Despite a turbulent economy and widespread layoffs, tech skills remain in high demand, and unsurprisingly, generative AI is leading the charge, according to a newly released report by Indeed. The study finds that half of the top 10 highest-paying tech skills on the US list are AI-specific.
Top 10 Tech Skills in the US and Their Average Salary Potential
1. Generative AI, $174,727: Generative artificial intelligence is AI capable of generating text, images or other data using generative models, often in response to prompts.
2. SoC, $174,564: System-on-chip is an integrated circuit that integrates most or all of the components of a computer or other electronic system.
3. Deep Learning, $170,939: Deep learning is the subset of machine learning methods based on artificial neural networks with representation learning.
4. Torch, $169,874: Torch is an open source machine learning library, scientific computing framework, and programming language based on Lua.
5. PyTorch, $168,636: PyTorch is a machine learning framework based on the Torch library. It is used for applications such as computer vision and natural language processing. The ML framework was developed by Meta AI and is now part of the Linux Foundation umbrella.
6. Computer Vision, $166,873: Computer vision is a field of computer science that focuses on allowing computers to identify and understand objects and people in images and videos.
7. SystemVerilog, $165,832: SystemVerilog is a hardware description and verification language used to model, design, simulate, test, and implement electronic systems.
8. Mesos, $165,788: Apache Mesos is an open source project for managing groups of computers such as CPU, memory, storage and other computing resources.
9. Rust, $165,637: Rust is a general-purpose programming language that emphasizes performance, type safety, and concurrency.
10. Elixir, $165,245: Elixir is a high-level, concurrent, functional general-purpose programming language that is also used to implement the Erlang programming language.
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Job Seekers with AI Skills Stand Out Clearly
There is no doubt that AI is changing the technology industry and the nature of jobs. Accordingly, “job seekers would do well to consider the industry's new and changing demands, including changes resulting from the widespread adoption of generative AI,” noted Indeed's first report on the 10 highest-paying tech skills. “While Generation AI will impact virtually every industry, technology will be impacted the most.”
Despite layoffs in the tech sector that have dominated the headlines, “this data is demonstrating a reverse trend within the industry: demonstrating that demand for certain tech skills remains high and, in some cases, skyrocketing.” “Donal McMahon, vice president of data science at Indeed, told TechRepublic via email. “With this in mind, it is interesting that we see AI-specific skills dominating half of the list. This underlines that in a tight market, job seekers with AI skills can stand out and potentially earn almost 50% more than their counterparts.”
AI skills sought around the world
With the rise of AI globally, Indeed is seeing as much demand for similar skills around the world as it does in the United States, McMahon said. Companies around the world “are looking for employees who understand AI and can adapt to new and emerging technologies,” he said.
Top companies and industries that hire these technological skills
Top companies hiring for these tech skills include Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA, Meta, TikTok, Deloitte and Ericsson Worldwide, according to the Indeed report.
In terms of specific industry verticals, in 2024, every company is working to become a technology company, which will increase demand for these skills, McMahon said. “Some of the top industries we see coveting these skills are aerospace and defense, insurance companies, financial services, manufacturing and semiconductors.”
Hiring Tips for Employers: Act Fast, Focus on Skills and Upskilling
As more companies move their operations online and every industry adopts new forms of digital transformation, workers with specialized technical skills are needed everywhere, not just in the tech industry, McMahon emphasized.
“In fact, data has shown that 77% of job seekers are frustrated with the job search process and feel the process is too slow,” he said. “Employers also agree that it takes too long to find quality talent and hire them, but they have some control over this timeline. “When job and skills seekers are in demand, we encourage employers to act quickly and use appropriate technology during the hiring process.”
Not only will this alleviate the job seeker's pain points, McMahon added, but the company can make strategic hiring more quickly.
Additionally, employers can find candidates faster by focusing on a skills-first approach to hiring, he said. “Instead of looking at metrics like a college degree, a certain number of years of experience, or previous companies, they can hire based on the skills they need. “This will open the talent pipeline to candidates who are often overlooked but are qualified to do the job.”
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Employers may also consider implementing a skills enhancement program to provide opportunities for current employees to learn these skills, McMahon said. He also suggested that new workers continue to develop expertise in these skills.
While Indeed's Workforce Insights Report finds that 43% of job seekers consider a lack of certifications as a top barrier to finding the job they want, most of the skills on this list can be learned through online courses, according to the report.
