Emerging Tech Careers: The Most In-Demand Jobs for the Future

Fewer industries have seen as much upheaval and transformation over the past few years as the tech industry. Topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics aren’t limited to the field of IT, but are now intrinsic to every field and industry, from finance and higher education to healthcare and manufacturing.

There are incredible opportunities out there for tech jobs, both now and in the future, but understanding which careers are available and how to qualify for them can be challenging. If you’re looking for information on the most in-demand tech jobs and best career opportunities, keep reading.

Career Outlook for Tech Industry Jobs

Employment in the tech industry remains strong, as technology roles are still among the most in-demand career paths. While it is true that recent years have seen increased layoffs and the rapid rise of AI has reshaped the tech job market, the effects have been strongest on entry-level jobs, but the long-term outlook for skilled positions continues to be positive. What we’re seeing is that, as AI technologies become integrated across industries, the need for skilled and ethical AI professionals is expected to increase significantly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and IT occupations are projected to grow by 11.7 percent, much faster than average from 2023 to 2033, with an estimated 317,700 openings each year. This reflects a steadier and sustainable demand compared to the overhiring that characterized 2021–2022. Roles such as software developers and database architects, which are foundational to AI infrastructure, are expected to grow by 17.9 percent and 10.8 percent, respectively.

Even as the tech sector adjusts, the need for digital expertise is expanding across industries. CBRE’s Scoring Tech Talent report notes that in 2023, the tech industry added nearly 29,000 jobs, while AI-related positions grew at twice that rate. Beyond the tech sector itself, professional and business services added nearly 50,000 positions, and transportation, warehousing, and wholesale industries added about 45,000 roles.

It is the growing skills gap that poses one of the biggest challenges for employers. An IDC survey of IT leaders projects that by 2026, the global IT skills shortage could cost organizations $5.5 trillion. Staffing firm Robert Half found that 89 percent of technology recruiters report difficulty finding candidates with the right mix of skills. In particular, employers are seeking:

• AI expertise to design and implement solutions
• Data science skills to generate insights from complex data
• IT operations and support to maintain digital infrastructure
• Cybersecurity knowledge to protect against evolving threats
• Process automation skills to streamline business operations

Looking ahead, the World Economic Forum identifies AI, big data, networks, and cybersecurity as the fastest-growing technical skills. Equally important are human-centered skills such as creative thinking, adaptability, curiosity, and lifelong learning—all of which help professionals thrive in a rapidly changing field.

For tech-savvy professionals who can demonstrate those skills, the potential is immense, especially in hubs like New York City, where innovation and opportunity converge.

Top 2 In-Demand Careers in Tech

Based on those current trends, it’s clear that the biggest need will be for tech professionals who possess specialized technical skills and can showcase higher-level critical thinking and adaptability skills. These twenty careers are the ones most listed as in-demand according to the BLS and job aggregate sites.

All the jobs are listed according to expected salary ranges, sourced from Glassdoor for the New York Metro area, and are divided into three categories:

• Advanced Leadership Roles: These leadership pathways are often the highest paying and require the most experience.
• High-Growth Technical Roles: These current-edge roles showcase high-demand specialties ideal for those investing in new technical expertise.
• Solid Foundational Roles: These essential positions are ideal for new graduates and pivoters seeking reliable entry points into tech.

Advanced Leadership Roles

1. Principal Software Engineer — $227,000–$359,000+

Principal software engineers are the senior-most engineers on a project, acting as both technical architects and mentors. They set the vision for software systems, establish coding standards, and guide teams in solving high-level challenges. In this capacity, they work above mid- and senior-level software engineers, collaborate with DevOps engineers and site reliability engineers to ensure scalability, and often partner with product managers to align technical strategy with business goals.

General Responsibilities:

• Designing the overall system architecture for complex applications
• Reviewing and approving technical decisions made by other engineers
• Coordinating with leaders across teams to align software with organizational objectives

Alternative Titles: Lead Software Engineer, Software Architect

Relevant Degrees: MS in Software Development & Engineering, MS in Computer Science

Recommended Skills: Systems design, leadership, architecture frameworks, advanced coding

2. AI Product Manager — $153,000–$230,000+

AI product managers bridge artificial intelligence technology with business outcomes. They translate complex AI capabilities into usable products while setting strategy and roadmaps. They sit at the intersection of technology, business, and design, working alongside data scientists and machine learning engineers to understand feasibility, and partnering with business analysts and executives to ensure AI products meet both ethical standards and market needs.

General Responsibilities:

• Defining the roadmap for AI-driven products
• Prioritizing features and coordinating development and launches
• Ensuring compliance and ethical use of AI technologies

Alternative Titles: Machine Learning Product Owner, Technology Product Manager

Relevant Degrees: MBA, MS in Computer Science or MBA in Business Analytics

Recommended Skills: AI/ML literacy, product strategy, data analysis, stakeholder communication

3. IT Manager — $105,000–$179,000

IT managers oversee the technology infrastructure of an organization, balancing leadership with technical oversight. They manage teams of network administrators and database administrators, while coordinating closely with cybersecurity engineers to safeguard systems. They also serve as liaisons to executives and business units, ensuring that technology resources align with organizational goals and compliance standards.

General Responsibilities:

• Supervising IT staff and overseeing daily operations
• Managing system upgrades, security patches, and IT budgets
• Developing policies and ensuring regulatory compliance

Alternative Titles: IT Director, Technology Operations Manager

Relevant Degrees: MS in Information Systems or MBA in Information Systems

Recommended Skills: Leadership, IT strategy, project management, budgeting, systems oversight

4. Product Manager — $119,000–$207,000

Product managers own the lifecycle of a product from conception to launch. They direct what gets built, balancing customer needs with technical feasibility and business goals. They collaborate with engineers, designers, and analysts to deliver solutions while ensuring that priorities remain aligned with strategy. They work closely with product designers on user experience, software engineers on implementation, and data analysts on measuring performance.

General Responsibilities:

• Conducting market research and defining user personas
• Leading feature prioritization and sprint planning
• Monitoring product performance post-launch and adapting strategy

Alternative Titles: Technical Product Manager, Product Owner

Relevant Degrees: MBA, MS in Information Systems, MS or MBA in Business Analytics

Recommended Skills: Agile methods, product strategy, research, leadership

5. Product Designer — $87,000–$149,000

Product designers focus on creating digital products that are both functional and visually appealing, blending user experience (UX) with user interface (UI) design. They often collaborate with product managers to align design with strategy, work closely with web and mobile developers to translate designs into code, and draw on insights from data and business analysts to refine and improve product usability.

General Responsibilities:

• Conducting user research and usability testing
• Developing wireframes, prototypes, and design systems
• Collaborating with engineers to ensure seamless implementation

Alternative Titles: UX Designer, UI Designer, Experience Designer

Relevant Degrees: BS in Digital Design, MS in Human-Centered Design

Recommended Skills: Prototyping, design systems, Figma, user research, creative thinking

High-Growth Technical Roles

6. Machine Learning Engineer — $133,000–$215,000

Machine learning engineers develop and deploy AI models that enable software and systems to learn from data. They work closely with data scientists, who design the initial algorithms, and with software engineers to integrate models into applications. Their role ensures that artificial intelligence solutions move beyond research into practical, scalable products.

General Responsibilities:

• Building and training machine learning models
• Optimizing algorithms for performance and accuracy
• Deploying models into production environments
• Collaborating with teams to refine AI applications

Alternative Titles: AI Engineer, Deep Learning Engineer

Relevant Degrees: MS in Data Science, MS in Computer Science, MS in Artificial Intelligence

Recommended Skills: Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, algorithms, data modeling

7. Data Scientist — $124,000–$210,000

Data scientists turn raw data into actionable insights that guide business and product decisions. They create predictive models, run experiments, and communicate findings to stakeholders. They often rely on data engineers to provide clean, structured data pipelines and collaborate with analysts to translate technical results into business context.

General Responsibilities:

• Designing and implementing statistical models
• Conducting experiments and A/B testing
• Communicating insights through reports and visualization
• Advising leadership on data-driven strategies

Alternative Titles: Machine Learning Scientist, Quantitative Analyst

Relevant Degrees: MS in Data Science, MS in Business Analytics, PhD in Computer Science

Recommended Skills: Statistics, ML, R/Python, SQL, visualization

8. Cybersecurity Engineer — $130,000–$210,000

Cybersecurity engineers design defenses to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. They often collaborate with IT managers and network administrators to secure infrastructure and with information security analysts who monitor for breaches. Their work ensures that organizations remain resilient against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

General Responsibilities:

• Implementing and testing security measures
• Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
• Monitoring for and responding to incidents
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards

Alternative Titles: Security Architect, Information Security Engineer

Relevant Degrees: BS in Cybersecurity, MS in Cybersecurity

Recommended Skills: Threat detection, penetration testing, compliance, incident response

9. DevOps Engineer — $125,000–$197,000

DevOps engineers streamline collaboration between development and operations teams by automating the software lifecycle. They frequently work with software engineers on code integration and with cloud engineers and site reliability engineers to build scalable, resilient infrastructure. Their role ensures products are delivered quickly and reliably.

General Responsibilities:

• Building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
• Automating deployment and infrastructure processes
• Managing containers and orchestration tools
• Monitoring applications and resolving deployment issues

Alternative Titles: Platform Engineer, Release Engineer

Relevant Degrees: MS in Information Systems, MS in Computer Science

Recommended Skills: CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, containerization, scripting

10. Cloud Engineer — $134,000–$221,000

Cloud engineers design, implement, and manage cloud-based systems that support scalable, secure operations. They often collaborate with DevOps engineers and site reliability engineers to optimize infrastructure, and with IT managers to ensure alignment with broader organizational strategies.

General Responsibilities:

• Deploying and managing cloud environments such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• Configuring cloud security and compliance controls
• Automating backups and disaster recovery systems
• Supporting hybrid or multi-cloud strategies

Alternative Titles: Cloud Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Relevant Degrees: MS in Enterprise Analytics, MS in Information Systems

Recommended Skills: AWS/Azure/GCP, Kubernetes, virtualization, automation

11. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) — $140,000–$220,000

Site reliability engineers combine software engineering expertise with IT operations to keep large-scale systems stable and reliable. They often collaborate with software engineers to design resilient systems, with DevOps teams to automate processes, and with IT managers to minimize downtime.

General Responsibilities:

• Automating system monitoring and incident response
• Building tools to improve system reliability
• Investigating and resolving outages
• Defining service-level agreements (SLAs)

Alternative Titles: Infrastructure Reliability Engineer, Reliability Engineer

Relevant Degrees: MS in Computer Science, MS in Information Systems

Recommended Skills: Monitoring, automation, coding, cloud platforms

12. Data Engineer — $112,000–$187,000

Data engineers create and maintain the pipelines and architectures that make large-scale data usable. They work directly with data scientists, providing clean, structured data, and with database administrators who ensure secure storage and retrieval. Their work is the backbone of any data-driven organization.

General Responsibilities:

• Designing and maintaining ETL (extract, transform, load) processes
• Optimizing data storage and retrieval for analytics
• Managing distributed systems like Hadoop and Spark
• Ensuring data reliability and availability

Alternative Titles: ETL Developer, Data Infrastructure Engineer

Relevant Degrees: MS in Data Science, MS in Information Systems

Recommended Skills: SQL, Spark/Hadoop, ETL, Python/Scala

13. Information Security Analyst — $113,000–$185,000

Information security analysts monitor systems for breaches, enforce security policies, and respond to incidents. They typically report to cybersecurity engineers or IT managers and provide the first line of defense. Their work connects to broader cybersecurity strategies while handling day-to-day risk mitigation.

General Responsibilities:

• Monitoring networks for unusual activity
• Investigating and reporting security incidents
• Enforcing organizational policies and compliance requirements
• Running security audits and vulnerability scans

Alternative Titles: SOC Analyst, Risk Analyst

Relevant Degrees: BS in Cybersecurity, MS in Cybersecurity

Recommended Skills: Threat monitoring, IDS/IPS, compliance frameworks

Solid Foundational Roles

14. Software Engineer — $129,000–$210,000 (entry to senior)

Software engineers design, code, and maintain applications that serve users and businesses. They collaborate with product managers to translate requirements into features, with DevOps engineers to ensure smooth deployment, and with QA testers to validate functionality. Their work is central to nearly every digital product.

General Responsibilities:

• Writing and testing code in languages like Java, Python, or C++
• Debugging and maintaining applications
• Collaborating on design and development teams
• Contributing to system documentation

Alternative Titles: Software Developer, Application Developer

Relevant Degrees: BS in Computer Science, BS in Software Engineering

Recommended Skills: Programming (Java, Python), debugging, collaboration

15. Web Developer — $82,000–$143,000

Web developers build websites and web applications that power online experiences. They often collaborate with product designers to ensure usability and with software engineers to integrate back-end systems. Their work directly shapes how users interact with digital products.

General Responsibilities:

• Writing code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks
• Creating responsive, mobile-friendly layouts
• Testing and maintaining site performance
• Ensuring accessibility and security standards

Alternative Titles: Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer

Relevant Degrees: BS in Computer Science, BS in Information Systems

Recommended Skills: HTML/CSS/JavaScript, React/Angular, responsive design

16. Mobile Application Developer — $113,000–$177,000

Mobile developers create apps for iOS and Android devices. They work closely with product designers to refine user experiences and with software engineers to integrate mobile features with larger systems. Their work ensures that mobile applications are functional and maintain performance while on the go.

General Responsibilities:

• Developing apps with Swift, Kotlin, or cross-platform tools
• Testing and debugging across devices
• Optimizing app performance and usability
• Releasing updates and new features

Alternative Titles: iOS Developer, Android Developer

Relevant Degrees: BS in Computer Science, BS in Software Development

Recommended Skills: Swift, Kotlin, cross-platform frameworks

17. Data Analyst — $74,000–$125,000

Data analysts interpret and present data to guide decisions. They collaborate with data engineers to access structured data and with business analysts to connect findings to organizational needs. Their role often serves as a stepping stone toward data science or business intelligence careers.

General Responsibilities:

• Collecting and cleaning datasets
• Running statistical analyses
• Building dashboards and reports in tools like Tableau or Power BI
• Presenting insights to stakeholders

Alternative Titles: Business Intelligence Analyst, Reporting Analyst

Relevant Degrees: MS in Data Science, MS in Business Analytics

Recommended Skills: SQL, Excel, Tableau/Power BI, critical thinking

18. Business Analyst — $85,000–$141,000

Business analysts translate organizational needs into technology requirements. They collaborate with IT managers, product managers, and engineers to ensure solutions align with business goals. Their work connects strategic objectives with technical implementation.

General Responsibilities:

• Gathering and documenting business requirements
• Mapping workflows and identifying improvement opportunities
• Communicating needs between business and technical teams
• Supporting project management with requirements validation

Alternative Titles: Systems Analyst, Requirements Analyst

Relevant Degrees: MS in Information Systems, MBA

Recommended Skills: Process modeling, requirements gathering, communication

19. Network Administrator — $83,000–$139,000

Network administrators manage the systems and networks that keep organizations connected and operational. They often support IT managers in maintaining infrastructure, collaborate with cybersecurity engineers to secure access, and work alongside system administrators on hardware and server maintenance.

General Responsibilities:

• Configuring and monitoring LANs/WANs
• Troubleshooting network performance issues
• Managing firewalls and VPNs
• Performing routine backups and updates

Alternative Titles: Systems Administrator, Network Engineer

Relevant Degrees: BS in Information Technology, BS in Cybersecurity

Recommended Skills: Networking protocols, troubleshooting, firewalls

20. Database Administrator (DBA) — $87,000–$148,000

Database administrators maintain and secure databases to ensure reliability and accessibility. They collaborate with data engineers who design pipelines and with data analysts who query systems. Their work supports both day-to-day business operations and long-term data strategy.

General Responsibilities:

• Managing database access and permissions
• Optimizing queries and performance tuning
• Backing up and restoring data
• Ensuring security and compliance standards

Alternative Titles: Database Engineer, SQL Administrator

Relevant Degrees: MS in Information Systems, MS in Data Science

Recommended Skills: SQL, backup management, database design, tuning

How to Prepare for a Career in Tech

The most in-demand tech jobs can be highly competitive. To give yourself the best chance of success, follow the advice below:

• Build your practical and technical skills
  It’s your specific skill that will set you apart, so be sure to understand and master the fundamentals of programming, data analysis, and digital systems specific to the career you’re interested in. Build your skills through advanced master’s degree programs, such as those offered by the Seidenberg School of CSIS. Use online platforms, open-source projects, or personal coding challenges to strengthen problem-solving abilities.
• Earn a certification and/or advanced degree
  Industry certifications (such as AWS, CompTIA, or CISSP) showcase specialized expertise. Earning an advanced degree, such as a master’s in computer science, data science, or cybersecurity, not only deepens your technical knowledge but also opens doors to leadership opportunities.
• Build a network and learn about the industry
  Networking is critical in tech. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and connect with alumni. Following thought leaders and industry news helps you stay ahead of emerging trends, technologies, and hiring opportunities. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with industry leaders and build experience within the workplace.
• Develop your soft skills and critical thinking
  Above all else, tech professionals are problem-solvers. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking are essential, as employers want individuals who can explain complex solutions clearly and adapt quickly to change. Give yourself an advantage by ensuring that the curriculum of your degree program offers more than just technical training, but also opportunities to work with and collaborate with others to create solutions.
• Get practical experience through internships or bootcamps
  Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to prepare for a tech career. Internships, bootcamps, and project-based learning provide opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world settings and build a professional portfolio. Look for opportunities to practice your skills in state-of-the-art facilities, such as AI labs, design factories, and research labs.

Building your skills and experience now is essential for staying ahead of the tech job curve. Dr. Christelle Scharff, Ph.D., professor and director of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Seidenberg, has employed her own expertise in AI research and innovation to prepare students for future tech careers. She explains that work will only continue to grow in importance, as “I’ve seen firsthand the growing interest and need for AI education at every level.”

That commitment to future student success is echoed by Dr. Jonathan H. Hill, DPS, Chief Transformation Officer and Executive Vice President at Pace. When asked about how Seideberg is preparing students for future tech careers, Dr. Hill states, “We are not only developing industry-ready graduates—we are also building leaders who will shape how AI is implemented, understood, and governed.”

“We are not only developing industry-ready graduates—we are also building leaders who will shape how AI is implemented, understood, and governed.”

FAQ

Which tech job is highest in demand?
Software engineers and data scientists are two of the most in-demand tech roles, with strong hiring across industries. Cloud engineers and cybersecurity specialists are also rapidly growing due to the shift toward cloud systems and the need for digital security. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, jobs for information security analysts are especially strong and are expected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032.

Which IT field has the highest salary?
Artificial intelligence currently leads the salary outlook. Roles such as AI engineers, machine learning specialists, and AI architects consistently command top pay, often well into the $180,000–$250,000+ range, reflecting the critical demand for advanced AI expertise.

Which tech jobs make 6 figures?
Most mid- to senior-level roles in software engineering, data science, machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity earn six-figure salaries. Leadership positions like product managers, IT managers, and principal engineers can reach $150,000+ annually.

What tech skill pays the most?
AI and machine learning expertise currently top the list, followed by advanced data science and cloud architecture. These skills drive innovation and efficiency, making professionals who master them highly competitive in today’s job market.

If you’re looking to advance into a tech or IT career, Pace University offers multiple master’s programs to help you achieve your goals. Choose from among our Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, Human-Centered Design, and Software Development and Engineering master’s programs.

Many of our programs are also available online, including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, and Software Development and Engineering.

If you’re interested in working at the cutting edge of tech research, Pace also offers a PhD in Computer Science. Contact us to learn more about our programs and find the right fit for your career goals.