5 tech roles employers are hiring for right now.

The technology sector hit the headlines in 2022 for a series of high-profile layoffs, yet certain tech jobs are now hotter than ever. Here’s a rundown of five tech positions businesses can’t seem to hire quickly enough, plus some thoughts on why demand is outstripping supply.

1. data scientist

Relatively speaking, as job titles go, this one’s in its infancy. But demand for data scientists is soaring, and it has even been dubbed the “sexiest job of the 21st century.” Even if The Economist’s declaration that “data is the new oil” has been widely debated, few would question the centrality of data to modern life — nor its potential, when converted from its raw state, to release valuable information, identify trends and provide actionable insights. It is estimated that by 2025, 70 percent of companies will switch to a more data-driven decision-making model.

2. cloud architect

Increasingly, businesses need people with their heads in the cloud. Forecasters predict a 20 percent rise worldwide in cloud spending in 2023. Whether an organization is hiring someone to oversee initial cloud adoption or the ongoing management of a network, the skill set they're looking for is similar. It revolves around architecting cloud-based solutions and ensuring they meet needs in a well-organized, up-to-date and cyber-secure way. Adding to the demand for cloud architects is the fact that cloud computing looks set to be the enabler for next-big-thing tech like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

3. devops engineer

DevOps engineers focus on boosting productivity in the workplace by developing, launching and maintaining software and systems that align with business goals. As well as fluency in programming languages — and in-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure and systems — DevOps engineers also need a head for business and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with various teams across the organization. No wonder it’s one of the most sought-after roles right now, with one report finding a 443 percent rise in DevOps job postings in the US.

4. web developer

A website needs to look good, load fast, be user-friendly and work across different devices. It might incorporate e-commerce, chatbots, forms or interactive technologies. For all that to go live you need a web developer — someone fluent in programming languages who can translate the design and functionality requirements into code. More businesses than ever want a web presence, so quantity is one driver of demand for web developers. But complexity is another: web pages are evolving to become ever more dynamic, and the skills to deliver innovation in this field are also highly prized.

5. systems analyst

Systems analysts make sure the tech matches the business, using a suite of skills including IT know-how, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and project management. This could mean being a change-maker in an organization, training and onboarding staff with new systems, or it could be a question of systems enhancement and maintenance. Organizations know that there are significant productivity and efficiency gains to be made by using the right software and engaging with organizational IT change, and systems analysts are the tech pros for the job.

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