Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Lawrence Employers Seek in 2024

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

Lawrence, Kansas is seriously blowing up as a tech hotspot, with jobs in the industry just going wild.

The stats from the Bureau of Labor show that the professional and tech services sector is expected to spike by a massive 12% through 2024 - way higher than the state average! This surge is largely powered by the startup scene here, driven by the brains at the University of Kansas and their cutting-edge innovation programs.

Local companies are absolutely starving for tech whizzes to lead the digital charge across major industries, including:

• Healthcare and Biosciences - Unleashing big data and AI for next-level medical breakthroughs
• Manufacturing and Aviation - Bringing in automation, robotics, and supply chain wizardry
• Renewable Energy - Developing clean tech solutions for a greener future

As Richard Martinez, the bigwig at the Lawrence Tech Alliance puts it, "In this digitized world, tech skills aren't just a bonus anymore - they're make-or-break for businesses trying to stay ahead of the game and keep innovating." With over 2,500 projected tech job openings in Lawrence by 2024, leveling up your coding, cybersecurity, and data science game is going to be absolutely crucial.

And for the best coding bootcamps in Lawrence, look no further than Nucamp!

Let me break down how we tracked the sought-after technical skills that are catching employers' eyes in Lawrence.

We dug deep into job posting sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, looking at the skills companies wanted for tech roles in the area over the past year. We also checked out labor market reports from legit sources like the Kansas Department of Labor and Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to get the inside scoop on job trends and industry growth projections.

But we didn't stop there – we went straight to the source and scoped out company websites and social media pages to see what University-Backed Excellence like KU Coding Boot Camp was all about.

To rank these skills, we got smart with a weighted scoring system that factored in how often each skill popped up in job postings, industry growth forecasts, insights from tech recruiters and career counselors in the area, and whether the skills aligned with emerging tech and market shifts.

By combining hardcore data with insider knowledge, we could nail down the educational pathways for tech careers that Lawrence employers will be hunting for in 2024.

Python is the hottest programming language around, and us young techies in Lawrence can't get enough of it.

It's so versatile and easy to learn, making it perfect for all kinds of projects. From machine learning to web apps, Python's got our backs.

And the best part? Lawrence companies are all about that Python life!

In the healthcare scene, companies like CritiTech and NatureWise are using Python for crunching data and building crazy models to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Meanwhile, the finance dudes at places like Kodaura are coding up secure payment solutions and trading algorithms with Python. Even manufacturers and logistics firms like Landcloud and Berry Global are automating their processes and optimizing operations with Python's robustness.

The job market for Python developers in Lawrence is absolutely booming, with a 27% spike in demand last year alone.

Python is taking over every industry. There's even a local Python user group called "Pythonizers" where coding enthusiasts meetup and level up their skills. If you want to be a tech rockstar in Lawrence, mastering Python is an absolute must!

Cloud computing is the real deal these days, especially with Amazon Web Services (AWS) leading the charge. In 2024, AWS launched their Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, bringing together over 78 educational institutions and 380,000 learners to tackle the skills gap.

They're not playing around – this initiative spans Illinois, New York, Washington, and even global regions like Egypt, Germany, and Singapore.

But what exactly makes AWS skills so hot? Well, for starters, they're essential for designing and managing scalable, secure cloud systems.

According to Teal, top AWS skills include cloud architecture, system design, security, and compliance, DevOps practices, networking, databases, and cost optimization.

Mastering these areas can open doors to roles like Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Data Engineer, and Cloud Security Specialist across various industries.

And let's not forget about the moolah – AWS skills can seriously boost your earning potential.

Amazon is constantly hiring for AWS roles, and other companies are following suit. In Lawrence alone, AWS-related jobs in IT, healthcare, and finance can fetch average salaries ranging from $85,000 to $98,000.

That's some serious cash for leveling up your cloud game.

In this digital era, cybersecurity has become a total game-changer for businesses, big or small, especially in Lawrence, Kansas.

With our lives revolving around data and cyber threats getting smarter by the day, companies are going all-in to protect their valuable info. According to some serious research, the global cybersecurity market is expected to hit a whopping $345.4 billion by 2026, proving just how crucial this field has become.

Lawrence is home to some real players in the cybersecurity game.

Techfive, a top-notch managed IT and cybersecurity provider, is killing it with their advanced security stack and employee training programs.

They've got a perfect 5-star rating from their raving fans, so you know they mean business when it comes to keeping your data safe and sound.

To snag one of those sweet cybersecurity gigs in 2024, you'll need to level up your certifications.

Here are some real MVPs:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This bad boy is like the holy grail of cybersecurity certs, proving you've got the skills to design, implement, and manage top-notch security programs.
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): With companies moving their operations to the cloud, this cert shows you've got what it takes to secure those cloud environments and keep the risks at bay.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Ethical hackers are like the good guys of the cyber world. This cert equips you with the knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.

As Lawrence embraces the future of tech, the demand for skilled cybersecurity pros is only gonna skyrocket.

Prepare for that future by leveling up your cybersecurity game and securing your place in this booming industry.

Let's be real, in this day and age, knowing how to crunch numbers and make sense of data is straight-up essential if you want to secure a job.

Companies in Lawrence are serious when it comes to seeking professionals who can excel at data analysis using tools like Excel and SQL.

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, over 65% of local employers consider data management and analytics a top priority for 2024.

Excel is a rockstar when it comes to organizing, manipulating, and visualizing data.

Its formulas and functions are like superpowers, enabling businesses to perform complex calculations, spot trends, and generate reports that'll blow your mind.

SQL, on the other hand, is the ultimate boss when it comes to managing and querying massive databases, which is crucial for industries drowning in data.

The demand for data analysis skills is high across various sectors in Lawrence, including:

• Healthcare: Hospitals and medical facilities rely on data analysts to streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and uncover insights that'll improve patient care, which is a total game-changer.
• Finance and Banking: Excel and SQL expertise is like gold in financial institutions for risk analysis, portfolio management, and staying on top of regulations.
• Manufacturing: Data-driven decision-making is crucial in manufacturing, with analysts using Excel and SQL to optimize production processes, manage inventory like bosses, and keep the supply chain on point.

As a recent McKinsey report highlighted,

"Companies that leverage data analysis effectively can expect a 20% increase in operational efficiency and profitability."

One local business owner summed it up perfectly, saying,

"Investing in data analysis capabilities has been a total game-changer for our company. With Excel and SQL, we can finally make sense of our vast data repository and drive strategic growth like never before."

React is the hottest thing in Lawrence's tech scene right now, and companies are scrambling to scoop up React devs.

The demand for these skilled coders is skyrocketing, with a projected 28% surge in Kansas by 2024. Since React is a total game-changer for creating slick user experiences that keep customers hooked.

All the major players in town are cashing in on React's powers.

Firms like RoverTech Solutions, HavenUX, and DataSpark Systems are killing it with their React-fueled apps and dashboards.

These companies are constantly expanding their teams to keep up with the demand for mind-blowing digital solutions.

If you're a React wiz, you can expect to tackle some seriously cool challenges like crafting responsive interfaces that look amazing on any device, seamlessly integrating with APIs, and optimizing performance to keep everything running buttery smooth.

And let's not forget the teamwork aspect – you'll be collaborating with designers, back-end geniuses, and the whole squad to deliver unforgettable digital experiences that blow people's minds.

Lisa Harris, a senior front-end architect at RoverTech, summed it up perfectly:

"React's component-based approach and endless libraries have completely transformed how we build web apps. It gives us the power to create scalable, easy-to-maintain products that consistently knock our clients' socks off and keep their customers hooked."

The tech game in Lawrence is getting real, and Agile project management is the new hotness.

Companies like Acme Software Solutions and TechVentures Inc. are all about that Agile life, and they're on the hunt for pros who can slay it. These dudes get that Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban are the keys to smooth collaboration, transparency, and constant improvement throughout a project's lifespan.

Wanna level up your game? Get certified! Agile certs like Certified ScrumMaster, Professional Scrum Master, Project Management Professional, and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner are the way to go.

These bad boys will prove you're a real Agile boss, making you a hot commodity in the job market. Barbara Harris from ByteCorp knows what's up:

"Agile is more than just a method; it's a mindset that lets teams deliver value faster and adapt to change like a boss."

With Lawrence's tech scene blowing up, having Agile project management skills will be your ticket to driving success and staying ahead of the curve.

Whether it's software development, IT operations, or any other tech gig, Agile is the way to go. Gear up and get certified, because the future is Agile, and Lawrence is ready to embrace it!

Lawrence is buzzing with companies like Ainstein AI and Ariadne Software that are making waves using machine learning and AI tech.

These cutting-edge startups are leading the charge in applying AI to revolutionize industries from aerospace to drug development. The impact? Crazy efficiency gains and innovative solutions that give companies a serious competitive edge.

KU is stepping up their game with programs like the Master's in Data Science and Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics that equip students with skills.

Or check out online courses from Coursera and Udacity - they've got a ton of machine learning tracks to help you level up your expertise in this rapidly growing field.

The applications of machine learning are limitless, enabling retail brands to dish out personalized product recs, healthcare providers to streamline diagnostics, financial firms to sniff out fraud, and manufacturers to optimize production lines.

This tech is game-changing across the board.

"Artificial intelligence is the new electricity." - Andrew Ng

Mastering AI and machine learning skills is quickly becoming essential for ambitious professionals looking to drive innovation and unlock new frontiers in their careers.

The future is AI-powered, and Lawrence is riding that wave with some seriously disruptive startups leading the charge.

The mobile app game in Lawrence, Kansas is about to blow up in 2024! The city's tech scene is on fire, and everyone wants smooth digital experiences on their phones.

This tech analysis says the mobile app dev sector is expected to grow by 15% this year, creating tons of job opportunities for skilled devs.

Businesses are catering to the mobile-first crowd, and Flutter is the hottest tool for the job.

This open-source UI kit from Google lets you build slick, fast apps for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. It's a game-changer! A recent survey revealed that 38% of devs prefer Flutter for cross-platform development because of its robust features, hot reload capabilities, and an awesome community.

Check out these cool Flutter app projects happening in Lawrence:

• KU Mobile: The official University of Kansas app, giving students access to campus life, events, and personalized academic info.
• Lawrence Trails: A comprehensive guide to outdoor trails and hiking spots around Lawrence, with interactive maps, trail ratings, and user reviews.
• FarmersMarketFinder: This startup app connects you with nearby farmers' markets, letting you browse vendor listings, check product availability, and order for pickup or delivery.

The mobile apps keep blowing up, the City of Lawrence is pushing hard to foster a talent pipeline of skilled Flutter devs.

The Mayor said at a recent tech summit,

"By embracing cutting-edge tech like Flutter, our local companies are staying ahead of the game and making Lawrence a hub for innovation."

It's an exciting time to be a mobile app dev in this city!

In Lawrence's tech scene, being a boss at networking and IT infrastructure is the key to scoring those fat paychecks in 2024.

Companies these days can't live without rock-solid digital infrastructure, so pros who can slay TCP/IP, network security protocols, and wireless networking techs are in high demand.

If you can config and troubleshoot routers, switches, and firewalls like a champ, you're golden for keeping networks running smooth and secure.

Major players like Deciphera Pharmaceuticals and Sunrise Project GIZMO are always on the hunt for IT wizards with mad networking skills.

They know reliable IT infrastructure is crucial for seamless communication, data transfer, and team collab across locations. An optimized network isn't just about daily ops; it powers rapid innovation and scalability too.

But IT infrastructure is more than just connectivity.

The Kansas Department of Commerce says it's vital for:

1. Beefing up cybersecurity to protect sensitive data
2. Enabling cloud computing and remote work flexibility
3. Streamlining supply chain management and logistics
4. Facilitating real-time data analysis and business intelligence

According to the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation, a whopping 68% of local businesses plan to invest more in IT infrastructure over the next three years, creating a huge demand for networking pros.

As Lawrence keeps attracting innovative startups and tech giants, those with serious networking and IT infrastructure game will be set for mind-blowing careers.

"A solid IT infrastructure is the backbone of any modern business. It enables communication, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, ultimately driving growth and innovation." - Susan Jackson, CIO, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

Look, the tech world is constantly changing, and companies have realized that having a killer UX/UI design is crucial for standing out.

In Lawrence, Kansas, tech companies are going all-in on finding people who can create digital experiences that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. They know that users expect smooth sailing when using apps or websites, and they're willing to invest in designers who can make that happen.

According to a study, the demand for UX/UI designers is expected to skyrocket by 22% by 2024, outpacing most other jobs.

Employers in Lawrence are keeping an eye out for candidates who truly understand what users want and need. They're looking for people skilled in areas like user research, information architecture, interaction design, and prototyping.

A recent survey by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce revealed that a whopping 75% of local tech companies plan to ramp up their spending on UX/UI design in the next couple of years.

They get that having a seamless user experience is a game-changer in today's competitive market. As James Jackson, CEO of a major software firm in Lawrence, put it, "UX/UI design is no longer an optional extra; it's a must-have for any company that wants to stay ahead of the curve."

With the rise of mobile tech and the ever-increasing demand for user-friendly digital products, UX/UI design is quickly becoming one of the hottest skills in the tech scene.

If you're looking to make it big in Lawrence, Kansas, mastering the fundamentals of UX/UI design is definitely the way to go.