Technology continues to be at the forefront of our society, constantly evolving and rapidly developing. Programmers and IT specialists are needed to help keep our technology moving forward, especially as we begin to rely on technology more than we ever have before. Denver, Colorado is becoming an increasingly important city for young programmers and professionals looking to work in tech. IT recruiters in Denver are searching for certain skills to help maintain their position in the tech industry.
Outlook of Tech Jobs According to IT Recruiters in Denver
According to a recent tech job report conducted by CompTIA, Denver is expected to increase its available tech jobs by 3.5% in 2024. The leading tech occupations in Denver are Software, Programmers, Web, and QA positions, with an expected growth of 5.5% in 2024. However, Denver is expected to experience an increase of 4.5% in Cybersecurity and Systems Engineers jobs in 2024, which is a higher rate of growth in this field when compared to other major cities in the United States.
Aerospace, telecommunications, finance, and healthcare are all big sectors in Denver that have been contributing to the increase in cybersecurity positions. It is a lucrative field for tech and IT professionals to enter, especially considering how many institutions and firms need skilled individuals who know how to secure their online information. Cybersecurity positions are in high demand, and IT recruiters in Denver are looking for tech professionals who have the skills needed to succeed in these roles.
Top Tech Skills in Demand
Aspiring programmers and tech professionals looking to propel their careers should know the top skills that will make them stand out in the eyes of an IT recruiter in Denver.
According to the University of Denver, the top nine hard skills needed for programmers and tech professionals are:
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Database & SQL
- Object-Oriented Programming Languages
- Integrated Development Environments
- Cloud Computing
- Web Development
- Containers
- Text Editors
- Git Version Control
In addition to hard skills, IT recruiters are also looking for candidates with strong soft skills. Soft skills help professionals build interpersonal relationships with their coworkers, reduce workplace conflict, and increase collaboration and work efficiency. The University of Denver highlights the top 9 soft skills as being:
- Communication
- Teamwork and Conflict Resolution
- Problem Solving
- Empathy
- Patience
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Accountability
- Time Management
IT recruiters in Denver are keeping a close eye on these hard and soft skills as the number of tech jobs in the city increases. Developing and highlighting these skills will give tech professionals a competitive edge when it comes to hiring for highly sought-after positions. There are many ways to develop and refine these skills, including online boot camps, professional education, tech and IT conferences, and independent study.
Highest Paying IT and Tech Skills
In Denver, the estimated median tech wage is $113,457, which is 112% higher than the median metro wage, according to CompTIA. Tech professionals looking for work in Denver can expect a good salary, where entry roles start between $60,000 – $80,000, with the potential to reach over $130,000 with experience and certifications, according to Nucamp.
According to an article published by CRN, the top five platforms that demonstrate relevant work skills and experience for aspiring and current tech professionals are:
- Docker – a platform that allows developers to build, share, and run container applications.
- Elasticsearch – an open-source search and analytics engine, typically used for full-text search, security intelligence, business analytics, and log analytics.
- PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) – a cloud computing service model that offers a flexible platform to develop, deploy, operate, and manage applications.
- SAP HANA – a relational database management system created by software giant SAP, which runs the most up-to-date versions of SAP software.
- Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) – a software development model that uses software components called services to create business applications and make software components reusable and interoperable via service interfaces.
Reach Out to an IT Recruiter in Denver for Your Next Opportunity
As technology continues to grow and evolve, programmers and tech professionals remain in demand, and IT recruiters in Denver, are keeping a close eye on what skills are most needed for candidates to be successful. Denver stands as an increasingly important asset to the tech industry, making the city an attractive area for both IT recruiters and tech professionals looking for a job. Tech professionals should consider refining and highlighting these top tech skills for an impressive competitive advantage as they search for employment and propel their careers.
