Technology Employment 2025: The Hottest Jobs to Chase – and the Role You Should Avoid

If you are looking to build a high-tech career in 2025, it is more important than ever to make wise choices on your path as experts face sharply divided landscapes. Several roles, especially those linked to AI, machine learning and enterprise technology, are in high demand and offer strong pay and growth opportunities. At the same time, many traditional and entry-level technical positions are declining, making it important for job seekers to understand which roles are worth pursuing and which roles to avoid.In fact, according to Employment Lab, technology job postings fell 36% from early 2020 as of July 2025, reflecting both the broader economic situation and the evolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

The hottest tech jobs to chase

The role of AI and machine learning remains the most powerful growth area. Positions such as machine learning engineers and AI/ML experts are in high demand, with demand continuing to rise above pre-pandemic levels. Business Insider reports that AI-focused positions, including “AI/ML engineers,” are becoming increasingly common, and in many cases, the median for machine learning engineers in 2024 is often around $260,000 a year.

The role of enterprise technology is also fascinating. SAP consultants and leads show stable demand, reflecting the value your business places in software that supports a wide range of operations. The role of data science is equally resilient, combining analytical skills with AI-driven business insights. In fact, senior economist Brendon Bernard points out that these professional positions are one of the few technical jobs that are in high demand despite a wider employment freeze.

The role of carefully avoiding or approaching

In contrast, many traditional mid-tier and entry-level technical roles have experienced a sudden decline.

In fact, software engineers remain the most common technical title, but are down 49% from early 2020 levels. Mid-level developer positions, including Android, Java, iOS, .NET and web developers, have been hit particularly hard, with posts exceeding 60%. The entry-level and junior roles are also lacking, and now they require more than five years of experience, making it difficult for early career experts to break into the field.

Bernard emphasizes that most of the remaining opportunities require more than five years of experience, making it difficult for early career experts to enter the field.

Geography can affect opportunities. In fact, high-tech employment is shown to be better maintained in cities with strong local non-tech employment. For those entering or switching within Tech, it has the potential to provide the best prospects as it focuses on AI-related skills, enterprise software expertise and highly specialized roles. Development of skills in areas that are less susceptible to automation can further improve long-term career stability.

Technical employment outlook

Despite slowing posts, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that overall employment in computer and mathematics occupations remains an increase of nearly 19% since 2019. However, the gap between employment levels and available posts suggests limited opportunities for newcomers. In fact, as business insider research shows, success in 2025 relies on targeting strong demand, competitive salaries, and resilient roles to automation, avoiding positions that are declining or restricted by highly experienced professionals.