Which tech roles have the most open positions

The jobs with the most open positions right now are cloud infrastructure roles, cybersecurity positions, and software development — particularly those focused on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Companies are moving workloads to the cloud faster than they can find people to manage them, which is why cloud engineers and cloud architects consistently rank at the top of hiring lists across industries.

Beyond cloud, data engineering and data analytics roles are in high demand because nearly every company now collects data and needs people who can organize it, find it, and extract meaning from it. DevOps engineers — people who bridge software development and IT operations — are also heavily recruited because they help companies deploy code faster and more reliably.

The common thread across all these roles is that they solve specific business problems: reducing costs (cloud), preventing breaches (cybersecurity), shipping products faster (DevOps), and making decisions from data (data roles). Companies hire for these positions because not filling them costs them money.

Key Takeaways

  • Cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and DevOps roles have the most open positions because companies are moving to cloud platforms faster than they can hire people to manage them.
  • Data engineering and data analytics positions are in demand across every industry because companies need people who can organize and extract value from the data they collect.
  • Most in-demand roles require hands-on experience with specific tools — AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, or SQL — not just general IT knowledge.
  • Certifications like AWS Solutions Architect, Certified Kubernetes Administrator, and CompTIA Security+ directly map to job descriptions employers post.
  • Entry-level positions in these fields typically require either a relevant degree, a certification, or a portfolio of real projects you have completed.

Cloud roles: what companies are actually hiring

Cloud engineer and cloud architect are the two most commonly posted titles. A cloud engineer typically manages day-to-day infrastructure — setting up servers, configuring networks, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting problems on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. A cloud architect designs the overall structure of how a company's systems will run in the cloud, usually after several years as an engineer.

Most cloud engineer positions require hands-on experience with at least one major platform. Job postings typically list specific requirements: "3 years AWS experience" or "proficiency with Azure virtual machines and databases." This is not negotiable — companies want people who can start working when ready, not people who will need months of training.

The AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS Solutions Architect Professional certifications are directly tied to these roles. The same applies to Azure certifications like Azure Administrator and Azure Solutions Architect. These certifications prove you have worked with the platform, not just read about it.

Cybersecurity positions and what they require

Security engineer, security analyst, and penetration tester are the three most common cybersecurity titles. A security analyst monitors networks for threats, investigates incidents, and implements security policies. A security engineer designs and builds security systems — firewalls, encryption, access controls. A penetration tester is hired to break into systems (with permission) to find vulnerabilities before attackers do.

Entry-level cybersecurity roles typically require CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA CySA+ certification, or a degree in computer science or information security. Mid-level roles often require Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, plus 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience.

Unlike cloud roles, cybersecurity positions sometimes accept candidates from adjacent fields — network administrators, system administrators, or help desk staff who have moved into security. The key is demonstrating that you understand how systems work and how they break.

DevOps and software development demand

DevOps engineer roles focus on automation, deployment pipelines, and infrastructure as code — the tools and processes that let software teams ship code multiple times per day instead of once per quarter. These roles require experience with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Git, plus scripting languages like Python or Bash.

Most DevOps positions require 2 to 5 years of prior experience as a system administrator, software developer, or cloud engineer. The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification is the most directly relevant to DevOps hiring, though AWS and Azure also offer DevOps-specific certifications.

Software developer roles remain in demand, though competition is higher than in infrastructure roles. The most in-demand specializations are backend developers (who build the server-side logic), full-stack developers (who work on both frontend and backend), and developers with cloud or DevOps experience. Python, Java, and Go are the most commonly requested languages.

Data roles: engineering versus analytics

Data engineer and data analyst sound similar but require different skills. A data engineer builds the systems that collect, store, and move data — they write code in Python or SQL, work with databases and data warehouses, and may support data quality. A data analyst uses those systems to answer business questions — they write SQL queries, create dashboards, and present findings to non-technical teams.

Data engineer roles typically require a computer science degree or equivalent experience, plus proficiency with SQL, Python, and at least one data platform like Snowflake, BigQuery, or Redshift. Data analyst roles are more accessible to people from non-technical backgrounds — many companies hire analysts with degrees in business, economics, or statistics, as long as they can write SQL and use tools like Tableau or Power BI.

Neither role has a universally required certification the way cloud roles do, but Google Cloud Data Engineer, AWS Certified Data Analytics, and Databricks certifications are increasingly common on job postings. The real requirement is a portfolio of projects where you have worked with real data.

How to know which role matches your background

If you have a background in system administration or IT operations, cloud engineer and DevOps engineer are the most direct paths. Your existing knowledge of networks, servers, and troubleshooting transfers directly, and you can add cloud-specific skills through certification.

If you have a software development background, DevOps engineer, cloud architect, and backend developer roles are natural fits. You already understand how code is written and deployed — you are learning the infrastructure side.

If you have no prior tech experience, data analyst is often the most accessible entry point because it requires SQL and statistics more than it requires deep systems knowledge. Cloud engineer and security analyst are also possible, but they typically require either a relevant degree or a longer path through help desk or system administration roles first.

The fastest path to any of these roles is a combination of certification plus a real project. A portfolio project — something you built and can show to an interviewer — matters more than the certification alone.

Where these jobs are located and what they pay

Cloud, DevOps, and cybersecurity roles are available in every major city and increasingly available remotely. Companies in finance, healthcare, retail, and technology all hire for these positions. Remote positions are common, though some companies require you to be in an office for at least part of the week.

Salary varies significantly by location, company size, and experience level. Entry-level cloud engineer roles in lower-cost areas might start at $60,000 to $75,000 per year. The same role in San Francisco, New York, or Seattle typically starts at $100,000 to $130,000. Senior roles and architect positions can exceed $200,000 in high-cost areas.

Cybersecurity and DevOps roles follow similar patterns. Data analyst roles typically pay less than infrastructure roles at the entry level — $50,000 to $70,000 — but data engineer roles pay similarly to cloud engineers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to get one of these jobs?

No, but you need either a degree or a certification plus hands-on experience. Many companies will hire someone with an AWS certification and a portfolio project over someone with a degree and no practical experience. The key is proving you can do the work.

Which certification should I get first?

Start with the role you want, then get the certification that matches it. If you want to be a cloud engineer, get AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Administrator. If you want cybersecurity, get CompTIA Security+. If you want DevOps, get Certified Kubernetes Administrator. Certifications are most valuable when they directly match the job you are targeting.

How long does it take to get hired after getting a certification?

It depends on your prior experience and how actively you explore. People with relevant experience (system administrator moving to cloud, for example) often find roles within 2 to 4 months. People with no prior tech experience may take 6 to 12 months, often because they need to build a portfolio project first or start in an entry-level IT role.

Are these jobs going to exist in 5 years?

Cloud, cybersecurity, and data roles are growing faster than the overall job market. DevOps and infrastructure automation are becoming standard practice, not optional. The specific tools change — Kubernetes might be replaced by something else — but the underlying skills (automation, infrastructure, security, data) are not going away.

What if I do not have time for a full certification program?

Build a portfolio project instead. Create a small cloud infrastructure on AWS or Azure, document what you did, and show it to employers. A real project you completed is often more valuable than a certification you have not yet earned. Many people combine a smaller certification (like AWS Cloud Practitioner) with a portfolio project to get hired.