The fastest-growing tech jobs
Jobs in tech are among the fastest growing overall in the U.S. according to BLS occupational growth projections. In 2022-2032, data scientists are projected to be the fastest-growing job in tech and 3rd fastest in the nation.
This projection makes sense considering the growing need for experts in machine learning and AI models, which data scientists are the architects behind.
Other fast-growing tech jobs include information security analysts (32%), software developers (26%), and computer and information research scientists (23%).
In terms of the number of vacancies projected for 2022-2032, Projections Central named software developers as the fastest-growing tech jobs, with 136,300 annual openings. Others include computer user support specialists (53,000 openings), computer and information systems managers (46,900 openings), and computer systems analysts (37,600 openings).
Fastest-growing jobs in the rise of AI
Not unsurprisingly, AI and machine learning specialists were named the fastest-growing job in the Future of Jobs Report 2023 from the World Economic Forum.
This category is vague, and with good reason – given the growth rate of AI technologies, countless AI specialist roles haven’t been invented yet.
That said, as AI technologies allow businesses to incorporate massive amounts of data into their operations, specialists that can keep data secure through AI-informed cybersecurity measures and advise on how to use AI ethically (and legally) will play critical roles in the future.
How AI will impact the future of tech jobs
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in the last few years, particularly Large Language Models (LLM) like ChatGPT, have left many wondering about the impact of AI on tech jobs.
Some view AI as relatively harmless; in a Pew Research Center survey, 32% of IT workers said that AI will help more than hurt them personally.
Despite some optimism in the field on the impact of AI, there is still a lack of consensus among experts on what that impact will look like.
The unprecedented growth rate of AI – predicted to reach 37.3% in 2023-2030 –makes it difficult to make any definitive claims on the nature or extent of AI’s role in the job market. The million-dollar question is whether AI will result in job replacement or an expansion of worker capabilities through increased productivity.
For now, future job loss due to AI is anyone’s best guess.
The Pew Research Center recently analyzed common responsibilities of all U.S. jobs to predict the extent of their likely exposure to AI. They argued that those with the highest exposure to AI are most likely to be impacted most in the future. Data entry keyers, technical writers, and web developers were called out as having likely high exposure to AI in the future. Again, the impact of that exposure remains unclear.
As daunting as its implications may appear, artificial intelligence is not, as its name suggests, sentient – it is inspired by, not a copy of, actual human intelligence.
In other words, AI still can’t do everything on its own; it needs human input. As a set of human-built advanced algorithms, it requires a human to review its work. This, however, implies a particular set of tech skills, one which not everyone has.
The new tech worker in the age of AI
In computer science, many job functions are at risk of being impacted by artificial intelligence, with consulting firm McKinsey & Company predicting that 30% of working hours in STEM could be automated by 2030.
Computer programmers and software developers are among them, as machine learning algorithms are now trained to write code, and even entire software programs, with less human interference.
But this change is less indicative of a total replacement by AI, but a reworking of the job description, one which represents a transition from creating the code from scratch to validating it.
Recent studies from McKinsey and Stanford University’s 2024 AI Index Report echoed this sentiment, both noting that AI automation will enhance the way STEM professionals work and their output quality, rather than eliminate their jobs outright. In practice, McKinsey notes this means the ability to leverage more expertise, creativity, and communication.
For now, programmers and developers, while much of their work will be automated through AI, can rest easy – that is, as long as they have programming skills that go beyond the basics (i.e., what AI can do).
Meanwhile, the consensus among many experts is that low-skilled jobs are at most risk of disappearing (Polak 2021).
What this all tells us is that AI has made the tech landscape more competitive than ever, and newcomers will face challenges in getting their foot in the door with only basic coding skills.
Final thoughts
As we’ve seen, many of the highest-paying tech jobs require a bachelor’s degree at minimum, usually in computer science, information technology, and similar fields.
While a degree isn’t a requirement, with many well-paid roles accepting alternative training and certification programs, it’s the most surefire way to land a job in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.
Consider checking out our rankings of best-value computer science programs to get the most out of your investment. Alternatively, take our degree quiz below to find a STEM program that aligns best with your interests.
