The sudden launch of AI applications and platforms has shaken the global workforce across industries. While the technology was introduced to the public to assist them in their personal and professional lives, it has started taking over specific job profiles.
Let’s explore 12 tech skills that people may learn to become irreplaceable by machines and sustain the next 10 years in the market.
AI and Machine Learning (ML)
Since AI applications are becoming mainstream, companies in various industries need skilled AI and ML experts to create, manage, and improve these systems for organizational growth.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves developing systems that mimic human intelligence, whereas Machine Learning (ML) focuses on advanced algorithms that learn from data to make predictions or decisions. The Machine Learning (ML) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 34.80% from 2025-2030, while the AI engineering market will grow at a 38% CAGR from 2024 to 2033.
Data Science and Analytics
Several businesses rely on data scientists to extract meaningful insights from massive data sets. It helps them in data-driven decision-making that aids their organizational growth.
The demand for data scientists will grow at 36% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, much higher than the average for all occupations. Approximately 20,800 data scientist openings will be available each year throughout the decade, making data science and analytics one of the most lucrative skills to learn.
Cloud Computing
The rapid digitization of businesses is driving a surge in demand for cloud computing experts, and it will remain consistent in the future.
According to a report, the cloud computing market will approximately grow at a CAGR of 16.5% from 2024-2032. All modernized industrial solutions will be cloud-driven, so companies will continue hiring cloud engineers to design, develop, and implement cloud-based solutions for their organizations. Even if AI becomes more sophisticated, it won’t be able to replace skilled cloud engineers, cloud architects, etc.
Cybersecurity
The rise in digital transformation of businesses has made them vulnerable to various sophisticated cyber threats. From hackers trying to steal sensitive customer information to cybercriminals organizing identity theft techniques to manipulate employees into performing unauthorized tasks- the threats are endless.
Organizations require skilled cybersecurity experts to protect their systems, networks, and data from potential cyber threats. Profiles like Information Security Analysts will grow at a CAGR of 33% from 2023-2033, whereas the cybersecurity market will grow at a 14.3% CAGR from 2024-2032.
Blockchain Development
People with strong blockchain development skills will thrive in the coming years. Besides the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a form of acceptable payment, the use of blockchain technology in building decentralized networks of IoT devices has increased the demand for skilled blockchain developers.
The blockchain market will grow at a record 68% CAGR from 2023 to 2032, creating an abundance of opportunities for blockchain developers.
Robotics Process Automation (RPA)
The rapidly rising demand for automation of business processes is a prime reason behind the growing relevance of learning this skill. Many organizations have adopted RPA solutions to improve productivity, optimize performance, and generate higher returns.
More than half of all public sector organizations currently use RPA solutions in developed economies like the USA, Germany, etc., and the adoption trend will continue growing. The RPA market will grow at 33.8% CAGR from 2024-2032, strengthening the growing relevance for professionals with excellent RPA skills.
Programming and Software Development
While some worry that AI will take software jobs in the coming years, the reality is different. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates nearly 140,100 new job openings every year for roles like software developers, quality assurance analysts, testers, etc., from 2023-2033, highlighting a 17% CAGR.
The programming software market is also projected to grow at a 23.4% CAGR from 2024-2031, showcasing the tremendous growth potential for skilled programmers and software developers in the coming years.
DevOps and Agile Methodologies
As agile methodologies become more integral to software development and DevOps practices are increasingly used to enhance the efficiency of the software delivery lifecycle, you can expect to see a greater demand for professionals proficient in DevOps and agile methodologies.
The global agile and DevOps service market is projected to grow at 14.5% CAGR from 2024-2031, creating massive opportunities for talented individuals.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is transforming industries like manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, etc., by connecting physical devices to the internet. It facilitates smooth data collection and exchange.
It has significantly surged the demand for IoT specialists. As the world progresses towards 5G technology, advanced automation, and widespread use of smart devices, the global IoT market will expand at an 18.8% CAGR from 2023-2029. It will translate to abundant job opportunities for people with strong IoT skills.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP is a subset of AI that enables machines to understand and process human language. It is used to power chatbots, voice assistants, and other conversational AI applications to provide better customer support and user experience.
As businesses are widely implementing conversational AI tools into their websites and other business processes, there is an increased need for NLP professionals. The global NLP market is set to grow at a 38.40% CAGR from 2024-2034, so NLP professionals will never run out of opportunities.
Extended Reality (XR) Development
Companies in retail, gaming, education, healthcare, etc., are increasingly hiring skilled professionals with proficiency in Extended Reality (XR) development to create immersive experiences for their customers. XR development involves creating applications and experiences using immersive technologies that blend the virtual and real worlds.
It primarily encompasses technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). The global XR market is poised to grow at a 40.61% CAGR from 2019-2030, hinting at massive job opportunities.
Quantum Computing
While quantum computing is still in its nascent stage, large organizations are actively hiring individuals with quantum computing skills to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
They’re leveraging quantum computing to make significant advances in areas like drug discovery, financial modeling, materials science, etc. Researchers estimate a 34.8% CAGR growth from 2024-2032, leading to plentiful job opportunities in the future.
