The 2024 Job Market Outlook for Technology Professionals

The tech sector today is like a living, breathing organism, where technology itself is now evolving faster than the IT job market. With so many changes and innovations happening at light speed, it’s critical for job seekers to stay ahead of the curve—and the future of technology roles in 2024 may surprise you. 

According to a report by CMG, emerging trends are set to redefine the tech employment landscape, from the surging demand for cybersecurity professionals, to exponential growth in the cloud computing industry, to expansion of AI-assisted roles. However, this development won’t come without challenges. 

The tech industry saw a staggering surge in global layoffs in 2023, surpassing 240,000, a 50% increase from 2022. Economic inflation, lower job turnover, and slower wage rate growth have introduced new complexities into the tech job market. Even with these issues, as the industry continues to grow, enhancing your data skills and managerial experiences may prove beneficial. For tech professionals, emphasizing your specialized skills will help show your employability as well as how you can adapt. Meanwhile, a path of continuous learning will allow you to better evolve with the job market and its shifting demands. 

Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can implement AI solutions, providing a cutting-edge advantage in an evolving job market. Many technology firms and professionals are refining their strategy after a turbulent year, and those who can adapt will find themselves at an advantage. 

Wage growth is slowing across all job levels.

Wage growth across the US is also headed toward pre-pandemic levels after years of rapid growth. The latest data shows that wages grew 4.5% year-over-year in August 2023, less than half their recent top growth rate of 9.3% in January 2022. And although the size of the decreases changes from sector to sector, there’s a considerable dip across all wage tiers. 

Yet, despite these challenges, opportunities will abound in many areas of technology. Compensation remains a priority for IT pros and overall, and tech salaries increased by a modest average of 2% in 2023. The outlook for 2024 is incredibly bright, especially for those with in-demand roles and skills in the areas of expected higher interest like cloud computing, data analytics, DevOps, and artificial intelligence. 

Highlight your skill sets in highest demand.

Aspiring tech experts can expect competitive compensation packages, reflecting the high demand for their skill sets. Employer expectations are evolving too, with a growing emphasis on adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies. So, the opportunity for IT professionals to carve out your own niche remains promising. A key to managing the journey lies in anticipating these market shifts and strategically equipping yourself with the latest skill sets required. Looking at recent Kelly data, we analyzed the top skill sets required by employers for senior-level technology positions, as well as the fastest-growing skill sets in demand.  

Fastest growing skills in demand.

Skills most in demand.

Use these skills to position your job search for maximum impact. Bolster your resume with any certifications or professional associations that reflect these skills or consider expanding your skill set to be as competitive as possible. Look for free online courses, webinars, or training programs. Just 15% of qualified candidates typically have the latest requirements.  

That’s why, for example, we’ve developed the Kelly Learning Center—a virtual training platform that offers a wide variety of courses, videos, books, audiobooks, and certifications, completely free to our Kelly team. Use resources like this to demonstrate your talent with a strong, comprehensive certification history and gain an edge with employers today. 

Partner with an expert in your work specialty.

Another way to combat the impact of lowering wage rate growth is to define your desired salary and must-have benefits. Use online tools like salary.com to establish exactly what a technology or IT pro in your role is making in your specific geographic area. It always helps to ask an expert for help. Nearly 80% of Kelly recruiters have a background in the tech fields they recruit for—so we get your needs, speak your language, and know how your skills can transfer to new roles. We’re also the authority in specific industry job markets, so we know what will stand out on your resume for your location. 

Beyond subject matter expertise, a partner like Kelly can connect you to exclusive openings at clients that you may not be able to reach on your own. Sometimes it’s simply about who you know! But increasingly today, it’s a human connection that makes the difference, as one candidate confirms: 

“The entire process was very streamlined. The communication was very clear and always existed, which is very important when looking for a job. Everyone involved was professional and responsive. The job that I was placed in has been wonderful. Thank you again.”  – Nicole, Software Engineer

The job market for tech roles offers a promising landscape filled with numerous opportunities, but not without challenges. Economic inflation, lower job turnover, and slower wage growth will create a competitive landscape, demanding more from job seekers. To navigate this terrain, you need to stay proactive, informed, and strategic. Consider earning professional recognition or certifications to stand out. And leverage a specialized recruitment service like Kelly Technology for insightful guidance and comprehensive support. We can help you seize the right opportunity in this evolving market. 

Want more information on how Kelly can work with you to support your technology career? Explore the roles we’re actively recruiting for now, or join our talent pool to submit your credentials to our recruiters without applying for a specific job.