Best Tech Jobs: 7 Top Future-Proofed Careers

Software Engineer

Software engineers create operating and software systems. They also design and develop computer applications and software programs. Software engineers use modeling and analysis to predict capabilities and system performance outcomes. They may also provide system and software quality assurance to businesses. They will conduct tests to check functionality, usability, and security.

Software engineers are in high demand. There is a 25% growth outlook over the next decade, much higher than average. In Australia, many top companies are often recruiting software engineers. These include Deloitte, Google, IBM, and Accenture.

In the US, the average salary for a software engineer is US$109,020. In the UK, the average base salary is £49,303 (US$59,861). The median salary in Australia is AUD$104,415 (US$72,024).

Most software engineers have a college degree in a related field. This could be information technology, computer science, engineering, or maths. Having a master’s level degree can make you more competitive. Experience in the software engineering field can be gained through internships. 

Professional certification can be helpful. Extensive knowledge of computer programming and common computer languages will also be required. Soft skills are also important. These might include analysis skills, effective communication, and creativity. 

Chief Technology Officer

Chief technology officer (CTO) is an executive-level role. CTOs are responsible for developing a technology strategy that aligns with the business’s overall goals. They are also accountable for the implementation of this strategy. CTOs need a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and good business acumen.

Job growth for executives over the next decade is predicted to be 6%. This outlook spans the C-suite and may include other roles, such as the chief executive officer. Given their strategic responsibility for responding to emerging tech trends, it’s safe to say this role is pretty future-proof.

Chief technology officers earn an average base salary of US$274,200. They’re also likely to earn a significant annual bonus. The average annual salary + bonus package for CTOs in the US is $329,100. 

CTO salaries may differ significantly depending on industry and market. In the UK, the average base salary is £95,362 (US$115,089). In Australia, the median salary is AUD$164,290 (US$111,462). In India, the average CTO salary is ₹3,327,747 (US$40,175). 

Executive recruitment values experience over education. But, a relevant undergraduate degree is useful. It’s important for many of the entry-level and middle-management tech positions that precede executive leadership. Relevant degrees include computer science, information technology, engineering, and math.

At the executive level, post-graduate education can also be beneficial. Many CTOs also have a master’s level degree, commonly a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Well-developed soft skills are also crucial. These include leadership, collaboration, and strategic decision-making.

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers take the software and application design created by software engineers and codify it. Using programming languages, they write the instructions needed for computers to function. 

Programmers are also responsible for testing software and applications. They need to make sure they function correctly. If something isn’t working, computer programmers review and modify the code to remove any mistakes. 

In the US, the 10-year projected growth is more static than other technology roles. This is mainly due to offshoring. This means the job outlook is much more positive in countries such as India. Many computer programmers are maintaining their relevancy by adding additional skills. These include software development and information security certifications.

Computer programmers still earn a competitive yearly salary. The median amount in the US is US$93,000 annually. In the UK, the average base salary is £36,339 (US$44,143). In India, computer programmers can earn ₹486,082 (US$5,955) on average.

To become a computer programmer, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. This could be computer science, information technology, or math. You’ll need coding skills and to be proficient in several different programming languages. Computer programmers may go on to diversify their experience in other technology roles. Those with business experience may become systems analysts or may take up a managerial position. 

Web developer

Web developers are responsible for the creation, maintenance, and performance of websites. They’ll need to report on technical performance metrics, such as loading speed. Web developers may be back-end developers or front-end developers.

Back-end developers are responsible for creating the website framework. They also ensure it functions as required by the client. Front-end developers are responsible for the technical elements of the website’s design. They integrate page content, graphics, and applications such as e-commerce functionality. 

The career outlook for web developers is positive. The number of roles is expected to grow by 23% over the next decade. Web developer was voted no. 9 in the top 100 jobs. This could be because it is a role that enables a good work-life balance. There are also great opportunities for career advancement and salary increases.

In the US, the average salary for a web developer is US$78,300. However, this is dependent on skills and experience. Those in the upper quartile earn over US$100,000. In Australia, the median salary for web developers is slightly more, around AUD$128,123 (US$88,497). In the UK, the average salary is somewhat lower, around £39,432 (US$47,895)

Like other tech professionals, some web developers have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Others demonstrate their skills to employers via professional certification or prior work experience. 

A strong understanding of HTML programming is essential for the role. Knowledge of other programming languages and multimedia publishing tools may make candidates more competitive. Web developers will need to undertake continuous professional development to stay up to date on new tools and software.

Full-stack engineer

Full-stack engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of software applications and programs. They are high-level software engineers with responsibility for the entire development cycle. The term full stack refers to the fact that they work with both front-end and back-end development. They may also provide leadership to programming teams. 

Full-stack engineers work with back-end developers to design the underpinning application architecture. They will also review and test the code created by computer programmers. At the front end, they will help design the user experience and ensure overall functionality and usability. As they work with so many teams, full-stack engineers need excellent collaboration and communication skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have a specific job outlook for full-stack engineers. It is likely to be aligned with that of other software engineers at about 25%. This is significantly higher than average. Full-stack engineers are also likely to lead other technology professionals. So, their job outlook could be even more positive as subordinate positions increase.

The average salary of a full-stack engineer in the US is $121,883. This reflects the additional leadership responsibilities of the role. The median salary in Australia is AUD$135,000 (US$93,264). In the UK, it’s £56,915 (US$69,145). Like most roles, geographic location and level of experience can influence overall salary.

In terms of educational requirements for this role, many people complete a relevant undergraduate degree. This could be in computer science or information technology. A degree in engineering or math is also appropriate. A master’s level degree can also make you more competitive for roles. 

Some full-stack engineers gain professional certification in lieu of formal education. Combined with work experience, this is also a valid route to full-stack engineer positions. Full-stack engineers often have leadership responsibilities. Training or experience in this competency can be useful.

Front-end developer

As we mentioned above, front-end developers are responsible for the user experience of a website or mobile application. They’re responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the visitor-facing elements. Back-end developers are responsible for the technical elements behind the scenes. 

Front-end developers design and code the user interface. They work with user experience designers to optimize the user experience. They also work with digital designers to plan the graphic design of the website or mobile app. They want it to be attractive to users on both their computers and mobile devices. Front-end developers are also responsible for identifying and removing any bugs that interfere with the usability of the website. 

Like other software developers, the job outlook for front-end developers is extremely positive. The predicted 10-year job growth is around 25%. Continued advancement of AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things will provide security for tech professionals skilled in software and application development.

The average salary for front-end developers in the US is $119,224. In the UK, the median base salary is £55,278 (US$67,190). Salaries for front-end developers can vary by experience, industry, and market. In India, the average base salary is ₹946,184 (US$11,589).

Like other software engineers, front-end developers tend to have a relevant professional degree. This could be computer science, engineering, information technology, or math. An advanced degree may make candidates stand out from the competition. Professional certification and work experience can replace formal education requirements. Either way, extensive computer programming skills are important. A deep understanding of common programming languages is also critical. 

What are some predictions for the best jobs in the future?

All the roles above rely heavily on their technical skill set. But they also have something else in common. Soft skills, such as analysis, effective communication, creativity, and problem-solving, are also key to success. And this trend is likely to continue. While it’s hard to predict the exact technical requirements of future jobs, soft skills will no doubt still be crucial. 

Artificial intelligence or machine learning engineers will still need analytical skills. Virtual reality developers will still need creativity. Deloitte suggests that technical skills become outdated as quickly as every 2.5 years. So, to future-proof their careers, tech professionals will also need to be open to learning. They’ll need to be adaptable and resilient. Continuous professional development will be required so they can hone the technical skills required to stay relevant in jobs we’re just starting to imagine.

It’s likely that some digital technologies currently viewed as niche will become mainstream. For example, the use of cryptocurrency such as bitcoin. As that grows, more blockchain developers and blockchain engineers will be required. Increased use of AI in recruitment may mean an uptick in digital talent platforms. 

As cloud systems such as the Internet of Things grow, more jobs in technology will be created. Connected devices will need different mobile app development. Cloud engineers will be needed to create and maintain an advanced cloud architecture. 

There will also be jobs that solve problems we can’t even predict. For example, the mobile app development required during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mobile application developers had to scramble to create new contract-tracing solutions. These helped monitor and slow the spread of the virus.

One job currently in its infancy, but with huge potential, is a robotics engineer. A robotics engineer ideates, designs, builds, and maintains robotic devices. They need great analytical skills to identify business problems that could be solved by robotic technology. Plus, they need creativity to then design the answers to those problems. 

Specialist degree programs are helping provide the skills needed to excel in roles such as these. For example, at the New England Institute of Technology, you can pursue a bachelor’s and master’s level degree in robotics. Or you can minor in robotics alongside a core engineering degree. Currently, robotics engineers can expect to earn an average annual salary of US$92,503. 

Find a career you love

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Why not take our free assessment today? You’ll get personalized insights from Coach Marlee that will help you understand your own motivations better. And you’ll discover how they relate to the essential soft skills needed for future tech jobs. This information will help you improve your performance. You’ll be able to identify your blind spots and build a personal development plan for future success.