Top Jobs of the Future (and Why) You Might Want Them

“The future is now” is a phrase we hear all too often. But what does it really mean for your career? How does it impact what the top jobs of the future are, and does it change what the next few decades of work will look like? While we don’t have a crystal ball to give you the answers, we do have something much more reliable—data.

And here’s what the data tells us: technology is moving fast, bringing us (and our work) into what’s been called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The term, coined by Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, describes the spectrum of new technologies that are bridging together physical, digital, and biological worlds. This fusion is said to impact everything from the jobs we do to the industries we work in, and even pose questions about what it means to be human. 

The fact is, technology, AI, and all-things-cyber-related are our new reality. And according to the Harvard Business Review, as the shift to AI and automation occurs, business leaders need to allocate their spending to account for additional research and development spending.

The article even goes on to state that “investment in talent and other stakeholders is increasingly considered essential to delivering long-term financial results.”

Today, we’ll review the top jobs of the future that will bring the financial results to companies, but also to you—the worker.

5 Top Jobs of the Future

Tech jobs of the future are ready for hire today. Here are five from Indeed that we’ve ranked based on their perks, demand, and learning opportunities.  

1. Big Data Analyst

A Big Data Analyst is a profession that’s on the rise. Essentially, it’s a professional who analyzes large and complex sets of data (i.e. big data) and makes the information digestible for others, so they can make informed decisions.

A Big Data Analyst has skills in data analytics, statistical modeling, and programming. They are problem solvers, and have the training to take big data and extract, analyze, and visualize it all in order to communicate their findings to stakeholders.

Big Data Analysts have proficiencies in programming languages like analytical and Python, R, SQL), and familiarity with big data technologies.

Job perks include:

• Collaborative: Big Data Analysts don’t work in silos. They’re often collaborating with teams or presenting information to stakeholders.
• Challenging: Big Data Analysts will always be presented with new challenges, and therefore, need to be on the lookout for new trends, and stay up-to-date with new technologies. 
• Industry-wide opportunities: There are many industries that are looking for Big Data Analysts, like healthcare, marketing, and retail.

Salary: In the United States, pay for this role typically falls between $69k and $88k

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist

AI is changing how the world does business. This means that knowing how humans interact with artificial intelligence needs to be predicted and understood so the tool can be of better use to the companies and workers who are using it. Enter the AI Specialist.

This role works with AI to develop programs that solve client and customer pain points, making the tool more valuable both internally and externally. Some job descriptions require the use of deep learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), chatbots, and more to help bring about new and innovative ideas for businesses.

Ultimately, this role is to help a business achieve their unique goals using AI as support. Job applicants should have a strong background in programming, systems analysis, and/or fluency in a number of computer languages. AI Specialists should also have a deep understanding of frameworks and algorithms and big data technologies.

Job perks include:

• Growth: AI is a growing field, which means the opportunities for professional growth are endless
• High demand: To gain a competitive edge, companies across a variety of industries are increasing their spend on AI, including hiring roles like the AI Specialist. 
• Creativity: AI Specialists get to be on the frontlines of innovation, and have the ability to use their creative thinking to transform the future of how people live and work.

Salary: In the United States, the average salary for an AI Specialist is $100k a year

3. Quantum Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, builds, and tests computer software applications, and ensures their maintenance overtime. They identify user needs—a business and/or their customers—and develop software solutions to meet those needs.

Today, software developers are expert coders, using programming languages like Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript. They work with a variety of stakeholders like project managers, marketing teams, designers, IT teams, and other developers to ensure what they’re making meets the expectations and achieves the goals of the end user.

Their role involves coding, testing, debugging, maintenance, and continuous learning. It requires time management and organization to keep up with the many projects that may be happening at once.

But in the future, this role will evolve—just like the technology that it builds.

Let’s take a look at quantum computers and the Quantum Software Developers who will be working on (and with) them. And according to this article, quantum software development has really only just begun. Furthermore, finding the qualified people to fill the role will be a task all on its own. This is due to the fact that quantum programming is quite different from traditional programming: this “rare breed” of worker needs to be an expert in quantum information theory, plus have an understanding of quantum physics, and be a master of linear algebra.

Job perks include:

• Flexibility and remote work: In a recent study, almost 40% of software engineers stated that they will only work remotely. Because of its nature, this role offers more flexibility. Depending on the workplace, stable internet access and working in the same time zone may be all a Software Developer needs to get the job done.
  
• High demand: As technology evolves, the role of Software Developer does, too. As a highly specialized job, it remains a critical role in many organizations, and like we mentioned: the more specialized the role, the more demand there will be
  
• Constant learning: Professionals who seek a challenge and continuous learning opportunities thrive in this role, as they must keep up with evolving technologies, trends, and best practices.

Salary: The average salary for a Software Developer is $94k per year in United States.

4. Blockchain jobs

Blockchain jobs are somewhat new to the market, but are already growing in numbers and in scope. 

For instance, AI is predicted to impact blockchain roles and the industries they serve in a number of ways. In this article, IBM states that fields like healthcare, life sciences, and financial services all have the ability to be transformed for the better when AI and blockchain work together.

Current roles include but are no limited to:

• Blockchain Developers: This professional is responsible for building things like decentralized applications and smart contracts.
• Blockchain architects: This role designs the infrastructure for blockchain applications. 
• Blockchain Consultants: This professional is well-versed and educated in blockchain and can provide advice to organizations who are looking for blockchain solutions.
• Blockchain Project Managers (PMs): Blockchain PMs are the planners of the projects. They organize and manage resources, timelines, and budgets to ensure the successful delivery of the end product.
• Blockchain Analysts: This role is responsible for the research and analysis on blockchain technology, plus providing market trends and use cases. Blockchain Analysts assess risks and benefits, and use their insights to provide recommendations for solutions. 

Job perks:

• Ever evolving: This industry is constantly changing, which means the roles and responsibilities of the blockchain professional must grow and adapt, as well.
• Collaboration: And not just in your organization. Blockchain is a global technology, equalling worldwide networking and learning opportunities. 

Salary: In the United States, the average pay for a Blockchain Developer is $94k a year.

5. Cyber Security Specialist

A Cyber Security Specialist works in the field of information technology security. Ultimately, their job is to protect people, organizations, and their data.

They act as cyber guards, subsequently monitoring and identifying threats, remediating problems, and training employees and members of organizations how to keep their information private and secure.

Their jobs are more and more in demand, especially as technology evolves to produce greater threats and greater opportunities for protection. Consider AI, for example. Companies and the workers who keep their data safe need to have an understanding of how AI could impact their cyber security and be armed for network defense against any vulnerabilities.

Job perks include: 

• Industry wide: This role can work in any number of industries, including healthcare, start-ups, large corporations, and government organizations. 
• Dynamic days: When it comes to cyber security, one day is not like the other. These roles face daily challenges in protecting their workplaces and organization from cyber threats and have to actively implement security measures, risk assessments, and be on guard of remediation and response. 

Salary: In the United States, the average base pay for a Cyber Security Specialist is $105k a year

How to get the skills to land a top job of the future

As much as we think we can predict the future, we can’t. That said, we can prepare for it.

When we combine facts and data with training and the drive to keep learning, the future—and being successful in it—doesn’t have to be an unknown: it can be an achievable goal.

And preparation is the key to success—no matter how fast technology is moving. You can keep up, and then some. By learning and picking up new skills, you’re not only readying yourself for tomorrow’s workforce, but you might actually be developing it, too.

Because behind every AI, algorithm, and software solution, there’s a human making it work. 

And we think that human might just be you.