Discover the 10 most in-demand tech skills to learn in 2025 and how they can boost your career in the tech industry.
The demand for tech skills is at an all-time high and as the world continues to embrace disruptive technologies, the skills gap grows ever wider. Consider this: by2030, there could be a labor skills shortage of more than 4 million workers in the tech sector alone. While this will certainly cost countries to miss out on trillions of dollars in revenue, there's a silver lining: it's a huge opportunity for aspiring and existing tech professionals to fill the gap.
As tech evolves, so too will skills that are sought after. In the near future, however, there are a few worth noting particularly in areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, blockchain, and UI/UX design. In this article we discuss the most in-demand tech skills that are worth learning in 2025. Let’s dive in!
Join Index.dev and land high-paying remote projects with top companies in the US, UK, and Canada. Work on cutting-edge technologies from anywhere!
1. Cloud Computing
Companies are increasingly adopting cloud solutions, with large enterprises hoping to have more than half of their environment in the cloud bynext year. This trend is pushing the demand for cloud professionals who can help businesses efficiently migrate to the cloud and scale their operations.
Top Skills to Acquire in Cloud Computing
Knowledge of cloud platforms, cloud architecture design, cloud security best practices, programming languages such as Java, JavaScript and Python, and database management.
Popular Career Roles in Cloud Computing
- Cloud architect
- Cloud engineer
- Cloud administrator
- Cloud security analyst
- Cloud consultant
2. Cybersecurity
Increasing digital transformation across businesses and the ever-growing use of internet-enabled devices has led to a big demand for cybersecurity specialists. Why? Well, between2021 and 2023, there was a 72% rise in data breaches. The cost is huge, with the global average being nearly $5 million.
Considering how much businesses stand to lose or gain by implementing robust security practices, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand. In fact, a recent study showed that by 2025, the global cybersecurity workforce will need to grow by nearly3.5 million.
Top Skills to Acquire in Cybersecurity
Expertise in network security, endpoint security, compliance and governance, penetration testing, incident response, and cryptography.
Popular Career Roles in Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Security analyst
- Penetration tester
- Network security engineer
- Cloud security engineer
Explore More:Top 10 Programming Languages for Cybersecurity: A Developer’s Guide
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML may be big buzzwords but there's a shortage of professionals skilled in these fields – around15 million in 2025, to be precise. With worldwide spending on AI-centric systems all set to surge in the next few years, industries are turning to AI and ML experts to automate processes, optimize operations, and drive strategic business decisions. Tech professionals looking to make their mark in the AI domain should tap into this rewarding domain by upskilling.
Top Skills to Acquire in AI/ML
Expertise in generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), neural network architecture, data modeling, reinforcement learning, and programming languages like Python, Java, R, and Scala.
Popular Career Roles in AI/ML
- Deep learning engineer
- ML engineer
- Computer vision engineer
- NLP engineer
- Robotics engineer
4. Software Development
Despite a lull in 2020 owing to the pandemic, the software development market has picked up again and is pegged to be worth more than$88 billion by 2027. However, traditional training programs aren't able to keep up with the rapid evolution of technologies, thereby creating a skills gap. However, continuous upskilling can help tech professionals remain agile and enable businesses to build an adaptable workforce.
Top Skills to Acquire in Software Development
Skills in Python, Java, JavaScript, ReactJS, database management systems, cloud computing platforms, Kubernetes, and Redux.
Popular Career Roles in Software Development
- Software architect
- Mobile app developer
- DevOps engineer
- Data scientist
- Cloud engineer
Explore More:
5. Data Science
Data science being a relatively new field, there aren't data scientists with decades of expertise around. This means that highly skilled data scientists are in high demand. Tech professionals looking to expand their expertise can add data science to their list of skills, ensuring career security and the opportunity to contribute to this booming domain.
Top Skills to Acquire in Data Science
Knowledge of data collection and preparation, programming, exploratory data analysis, wrangling, statistics, AI and machine learning, natural language processing, and big data.
Popular Career Roles in Data Science
- Data scientist
- Data architect
- Data engineer
- Data analysts
- Database administrator
6. Blockchain Technology
With blockchain revolutionizing financial transactions, data transparency and security, and identity management, to name a few, there's a need for professionals who thoroughly understand the technology. A new forecast predicts that blockchain tech will reach a value of over$900 billion in 2032 - creating the perfect opportunity to acquire the skills and tap into the job market.
Top Skills to Acquire in Blockchain Technology
Expertise in blockchain architecture, smart contracts, data structures, distributed systems, peer-to-peer networks, cryptography, and programming languages like Solidity, Go, C++, JavaScript, and Rust.
Popular Career Roles in Blockchain Technology
- Blockchain developer
- Blockchain solution architect
- Blockchain engineer
- Web3 expert
- Smart contract developer
7. Edge Computing
In 2023, there were nearly16 billion internet of things (IoT) devices around the world. As staggering as that number is, it's set to almost double by 2030. This complex maze of connected devices and the volume of data generated has led to the emergence of edge computing where data is processed close to its source. This enables quick response time, real-time analytics, lower cost, and improved data security.
In the midst of all this is a rising call for edge computing experts who can design and maintain edge infrastructure, reduce latency, ensure data security across distributed systems and much more.
Top Skills to Acquire in Edge Computing
Knowledge of networking protocols, distributed systems, security, programming, containerization, microservices, deploying and scaling IoT devices, cybersecurity, and data management, to name a few.
Popular Career Roles in Edge Computing
- Edge computing engineer
- Edge computing architect
- Network engineer
- Edge security specialist
- IoT architect
8. DevOps
DevOps – the combination of software development and IT operations – increases the speed and efficiency of software delivery by enabling coordination between development and operations teams. DevOps engineers, known for their capacity to bridge the gap between these two once siloed processes, have a big impact on business and are assets to teams.
In 2023, DevOps expertise was thesecond skill most in demand by recruiters. Tech professionals seeking to acquire new knowledge can consider learning DevOps, which continues to remain a sought-after skill, and accelerate their career growth.
Top Skills to Acquire in DevOps
Knowledge of containerization and orchestration, coding, testing, security, Linux, CI/CD, cloud platforms, and version control systems.
Popular Career Roles in DevOps
- DevOps architect
- DevOps engineer
- Release manager
- Security engineer
- DevOps manager
Explore More:Cloud Engineer vs DevOps Engineer: What’s the Difference?
9. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality are two domains that are witnessing steady growth. While AR is increasingly being adopted by enterprises, VR is gaining ground in gaming. Professionals well-versed in these technologies are sought after by companies looking for AR and VR solutions in diverse industries including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and beyond. Now is as good a time as any to acquire these skills and be at the forefront of creating immersive user experiences.
Top Skills to Acquire in AR/VR
Skills in UI/UX design, programming, extended reality (XR), 3D modeling, animation, experience with game engines, knowledge of AR/VR hardware, AI and machine learning\
Popular Career Roles in AR/VR
- XR designer
- XR developer
- AR/VR engineer
- AR/VR game developer
- Product manager
10. UI/UX Design
Each year, thousands of apps are released on the App Store and Google Play. To say there's an overabundance of them is an understatement, but the demand for apps with exceptional UI and UX remains. And, while AI is increasingly used to design attractive interfaces, human UI/UX designers bring a human-centered approach to their work that cannot be found elsewhere. This combination of tech know-how and a nuanced understanding of human need continues to drive the demand for expert designers.
Top Skills to Acquire in UI/UX Design
Expertise in information architecture, coding, UI writing and UX research, wireframing and prototyping, usability testing, and analytical skills.
Popular Career Roles in UI/UX Design
- UI/UX designer
- UX researcher
- Product designer
- Information architect
- Visual designer
Conclusion
Upskilling is one of the most important steps tech professionals can take to innovate solutions to complex problems, stay ahead of the competition, and be an asset to employers. With technology evolving faster than one can say Jack Robinson, there really is no time like now to get started.
The 10 skills listed here provide an idea of just how diverse the tech space is and the many avenues that professionals can venture into as they navigate the digital future.
Join Index.dev’s talent network to access exciting remote opportunities and higher pay for your technical expertise!
Find top tech talent fast!Access a network of vetted Cloud engineers, DevOps specialists, and AI/ML professions and fill your key roles in just 48 hours with Index.dev.
