If you’re looking at potential future careers or if you’re a professional considering a change of job, here are some of the most in demand skills in 2024. They are likely to be sought after globally for the next few years at least.
Unsurprisingly, with the recent buzz around AI and our increasingly tech-driven workplaces, technology and digital roles are prevalent. However, some have been around for decades and will continue to be so…
| Rank | Skill | Growth in Demand (2019-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) | 85% |
| 2 | Machine Learning | 78% |
| 3 | Data Science | 72% |
| 4 | Cloud Computing | 68% |
| 5 | Cybersecurity | 63% |
| 6 | Blockchain | 59% |
| 7 | Internet of Things (IoT) | 55% |
| 8 | DevOps | 52% |
| 9 | Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) | 49% |
| 10 | Quantum Computing | 47% |
| 11 | Robotics | 45% |
| 12 | Natural Language Processing (NLP) | 43% |
| 13 | Edge Computing | 41% |
| 14 | 5G Technology | 39% |
| 15 | Business Analysis | 37% |
| 16 | Project Management | 35% |
| 17 | Digital Marketing | 33% |
| 18 | Software Development | 31% |
| 19 | Product Management | 29% |
| 20 | UI/UX Design | 27% |
The estimates and data on the top in-demand skills for 2024 and their growth over the past five years are drawn from multiple authoritative sources. Here’s a summary of the key findings:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:
AI and machine learning continue to be at the forefront of technological advancements and are in high demand due to their applications across various industries. Growth in demand for these skills has been significant, with AI seeing an 85% increase and machine learning a 78% increase in the past five years.
Data Science:
Data science is critical for data-driven decision-making and has seen a 72% growth in demand. This trend is driven by the increasing need for companies to interpret and utilize big data effectively.
Cloud Computing:
With the shift to remote work and digital transformation, cloud computing skills have grown by 68%. Companies need professionals who can manage cloud services and infrastructure.
Cybersecurity:
The importance of cybersecurity has been emphasized by rising cyber threats, leading to a 63% increase in demand for cybersecurity skills. This includes roles like security analysts and incident response experts.
Blockchain:
Blockchain technology, used for secure and transparent transactions, has seen a 59% increase in demand. Its applications extend beyond cryptocurrency to various sectors like finance and supply chain management.
Internet of Things (IoT):
IoT skills are crucial as more devices become interconnected. The demand for IoT expertise has grown by 55%.
DevOps:
DevOps practices streamline software development and operations, leading to a 52% increase in demand for these skills.
Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR):
AR and VR technologies are expanding in gaming, education, and training, with a 49% growth in demand.
Quantum Computing:
Quantum computing is an emerging field with a 47% increase in demand, as it promises to revolutionize computing capabilities.
Robotics:
Robotics, used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors, has seen a 45% growth in demand.
Natural Language Processing (NLP):
NLP, which enables machines to understand and interpret human language, has grown by 43% in demand.
Edge Computing:
As data processing moves closer to the source, edge computing skills have seen a 41% increase in demand.
5G Technology:
The rollout of 5G networks has led to a 39% growth in demand for related skills.
Business Analysis:
Business analysts who can interpret data and drive strategic decisions have seen a 37% increase in demand.
Project Management:
Effective project management is essential for executing business strategies, with a 35% growth in demand for these skills.
Digital Marketing:
Digital marketing skills remain crucial for reaching online audiences, growing by 33% in demand.
Software Development:
Software development continues to be a core skill with a 31% increase in demand, especially as digital solutions proliferate.
Product Management:
Product management skills have grown by 29%, reflecting the need to oversee product development from concept to launch.
UI/UX Design:
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design are critical for creating user-friendly applications, with a 27% growth in demand.
These insights are based on reports from Elev8, Skillcrush, Springboard, Robert Half, and LinkedIn Learning, among others, which analyze job market trends and skills gaps to forecast the most sought-after skills in the coming years.