Careers in the tech industry are among the highest paying and it’s not hard to figure out why. Every industry has incorporated technology which has greatly increased the need for tech professionals. Every industry needs technology to thrive, and even in our daily lives, technology has become deeply imbued.
Technology is a fast-growing and well-paying industry. Even entry-level positions pay well, and there is great potential for career growth. There are several roles in the tech industry, and among them, the below are the best paying:
1. Software engineers
The mobile apps and websites we use daily are built by software engineers. They use programming languages and their vast knowledge of computer science principles to design and build software systems and applications.
How to become a software engineer
To become a software engineer, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology or a related field is typically required. Some people skip the entire process of earning a bachelor’s degree and instead attend boot camps where they are given intensive training to develop skills that will help them land a software engineering job. However, most employees prefer to hire those with a degree, while attending a boot camp will be a plus.
You will also need a mesh of soft skills and hard skills to make it as a software engineer. Key soft skills include leadership, communication, organization, problem-solving, analytical skills etc. Key hard skills include computer science knowledge; knowledge of programming languages like Python, C++, and Java; data structure; and software testing.
2. Software developers
Software developers are professionals who design, build, and implement computer software. This definition is similar to that of a software engineer so you might be wondering how exactly the two careers differ. The difference is slight and some companies even use the terms interchangeably. Both professionals develop software but while software developers focus on one aspect, software engineers oversee every aspect. In essence, software development is part of software engineering.
Software engineers can do everything a software developer can but software developers are more specialized in what they do. For example, software engineers may work on the design and development of entire software, oversee everything that goes into its development and often collaborate with other professionals. On the other hand, software developers typically focus on the development of a particular software by writing codes and building and maintaining a database system.
The duties of a software engineer mainly involve writing codes, building the components of software and addressing issues and errors that come up.
How to become a software developer
To become a software developer, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. The soft skills you need as a software engineer include organization, teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving, etc. The hard skills you need include knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, Javascript, etc; knowledge of data structure and algorithms; knowledge of software security.
3. Machine learning engineer
Machine learning engineers are professionals responsible for the development and creation of AI. They do this by working with other professionals like project managers to establish the objectives of creating the AI, come up with prototypes on which they run tests to assess its performance and make changes to produce a desired end product. They also improve user experience after the AI has been produced by troubleshooting problems that arise.
How to become a machine learning engineer
To become a machine learning engineer, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics or a related field. Prior experience in data science or related fields will be required. It is also essential for you to have knowledge of programming languages like Java and Python, and experience working with machine learning frameworks, libraries and packages like Tensorflow, Theano and Caffe.
4. Security Engineer
Security engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that the security system of the organization they are working for is working properly by building, implementing and monitoring security systems.
How to become a security engineer
To become a security engineer, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology or related field. Then you will need to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience needed to become a security engineer. It is a midlevel IT role, so you will need to start with entry-level tech roles like information security analyst or penetration testing.
You also need to develop cybersecurity skills like coding, penetration testing, operation systems, network security and important soft skills (communication, problem-solving, leadership, etc).
You may need to get certified in cybersecurity as most employers prefer to hire those with a certificate.
5. Blockchain engineers
Blockchain engineers are tech professionals that designs, creates and maintain blockchain-based systems. Their main roles include designing and developing blockchain solutions, building decentralized applications and developing smart contracts.
Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows secure and transparent information storage and sharing within a system. The data stored are linked together in a chain in such a way that you cannot delete or modify any data in the chain without consensus from the entire network. This makes it quite difficult to change, hack or cheat the system.
How to become a blockchain engineer
You will typically need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology or a related field to become a blockchain engineer. Some employers prefer candidates with a postgraduate degree in a related field and/or blockchain certifications so it is a plus if you have them. Experience in single sign-on security (SSO), and a background in database systems will be beneficial towards your journey to becoming a blockchain engineer.
6. Database Engineer
Database engineers are professionals with a thorough understanding of how computer databases work, who apply their knowledge of database management systems to design and implement computer databases. They also plan and implement security measures to safeguard databases and identify and resolve database performance issues.
How to become a database engineer
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or related field is essential to becoming a database engineer. You would also need prior experience in programming or related fields and may need to obtain certification in a database system. You will also need to have experience using several database management tools including Oracle, Redis, MySQL, etc.
7. Full-stack developers
Full-stack developers are responsible for everything that goes into the development of a website or an application including the front end (the visible part of a website or application that users interact with) and the back end (the background data storage and processing). They also perform tests on the websites and applications they build, troubleshoot problems and fix bugs.
How to Become a full-stack developer
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or a related field is needed to become a full-stack developer. However, there are successful full-stack developers out there who made it with only online courses and boot camps. You need knowledge of programming languages, databases and storage, as well as experience in an IT-related role. The key soft skills you need include analytical, strategic planning, problem-solving, communication skills, etc.
8. Data scientist
Data scientists collect data, analyze the data, come up with solutions and logically present the information to their target audience. They have a strong business sense and can use their findings to come up with solutions that will increase the profitability of the company they are working for.
How to become a data scientist
A degree in business administration, mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field is needed to become a data scientist. Knowledge of programming languages like Python and SAS, as well as technical, analytical and business skills is also required.
9. Cloud Architect
Cloud architects manage and maintain the cloud computing system of an organization. They have great knowledge of cloud computing technologies and use their knowledge to create cloud strategies that will benefit the organization, and develop and organize cloud systems. They also evaluate cloud software and hardware, address technical issues and ensure cloud security.
How to become a cloud architect
Cloud architects should possess strong knowledge of cloud computing systems and cloud architecture, so a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is needed. You also need soft skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving etc.
10. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers encompass the role of both development and operation. They have a wide range of knowledge in both development and operations and perform tasks including coding, security, DevOps advocate system administration and infrastructure management. Essentially, DevOps engineers build, introduce new features and maintain the stability of the software.
How to become a DevOps Engineer
A degree in computer science, information technology or a related field may be required to become a DevOps engineer. Prior experience in software development and system engineering will also be needed. You also need knowledge of programming languages like Ruby, Python, and JavaScript, and the fundamentals of the Linux Command Line Interface (CLI).
Conclusion
Salaries in tech roles tend to differ depending on the location, education, skill and experience of the professional. Despite the difference, the fact they pay well is a common factor. In the United States, the above roles pay at least 100,000 USD every year, which is way more than what other professionals take home.
If you’re interested in a career in technology, do your research well to figure out the best role for you. You may need to attain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, attend boot camps, and/or obtain relevant certifications.
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