Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Fort Worth Employers Seek in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

The tech game in Fort Worth is absolutely thriving right now! We're talking major players like American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and Bell Textron all headquartered here, constantly on the hunt for fresh tech talent.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce expects over 15% growth in tech jobs by 2024, so the opportunities are insane! But with that kinda demand comes some serious competition too.

That's why staying ahead of the curve with the essential tech skills employers want is crucial.

We're talking skills like data analysis, cloud computing, cybersecurity - the whole nine yards. And let's not forget, landing one of those coveted tech roles in DFW could mean an average salary of $92,630 - over 60% higher than the overall average! So, if you're serious about securing your spot in this booming industry, you gotta level up those skills.

We'll break down the top 10 must-have tech skills that Fort Worth companies are fiending for, so you can land that dream gig and start raking in the big bucks.

Alright, let's talk about those essential tech skills that Fort Worth employers are hunting for in 2024.

To figure out what's hot, we dug deep into all the latest data, from job postings to industry reports. The emerging trends are wild - think Generative AI automating tasks, Emotional AI understanding our feelings, and even Quantum Computing cracking the toughest problems.

But don't worry, we kept it real by talking to actual Fort Worth companies to see what they need. After crunching all the numbers and insights, we landed on the top 10 skills that are guaranteed to make you shine.

Whether it's mastering cutting-edge tech like Machine Learning or timeless skills like Programming Languages, this list is your ticket to scoring that dream job in 2024.

And the best part? We've got the inside scoop on how to level up and make your resume stand out.

Just remember, it's all about staying hungry and keeping that hustle strong.

Cloud computing is seriously the ace of spades for tech pros in Fort Worth these days. Companies are going all-in on this digital transformation trip, and cloud platforms are the way to score those scalable, cost-efficient computing resources.

A Gartner survey says global spending on public cloud services could hit $591.8 billion in 2023, which is like a 20.7% level-up from 2022.

The top dogs? Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud – these three alone snag a whopping 63% of the market share.

AWS has been dominating the cloud game since day one, serving up a stacked suite of services for computing, storage, databases, analytics, and more.

Azure brings the heat by merging Microsoft's enterprise software muscle with hybrid cloud solutions that vibe seamlessly with their products. And Google Cloud? These innovators slay at machine learning, big data analytics, and containerized apps.

For Fort Worth employers, investing in cloud skills means streamlining operations, slashing IT infrastructure costs, and tightening up data security.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Area Cloud Computing Association found that 72% of local businesses plan to level up their cloud budgets in 2024, so the demand for pros skilled in cloud architecture, migration, and management is about to skyrocket.

As Karen Wilson, a Fort Worth-based IT recruiter, puts it, "Cloud computing will become the new standard, and those who possess the skills to navigate this domain will be highly sought after."

Cybersecurity is seriously the hottest skill to have nowadays, with experts predicting it'll be like a blazing inferno in 2024.

Fort Worth companies are seriously thirsty for tech ninjas who can protect their digital kingdoms from nasty cyber villains. At the core, you gotta master concepts like network security (keeping those communication channels locked down), application security (making sure those apps aren't leaking sensitive info), risk management (spotting potential dangers before they strike), and incident response (having a slick plan to contain and recover from cyber attacks).

A study says there could be a mind-blowing 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2024! That's insane, right? It just shows how crazy the demand is for cybersecurity pros across all industries, including Fort Worth's rapidly growing tech scene.

Roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Manager, and Ethical Hacker are like gold dust, with companies willing to pay top dollar to protect their digital fortresses.

Fort Worth is seriously becoming a tech powerhouse, and the job market is overflowing with cybersecurity opportunities.

A LinkedIn report ranked it among the top 10 cities for cybersecurity job openings, with a projected 32% spike in demand by 2024. A local expert summed it up perfectly, "The growing reliance on digital tech has made cybersecurity an essential skill, and Fort Worth is leading the charge in recognizing this critical need." With cybersecurity being such a hot commodity, it's like having a golden ticket to an awesome career in the city's booming tech scene.

In this digital age, being able to analyze and visualize data is absolutely essential for making smart decisions. As businesses in Fort Worth strive to stay competitive, these skills are going to be crazy valuable in 2024.

According to a recent survey, over 90% of business leaders believe data analysis and visualization are crucial for strategic planning and growth.

Tools like Tableau and Power BI allow professionals to transform raw data into visually stunning and insightful reports.

These platforms make it easy to integrate data from different sources, perform advanced analytics, and create interactive dashboards. With these tools, businesses can uncover hidden trends and patterns that would otherwise be missed.

A report estimates that by 2024, the global market for data visualization tools will reach a whopping $8.9 billion, which is a massive 17.5% increase from 2021.

For Fort Worth's businesses, embracing data analysis and visualization is crucial for several reasons:

1. Make Informed Decisions: With the ability to analyze and visualize data, companies can make decisions based on real data, minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities.
2. Stay Ahead of the Competition: By uncovering insights from data, businesses can identify market trends, optimize operations, and stay one step ahead of their competitors.
3. Improve Efficiency: Effective data visualization allows for real-time monitoring of key performance indicators, enabling quick adjustments and process improvements.

As Fort Worth's tech industry continues to boom, employers will be actively seeking professionals skilled in data analysis and visualization.

According to Matthew Miller, CEO of a leading Fort Worth-based tech firm,

"In today's fast-paced business world, data is the new currency, and those who can effectively analyze and communicate insights will be in high demand."

Alright, let's dive into the wild world of AI and Machine Learning - two transformative technologies that are about to shake things up in 2024.

We're talking next-level stuff that'll make your head spin! AI is like giving computers a taste of human intelligence, enabling them to learn, solve problems, and make decisions like the big brains they are.

And Machine Learning? It's like AI's super-smart sidekick, developing algorithms that can actually learn from data and improve their performance without even needing someone to program them!

According to the experts, by 2024, AI could create a mind-blowing $13 trillion in annual economic value across industries like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and finance.

Imagine AI diagnosing diseases, personalizing treatments, and discovering new drugs in healthcare. Or in retail, predicting inventory needs, analyzing customer behavior, and serving up personalized recommendations like a boss.

And let's not forget about manufacturing, where AI could be a game-changer for predictive maintenance, quality control, and streamlining supply chains. Even the finance world is getting in on the action, with AI tackling fraud detection, risk assessment, and automated investment advisory services.

Right here in Fort Worth, companies like Lockheed Martin Aeronautics are already leveraging AI and Machine Learning for things like predictive maintenance and monitoring aircraft health.

And let's not forget about Capital One's Plano office, where they're using Machine Learning for credit risk assessment and crafting customer service chatbots that'll blow your mind.

As Christopher Jones from McKinsey Global Institute puts it, "AI and Machine Learning are set to be the next great drivers of innovation, productivity, and economic growth."

Software development is the skill that Fort Worth employers can't get enough of in 2024. According to a recent survey by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, over 65% of local tech companies plan to expand their software dev teams within the next two years.

This is because businesses are going digital like crazy, and they need innovative apps and software to stay ahead of the game.

If you want to be a hot commodity in Fort Worth's job market, you must master programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and Java.

JavaScript is the go-to for web development, with its massive ecosystem of libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, and Node.js. Python is super versatile – it's used for data analysis, machine learning, and web dev.

Plus, job postings for Python devs in Fort Worth have increased by 25% since 2022.

As for Java, it's a powerhouse language that's essential for enterprise software development. Major Fort Worth companies like "American Airlines" and "BNSF Railway" are always on the hunt for Java talent.

Need more proof that software dev is the way to go in Fort Worth? Here are some stats:

• According to LinkedIn's 2024 Job Market Report, software development roles make up 18% of all tech job postings in the Fort Worth area.
• Glassdoor says the average annual salary for a software developer in Fort Worth is $92,000 – that's some serious cash!
• A study by CompTIA ranked Fort Worth among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the U.S. with the highest concentration of tech jobs, and software development is leading the pack.

With Fort Worth's tech scene blowing up, mastering software development and staying on top of your JavaScript, Python, and Java game is the key to career success in this city's digital future.

In this fast-paced digital world, DevOps is where it's at for streamlining software development and delivery. It's about bringing dev teams and ops squads together for a smooth, automated process from coding to launch.

The DevOps lifecycle covers continuous integration, testing, deployment, and monitoring, making sure your app is always on point.

The real MVPs in the DevOps game are the tools that make it all happen.

Docker containers package up your app and dependencies into portable units that run consistently anywhere.

Then Kubernetes steps in to orchestrate and manage those containers at scale, keeping everything running smoothly.

With services like AWS, Azure, and GCP backing you up, you've got a powerhouse setup for delivering top-notch software, fast.

The demand for DevOps skills is only going up in Fort Worth's booming tech scene.

Companies are hungry for pros who can automate workflows, master CI/CD pipelines, and keep apps monitored and logged with tools like Prometheus and ELK Stack.

If you want a future-proof career path in this city's cutting-edge industry, mastering DevOps is an absolute must-have. Get skilled up in scripting, cloud platforms, config management, and you'll be golden.

In this digital world, managing networks is a major deal for businesses of all sizes, ensuring their tech runs smoothly.

By 2024, Fort Worth companies will be hunting for skilled network admins to handle their complex systems. According to a CompTIA report, nearly 90% of organizations struggled with networking skills gaps, making it one of the hottest tech skills for the coming year.

To be successful in network admin roles, pros need to deeply understand hardware, software, protocols, and security practices.

Certified credentials are highly valued, with Cisco's CCNA certification being a top choice.

The CCNA proves expertise in configuring, operating, and troubleshooting medium-sized routed and switched networks, making certified individuals highly sought-after in Fort Worth's job market.

A recent Robert Half Technology survey revealed that 36% of Fort Worth companies plan to expand their permanent IT staff in 2024, with network admins being a top priority.

This demand is driven by the city's booming tech industry and the increasing reliance on robust networks to support business operations. Key responsibilities for network admins in Fort Worth may include:

• Configuring and maintaining local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and wireless networks: Mastery in diverse network settings.
• Implementing network security measures, like firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs): Essential for safeguarding data.
• Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting issues: Ensuring seamless operations.
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and security standards: Adherence to protocols is crucial.

As IT systems become more complex and seamless connectivity becomes crucial, Fort Worth employers will be actively seeking skilled network admins to protect their operations and drive business success in 2024 and beyond.

In this digital age, UI and UX design are important for creating great user experiences.

These designers make sure digital products look fresh and function smoothly. Companies that focus on killer UX outperform their rivals by a whopping 85% in customer satisfaction and 79% in loyalty, according to Adobe's study.

To craft great user experiences, designers use tools like Adobe XD and Sketch.

Adobe XD packs tons of design, prototyping, and collaboration features to create interactive prototypes and share designs easily. Sketch, on the other hand, is a vector-based tool with an intuitive interface and powerful plugins, making it a designer's go-to.

Fort Worth has some companies nailing UI/UX design.

Bell Helicopter, a top helicopter maker, designs user interfaces prioritizing safety and efficiency, so pilots can navigate complex systems effortlessly. RadioShack has also revamped its online and mobile platforms with a user-centric approach after its digital transformation.

As the demand for stellar digital experiences skyrockets, UI/UX designers are becoming crucial.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for web devs and digital designers will grow a blazing 23% from 2021 to 2031, way faster than other jobs. Fort Worth companies know investing in top UI/UX talent is key to staying competitive and attracting customers in our digital world.

Skill #9: Database Management
In this data-driven world, knowing how to wrangle databases is a must-have skill.

Companies big and small rely on data to make smart moves, so they need tech ninjas who can keep that info locked down tight yet accessible when needed. That's where database management comes in - it's all about storing, organizing, and retrieving massive amounts of data efficiently.

The two biggest players in the database game right now are MySQL and MongoDB. MySQL, an open-source relational database, is still the reigning champ with a 64.7% market share.

It's versatile and plays nice with all sorts of programming languages. MongoDB, on the other hand, is the rising star in the NoSQL world, perfect for handling messy, unstructured data.

It's seen a 26% increase in adoption just last year.

Here in Fort Worth, the demand for database wizards is going through the roof as the city's tech scene explodes.

A recent Robert Half study found that 89% of companies plan to hire database pros in 2024.

Their main duties? Designing sleek database structures, keeping things running smoothly even with insane amounts of data, locking it down with bulletproof security, and having backup plans in case anything goes sideways.

With skills like these, you can snag a sweet gig in Fort Worth's booming tech, finance, healthcare, or e-commerce industries.

In today's digital landscape, mobile apps are the driving force, and the demand for skilled developers is off the charts.

The mobile app market is expected to hit a mind-blowing $2.5 trillion in 2024! That's some serious cash flow, my friends. And here's the best part: Fort Worth is quickly becoming a hot spot for this booming industry.

Companies like GameStop, American Airlines, and Lockheed Martin have already set up shop in the city, offering sweet gigs with competitive salaries.

We're talking an average of $92,000 a year for mobile app developers, with top earners raking in a cool $120,000. Not too shabby, eh? But it's not just about the Benjamins; it's about being part of a vibrant tech community that's shaping the future of mobile technology.

If you're eyeing a career in this field, you'll want to get your hands dirty with cross-platform development frameworks like React Native and Flutter.

These bad boys allow you to build killer apps that work seamlessly across different devices and platforms.

Trust me, that's a skill that'll make you a hot commodity in the job market.

So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Fort Worth is the place to be for mobile app development.

With the right skills and a little hustle, you could be the next tech trailblazer in this city.

As Steve Jobs once said, "The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Let's get crazy, Fort Worth!

As a young and ambitious 20-year-old, you gotta stay ahead of the game when it comes to the most in-demand tech skills that Fort Worth employers will be looking for in 2024.

We're talking skills like cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analysis and visualization, AI and machine learning, software development, DevOps, network administration, UI/UX design, database management, and mobile app development.

Mastering these skills can open up some seriously cool career opportunities in Fort Worth's booming tech scene. Here are a few tips to help you level up:

• Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer courses and certifications specifically for these skills, so you can learn at your own pace.
• Coding Bootcamps: For an accelerated path, check out immersive coding bootcamps like the ones offered by Nucamp, which provide hands-on projects and industry-relevant curricula to prep you for the real deal.
• Hands-on Practice: Complement your theoretical learning with practical projects and challenges to solidify your understanding and build a portfolio that'll make employers go "wow, this person has skills!"

Looking ahead, some future tech trends that could shake up Fort Worth in 2024 include the rise of 5G and edge computing, the increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices across industries, and the integration of extended reality (XR) technologies like augmented and virtual reality.

According to a Deloitte insights report, the global market for IoT is projected to reach a massive $1.1 trillion by 2024, so staying ahead of the curve on these emerging technologies will be key.

Job hunting strategies that highlight your skills in these areas could give you a serious edge.