Popular IT Jobs in 2025 and How to Qualify for Them

The IT sector remains an incubator of opportunity and innovation in today’s rapidly evolving tech environment. As we navigate through 2025, certain IT roles have emerged as particularly valuable, offering job security and impressive compensation. 

Whether you are looking to change careers or ascend the tech food chain, it’s important to know what jobs most need to be filled and, most importantly, how one can qualify for these most-sought-after jobs. Let’s explore 2025’s most in-demand IT jobs and what it takes to secure these most-wanted jobs.

Artificial Intelligence Specialists

AI has evolved from an up-and-coming tech to an organisational staple in every industry. There are two professions that most stand out in terms of employment in 2025:

AI Ethicist

AI ethicists are becoming indispensable specialists as businesses struggle to confront the ethical implications of using AI systems. They assist in creating and implementing AI solutions responsibly, based on fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Qualification Path:

• Advanced degree in ethics, philosophy, or computer science
• Deep knowledge of AI technologies along with their social implications
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements
• Risk assessment and ethical framework development experience

AI ethicists command salaries ranging from $140,000 to $190,000, reflecting their critical role in responsible AI implementation.

AI Product Manager

AI product managers link technical innovation and market success, which leads to the development of AI-powered tools that achieve business objectives and user needs.

Qualification Path:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
• Product development and product management experience
• Knowledge of machine learning, data science, and AI ethics
• Strong business acumen and market analysis skills

They typically get $130,000 to $180,000 annually, with those with specialized industry knowledge commanding premium salaries.

Cybersecurity Professionals

As cyber threats evolve, cybersecurity continues to be one of the most in-demand IT areas of specialization in 2025.

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers create and implement security measures to counteract evolving cyber threats. They conduct vulnerability testing, manage security tools, and lead incident response activities.

Qualification Path:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or CCNP Security
• Security frameworks and compliance standards expertise
• Analytical skills and keen attention to detail

Recent salary data puts cybersecurity engineers in the range of $120,000 to $170,000, with financial and healthcare experts at or near that high end of that range.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISMs govern enterprise-wide information security programs, mapping security objectives to broader organizational goals. According to the IT Skills and Salary Report by Skillsoft, CISM is one of the best-paying certifications to hold in 2025, where certified professionals command an average annual salary of $157,189.

Qualification Path:

• Five years of experience in information security, at least three of which in management
• Passing the CISM exam on covering governance, risk management, program development, and incident management
• Maintain certification through continuing education

Data Specialists

Decisions remain data-driven as of 2025, and data professionals remain in extremely high demand.

Data Engineer

Data engineers create and maintain systems where data is stored, processed, and collected in bulk quantities. They construct the framework enabling data analysts and scientists to draw meaningful insights.

Qualification Path:

• Skills in programming languages such as Python or Java
• Experience working on NoSQL technologies and big data tools
• Understanding of machine learning algorithms
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field

Data engineers receive annual wages ranging from $90,000 to $191,000, depending on experience and industry sector.

Data Analyst

Data analysts translate data into actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making. They can turn data into business recommendations, making them valuable to every industry.

Qualification Path:

• Statistical analysis and data visualization skills
• SQL, Excel skills, and knowledge of tools like Tableau
• Powerful data storytelling skills
• Bachelor of Science in a quantitative field

In 2025, data analysts will earn an average salary of $81,000 to $108,000, and their AI and machine learning skills will command a premium pay rate.

Cloud Computing Experts

Cloud expertise remains in high demand as organizations continue their digital transformation journeys.

Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers design, deploy, and manage cloud infrastructure to ensure scalability, security, and affordability. They specialize in multiple cloud platforms and architectures.

Qualification Path:

• Cloud certification by top providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Experience working with Infrastructure as code and automation tools
• Knowledge of best practices in cloud security
• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies

Cloud engineers receive $120,000 to $160,000, and higher pay for multi-cloud skills.

Software Development Professionals

Software development is still the lifeline of the tech industry, with specialty functions dominating the spotlight.

Software Engineer

Software developers design and build programs and systems using various programming languages and frameworks to solve the company’s needs.

Qualification Path:

• Programming skills using languages like Python, Java, or C++
• Experience with software development methodologies
• Knowledge of database technologies and API development
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent

Software engineers earn between $90,000 and $198,000, with specialized AI and machine learning expertise driving higher compensation.

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers build advanced algorithms that enable computers to learn and make data-based decisions. They drive AI solutions in various sectors.

Qualification Path:

• Strong math, statistics, and programming foundation
• Machine learning library and framework experience
• An advanced degree in computer science or AI
• Portfolio of successful ML deployments

Machine learning engineers receive one of the highest tech wages, between $130,000 and $180,000, while financial and health specialists tend to earn more.

IT Leadership Roles

IT leadership roles have entered the limelight as technology becomes increasingly essential to businesses.

IT Project Manager

IT project managers oversee technology projects from planning to implementation, ensuring they remain on track to meet business goals and use resources effectively.

Qualification Path:

• Bachelor of Business or related discipline
• Project management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile)
• Experience in application development
• Leadership skills and effective communication

IT project managers’ salaries range from $73,000 to $210,000, with enterprise-wide project managers earning higher amounts.

Certification Pathways to Success

In today’s competitive job market, certifications have become increasingly significant in showing skills and expertise. IT managers report that certified staff add approximately $30,000 of value to organisations every year.

The most valuable certifications in 2025 include:

1. AWS Certified Security – Specialty (Average salary: $203,597)
2. Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect (Average salary: $190,204)
3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (Average salary: $171,524)
4. Cisco Certified Network Professional – Security (Average salary: $168,159)
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (Average salary: $168,060)

The Future of IT Careers

In looking to the future of 2025 and beyond, several trends shape IT career development:

1. Hybrid skill sets that blend technical and business skills are becoming more valuable
2. Continuous learning has become essential as technologies evolve rapidly
3. Gaining expertise in cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and extended reality provides outstanding career benefits
4. Remote working capabilities remain crucial to enable international collaboration

Your Next Steps in IT Career Development

If you’re just starting or expanding on your current IT career, here are some strategic choices:

1. Assess market demand in your industry and geographical area
2. Identify skill gaps amongst current qualifications and target jobs
3. Create a certification roadmap in line with your professional goals
4. Gain experience working on projects and contributions
5. Create a network of professionals in your niche

Further Your Tech Career with Hunter

At Hunter Recruiting, we specialize in matching organizations with top-tier IT talent in various specializations. 

If you are looking for your next tech job opportunity visit our job board to see our latest opportunities, or submit your resume and a recruiter will be in touch when an opportunity that matches your skills opens up!