Are tech jobs still in high demand? Headlines about layoffs in the technology industry in the past few years might lead you to think the industry is shrinking. But take a closer look, and the story becomes more nuanced—and far more optimistic.
Many companies across industries are actively seeking technology talent to support ongoing digital transformation efforts and to leverage emerging technologies like AI. And according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tech workforce is expected to grow at twice the rate of the overall job market over the next decade. For professionals who position themselves strategically and know where to look, tech jobs aren’t just scattered opportunities—there could be several waiting for you to apply to today.
High-Growth Entry-Level Tech Jobs + 6 Ways to Advance Your Tech Career
High-growth areas you should know about
Three areas stand out for their growth potential and current skills gaps.
1. Cybersecurity
As of late 2024, the U.S. cybersecurity workforce included well over a million professionals. But even with those numbers, there’s still a significant shortage—only 83% of available positions are filled. That leaves several hundred thousand cybersecurity roles open, making it one of the top tech jobs in demand right now.
So, what are these opportunities? Some roles, like cybersecurity analysts, focus on monitoring networks and implementing security measures to protect organizations from attacks. Others, like security architects, build the entire cybersecurity infrastructure. There are also great entry-level tech jobs in this field, like penetration testers, who simulate attacks to identify system vulnerabilities, and compliance analysts, who make sure cybersecurity practices meet regulatory standards.
2. Cloud computing
Cloud computing is another area where tech jobs are booming. As more companies move their operations to the cloud, the need for skilled professionals keeps growing.
Entry-level tech jobs in this sector include cloud engineers, who design and optimize applications for cloud platforms, and cloud administrators, who handle everyday tasks like troubleshooting, maintenance and system upgrades. The demand for these roles is reflected in competitive salaries. For instance, early-career cloud administrators in the United States earn an average salary of $87,000.
3. Software development
The future also looks bright for software developers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% job growth from 2023 to 2033, translating to 327,900 new positions.
Entry-level tech jobs in this space include QA tester and software support specialist roles, both of which provide foundational experience in understanding how software systems operate and ensuring they function as intended. More experienced developers often specialize as front-end developers who build user interfaces or back-end developers who work on the systems and databases that power applications. Others move into roles like full-stack developers, combining front- and back-end expertise to build entire applications.
6 ways to advance your tech career
Here are six approaches to help you stand out in today's competitive market.
1. Choose a specialty wisely—Select one of the skills or tech jobs in demand and go deep. Many employers aren’t looking for people who know a little bit of everything; they want professionals who bring focused expertise to the table. For example, you could specialize in cloud security if you're interested in cybersecurity. For those pursuing entry-level tech jobs in software development, building strong skills in tools like React (for user-friendly websites) or Python (for behind-the-scenes systems) can help you stand out.
2. Get the right certifications—Specific credentials matter for tech jobs, demonstrating not just the technical knowledge you’ve gained but also the dedication to advancing your career. For cybersecurity, start with CompTIA Security+ and work toward CISSP certification. Cloud specialists can pursue AWS Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Administrator credentials. For software development, consider cloud-native certifications like Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) alongside your programming expertise.
3. Collect evidence of your expertise—Your portfolio should showcase how you find answers to real-world problems. Set up a security testing environment using open-source tools, build a cloud-based app that addresses a specific business challenge or contribute to GitHub projects related to your specialty. Clearly document your steps when crafting a solution, not just the outcomes. Employers want professionals who can not only tackle challenges but also clearly explain how they did it.
4. Master AI tools—Understanding how to use artificial intelligence effectively is becoming essential in tech jobs across the board. Look for practical ways AI can make your work better. For example, AI-powered tools can help developers write cleaner code, assist security teams in detecting threats faster or make cloud resource management more efficient.
5. Build your professional network—Connect with other tech professionals by joining communities on platforms like Discord and Stack Overflow, where people in your field share ideas, hacks and best practices. Look for local meetups or industry conferences that align with your specialty.
6. Sharpen the human skills AI can't replicate—While artificial intelligence can analyze a thousand lines of code in seconds, it can't read the room in a tense meeting or build trust with a nervous client. These uniquely human abilities set you apart and make you just as indispensable in today’s tech jobs as do your technical skills.
Want to strengthen these skills? Start small, but be consistent. Volunteer to present at team meetings—even five-minute technical updates help build confidence. Practice active listening by waiting three seconds before responding in conversations (trust us, it's harder than it sounds). Also, ask for specific feedback after significant interactions: "How could I have explained that technical concept more clearly?" or "What would have made that code review more helpful?"
Start advancing your career today
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, small, consistent steps can help you shine and grow in a field that’s constantly evolving. Concentrate on building in-demand skills, gaining real-world experience and developing the human strengths that set you apart.
