Tech Roles on the Rise! What Tech Roles Increased Most in Demand in 2023?

As technology and modern needs evolve, specific tech roles have risen in demand on the Hired tech recruitment platform. In Hired’s 2023 State of Tech Salaries report we revealed the top five in-demand roles “biggest movers” and why employers need them. 

They are (in order of growth from 2022 to mid-2023): 

1. Security (Cybersecurity) Engineer – Up 28%
2. Data Engineer – Up 21%
3. Machine Learning Engineer – Up 16%
4. Business Analyst – Up 15%
5. Backend Engineer – Up 11%

Related: What Tech Skills are Most in Demand in 2023 & Command Top Salaries?

Want updated data for specifics in engineering? Check out our Trends in Software Engineer Specializations: 2024 Report

1. Security or Cybersecurity Engineer

Average interview request salary* on Hired: $165,003

As the world continues to digitally transform, so do criminals. All kinds of businesses, in a variety of industries, have learned, some the hard way, how important security and cybersecurity engineers are to them. 

In one example, patients of a Louisville, KY, hospital network struggled to obtain prescriptions and make appointments after a cyberattack stole personally identifiable information, (PII) and medical records. The ransomware disrupted patient care as well as set off an identity theft nightmare for the victims.  

Employers generally prefer a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or related fields. They may also look for practical experience building test networks or system prototypes. 

Top skills employers look for in security engineers

Ranked by priority in positions created on the Hired talent marketplace:

1. Python
2. AWS
3. Java
4. Go
5. JavaScript
6. Linux
7. Azure
8. Kubernetes
9. React
10. C++

*Average interview request salary means the average salary offer submitted by employers when they request an interview with a candidate on the Hired technical recruiting marketplace. Disclosing the salary for the role is part of the transparency we require of employers on the tech hiring platform. Jobseekers are required to list their salary expectations in their profiles. Combined, this helps drive better matches and an efficient hiring process for both tech candidates and hiring managers. 

Related: Talent Marketplace Platform: How to Find the Right One

2. Data Engineer

Average interview request salary on Hired: $163,782

Modern companies rely on data about themselves, their customers, and their competitors to stay relevant and ahead. Data engineers are the architects who establish the structure to retrieve, store, and manage vast reservoirs of data. With a blend of software engineering and data-centric skills, they transform raw data into usable systems.

Employers generally prefer a degree in computer science or related fields. They’ll also look for experiences displaying an aptitude for various programs, languages, and tools. Knowledge may include building data structures, managing databases, using big data, and how proper data infrastructure can affect a business.

Top skills employers look for in security engineers

Ranked by priority in positions created on the Hired talent marketplace:

1. Python
2. SQL
3. AWS
4. Spark
5. Java
6. Scala
7. Kafka
8. ETL
9. Airflow
10. Snowflake

3. Machine Learning Engineer

Average interview request salary on Hired: $169,666

A machine learning engineer is a visionary technologist, harnessing the power of algorithms to teach machines how to learn from and act on data. These engineers are adept at creating technologies embedded with AI. Common examples of what machine learning engineers work on include self-driving cars for Uber and programming tailored search results for Google users.

Employers generally prefer a Bachelor’s and Master’s or Ph.D. in computer science, an engineering discipline, or mathematics. They will also likely look for experience in working on practical and theoretical models.

Top skills employers look for in security engineers

Ranked by priority in positions created on the Hired talent marketplace:

1. Python
2. AWS
3. SQL
4. Java
5. Natural language processing (NLP)
6. Tensorflow
7. Deep Learning
8. Pytorch
9. Spark
10. Computer Vision

4. Business Analyst

Average interview request salary on Hired: $123,220

A business analyst connects business objectives to technical solutions. With a sharp analytical mind and a keen understanding of organizational needs, they delve into business processes, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Business analysts gather and interpret data, translate business requirements into technical specifications, and work closely with stakeholders to implement changes that drive business growth.

Employers generally prefer a degree in business administration, computer science, or related fields. They will also likely look for experience with business process modeling, data analysis tools, project management, and domain expertise. 

Top skills employers look for in business analysts

1. SQL
2. Python
3. Tableau
4. Looker
5. Data Analysis
6. R
7. Microsoft Excel
8. ETL
9. Data Warehousing
10. Financial Modeling

5. Backend Engineer

Average interview request salary on Hired: $160,039

While users interact with the visual elements of an application, it’s the backend engineer who ensures that data flows, servers respond, and business logic executes seamlessly. They design, implement, and manage databases, application servers, and API integrations. Backend engineers enjoy coding and crafting the foundation of successful digital experiences, ensuring performance, security, and scalability.

Employers generally prefer a degree in computer science, software engineering, computer security, or related fields. They may also look for experience with computer programming, REST-based services, cloud infrastructure, automated integration tests, accessing data on mainframes, and continuous integration.

Top skills employers look for in backend engineers

1. Java
2. Python
3. AWS
4. React
5. Go
6. Node.js
7. TypeScript
8. SQL
9. C#

Employers’ demand for specific engineering and tech roles grows

The Hired tech hiring platform showed the greatest volume of active positions belonged to: 

1. Backend Engineer
2. Full Stack Engineer
3. Frontend Engineer
4. Product Manager
5. Data Engineer 

These roles are comprehensive ones and are used by businesses of all sizes in a variety of ways. The 2023 State of Tech Salaries report showed how important specialization has become with the growth of employers seeking Security Engineers, Data Engineers, Machine Learning (ML) Engineers, and Backend Engineers. 

The Business Analyst subrole under Data Analytics also demonstrated a significant rise in demand on the Hired talent marketplace. With the rise of data, businesses need someone to help them interpret it and recommend actions.

AI Researchers (typically known as Research Scientists and Applied Scientists) continue to be in high demand from tech companies big and small. Rora reports that researchers are one of the few roles that continue to have significant negotiation leverage – where it’s still common for candidates to line up multiple job offers at the same time.

While AI Research Scientists are their own function at companies, they most closely align with the Machine Learning Engineer category on Hired’s tech hiring platform.

Roles dropping in demand the most from 2022 to mid-2023 were:

1. Product Designer – Down 26% 
2. UX Designer – Down 20%
3. Visual/U! Designer – Down 18%
4. Product Manager – Down 15%
5. Mobile Engineer – Down 12%.

The impact of GenAI on tech roles in demand in 2023

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re familiar with the onslaught of GenAI in the last year. It was even a major point of the 2023 strikes by writers and actors. With artificial intelligence applications as the tech du jour, more companies want engineers comfortable and ready to lead with it. They want more machine learning researchers and engineers to bring AI technology to their business.

Hired’s partner, Rora, shared there’s been a 21% year-over-year increase in demand for AI professionals. This is due to more funding, advances in technology, and the development of new use cases. Similar to the appetite for Web3 and blockchain talent in early 2022, in 2023 companies are competitively paying experienced AI technologists to sign offers.

As part of the State of Tech Salaries, we regularly survey tech employers and workers. We asked employers if employees who understood AI were considered more valuable. The majority, or 59%, said yes. 

In August of 2023, roles in emerging technologies or emerging tech skills requirements were part of 23% of all tech job postings. 

In addition, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shared inside categories like emerging tech, 37% of tech role postings included AI work and skills. 

Hiring candidates in AI-driven roles

Like many terms, AI has become a bucket to describe advanced computing technologies. Whether you’re a hiring manager, a CEO, or manage talent acquisition, the need for AI support may vary widely from business to business. 

Some companies will use AI to analyze data, build new models, or conduct research. Some will develop new products and tooling. Regardless of your need, look for candidates with transferable skills. 

Look for lifelong learners – people who are genuinely curious and embrace flexibility. Because the space is so new, any involvement in open-source-related projects is also a good indication of the aptitude to “grow with it. 

Staying up to date with the demands of the ebb and flow of the tech hiring market is critical. As AI has shown, change happens quickly. 

Related: Need to hire a Cloud Engineer?

Download the 2023 State of Tech Salaries report for more insights and data. 

Need to hire any of these tech roles growing in demand? Request a demo.