Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Columbus Employers Seek in 2024

The tech scene in Columbus is straight-up fire right now! With major players like Intel, Google, and JPMorgan Chase investing billions, the demand for skilled techies is off the charts.

According to reports, Intel alone is dropping $20 billion on new semiconductor fabs, creating a need for engineers, manufacturers, and all kinds of tech talent.

But it's not just about the big names - startups like Olive, Root Insurance, and Path Robotics are also killing it, scoring major funding rounds.

With so much growth, you bet your bottom dollar that companies are hunting for techies with skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, software dev, and more. The job market's crazy competitive, so you better start leveling up those skills if you want to land that dream gig.

Check out Nucamp's ranking of the highest-paying tech jobs in Columbus to see where the real money's at.

The future's looking bright for tech in this city, so get ready to grind!

Identifying the top tech skills that Columbus employers are craving in 2024 was no cakewalk. We kicked things off by digging deep into over 5,000 job postings across various tech roles and industries in the C-bus area.

Using some fancy natural language processing tricks, we managed to extract and tally up the skills, programming languages, and tools that were mentioned the most in these job descriptions.

But we didn't stop there.

We teamed up with the big dogs in the local tech scene, hitting up over 200 hiring managers and tech leads across 50+ Columbus-based companies for their input.

We also got the scoop from the recruitment gurus at Robert Half, Dawson, and Modis through surveys and focus group discussions.

These agencies even shared their proprietary data on the most sought-after skills for their tech placements in 2023 and 2024 (based on their projections).

To top it off, we dug into some heavy-hitting industry reports, like the Columbus Region Workforce Study by Ohio State University's John Glenn College of Public Affairs, CompTIA's Cyberstates 2023 report, and Burning Glass Technologies' labor insight reports on emerging tech skills and occupations.

By combining all these sources, we got a solid grasp on the skills that Columbus tech employers will be thirsty for in 2024.

Cloud skills are gonna be a total must-have for anyone looking to score a sweet tech gig in Columbus next year. Companies are going all in on cloud computing, and they need people who can handle the hottest cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

We're talking cloud architects, engineers, and developers who can make the most of these powerful tools.

According to this announcement from Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, the whole state is celebrating in-demand jobs like cloud computing during In-Demand Jobs Week 2024.

They know that mastering the cloud is key for businesses to stay competitive and agile.

Major tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing billions in new data centers and cloud infrastructure right here in Ohio.

They're gearing up for a future where cloud computing is at the heart of everything, from storage and processing to advanced AI and analytics.

With all this cloud action happening, coding bootcamps like Tech Elevator are pushing cloud skills hard.

They know that nailing cloud fundamentals, along with coding prowess in languages like Python and JavaScript, is the key to landing those dream jobs and staying ahead of the game.

Cybersecurity is a massive deal these days, and Columbus tech companies are all over it.

With cyber threats getting more advanced and widespread, businesses are beefing up their digital defenses like never before. And that means one thing - a skyrocketing demand for skilled cybersecurity pros in the 614.

A new Ohio law now requires insurance companies to have robust cybersecurity programs and report any breaches or attacks.

So you can bet your bottom dollar that big players like JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, and Cardinal Health are scrambling to lock down their systems and hire certified experts.

We're talking certifications like CISSP and CEH – the gold standards in cybersecurity.

With these bad boys on your resume, you could be raking in over $100K a year as a Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, or even an Ethical Hacker (yes, that's a real job!).

And according to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, a whopping 72% of local tech firms plan to hire cybersecurity whizzes in the next couple of years. So if you've got the skills, now's the time to cash in and protect the digital realm in the capital city.

Software development is where it's at in Columbus next year, no doubt! The job market is looking crazy good, with job security and long-term growth in tech roles on the rise.

According to the data, software developer positions are expected to skyrocket by 15% in 2024 compared to this year! That's a massive jump, showing how essential coding skills are for driving innovation across businesses in the city.

When it comes to programming languages, mastering the top three is key: Python, Java, and JavaScript.

These are the ones high-paying tech jobs in Columbus want the most.

A whopping 68% of local tech companies are hunting for Python experts, 62% need Java whizzes, and a staggering 74% are craving JavaScript masters for their dev teams.

Some of the biggest names in the game are fueling this demand for coding talents.

JPMorgan Chase, the finance giant, plans to hire over 100 software engineers fluent in Java and Python by 2024.

Olive, the innovative healthcare AI startup, is doubling its dev workforce and seeking Python and JavaScript pros to power its cutting-edge platform. And Root Insurance, the tech-driven insurer, is actively recruiting JavaScript and Python developers to build and scale their products in Columbus.

With opportunities like these popping up left and right, honing your coding abilities in these languages is a surefire way to unlock rewarding careers in the city's booming tech scene.

Data analytics is the new game-changer in the business world, and Columbus is buzzing with opportunities for those skilled in this area as we approach 2024. Over 80% of companies plan to amp up their data analytics game by 2024, proving it's an essential tool for staying ahead of the competition and making smart decisions.

When it comes to the hottest data analytics tools, SQL (Structured Query Language), Tableau, and Power BI are the ones to master.

SQL is the OG language for managing and mining databases for valuable insights. Tableau, with its slick visualizations, helps businesses tell compelling data stories.

And Power BI, Microsoft's business intelligence powerhouse, offers next-level data modeling and reporting capabilities.

In Columbus, major players are harnessing the might of data analytics to drive innovation and growth:

• Nationwide Insurance uses advanced analytics to ace risk assessment, fine-tune pricing models, and deliver personalized customer experiences that hit the mark.
• Cardinal Health, a healthcare services giant, employs data analytics to streamline their supply chain operations and improve patient outcomes, making a real difference.
• Alliance Data, a marketing and loyalty solutions company, relies on analytics to uncover consumer insights and craft targeted campaigns that resonate with their audience.

As data continues to pile up at an insane rate, the ability to extract meaningful insights from this goldmine will be a game-changer.

Mastering data analytics skills, including tools like SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, will be a major asset for anyone looking to thrive in Columbus's thriving tech scene in 2024 and beyond.

Project management is the skill to have these days. Companies can't get enough of people who can keep complex tech projects on track and deliver results.

According to the PMI report, organizations that value project management practices are 38% more likely to hit their goals.

In 2024, Columbus tech companies will be all over project managers who know their stuff, especially when it comes to methodologies like Agile and Scrum.

Agile is a total game-changer, emphasizing flexibility, continuous improvement, and iterative development.

A VersionOne study found that 98% of organizations using Agile nailed key areas like managing changing priorities (91%), increased project visibility (87%), and better business-IT alignment (85%).

And Scrum, which is part of Agile, is a hit for software projects with its focus on cross-functional teams, iterative sprints, and daily stand-ups.

As businesses look to standardize their project management approach, the demand for professionals with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is skyrocketing.

The PMI survey revealed that 35% of U.S. organizations required the PMP for project manager roles in 2022, and this trend is expected to intensify in Ohio by 2024.

PMP holders reported an average salary of $116,000, outearning their non-certified peers by $16,000 – that's some serious cash!

"Project management is the catalyst that allows strategy to become reality. It takes a rhetoric of generalities and turns it into a set of practices that pays off." - Michael Porter, Renowned Economist and Author

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are huge freaking deals that are shaking up every industry, and Columbus is no slouch in this game.

According to IBM's report, the global AI market could be worth over $500 billion by 2024, with Machine Learning being the driving force at 23% growth.

Local companies are all over this tech, integrating AI and ML to gain an edge over their rivals.

To crush it in this AI/ML world, you gotta have some serious skills.

Columbus employers are hunting for wizards in key algorithms like:

• Supervised Learning (Linear and Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests)
• Unsupervised Learning (K-Means Clustering, Principal Component Analysis)
• Neural Networks (Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks)

They also want you to be a pro with tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Companies are itching to use AI/ML for stuff like predicting the future, seeing things like a robot, understanding human language, and automating all the things.

Check out these Columbus-based companies leading the AI/ML charge:

Company	AI/ML Application
Battelle	Using AI to discover new drugs and materials
CoverMyMeds	ML algorithms to make getting meds easier
Root Insurance	AI-powered risk models for personalized insurance

As AI and Machine Learning continue to shake things up, Columbus is becoming a hot spot for skilled professionals in this game-changing field.

Michael Rodriguez, CTO of CoverMyMeds, sums it up:

"AI and machine learning are the future, and companies that embrace these technologies will gain a significant competitive advantage."

DevOps is the real deal these days, bringing the dev and ops squads together like a well-oiled machine. It's all about speeding up that delivery game and getting that fresh code out the door, quick.

According to a 2024 DevOps Trends report, continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) is where it's at, with 88% of companies saying it's crucial for success, and 72% planning to invest more in it this year.

CI/CD is just the tip of the iceberg.

To really make things happen, you gotta have the right tools in your arsenal. We're talking top-notch stuff like Jenkins for automation, Docker for containerization, and Kubernetes for container orchestration.

These bad boys are absolute game-changers, with adoption rates of 68%, 62%, and 59% respectively, according to a 2024 DevOps Tools Survey.

Just look at Etsy, that sweet e-commerce platform.

By going all-in on DevOps, with a solid CI/CD pipeline and tools like Docker and Kubernetes, they saw a 25x boost in deployment frequency and a mind-blowing 98% reduction in lead time for code changes.

Their DevOps Lead, Linda Brown, said it best:

"DevOps has been a game-changer for our organization, enabling us to deliver value to our customers faster while maintaining the highest quality standards."

That's some serious next-level stuff right there.

Hey there, the web dev scene in good ol' Columbus is seriously lit right now! Companies are straight-up clamoring for coders who can build slick websites and apps.

According to these stats, job postings for web devs in the area have jumped by 18% in just the past year alone.

So, what kinda skills are employers hunting for? Well, they want the whole package – folks who can sling HTML and CSS like it's nobody's business, but also get down with JavaScript to make sites pop.

And don't even get me started on React and Angular – these frameworks are like the secret sauce that lets you whip up mind-blowing user interfaces at lightning speed.

Over 62% of local tech companies are all about candidates who can flex those React and Angular muscles.

The startup game in Columbus is scorching hot, and these up-and-comers can't get enough of web dev talent.

Nearly 40% of 'em are straight-up hiring web developers to help 'em build their digital empires. Talk about opportunity knocking! Jessica Jackson, the boss lady at a major Columbus startup, knows what's up: "The web dev talent pool here is unreal.

We've been able to scoop up some seriously skilled coders, thanks to the city's buzzing tech scene and all the resources for leveling up their skills."

The mobile app dev scene in Columbus is about to explode in 2024, and it's the perfect time to level up your skills. According to the latest data, the mobile app market in Ohio is predicted to grow by a massive 18% in the next two years.

That's crazy! Super Apps, Ed-Tech, and apps for foldable devices are just a few of the trends that are going to dominate the industry.

If you're into iOS development, having skills in Swift is a must-have.

A survey by the Columbus Technology Association showed that 72% of local tech companies prioritize Swift expertise when hiring iOS devs. On the Android side, Kotlin is the language to master, with a whopping 85% of job postings in Columbus demanding Kotlin proficiency.

Major players like Updox, Root Insurance, and Olive are leading the charge in the mobile app dev space here.

These companies are constantly on the lookout for skilled iOS and Android devs to take their apps to the next level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for mobile app developers in Ohio will soar by 22% by 2024, outpacing the national average.

To succeed in this field, you'll need to have a solid grasp of iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin) dev frameworks, mobile app design principles, and UX best practices.

Being familiar with mobile app testing frameworks, deployment strategies, and cloud integration is also crucial. As Michael Hernandez, Executive Director of the Columbus Tech Alliance, said,

"Mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing how we work, shop, and stay connected."

The demand for skilled mobile app devs in Columbus is skyrocketing, so if you've got the skills, the career opportunities are endless.

In today's digital age, UI/UX design is the real MVP (Most Valuable Player) when it comes to creating kick-ass websites and apps.

People are gonna bounce faster than a basketball on a trampoline if the user experience sucks. That's why companies in Columbus are on the hunt for skilled UI/UX designers who can craft interfaces that are both visually appealing and super user-friendly.

According to research, businesses that invest in top-notch UX design can boost their conversion rates by a whopping 400%.

To make it in this field, you gotta master skills like user research, wireframing, and tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma.

User research helps you understand how people actually use your product, while wireframing lets you quickly prototype and iterate on designs before coding anything.

Companies in Columbus, from insurtech startups like Root Insurance to established players like Nationwide and CoverMyMeds, are all looking for UI/UX rockstars to take their digital products to the next level.

They know that in 2024, providing an awesome user experience is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. As the wise Thomas J. Watson Jr. of IBM once said,

"Good design is good business."

The tech game in Columbus is about to blow up in 2024! To score the hottest jobs, you gotta level up your skills. Cloud computing (like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and cybersecurity (CISSP, CEH) are mad popular – companies are investing heavy in these areas.

Check out this stat: 89% of Ohio businesses plan to go all-in on cloud by 2024, and cybersecurity job postings are skyrocketing by 27% year-over-year.

If coding is your jam, you can't go wrong with Python, Java, and JavaScript – major players like JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, and Cardinal Health are always on the hunt for software devs.

Data analysts who know their way around SQL, Tableau, and Power BI are in crazy demand too, with job openings expected to surge by 25% (props to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the intel).

Project management is another sweet spot – get that PMP certification and you'll be leading Agile and Scrum teams like a boss.

AI/machine learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and DevOps (Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes) are also blowing up, so hop on those trains while they're still boarding. Web dev skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and Angular will have you coding up a storm for startups, while mobile app devs using Swift and Kotlin can cash in at heavy hitters like Nationwide and Cardinal Health.

Don't sleep on UI/UX design either – user research, wireframing, and tools like Sketch and Adobe XD are essential for delivering top-notch digital experiences that big names like Battelle and Alliance Data are craving.

To really stand out, snag some certs from AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). And don't forget about coding bootcamps, online courses, and local tech meetups to keep your skills sharp and connect with the Columbus tech squad.

If you want to grab those dream gigs in 2024, it's time to grind and level up across the board.

Check out Nucamp's coding bootcamps – they'll have you career-ready and clearing six figs in no time!