. Source: Computerworld, Robert Half Technology
Project Manager
Driven by renewed interest in complex, strategic business-technology initiatives, project management remains a highly sought-after skill. Dice.com reports that demand for project managers is second only to demand for software developers and engineers, having risen 11 percent from last year. Salaries range from $94,500 to $135,500, up 6.1 percent from 2013. Source: Computerworld, Robert Half Technology
Database Administrator
Driven by interest in big data, demand for database administrators will surge by 30.6 percent between 2010 and 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. During that time period, about 33,900 jobs will need to be filled, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A starting database administrator salary is projected to increase 5.4 percent in 2014, with compensation ranging from $87,500 to 126,000. Source: Robert Half Technology
Systems Analyst
Demand for computer systems analysts will continue to grow at a steady clip as business dependency on information technology continues to grow. Between 2010 and 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22.1 percent employment growth for this category and an estimated 120,400 new jobs will be created. The profession's strong growth prospects have resulted in a 5.1 percent increase in 2014 salaries, which range from $76,250 to $108,750. Source: U.S. News & World Report, Robert Half Technology
Cloud Architect
A new, less-well defined but nevertheless rapidly growing job category is being spawned by the surging popularity of cloud-based applications. We expect the demand for cloud architects, (cloud) solution architects, administrators and integrators to continue to rise, forecasts market researcher David Foote, who reports that during 2013, cloud-related skills and certifications outperformed all 348 IT skills and all 293 IT certifications listed in Foote Partners annual market survey. Source: Dice.com
Negotiate from a Position of Strength
In its 2014 technology salary guide, Robert Half warns that with candidates for the above positions in such strong demand, employers should be prepared to negotiate with the prospects to whom theyve extended offers. That doesnt mean that the skys the limit, and job hunters should definitely be aware of the salary range for the position they are seeking. But it does mean that candidates shouldnt feel pressured to jump at the first offer, and that if theres an issue thats important to them or a perk that could seal the deal, they shouldnt hesitate to put it on the table. Source: Robert Half Technology
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