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Today just a mere degree does not guarantee a stable job because the job market is changing rapidly. New technologies are emerging every day, and companies are looking for people who can adapt to these changes.
So, now the question arises how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd?
For that, you need to continuously update your skill set and learn relevant skills to stay on top of your competition. And it’s not just about soft skills like communication, leadership, etc. You need to hone your hard skills to open more opportunities for earning and growing your career.
Hence, here’s a list of the 20 in-demand skills in the job market that you should know about.
Graphic Design: To make creative visual content to communicate messages to audiences on a larger scale.
Content Creation: To market information, and attract and retain existing customers through quality engagement.
Animation: For educating and engaging the audience through animated content.
Social media management: For people proficient with different social media platforms and establishing an online presence.
UI/UX design: For people who want to provide an easier and more enjoyable user experience for different products.
Extended reality(AR/VR): To work with and develop real and virtual combined environments produced by computers and wearable technologies.
Stock market: To buy, sell and invest in shares of public listed companies to earn profit.
Product Management: To work with and manage every step of a product’s life cycle from development to positioning and pricing, keeping the end customers in mind.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a common word for delivering hosted services through the internet. It is the distribution of IT resources with pay-as-you-go pricing.
So, rather than purchasing, operating, and maintaining physical data centres and servers, you may use a cloud provider to obtain technical services such as processing power, storage, and databases when necessary.
In recent years, several firms have switched their physical infrastructure to cloud services such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Because of this extraordinary expansion, there is a high need for cloud computing experts.
In 2021, the worldwide cloud storage industry was estimated to be worth $70.91 billion. Furthermore, with a CAGR of 24% from 2022 to 2029, it will reach around $376.37 billion.
Moreover, Cloud Database Administrators in the United States are also expected to make an average annual income of $130,000.
So, this is a highly lucrative skill to have.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is turning raw, jumbled data into valuable insights by cleaning the data, transforming, manipulating, and inspecting it. Then, the data insights are visually presented in charts, graphs, or dashboards.
According to Technavio’s most recent market study, the potential growth difference in the data analytics industry would be USD 196.47 billion between 2021 and 2026. As per the reports, the market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 13.54% during this projected period.
The widespread usage of modern technology in business operations is significantly driving the growth of the data analytics industry. Therefore, there is an increased surge in demand for Data Analytics.
Also, the average annual salary for a Data Analyst in the US is $80,635.
Hence, knowing finance fundamentals and developing appealing presentations are both essential. Besides, data analysis is an important in-demand skill that may pay handsomely, especially in the IT sector.
Web and Mobile App Development
Designing, creating, testing, and launching a web-based or mobile-based app is known as web or mobile application development.
Every second, a new website is launched, or a new app is published. Naturally, this would not be feasible without the assistance of those competent in developing and managing applications and websites.
So, web or mobile application development is an excellent skill that could open many career opportunities for you. Further, a full-stack web developer can get an average salary of $90,214 per year, which is a fair amount for a beginner with the required skills.
AI & Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence is a computer system’s capacity to mimic human intellectual capabilities such as learning and problem-solving.
Machine learning is a form of AI that trains computers to learn, understand and improve independently based on their experience like humans.
Thus, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are among the most powerful technologies of our time, with huge potential to alter the future. So, it is vital to be proficient in this skill to be future-ready.
Moreover, AI & Machine learning professionals earn an average annual salary of $95,622, which is a pretty good income.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the leading-edge technologies that is increasingly gaining popularity. It can be defined as a way of storing data that makes it difficult or impossible to alter, hack, or cheat the system.
Thus, we can say that blockchain is a technology that is boosting digital security, a dire need of the present time.
Furthermore, the global blockchain market valued at 1.57 billion US dollars in 2018 is expected to grow more than 100 times to 163 billion US dollars by 2027. Also, there are many Blockchain startups which are emerging today.
To top it all, according to ZipRecruiter, a blockchain developer may earn more than $150K per year with the necessary competence and skills.
Hence, even if Blockchain is a relatively new technology, it is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand skills for the future.
Programming
Programming means instructing a computer or a device to do specific tasks using vocabulary and a set of grammatical rules of a particular language made explicitly for computers.
Thus, knowing how to code in a computer language such as C++, Java, or Python is a must-have skill for individuals who wish to build software, web apps, or websites.
Moreover, the software development market was worth $429.59 billion in 2021 globally and is predicted to grow at an 11.7 % CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Besides, the average salary of the programmers ranges from $33,000 to $110,000 annually.
So, programming is an in-demand and high-paying skill for the present and the years to come.
API Development
API (Application Programming Interface) development means creating software that acts as a mediator between two apps and allows them to talk to each other. It makes software development and innovation easier by allowing programmes to communicate data and functions simple and safe manner.
Thus, those who can use API to create and develop software may work in various enterprises and organisations.
Furthermore, the API management market was globally valued at $2.2 billion in 2021. It is expected to increase at a CAGR of 34.5 % from 2022 to 2031, reaching $41.5 billion by 2031.
Also, in the United States, the typical API developer’s pay is $115,000 per annum or $58.97 per hour, and the entry-level salaries begin at $97,500 per year.
Hence, having the skill of API Development is a plus point in your profile.
3D Game Development
3D gaming is computer-based entertainment displayed graphically in three dimensions; length, breadth, and height.
Thus, 3D exploration of virtual worlds becomes more realistic and enjoyable.
Also, the Global 3D Gaming Console Market was $9.8 billion in 2020, which might increase at a CAGR of 13.8 % to $24.3 billion by 2027.
The booming gaming industry opens a wide array of opportunities for game developers. Moreover, it pays well because the average annual income of a 3D game developer in the U.S.A is $115,846, sometimes with an additional cash compensation of $14,692.
So, 3D game development is one of the sought-after and profitable skills for the present and future.
Video Editing
Video Editing means modifying and rearranging video clips to create a new work. It can include tasks like removing unwanted footage, choosing the best footage, creating a flow, adding effects, graphics or music or altering the style, pace or mood of the video etc.
So, with the rise of video content and videography, there is an increased demand for editors proficient in editing video.
Moreover, globally, the video editing software market was worth $779.8 million in 2018 and is expected to rise to $ 932.7 million by 2025. Also, the national average income for a Video Editor in the United States is $55,141 per year.
Thus, developing the skills of videography and video editing can help you earn a second income.
Audio Production
Audio Editing means the process of modifying or altering sound recordings. It includes improving the recording quality, removing unnecessary noise or sounds, changing the duration or pitch of a specific audio clip, etc.
Since podcasts have become an efficient channel for reaching out to people, companies are increasingly focusing more on audio-based content. Thus, audio editing is in high demand as a skill.
Also, the average annual pay of an Audio Editor in the United States is around $71,424.
Hence, acquiring the skill of audio editing is highly lucrative in the long run.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is the promotion of brands using the internet and other types of digital communication to interact with potential clients. It encompasses email, social media, text and multimedia messaging and web-based advertising as a marketing channel.
We live in the internet age, where everything is online, even businesses. So, companies are always looking for efficient ways to sell their products and services online, boosting the growth of digital marketing.
Besides, the global digital marketing market was valued at US$350 billion in 2020. It is expected to expand to US$786.2 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 13.9 %over the forecast timeline.
So, with the surge in digital marketing, there is a huge demand for individuals with expertise in digital marketing.
Hence, today digital marketing is undoubtedly a winner when it comes to high-income skills.
SEO Writing
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a writing technique which optimises your content to rank higher on the search engines like Google. It includes keyword research and writing high-quality content that aligns with the user’s intent to make your content reach your audience more quickly.
SEO writing is vital in many industries and contributes significantly to their market. The global SEO market is estimated to be worth USD 122.11 billion by 2028, growing at a 9.6 % CAGR during the predicted period.
Moreover, a content writer with SEO skills earns an average of US$47,798 per year.
Thus, SEO is a stable skill that will not go out of style anytime soon; a significant increase in demand for SEO writers is foreseen.
So if you like writing, you can upgrade your skills and start writing SEO content which would open a broad range of opportunities for you in different organisations.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design is communicating ideas through visuals and design. It is the art or profession of visual communication that blends pictures, words, and ideas to express messages to the audience to achieve the desired impact.
A person can be artistically inclined, which is a soft talent. However, competency in adopting digital design tools has become a vital hard skill today because customers’ expectations for design aesthetics have significantly increased.
Further, the global market for design services was almost $153.2 billion in 2018 and is predicted to reach nearly $249.5 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 13 %.
Thus, graphic designing will always be the most in-demand skill and will continue to be one of the most in-demand skills in the future.
Moreover, the average annual income of a graphic designer is estimated to be between $55,000 and $83,250, which is a decent income.
So, if you are good at doing art, you can try learning graphic design, which might help you in the future.
Content Creation
The content is what makes a brand or its marketing stand out. The text format was formerly the only form of content used for marketing, but now, it has diversified into other formats like video content, which is effective in its own way.
The content creation market is likely to rise to $47.2 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 12.2%.
So if you are good at creating content, companies will want to collaborate and hire you to create content for them to market their product or services.
Moreover, content creators earn an average of $57,234 annually or $27.52 per hour in the United States if they are good at creating content.
Hence, content creation is one of the most in-demand skills, serving as a crucial part of the marketing mix driving the content creation market around the globe.
Animation
Animation is a technique that manipulates images to make them appear to move. The illusion of motion is created through the fast display of multiple types of pictures to create a single scene.
With most forms of media requiring some kind of special effects, the global animation industry has been growing rapidly. Thus, it is likely to grow to USD 587.1 billion by 2030, increasing at a CAGR of 5.2 %.
The growing need for visual effects in movies, video games, television, etc., drives the demand for animators.
So, if you have an artistic bent of mind, you can also earn an average yearly salary of around $53,540, which is a fair amount for a beginner with the requisite skills.
Social Media Management
Social media management is the constant process of strategically creating content, posting, and monitoring the online presence of a brand or an individual across different social media platforms.
With social media becoming increasingly prominent in everyone’s life, they need to maintain an online presence. However, not everyone has the time to use social media and maintain their social presence, for which they require social media managers.
Thus, social media management is a lucrative field with a CAGR growth rate of 23.6%, reaching USD 41.6 billion by 2026.
Therefore, if you enjoy scrolling through social media every day, you can earn a pretty good amount too. The average pay for a social media manager is around $71,177 in the United States.
UI/UX Design
UI/UX Design is the process of making an interface for a web page, an app or software that is more convenient and user-friendly. The user interface links the hardware and software, allowing users to perform operations effortlessly.
A UI/UX designer should be intuitive and keep their customers’ needs in mind.
With the growing number of websites and applications, the User Interface Services Market is expected to grow at a 10.6 % CAGR and reach $43.24 billion by 2030.
In the present time, UI designers are handsomely paid. It ranges from $ 84,500 and $ 95,000.
Thus, UI/UX design is in high demand. Hence, as a UI designer, you may earn a lot of money if you are creative and enthusiastic about design, adept at using tools like Adobe After Effects and understand the consumer’s point of view.
Extended Reality (AR/VR)
Extended reality (XR) refers to any real-and-virtual integrated settings and human-machine interactions created by computer technology and wearable devices. It includes augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR).
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are two powerful technologies that are rapidly being used across many businesses to provide a well-designed, customised, and efficient experience in the future.
It is one of the emerging technologies that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 57. 91% and reach USD 397. 81 billion by 2026.
Augmented Reality is the future. Thus, having the necessary skills can open a wide range of opportunities for you, with an expected average salary of $101,000 a year.
Trader
The stock market is a platform where investors and traders can buy and sell shares or securities of different enterprises for a profit.
The need for investments has grown manifold with the increasing number of startups and companies worldwide. Thus, the total market valuation of all publicly traded securities has increased from $2.5 trillion in 1980 to $93.7 trillion globally at the end of 2020 and is expected to grow more.
Hence, if you are willing to learn about how the stock market works and its risks, you can earn an average of $83,989 annually.
Product Management
Product management is a business practice within an enterprise that supports and manages activities like planning, development, marketing, and launching a product.
It needs a bundle of hard skills such as knowledge of the software development process, communication skills, business analysis, marketing fundamentals etc.
Thus, product management abilities have become extremely important for businesses to function seamlessly.
Moreover, with the increasing demand for product managers, the global product management market size is likely to reach $59.25 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 25.2%.
As new products are launched almost every day, it has become essential to hire product managers to guide the whole process of a product’s life cycle.
Hence, product management is a flourishing field where a well-paid manager earns an average salary of $107,594.
Go On, Tell Us What You Think!
Did we miss something? Come on! Tell us what you think about our article on skills in demand in the comments section.
A lawyer and an avid reader with a keen interest in company laws. Anwesha has good experience of writing in the legal and startup industries for well over 10 companies. In her free time, you can find her reading fiction and stargazing.
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