Most in Demand Tech Job in Chicago in 2024
Last Updated: December 4th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Chicago's tech job market is booming in 2024, driven by a 10,700 job increase and soaring demand across education, healthcare, and major industries. High-demand roles include software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and cloud architects, with growth rates up to 31%. Average salaries range from $92K to $137K.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
The tech scene in Chicago is absolutely killing it right now, and 2024 is set to be a game-changer.
With top-notch universities like the University of Illinois pumping out tech talent and a prime location in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is quickly becoming a major hub for innovation.
The numbers don't lie - the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nonfarm employment in the area grew by 10,700 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024, with education and health services leading the charge.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Major companies are flocking to the city, seeking out the best and brightest talent. Google, Avant, and Discover are just a few of the heavy hitters offering sweet gigs with perks that'll make your head spin.
Whether you're a coding whiz, a data wizard, or just starting to dip your toes into the tech pool, Chicago is the place to be in 2024. Just check out Nucamp's guide to landing a tech job - they've got all the insider tips you need to score your dream role.
Table of Contents
- Why Tech Jobs are Growing in Chicago
- Top In-Demand Tech Jobs in Chicago in 2024
- Skills Needed for Tech Jobs in Chicago
- How to Get Started in a Tech Career in Chicago
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Tech Jobs are Growing in Chicago
(Up)Buckle up, Chicago! The tech scene here is about to go off in 2024. We're talking major job growth across the board.
According to the latest stats, businesses in the Windy City are doubling down on digital transformation, which means one thing: a serious demand for tech wizards.
The education and health sectors alone added a whopping 24,600 jobs last year.
Tech hiring is on an upward trajectory, with over half of companies planning to beef up their IT staff in the first quarter of 2024.
We're talking roles like software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and AI gurus.
Illinois managed to dodge a recession last year, and the job market in Chicago is reflecting that resilience.
Major industries like healthcare, entertainment, and hospitality are thriving, creating a ripple effect of tech opportunities.
Look, the writing's on the wall.
Companies in the Chi are going all-in on tech, and they need the talent to make it happen. If you've got the skills, this could be your golden ticket to a sweet gig with some serious earning potential.
Just saying, the future looks pretty bright for tech aficionados in this city.
Top In-Demand Tech Jobs in Chicago in 2024
(Up)Chicago's tech scene is about to blow up in 2024, and there's a ton of hot jobs everyone's gonna be gunning for.
According to the experts, these gigs are gonna be the real deal:
- Software Engineers: With companies going digital left and right, coding wizards are gonna be in high demand. These tech ninjas will be building dope apps and software to keep businesses on the cutting edge.
- Data Scientists: Big data is where it's at, and data scientists are the ones who can turn those massive piles of info into game-changing insights. Companies are thirsty for these data gurus to help them make smart moves.
- Cybersecurity Pros: With all the hacker threats out there, keeping systems secure is a top priority. That's why cybersecurity specialists are gonna be highly sought after – they're the ones tasked with locking down the digital fort.
- Cloud Architects: The cloud is the future, and these tech masterminds are the ones who design and optimize those sweet cloud strategies. They'll be making sure businesses can scale up seamlessly without a hitch.
Check out these numbers – they speak for themselves:
Tech Role | Growth in 2024 | Average Paycheck |
---|---|---|
Software Engineer | 22% | $92K |
Data Scientist | 28% | $118K |
Cybersecurity Pro | 31% | $103K |
Cloud Architect | 25% | $137K |
As Karen Perez from the Illinois Tech Association said,
"The tech industry is the backbone of Chicago's economic growth, and the demand for skilled pros in these areas will just keep soaring as businesses fight to stay ahead of the game."
So, if you're looking to make some serious cash money in the Windy City, better start sharpening those tech skills!
Skills Needed for Tech Jobs in Chicago
(Up)Chicago's tech game is on fire right now, and if you wanna get in on the action, you gotta level up your skills. According to the latest research, the top tech jobs in 2024 are gonna be all about cybersecurity, AI/machine learning, cloud engineering, data science, and blockchain.
Employers are straight up drooling over folks who can code in Python, Java, or JavaScript, and know their way around SQL and data analysis.
But it's not just about the hard skills.
Soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are crucial too.
Tech companies want people who can think on their feet, collaborate with others, and come up with innovative solutions. So, if you're looking to score one of those sweet, high-paying tech gigs in Chi-Town, you better start brushing up on your coding chops, data wizardry, and people skills.
And hey, don't sleep on the other hot skills like UI/UX design, social media marketing, and sales.
Those are gonna be major keys to landing a job too. Just remember, the tech world moves fast, so you gotta stay hungry and keep leveling up if you wanna stay ahead of the curve.
How to Get Started in a Tech Career in Chicago
(Up)Chicago's tech scene is straight up fire in 2024, and getting in on the action is a major move. To kick things off right, you gotta lock down the skills that employers are thirsting for.
Check it - according to the latest job listings, mad companies are looking for peeps who can sling code in Python, wrangle databases with SQL, and work their magic with machine learning tools.
Cloud skills are a must too, with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud leading the pack.
But it's not just about the technical know-how. Top-paying gigs also demand you can communicate complex ideas clearly and tell a compelling story with data.
That's where building a solid portfolio comes into play - show off your skills with dope projects and let your work do the talking.
Speaking of talking, networking is key in this game.
Get out there and connect with the tech community at events like TechChicago Week, hit up online forums, and don't sleep on mentorship opportunities.
Chicago's tech scene is full of brilliant minds who've been there, done that, and can help you level up.
Once you've got the skills and connections, it's time to start that job hunt.
Nucamp's complete guide is a game-changer, packed with tips and tricks for landing your dream role.
And when you're ready to apply, don't just stick to the big names - startups and smaller companies are where it's at for hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
Bottom line, Chicago's tech industry is booming, and with the right preparation, you can secure a piece of that pie.
Stay hungry, keep grinding, and let's get this bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)Why are tech jobs growing in Chicago?
Tech jobs in Chicago are growing due to businesses doubling down on digital transformation, with education and health sectors alone adding 24,600 jobs last year. Over half of companies are planning to increase their IT staff in 2024, creating a serious demand for tech professionals.
What are the top in-demand tech jobs in Chicago in 2024?
The top in-demand tech jobs in Chicago in 2024 are Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Professionals, and Cloud Architects. These roles are growing rapidly, with average salaries ranging from $92K to $137K.
What skills are needed for tech jobs in Chicago?
Skills needed for tech jobs in Chicago include proficiency in Python, Java, or JavaScript, SQL, and data analysis. In addition to technical skills, employers also value soft skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
How can I get started in a tech career in Chicago?
To get started in a tech career in Chicago, you need to develop key skills in coding, database management, and machine learning. Building a strong portfolio and networking at tech events and forums are also crucial. Applying to both big names and startups can provide valuable opportunities.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.