The job market for tech talent grew in the first six months of 2022. But which tech skills were in high demand? That’s a key question for technologists everywhere, even if they’re not actively looking for a new job right now.
Dice’s H1 Tech Job Report breaks down the tech skills mentioned most often in job postings between January and June 2022 (as well as their year-over-year growth between H1 2021 and H1 2022). As you can see from the following chart, some of these skills are highly technical (SQL, Python, Java) while others rely more on abstract thinking and “soft skills” (Agile, troubleshooting, software development). What’s clear is that employers really want technologists who’ve mastered at least some of these:
How much do these skills pay? How can you learn them? Do you need certifications to land a job that leverages them? Let’s break down a few:
Agile
Virtually all tech management roles demand at least some familiarity with Agile methodology, especially concepts such as “CI/CD” (continuous integration, continuous delivery). In broadest terms, Agile teams focus on producing minimum viable products within a set timeframe, which hopefully translates into a faster pace of updates and tighter collaboration among team members.
Although certifications aren’t a requirement to land an Agile-related job, possessing certain foundational Agile certs (such as Certified Scrum Master or PMI Agile Certified Practitioner) can help you stand out in a crowded field for a management job.
Beyond certifications, there are lots of routes for Agile training, including online training courses offered by organizations such as the Agile Alliance. It’s also one of those disciplines where you’ll learn quite a bit in practice.
SQL
SQL is a programming language designed for managing and querying relational databases, which are the foundation of so many organizations’ data operations. As more organizations have embraced analyzing their databases for crucial insights, the demand for technologists skilled in SQL has grown.
If you’re interested in learning SQL, there are a number of training avenues available; online providers from Microsoft to Udemy all have learning modules. There are a variety of SQL-related certifications you can earn, as well. Employers are hungry for technologists skilled in SQL, and they’ll definitely test your mastery of the language once you reach the interview stage.
Python
Python remains one of the world’s most popular programming languages, and with good reason: It’s not only a solid “generalist” language, but also used in highly specialized functions such as data science.
Interested in learning Python? Keep in mind that it’s one of the highest-paying programming languages (thanks at least in part to employer demand). While you don’t need certifications to land a Python job, some technologists think they’re worth earning. Given Python’s popularity, there are tons of training options available online, including handy sites such as Python.org, which offers a neat beginner’s guide to programming and Python.
Java
Java is another programming language with a massive developer community behind it. As with Python, you don’t need certifications to land a Java-related job, although they can help emphasize that you have the necessary mastery of the language.
Also, keep in mind that Java developer jobs can pay quite a bit, although a Java salary is often highly dependent on your years of experience, the company you work for, and your specialized skills.
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the cloud-based backbone of thousands of organizations across the country. If you’re interested in working with cloud infrastructure, knowledge of AWS is vital; but even if you’re not working as a cloud developer or architect, knowing how AWS works (including its ever-expanding toolset) can help you stand out when applying to new jobs (or a promotion in your current position).
Interested in AWS training? Amazon offers tons of online learning modules, and that’s in addition to third-party training courses. There are also lots of AWS certifications available.
