The tech unemployment rate dipped to 2 percent in December, and organizations everywhere remain hungry for tech talent of all kinds. But which tech segments are hiring the most at the moment?
For an answer, we can turn to CompTIA’s analysis of the latest U.S. Bureau of Statistics (BLS) data. As you can see from the following chart of tech-related hiring activity, there’s considerable demand for technologists involved in data processing, hosting, and related services; “other” information services also enjoyed a spike between November and December:
It’s also worth noting that employment dipped in some categories, including hardware manufacturing and IT & custom software services. That’s a little surprising, given the demand for semiconductors and other components, as well as software services. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that segment employment can fluctuate wildly on a month-by-month basis; in October 2021, for example, tech employment was strong within technical services and manufacturing(according to Emsi Burning Glass, which collects and analyzes millions of job postings from across the country).
Given the current scarcity of semiconductors and other components, it seems likely that companies will invest far more in manufacturing and the supply chain in order to meet demand. For example, Apple has announced that it will make significant investments in manufacturing facilities in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, California, and other states, with a prominent focus on 5G hardware, laser technology, and state-of-the-art glass.
The strength of data processing (as well as “other info services”) underscores organizations’ continuing needs for data storage and analytics. No matter what their industry or specialization, leaders everywhere have come to realize that effective data analysis can mean the difference between strategic success or failure—and they’re willing to spend more than ever on data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers. With that in mind, adopting data science and analytics skills can make you even more valuable to your current and future employers.
