Upwork is one of the top (if not the top) freelance marketplaces on the continent.
Millions of people hire talents on the platform each year. So, they have the data when it comes to which skill is hot and which is not.
So early this year, in January 2024, they released a list of the top 8 most in-demand skills of the year.
According to Upwork, Due to the rapid pace of technological innovation, IT, analytics, and programming jobs are in high demand.
Here’s Upwork’s list of the top 8 most in-demand skills of 2024:
- Machine Learning
- Automation
- Data Analytics
- Mobile application development
- VR (virtual reality)
- Video Production
- SEO (search engine optimization)
- Product Management
Machine learning
Machine learning (ML) engineers build programs that learn from data and improve their accuracy over time. They help businesses automate routine tasks, change operational models, and maximize efficiency while optimizing costs.
Job skills typically include a deep knowledge of data science, programming languages such as Python/C++, R, and Java, applied math and algorithms, probability and statistics, and distributed computing.
The average rate for machine learning engineers ranges from $80 to $125 per hour.
Automation
Automation specialists develop programs that streamline and automate processes to achieve outcomes with minimal human input, helping companies reduce costs.
Ideal skills and expertise include computer science, coding in languages such as Python, writing automated tests and building test frameworks, and configuration management (CM) software.
The average rate for automation specialists ranges from $40 to $110 per hour.
For tech jobs and Opportunities, see here
Data Analytics
Data analysts apply statistical analysis and technologies to data to reveal trends that ultimately solve problems and improve data-driven business decision-making.
Data analysts should have expertise in critical thinking and problem solving, statics and statistical programming, SQL (structured query language), building dashboards and reports, and data visualization.
The average rate for data analysts ranges from $40 to $100 per hour.
Mobile application development
B2B and B2C mobile applications are ubiquitous and widely accepted. Mobile application developers create, test, and program apps for computers, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, such as wearable medical technology.
Mobile application jobs typically require a strong background in computer science and programming and analytic and problem-solving skills.
The average rate for mobile application developers ranges from $40 to $100 per hour.
VR (virtual reality)
Virtual reality developers create and test VR and AR (augmented reality) applications that offer a simulated user experience similar to or completely different from reality.
Applications include video games and education, such as military, sports, and medical training. Skills include programming and software development experience, detailed XR (extended reality) knowledge, machine learning, computer vision, 3D modeling and animation, and graphics rendering.
The average rate for virtual reality developers ranges from $40 to $100 per hour.
Video production
We live in a visual world, and businesses increasingly need video content for everything from marketing to internal announcements, employee on-boarding, and contractor training.
Video producers coordinate and manage aspects of the video production process, using skills in creative direction, budgeting, scriptwriting, logistics, and team direction and communication.
The average rate for video producers ranges from $40 to $85 per hour.
SEO (search engine optimization)
SEO is one of today’s most effective marketing strategies.
SEO specialists maximize the traffic to a website by analyzing the website and implementing changes to improve page rank within search engines. SEO specialists should possess sharp analytical skills, detailed knowledge of Google tools and keyword research, and link-building and HTML expertise.
The average rate for SEO specialists ranges from $20 to $75 per hour.
Product management
Product managers create and manage product road maps that guide a product’s lifecycle from a marketing and customer solutions perspective. Product managers should have an undergraduate degree in business or a related field.
Skills include a combination of hard and soft skills and relatively detailed technical knowledge of the product or service they’re managing, along with pricing models, budget management, strategic thinking, marketing, problem-solving, communication, and analytic skills.
The average rate for product managers ranges from $35 to $150 per hour.
In 2023, these were the top in-demand skills
- Full Stack Development
- Front-End Development
- Back-End Development
- Mobile App Development
- Web Design
- Ecommerce Website Development
- UX/UI Design
- CMS Development
- Manual Testing
- Scripting & Automation
For tech jobs and Opportunities, see here