The 5 Most In-Demand Hard Skills That Guarantee Employment in 2023

The United States is experiencing a job market paradox. There are numerous open positions, but employers lament the lack of qualified candidates to fill these roles.

According to Bloomberg, there are almost two positions open for every unemployed candidate. Yet, ManpowerGroup found that global talent shortages have hit a 17-year high. Employers struggle to find the right people and skills. 

This contradictory situation has left many people feeling puzzled about their career choice. But there is a solution that can future-proof anyone’s profession. With 90% of the U.S. economy using digital tools, you are more likely to get employed if you have tech-related expertise.

To help you on a path towards a successful and fulfilling career, we’ve compiled a list of the five most in-demand hard skills for 2023.

Note: The list is based on a report from LinkedIn. Salary data is sourced from Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and other recruiting platforms.

Skill 1. Software development

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the market for software developers is expected to grow by 26% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for other industries. During this period, BLS predicts 370,600 job opportunities to appear.

With such a high demand, a lack of formal education doesn’t stop professionals from being hired. In 2022, a survey reported that approximately 41% of software developers had a bachelor’s degree, and 21% had completed a master’s degree. This means that approximately one in three software developers is not a college graduate.

If you want to join the ranks of employed programmers, but formal education is out of your reach, TripleTen offers a Software Engineering Bootcamp. The program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world projects. You’ll gain all the skills and experience needed to land a job in IT.

Skill 2. SQL

Relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle) are the foundation of today’s technology landscape, including many online applications and services. To communicate with these databases, IT specialists use SQL_{Data Analytics 101: All You Need to Know about SQL}, Structured Query Language. Therefore, having strong SQL skills is crucial for everyone who wants to work with data.

According to the provider of labor market analytics, Lightcast, 27% of job openings that mention SQL expertise have no educational requirements. This means that even if you do not have an academic background in computer science or information technology, having strong SQL skills is enough to still land a job in the tech industry. Similarly, 23% of job openings do not list prior experience as a requirement, meaning that you can apply for entry-level positions as soon as you master SQL.

If you are already thinking about diving into SQL, TripleTen offers a beginner-friendly SQL course for free. With 20 hours of study, you’ll learn the basic commands for selecting and manipulating data from a database. This is all done on our online coding platform that allows you to learn interactively, with feedback and communication built right in. Visit our webpage to learn more about this free course. 

Skill 3. Finance

The increasing complexity of financial regulations, technology, and global markets makes it challenging for businesses to navigate their finances. So companies need finance specialists just as much as they need software developers.

According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, finance professionals earn significantly more than the average for all occupations, with a median salary reaching $76,570. Additionally, BLS projected the finance industry to experience steady growth in the coming years, with nearly one million jobs opening each year between 2021 and 2031.

No wonder a career in finance is such an attractive option for individuals looking to join tech. If you want to master IT-related skills, expertise in finance allows you to start building your experience and contacts within the industry before you get to studying. Such an approach ensures an easier transition into tech in the future, especially the booming sector of financial technology, also known as FinTech.

Skill 4. Python

According to Stack Overflow, Python is the third most popular programming language worldwide, and the TIOBE index ranks it as number one. Compared to other programming languages, Python_{Is Programming Hard? Make It Easy with Python} offers faster, more readable code that results in better design for less effort. This makes it a perfect tool in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

In 2015, a study even revealed that more primary school students wanted to learn Python than French, highlighting the growing interest in the language. Python’s increasing popularity is also reflected in the rising need for Python developers worldwide. According to LinkedIn, the demand for Python developers went up 41% in recent years, making it one of the most sought-after skills in the tech industry.

Skill 5. Java

The TIOBE index ranks Java as the third most popular programming language in the world, behind only C and Python. According to StackShare, 10,360 companies use Java, including some of the biggest names in tech such as Amazon, Google, Uber, Spotify, and Slack.

One of the reasons for Java’s widespread use is its versatility. Java is used in the development of a wide range of applications, from mobile apps to enterprise-level software. Its object-oriented programming structure makes it easy for coders to build complex applications, and its platform independence allows it to run on various operating systems.

Java is also known for its security features. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, businesses need to ensure that their applications are secure and protected from cyber attacks. So Java’s sandbox environment and advanced authentication mechanisms are essential for businesses that handle sensitive data such as medical records or financial information.

Hard skills are your key to a successful tech career

With 90% of the U.S. economy using digital tools, you are more likely to get employed if you have tech-related expertise. Skills in coding, SQL, finance, Python, or Java will not only improve your employment prospects, but also future-proof your professional journey.

Don’t wait any longer to take charge of your future. Start developing new skills and welcome all the excitement they bring!