In today's tech scene, jobs involving DevOps and artificial intelligence are the most in demand at this time. Employers are offering up sizeable premiums -- almost $25,000 in additional salary for professionals who can automate IT operations, and an additional $14,000 a year to those who can deliver AI and machine learning capabilities.
That's the word from a recent analysis[1] by Burning Glass Technologies. The study's authors looked at more than 1.7 million job openings within the United States, and grouped similar technology skills into associated skill areas and assessed both the projected growth of each skill area over the next five years, as well as difficulties filling job openings for said skills.
Along with salary premiums, the study's authors looked at the most "disruptive" job roles seen in information technology. The skill areas projected to grow the fastest include quantum computing and connected technologies, with forecasted growth rates of 135% and 104%, respectively.
The top 10 most disruptive IT jobs on the horizon -- and their projected growth over the next five years-- include the following:
- Quantum computing (+135%; premium +$4,204): "Skills related to building and utilizing quantum computers and their applications.
- Connected technologies (+104%; premium +$10,873): "Skills related to the Internet of Things and connected physical tools, as well as the telecommunications infrastructure needed to enable them, such as 5G."
- Fintech (+96%; premium; +$13,799): "Skills related to technologies such as blockchain and others aimed at making financial transactions more efficient and secure."
- AI and machine learning (+71%; premium +$14,175): "Skills related to developing and utilizing programs, tools, and solutions powered by algorithms and other technologies that automatically respond and improve based upon prior experience or data."
- IT automation (+59%, premium +$24,969): "Skills related to automating and