While the turbulent year of 2024 may be coming to an end, the tech industry will continue to experience dramatic changes over the next year, creating new careers that require new skills and expertise. IT Skills and Certifications pay the index from Foote Partners LLC.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has rapidly evolved traditional roles, abolishing many legacy technical skills, explained David Foot, chief analyst and head of research.
Specifically, it is holistic and necessary for AI to successfully apply to existing roles or technologies. Soft Skills Communication, collaboration, analytical thinking, innovation, and more. Foote's company is also seeing the rise of its return to office policy and self-management team.
To help plot your next career move ahead of the trend, you look at the roles and skills that gained value in 2024 (and lost), and you're going the same path in 2025.
Upward jobs and skills
Data Science/Data Analysis
The amount of data collected and generated in the industry will continue to drive the demand and market value of professionals with data analysis and interpretation skills. However, as businesses use AI tools to handle basic tasks such as data collection and preparation, data experts need the ability to handle more strategic tasks. Data Strategydata ethics, data architecture for AI systems, data governance for AI, and data modeling for AI.
In fact, the data strategy was the most ranked skill in the company's latest report, recording a 15.8 increase in market value in the six months ended October 1, 2024. Merge analysis and engineering It's hotter than ever,” Foot pointed out.
Additional salaries awarded by employers reflect a robust demand for expertise in highly uncertified data. The following skills earned salary premiums ranging from 18% to 22%, equivalent to the base salary for the quarter ended October 1, 2024.
- Data Strategy
- Apache Flink
- Business Analysis
- Predictive analysis and modeling
- Snowflake/Snowflake Schema
- Data Architecture
- Spranch
- Data Security
Cybersecurity
It's not surprising that cybersecurity experts will continue to be in high demand next year. However, as platforms like CrowdStrike continue to take over basic security features, a new role is emerging in this space, Foote said. His conclusions are supported by an analysis of the non-certified skills and certificates that lead premium salaries.
For example, employers are looking for cybersecurity experts who can use AI-powered tools to predict attacks. They also offer premium pay to experts with the ability to develop robust machine learning models and develop strategies to defend against complex attacks. In fact, knowledge of security architecture and AI/ML models is one of the best payment skills to direct premium pay, equivalent to 20% of base salary. NIST/NIST 800 The average premium salary was 18% for the quarter ending October 1, 2024.
So is certification still relevant? absolutely. Many of the best revenue certifications tracked by Foote Partners continue to lie in the cybersecurity sector, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML)
The thing about AI is that it not only changes existing roles, but it also creates entirely new roles that require interdisciplinary skills, especially in the engineering field, Foote said.
For example, we have a few names, with the emergence of ML engineers focusing on AI models, ethical AI deployments, AI/ML OPS, and AI model audits.
While all AI skills are valuable in today's job market, the following non-certified skills earned premium wages worth 18% to 21% of their base salary during the quarter ending October 1, 2024. Furthermore, if you want to invest in certification, Foote is AIE certified, Value increased by 25% during the six-month period ending October 1st.
- Deep learning
- Large-scale language model/LLM tuning
- Natural Language Processing
- Pytorch
- Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOPS)
- Machine Learning
- Normative analysis
- Keras
- Google Tensorflow
AI Extension Software Development
We will continue to see the rise next year AI has expanded software design and development And focused on further decline in roles Traditional programming approach Code generation, debugging, testing, and more.
Next-generation software developers need to be familiar with architectural design, system architecture, GIT version control, and advanced problem solving methods to develop new software, and seamlessly incorporate AI capabilities into existing systems or applications.
Generally speaking, you need the ability to think critically to apply AI to existing roles such as software development, Foote said. Software developers also need very sophisticated soft skills and agile knowledge. Alongside colleagues from various departments Or spin into a leadership role of a Self-management team.
Downward work and skills
Basic IT support: Traditional IT support skills are less important as automation and AI take over day-to-day support tasks.
Traditional database management: The adoption of cloud-native and serverless databases is increasingly automated routine tasks such as backup and maintenance. Employers currently prioritize database architecture and data governance knowledge within a cloud environment over traditional database management skills.
Legacy System Management/Network Management: The continuous shift to serverless and service as an infrastructure (IAAS) eliminates Windows server management like Tech without cloud integration.
Basic Web Development: The rise of advanced frameworks and tools has reduced the value of basic HTML/CSS/JavaScript skills.
Manual Security Threat Detection: The increase in automated security tools has reduced the demand for manual threat detection skills. Advanced competencies such as threat intelligence and reverse engineering are now more needed.
Manual penetration test (non-specialized): Manual pen tests are less relevant (unless they are highly specialized) with automated tools such as Metasploit, Qualys and AI-driven vulnerability scanners.
In summary, embracing the disruption to the labour market driven by AI and ML will help you develop new skills and chart new career paths in 2025.
