It’s more than halfway through the year, in the middle of the worst pandemic in a century, and the tech job market is as strong as ever despite high unemployment numbers overall. While other industries are laying off employees, many tech companies are having a hiring surge.
Tech companies offer everything you’re looking for in a career: High pay, stability, paid time off, laptops and headphones, remote work, and even student loan repayments.
It’s a great time to see what’s out there and take a step up to a new tech position or a better company. Here are some of the hottest tech jobs on the market right now.
Check out our list of the top job search sites for the tech market as well. (You can also see which companies have implemented a hiring freeze during the pandemic.)
The 15 hottest tech jobs right now
1) Data scientist
- Median annual salary: $113,000
- Job satisfaction: 4.3/5
- Number of job openings: 18,527
What data scientists do: While data science is a diverse field with a wide range of responsibilities depending on the company, all data scientists evaluate data to provide creative insight. Duties typically include creating machine-based learning tools for use by the tech company, such as recommendation engines or expanded artificial intelligence (A.I.) functions. Data scientists also typically collect, clean, and organize data, and perform statistical and predictive analysis.
Skills and experience:
- Strong understanding of statistical theory and applications. Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with machine learning and/or big data techniques (Spark, Pig, Hive)
- Exceptional coding skills and experience with at least one high-level programming language (Python, Java or equivalent)
- Proven record of 3-plus years of experience conducting data science projects.
- Experience performing investigations on large-scale data sets
Companies hiring data scientists now:
-
Google, Mountain View, California – See the job
- Free lunch and snacks
- 401(k) matching
- Vacation and paid time off
-
Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts – See the job
- 401(k) with matching up to 6%, global stock options, flexible spending account
- Educational assistance
- Paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents, including adoption
-
Bayer, St. Louis – See the job
- 401(k) plan with match
- Vacation and paid time off
- Health care insurance
2) Software engineer
- Median annual salary: $92,046
- Job satisfaction: 3.6/5
- Number of job openings: ,83,336
What software engineers do: Software engineers use knowledge of engineering principles and programming languages to design, develop, and install software and systems. This role can start as an entry-level position, with the opportunity to be promoted to senior software engineer roles.
Skills and experience:
- Proficiency in multiple programming languages such as Java, MySQL/Oracle/DB, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Expertise with SQL, relational data modeling, and basic database schema design
- Experience working across complex enterprise systems to enhance current processes and procedures, while ensuring the validity of enterprise data
- Ability to solve architectural and system issues involving scalability and relational databases
Companies hiring software engineers now:
-
Apple, Santa Clara, California – See the job
- Health insurance and wellness programs
- Time-away programs
- Stock grants and discount buy-ins
-
Microsoft, Elkridge, Maryland – See the job
- Employee discount
- 401(k) matched up to a maximum of $9,000
- Company-paid health insurance
-
T-Mobile, Frisco, Texas – See the job
- Comprehensive health insurance
- 401(k) with 5% matching
- Vacation and paid time off
3) DevOps engineer
- Median annual salary: $100,000
- Job satisfaction: 4.⅕,
- Number of job openings: 19,852
What devops engineers do: DevOps engineers automate and streamline existing systems and processes, as well as build and maintain tools for deployment, operations, and monitoring systems. They also diagnose and resolve issues in development, testing, and production environments.
Skills and experience:
- Scripting skills in languages such as Bash, Ant, Python, Gradle, Maven, and Ruby
- Experience with object-oriented design, data structures, and multithreaded algorithms
- Experience with cloud-based infrastructure environments
- Experience collaborating across multiple functional/technical teams to deliver a project
Companies hiring devops engineers now:
-
Zoom, remote – See the job
- Unlimited vacation time
- Work from home
- Free food, gym, and wellness reimbursement
-
Moog, Torrance, California – See the job
- 401(k) plan with matching
- Vacation and paid time off
- Comprehensive, low-cost health insurance
-
Slalom, Chicago – See the job
- 50% 401(k) matching up to 6% of salary
- Health care, including transgender medical benefits
- Maternity and paternity leaves
4) Security engineer
- Median annual salary: $100,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.8/5
- Number of job openings: 41,928
What security engineers do: Security Engineers protect computer networks and systems. They devise and carry out strategies to monitor and protect sensitive data and systems from infiltration and cyberattacks.
Skills and experience:
- Expertise in disaster recovery, computer forensic tools, technologies, and methods
- Expertise in coding languages, and the ability to understand mobile and malicious code
- Experience with antivirus software, intrusion detection, firewalls, and content filtering
- Understanding of risk-assessment tools, technologies, and methods
- Bonus if the candidate has a computer science or information technology degree
Companies hiring security engineers now:
-
Travelers, Hartford, Connecticut – See the job
- 401(k) with 50% matching up to the first $6,000
- 20 days vacation and paid time off to start
- Comprehensive health insurance for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and children
-
Oshkosh Corporation, Annapolis, Maryland – See the job
- 401(k) and employee stock purchase plan
- Comprehensive health care and well-being programs
- Tuition reimbursement
-
Facebook, Menlo Park, California – See the job
- Free lunch and snacks
- Three months of maternity and paternity leave
- Generous vacation time, unlimited sick days, 21 days paid time off
5) Data analyst
- Median annual salary: $62,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.9/5
- Number of job openings: 4,276
What data analysts do: Data analyst duties include developing frameworks for data, analytics, and strategy development, as well as implementing data-analysis tools and providing user training. Other duties include collecting and analyzing data sets from diverse sources to inform business decisions and make accurate predictions. Tracking and monitoring internal and external data are other duties.
Skills and experience:
- Ability to analyze large data sets and filter relevant data sets
- Attention to detail, an analytical mind, and problem-solving ability
- Experience in data modeling and reporting software
- Ability to write actionable reports in clear language
Companies hiring data analysts now:
-
Big Huge Games, Timonium, Maryland – See the job
- Unlimited vacation
- 401(k) with matching
- Free snacks and tea
-
Costco Wholesale – Issaquah, Washington – See the job
- 401(k) with company performance-based bonus contributions
- Vacation and accrued paid time off
- Full benefits for part-time workers
-
Rose International, Austin, Texas – See the job
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- 401(k) plan (traditional and Roth) with matching
- Fixed indemnity plan
6) Solutions architect
- Median annual salary: $111,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.6
- Number of job openings: 55,310
What solutions architects do: Solution architects manage complex processes to solve business problems using technology. Duties include defining features, phases, and solution requirements to address issues and weaknesses and determining the best tech solution to solve problems while also explaining the solution to project stakeholders to achieve buy-in.
Skills and experience:
- IT infrastructure and cloud development
- Engineering and software architectural design
- Working experience in various areas of IT
- Project and product management
Companies hiring solutions architects now:
-
CyberCoders, Redlands, California – See the job
- 401(k) plan with 6% match
- Free unlimited food and drinks
- Low-cost health insurance
-
Bain & Company, Inc., Baltimore – See the job
- Low-cost health insurance
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Vacation and paid time off
-
Nvidia, Santa Clara, California – See the job
- Health care coverage, life and disability insurance
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Maternity and paternity leave
7) Systems engineer
- Median annual salary: $78,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.5/5
- Number of job openings: 52,863
What systems engineers do: System engineers combine knowledge of engineering and coding to implement computer systems for businesses and organizations. Most job descriptions require system design and analysis, as well as communication, mathematical, and business skills. They implement new systems, evaluate performance, and correct software errors in existing systems. Responsibilities may include preparing progress and specifications reports, maintaining inventory, and overseeing payroll.
Skills and experience:
- Knowledge of network hardware and operating systems
- Strong communication skills
- Experience with planning design, technical review, and implementation of new network infrastructure
- Experience with troubleshooting and fixing networks and systems
- Bonus if they have a computer science- or computer-related degree
Companies hiring systems engineers now:
-
SSATI, Annapolis Junction, Maryland – See the job
- Hobby bonus
- Health and fitness allowance
- Vacation and paid time off
-
ManTech, Hanover, Maryland – See the job
- 100%-paid tuition at Purdue Global for bachelors or masters degree
- 401(k) plan with match
- Vacation and paid time off
-
Conch Technologies, Inc., New York City – See the job
- Vacation and paid time off
- Health insurance including family benefits
- 401(k) plan
8) Software developer
- Median annual salary: $77,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.5/5
- Number of job openings: 46,483
What software developers do: Software developer responsibilities include designing, testing, implementing, and managing software programs. They are also charged with modifying existing programs to meet company needs, developing quality-assurance testing methods, training users, and evaluating the software for its efficiency and usability. They may also implement programs, integrate systems, train users, and monitor systems.
Skills and experience:
- Coding in languages such as Java, Python, C#/.Net, Mean, and Ruby
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Experience in software testing and debugging
- Expertise in object-oriented design
Companies hiring software developers now:
-
Milwaukee Tool, Brookfield, Wisconsin – See the job
- Comprehensive health care and low-cost prescriptions
- 401(k) plan
- Vacation and paid time off
-
Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Livermore, California – See the job
- 401(k) with 6% matching
- Accrued vacation time for each year of employment and paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
-
Costco Wholesale – Issaquah, Washington – See the job
- 401(k) with company performance-based bonus contributions
- Vacation and accrued paid time off
- Full benefits for part-time workers
9) UX designer
- Median annual salary: $85,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.7/5
- Number of job openings: 3,457
What UX designers do: UX designers are responsible for the look and feel of websites. Using product specifications, user psychology, and research data, they work with web developers to create website concepts and conduct usability tests to evaluate design success. They find creative ways to address usability, findability issues, and use the knowledge gained to develop wireframes and prototypes to meet customer needs.
Skills and experience:
- Proficiency in design software such as UXPin and Balsamiq
- HTML/CSS and JavaScript skills
- Project-management and research experience
- Experience as a UX or UI designer, or similar role
Companies hiring UX designers now:
-
Zendesk, San Francisco – See the job
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Vacation and unlimited paid time off
- 401(k) with matching
-
Cirrus Logic, Austin, Texas – See the job
- 401(k) plan
- Vacation and paid time off
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
-
Twilio, Denver – See the job
- Maternity and paternity leave
- 401(k) plan with 3% match
- Free lunch and snacks
10) Systems administrator
- Median annual salary: $65,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.6/5
- Number of job openings: 36,767
What systems administrators do: System administrators are responsible for providing technical support for both hardware and software issues. They manage the configuration and operation of client-based computer operating systems, monitor systems, and respond to security issues. Job duties also include maintaining secure data backups, and monitoring and upgrading systems, processes, and security measures. They will also be expected to install and test new system hardware.
Skills and experience:
- Knowledge of system vulnerabilities and security issues
- Understanding of industry goals and practices
- System administration experience
- Experience with VMware
Companies hiring systems administrators now:
-
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – See the job
- Vacation and paid time off
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Maternity and paternity leave
-
BrainTrust Holdings, Annapolis Junction, Maryland – See the job
- 401(k) with 10% salary match
- Vacation and paid time off
- Health, dental, vision, and mental health insurance, plus family medical leave
-
Paycom, Oklahoma City – See the job
- 401(k) matching
- Vacation and paid time off
- Employee stock purchase opportunities
11) Applications engineer
- Median annual salary: $70,000
- Job satisfaction: 4/5
- Number of job openings: 70,996
What applications engineers do: Application Engineers gather customer input and sales information and use it to design or redesign, develop, test, and implement complex software programs and applications based on user needs. Job duties include designing, developing, implementing, and testing new applications, upgrading existing software, and providing technical support.
Skills and experience:
- Software and coding skills specific to the job
- Strong quantitative skills
- Experience in engineering or development
- Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams
Companies hiring applications engineers now:
-
Rose International, Lake Forest, Illinois – See the job
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- 401(k) plan (traditional and Roth) with matching
- Fixed indemnity plan
-
Colgate-Palmolive, Piscataway, New Jersey – See the job
- Vacation and paid time off
- Work from home
- Maternity and paternity leave
-
Life.Church – Edmond, Oklahoma – See the job
- 401(k) with matching
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
12) Data engineer
- Median annual salary: $130,525
- Job satisfaction: 3.9/5
- Number of job openings: 61,735
What data engineers do: Data engineers build systems to handle big data. They design, develop, build, test, and maintain architectures, including databases and large-scale data-processing systems. They are responsible for finding ways to acquire and filter data, and developing high-performance algorithms for data use, such as predictive modeling and proof of concepts. Responsibilities also include creating and implementing a disaster-recovery plan.
Skills and experience:
- Knowledge of Hadoop-based technologies, SQL-based technologies, NoSQL technologies, data-modeling tools, and various coding languages including Python, C/C++ or Java, Perl
- Statistical analysis and modeling
- Predictive modeling, neuro-linguistic programming , machine learning, and text analysis experience
- Experience with data-warehousing solutions
Companies hiring data engineers now:
-
Slalom, San Jose, California – See the job
- 50% 401(k) matching up to 6% of salary
- Health care, including transgender medical benefits
- Maternity and paternity leaves
-
Applied Information Sciences, remote – See the job
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition reimbursement plan and certification bonuses
- Paid annual and sick leave
-
Snowflake, San Mateo, California – See the job
- Vacation and paid time off
- Free lunch 4-5 days per week
- Health insurance and mental health therapy
13) Product manager
- Median annual salary: $109,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.8/5
- Number of job openings: 71,418
What product managers do: Product managers are responsible for developing products from start to finish. They conduct market research to identify potential products, devise product requirements, write specifications, set production timelines and benchmarks, assign responsibilities, and monitor the project from end-to-end. They may also set pricing, as well as develop marketing strategies and rollout schedule.
Skills and experience:
- Ability to identify new products, as well as develop products and marketing strategies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in software development and web technologies
- Product-management experience
Companies hiring product managers now:
-
OppLoans, Chicago – See the job
- Free Divvy bike membership
- Comprehensive health insurance
- 401(k) plan
-
VMware, Inc., Atlanta – See the job
- Equity and bonuses
- Vacation, holidays, sick time, and five days of paid time off each year
- Location-specific perks such as employee discounts, transportation reimbursements, subsidized cafes, and fitness facilities
-
Twitter, San Francisco – See the job
- Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
- 10 weeks maternity and paternity leave
- Low-cost health insurance
14) Java developer
- Median annual salary: $79,000
- Job satisfaction: 3.7/5
- Number of job openings: 15,999
What Java developers do: Java developers create user information system solutions by designing and developing high-volume, low-latency applications. Responsibilities include determining and defining user needs, writing specifications, and developing, testing, and implementing solutions.
Skills and experience:
- Knowledge of relational databases, SQL and ORM technologies
- Object-oriented analysis and design skills using common design patterns
- Product-management experience
- Java development experience
Companies hiring Java developers now:
-
UST Global, Mason, Ohio – See the job
- Vacation and paid time off
- Health, dental, accident, and life insurance
- 401(k) with matching
-
SAP, Naperville, Illinois – See the job
- Vacation and paid time off
- Career development programs and job training
- Gender equality
-
Kforce, Richfield, Minnesota – See the job
- Health and dental insurance
- 401(k) plan with match
- Vacation and paid time off
15) Sales engineer
- Median annual salary: $88,000
- Job satisfaction: 4.1/5
- Number of job openings: 20,718
What sales engineers do: Technical sales engineers provide clients with technical advice and introduce new products. Responsibilities include identifying new markets and clients, conducting sales meetings, negotiating contracts, and providing information, training, and technical support to clients.
Skills and experience:
- Strong technical knowledge
- The ability to communicate highly technical information in language easily understood by end users
- Technical sales experience
- Willingness to travel
Companies hiring sales engineers now:
-
SalesLoft, remote – See the job
- 401(k) with matching
- Vacation and unlimited paid time off
- Free lunch
-
Cisco Systems, Richardson, Texas – See the job
- Multiple health insurance plans and on-site medical
- 401(k) matching
- Vacation and paid time off
-
SailPoint Technologies, remote – See the job
- Flexible vacation policy and paid holidays
- Flexible hours, family-friendly company events, and charitable work
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
Editors' Recommendations
- Best Online Learning Platforms 2020: Homeschool and learn new skills
- The U.S. wastes $161B worth of food every year. A.I. is helping us fix that
- VR training is helping police learn to cut down on unnecessary use of force
- A.I. can tell if you’re a good surgeon just by scanning your brain
- The best password managers for 2020