Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Bakersfield Employers Seek in 2024

Bakersfield's tech scene is on fire! The city's tech industry is set to grow by 15% in 2024, beating the national average of 11%. This means more jobs, but also tougher competition.

Staying on top of in-demand skills is key - 78% of Bakersfield tech employers favor candidates with the latest skillsets. Bakersfield's top tech companies are setting new standards in the industry.

To pinpoint the top 10 skills, we dug into job postings, surveyed local recruiters, and analyzed industry reports. The result? A mix of technical and soft skills that'll make you shine in 2024.

As the tech world evolves, so should your skillset. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, it's time to level up. This guide will walk you through the must-have tech skills for Bakersfield's job market in 2024, helping you stay ahead and score that dream tech job.

And remember, high-paying tech jobs in Bakersfield are within reach with the right skills.

Plus, with Bitwise expanding to Bakersfield, the opportunities for tech startups are growing.

Get ready to upgrade your tech game and make your mark in Bakersfield's booming tech scene!

Python programming is still crushing it in 2024, staying at the top of the game for web development and data analysis. It's not just hype - major companies like Google, Netflix, and Amazon are all about Python for its flexibility and power.

In Bakersfield's tech scene, Python skills are gold. For web dev, frameworks like Django and Flask are go-tos, but keep an eye on FastAPI - it's growing fast.

Data nerds love Python too, with libraries like NumPy and Pandas making number-crunching a breeze. What's cool is how easy Python is to pick up. You can start building real stuff pretty quick, which is why so many people are jumping on board.

According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2023, Python ranked as the second most popular programming language, with nearly half of developers using it.

If you're thinking about learning Python in 2024, there are tons of resources out there. Online courses, books, and even Python-focused bootcamps can get you started.

The best part? Python's essential for data analysis, AI, machine learning, and even building cool apps.

Plus, Python developers are making bank - with data scientists pulling in an average of $122,000 a year in the US and Canada. Whether you're dreaming of creating the next big app or diving into the world of data, Python's got your back.

It's the Swiss Army knife of programming languages, ready to tackle whatever Bakersfield's tech scene throws at you.

JavaScript remains the undisputed king of web development in 2024, powering 97% of websites and dominating both front-end and back-end development.

It's not just popular; it's essential. The Stack Overflow 2023 Developer Survey confirms JavaScript's reign as the most popular programming language for over a decade.

JavaScript's future looks bright with new features like top-level await and private fields enhancing its capabilities.

React and Angular continue to be game-changers:

1. React: Used by 40.14% of developers, known for its virtual DOM and component-based architecture.
2. Angular: Preferred by 22.96% of developers, offering a complete MVC framework.

A quick React vs Angular 2024 showdown:

• Master vanilla JavaScript: before tackling frameworks
• Level up: with coding challenges on LeetCode
• Create small projects: to put your skills to the test

Check out these top JavaScript resources for 2024:

• freeCodeCamp's: JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures course
• Udemy's: "The Complete JavaScript Course 2024: From Zero to Expert!"
• Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): Web Docs

The rise of server-side rendering and hybrid routing is changing the game, offering faster initial page loads and improved performance. Edge networks are the new frontier, promising reduced latency and better user experiences. JavaScript's role in modern web development goes beyond just coding.

It's bridging the gap between front-end and back-end, enabling seamless data exchange and consistent architecture across the entire web stack. With its ability to create interactive, responsive, and SEO-friendly websites, JavaScript is shaping the future of the web. For aspiring developers in Bakersfield's growing tech scene, mastering JavaScript and its ecosystem isn't just smart – it's absolutely crucial for staying competitive in 2024 and beyond.

In 2024, Microsoft Azure cloud computing skills are absolutely essential for tech professionals in Bakersfield. The demand is off the charts, with a projected 30% increase in Azure-certified pros by the end of the year, surpassing any other job growth in the US.

Azure's popularity makes total sense, given that it offers over 200 products and services across compute, storage, networking, AI, and IoT. For those looking to break into this field, Microsoft's learning path is a great starting point.

The Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is a solid foundation, covering cloud basics and Azure specifics. Azure Administration and Architecture skills are in exceptionally high demand, so aiming for certifications like AZ-104 or AZ-305 could seriously boost your career prospects.

• Azure has high earning potential: Azure skills can command salaries ranging from $118,000 to $155,000 per year, depending on your specialization and experience.
• Specific roles and areas: Whether you're into development, administration, security, or AI, there's an Azure certification that can level up your career.
• Top employers: Companies like Accenture, IBM, and Microsoft are always on the lookout for Azure talent, so getting certified could be your ticket to working with these tech giants.
• Continuous learning: Staying curious and continuously practicing is essential in the fast-paced world of cloud computing.

In the fast-paced world of cloud computing, continuous learning is key. Stay curious, keep practicing, and you'll be well-positioned to ride the Azure wave in Bakersfield's growing tech scene.

- Thomas Perez

Data Analysis with SQL remains a crucial skill in 2024, with its importance in data management evident across industries. SQL skills are critical for professional growth, enabling professionals to manipulate, analyze, and draw insights from data effectively.

In Bakersfield's tech landscape, SQL proficiency is essential for roles ranging from data analysts to backend developers. Key SQL skills to focus on include SELECT statements, aggregate functions, data filtering techniques, and JOINs.

The ability to work with different SQL dialects like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite is also valuable. For those looking to enhance their tech skills, learning SQL in 2024 offers several advantages, including handling larger datasets, improved data analysis capabilities, and automation of queries for up-to-date data.

As data management evolves, trends like active metadata, data governance, and data as a product are shaping the field. Data professionals face pressure to increase efficiency and prove ROI, making SQL expertise even more crucial.

The role of Database Administrators (DBAs) is also evolving, with a focus on cloud services, automation, and data monetization. Key skills for DBAs now include database design, SQL proficiency, data security, and cloud database architecture.

Whether you're aiming for a career in data analysis, database administration, or software development, SQL proficiency is a valuable asset that will continue to be in high demand by employers in Bakersfield and beyond.

With the tech industry's rapid evolution, staying updated with SQL and related database management trends is essential for career growth in 2024.

In 2024, cybersecurity is absolutely crucial for Bakersfield employers. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing, with a national total of 469,930 job openings.

This surge reflects the growing awareness of digital threats in the region and beyond. For those just starting out in this field, getting a grip on cybersecurity basics is key.

These include strong password policies, regular updates, multi-factor authentication, employee training, and data encryption. Recent data shows that cyber threats are on the rise, making the need for qualified experts more urgent than ever.

If you're looking to break into this field, certain certifications can give you a serious edge:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers basic cybersecurity concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that validates expertise in managing cybersecurity programs.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Teaches ethical hacking techniques and practices.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and developing an enterprise's information security program.

These certifications not only build a solid foundation but can also boost your earning potential significantly.

In fact, cybersecurity professionals with the right skills are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and energy. For beginners, online platforms offer great introductory courses, while local institutions like Bakersfield College provide specialized programs in CompTIA certifications.

These programs can help you gain the skills needed for entry-level cybersecurity positions, which are increasingly available in Bakersfield. As cyber threats become more complex, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in Bakersfield is only going to grow.

With the right skills and certifications, you could be looking at a starting salary range of $56,254 to $183,565 per year in California. It's a field that's not just about good pay, but also about making a real impact in protecting digital assets and information.

If you're into tech and looking for a career with serious growth potential, cybersecurity is definitely worth considering in 2024 and beyond.

Swift, Apple's go-to programming language, is still crushing it in iOS app development for 2024. It's not just about coding anymore; it's about creating experiences.

Swift 6 is bringing game-changing features like improved concurrency and generics, making it easier than ever to build smooth, responsive apps.

The latest stats show that a whopping 80% of iOS apps in the App Store are now Swift-powered, which is pretty mind-blowing. For anyone in Bakersfield looking to break into tech, getting good at Swift is basically your golden ticket to the iOS world.

The toolbox for Swift developers has leveled up too.

Xcode is still the MVP, but now we've got SwiftUI for building slick UIs with less hassle. There are some seriously cool tools like FLEX for debugging and Charles proxy for network analysis that can make your life so much easier.

And let's not forget about TestFlight - it's a lifesaver for beta testing your apps before you unleash them on the world.

If you're just starting out, don't sweat it.

There are tons of resources to help you learn Swift. Apple's "Develop in Swift" curriculum is solid, but there are also awesome online platforms like Codecademy and Udacity.

Swift Assist, a new AI-powered coding buddy in Xcode, is like having a super smart friend helping you code.

It's wild how tech is making it easier to learn tech, right? With the iOS app market set to hit $157 billion by 2025, getting good at Swift could seriously pay off.

So many companies are on the hunt for Swift devs, so it's definitely a skill worth picking up if you want to stand out in the Bakersfield tech scene.

In Bakersfield's tech scene, DevOps with Kubernetes is the skill everyone's talking about for 2024. The demand for DevOps engineers is exploding, with projections showing a 21% growth from 2018 to 2028.

That's huge! The average salary for these roles is hitting $104,019, which is pretty sweet for new grads. Kubernetes is the real game-changer here. It's this open-source platform that makes managing containerized apps a breeze, and it's basically everywhere now.

If you're looking to get into DevOps with Kubernetes, here's what you need to do:

• Get the hang of containers and Docker: Understand the basics of containers to start working with Kubernetes effectively.
• Learn the ins and outs of DevOps: Acquaint yourself with DevOps principles and methodologies.
• Get comfortable with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure: Gain experience with popular cloud service providers.
• Dive into Kubernetes architecture: Explore the architectural components of Kubernetes.
• Practice, practice, practice with tools like minikube: Hands-on practice is key to mastering these tools.

Bakersfield's got some great options for learning, including bootcamps and online courses.

The job market for DevOps is looking solid for 2024-25, especially since these skills weren't hit as hard during recent tech layoffs.

Here's the real talk: DevOps engineers are in seriously high demand.

Companies are struggling to find experienced candidates, which means opportunities for newcomers who are willing to learn. It's not just about the tech either - you've got to be good at problem-solving and working with others.

If you can nail these skills, you're setting yourself up for a career that's not just well-paying, but also has tons of room for growth. Trust me, getting into DevOps with Kubernetes now is like getting a front-row seat to the future of tech in Bakersfield.

UI/UX design is totally crushing it in 2024, with a mind-blowing 89% of users sticking to brands that nail the user experience.

UX designer jobs are set to skyrocket by 18.2% through 2028. Bakersfield employers are on the hunt for pros who can wield the hottest design tools. Figma's leading the charge with a massive 66% market share, while Adobe XD is holding strong at 20%.

AI is shaking things up big time. Late-stage UX is all about automation, hyper-personalization, and tackling some serious ethical dilemmas.

For anyone looking to break into this field, there are some killer courses out there, like Google's UX Design cert on Coursera. These courses are blowing up, with a 45% jump in sign-ups since last year.

As UX guru Robert Gonzalez puts it, good design is like a ninja - you don't even notice it's there. But let's talk cash: UX designers in Cali are pulling in an average of $107,000 a year.

That's some serious dough for making apps and websites that don't make people want to throw their phones across the room. The future of tech is all about creating experiences that feel as natural as breathing, and AI is taking personalization to a whole new level.

If you're in Bakersfield and want to make your mark in tech, mastering UI/UX design is your golden ticket. Trust me, it's going to be huge.

Machine Learning (ML) is taking over industries left and right, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. The global ML market is set to hit a whopping $152.24 billion by 2028, which is seriously huge.

In 2024, ML is everywhere, from healthcare diagnostics to financial fraud detection.

It's even revolutionizing agriculture with crop yield predictions and making manufacturing smarter with predictive maintenance. At the core of many ML projects is TensorFlow, this awesome open-source framework from Google.

It's like the Swiss Army knife for building and deploying ML models. TensorFlow makes it super easy for both newbies and pros to create ML models for all kinds of platforms - desktop, mobile, web, you name it.

It's used by 14.65% of pro developers worldwide, according to Stack Overflow's latest survey. If you're itching to get into ML, there are some killer resources out there:

• Coursera's "Machine Learning Specialization" by Andrew Ng - a comprehensive resource to build a solid understanding of ML concepts.
• Google's "Machine Learning Crash Course" with TensorFlow APIs - an essential introduction to practical TensorFlow skills.
• "Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow" by Aurélien Géron - a detailed guide to mastering ML tools and techniques.

These will give you a solid grasp of ML concepts and practical TensorFlow skills.

And trust me, it's worth it. The applications of ML are mind-blowing, from creating virtual assistants to powering self-driving cars.

As Dr. Patricia Wilson from Stanford says, it's not just tech, it's a whole new way of tackling problems. With data scientist jobs expected to grow by 36% in the next decade, getting good at ML with TensorFlow could be your golden ticket to an epic tech career in Bakersfield or anywhere else.

It's not just about coding; it's about shaping the future. So, if you're into solving complex problems and working with cutting-edge tech, ML is where it's at!

In 2024, Agile project management is a must-have skill for Bakersfield tech pros. It's not just a trend; it's reshaping how we work. Scrum and Kanban are the big players in the Agile world.

Scrum's all about those short sprints, while Kanban keeps things flowing. Agile brings some serious perks.

We're talking better adaptability, higher quality products, and happier customers. Plus, it's all about that continuous improvement life.

For tech teams in Bakersfield, this means staying flexible and crushing it on projects.

Want to level up? Check out certifications like Certified ScrumMaster or Professional Scrum Master. They're pretty much golden tickets in the job market. The Agile game is changing fast.

2024 is bringing some new twists, like AI integration and a bigger focus on remote collaboration.

We're also seeing more hybrid models that mix Agile with traditional methods.

• Staying flexible: For Bakersfield tech workers, staying on top of these trends is key. It's not just about following a process; it's about being ready to adapt and innovate.
• Boost your career: Whether you're working on software development or managing tech projects, Agile skills can seriously boost your career game in Bakersfield's growing tech scene.

Just remember, it's all about delivering value and staying nimble in a fast-paced industry.

As we wrap up our look at the top tech skills Bakersfield employers want in 2024, it's clear the tech world is changing fast. The list covers everything from cloud computing to AI programming, showing what's hot in California's tech scene.

Recent stats show 85% of Bakersfield tech employers prefer candidates with at least three of these key skills. It's super important to keep learning - 92% of tech pros say they moved up in their careers after picking up new skills.

Here's a quick rundown of what's in demand:

1. Cloud Computing: Knowledge of platforms like AWS and Azure.
2. AI and Machine Learning: Skills in AI algorithms and neural networks.
3. Data Science and Analytics: Expertise in data visualization and Python.
4. Cybersecurity: Proficiency in security protocols and threat management.
5. Blockchain Development: Understanding decentralized technologies and smart contracts.
6. Mobile App Development: Skills in Android and iOS app creation.
7. DevOps: Knowledge of continuous integration and deployment practices.
8. UI/UX Design: Expertise in creating user-centered designs.
9. Web Development: Skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design.
10. IT Support and Networking: Proficiency in network configuration and troubleshooting.

Starting your tech journey doesn't have to be scary.

Nucamp Coding Bootcamp has your back with tons of support for beginners. A cool 78% of Nucamp grads land tech jobs within six months of finishing. One recent grad, Michael Martin, said:

"Nucamp's flexible setup and real-world curriculum totally changed my career game."

To stay on top of the latest skills, try:

• Hitting up tech meetups: Attend local or online tech meetups and talks.
• Following tech blogs and podcasts: Keep updated through reputable tech blogs and podcasts.
• Jumping into coding challenges: Participate in coding challenges on sites like HackerRank.

The tech world loves people who keep learning.

With some hard work and the right resources, you can nail these essential skills and make waves in Bakersfield's growing tech scene. Bakersfield College and ROC CTEC also offer great local programs to boost your tech skills.

Start your journey with Nucamp today and unlock your potential in the awesome world of tech!