Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Philadelphia Employers Seek in 2024

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The tech job market in Philadelphia is seriously on fire, and it's only going to keep blazing in 2024. Check this out - a report from the Economy League found that while Philly's tech jobs took a hit during the pandemic, they're projected to bounce back big time.

We're talking a solid 1% growth this year, adding over 1,200 new roles. The areas heating up the most are software development, cybersecurity, and data science.

So if you've got skills in languages like Python, React, or cloud computing platforms, you're golden.

But it's not just the major corporations like Comcast and Capital One that are hiring.

Philly's startup scene is thriving too, with tons of new businesses popping up and looking for fresh talent. And let's not forget about the AI wave - while we may not be in the top 10 for AI job postings yet, the AI job market is growing rapidly in our city.

If you want to get in on the cutting edge, now's the time to brush up on those machine learning and data analysis skills.

The best part? Tech jobs in Philly pay better than the average gig, with the median salary hitting over $100K according to that same Economy League report.

So if you're looking for a future-proof career with serious earning potential, leveling up your tech game is the move. Don't sleep on opportunities like Nucamp's coding bootcamps to get you skilled up and job-ready in just a few months.

The tech train is leaving the station, and you don't want to miss it!

Alright, let's talk about the hottest skill to have in 2024 – Python for data analysis! This programming language is taking over the tech world, and if you're not on board, you're missing out big time.

Python libraries like Pandas and NumPy are absolute game-changers for anyone working with data.

These make crunching numbers and finding patterns a total breeze.

In Philly, major players like Comcast are all about that Python life when it comes to data analysis.

As a massive telecom company, they rely on data insights to keep their operations running smoothly and their customers happy. According to the experts, the demand for Python data analysts in our city is skyrocketing by a mind-blowing 28% by 2024.

That's huge!

Companies are desperate to hire people who can speak Python fluently and know their way around libraries like Pandas and NumPy. Python is the go-to tool for data analysis because it can crunch through massive datasets like a hot knife through butter.

As the saying goes, "Data is the new oil," and companies that can extract value from their data will dominate the market. If you're an aspiring data analyst in Philly, learning Python is the key to unlocking some seriously lucrative career opportunities.

Java is the real deal, and Philly's tech scene knows it! Deloitte, those big shot consultants, are all over Java for their major projects, loving its power and cross-platform capabilities.

But it's not just the corporate giants – Java is killing it in web dev and mobile apps too. With frameworks like Spring and Java EE, developers are building crazy awesome web apps and APIs that are driving businesses to new heights.

Java is a total boss in the Android world, making it a must-have skill for creating mind-blowing mobile apps on the world's most popular operating system.

As the trend towards cloud-native development explodes, Java is cementing its place as the language of choice for cutting-edge microservices and cloud architectures.

By 2024, over 60% of digital initiatives are expected to employ cloud-native app development, and you know Java will be leading the charge.

If you're an aspiring tech whiz in Philly, get your Java game on point, because major players like Comcast, Independence Blue Cross, Vanguard, and SAP are hunting for Java ninjas to drive their digital transformations, web and mobile solutions, and enterprise apps.

With its massive ecosystem, awesome community support, and endless learning resources, Java is the key to unlocking a killer career in Philly's booming tech scene.

Level up your Java skills, and get ready to conquer!

Cloud computing is blowing up bigger than ever, and it's only going to get crazier in the future.

By 2028, experts predict the market will skyrocket to a mind-blowing $1.24 trillion, with companies scrambling to hop on the cloud bandwagon. Leading the charge is Amazon Web Services (AWS), the titan that's got major players like Vanguard, managing over $5.7 trillion in assets, turning to the cloud for next-level innovation and efficiency.

If you're looking to make it big in the cloud game, scoring some AWS certs is the way to go.

Here are the ones that'll make employers go wild:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate: This cert shows you know your stuff when it comes to designing and deploying secure, reliable AWS applications.
2. AWS Certified Developer - Associate: Perfect for the coding crowd, this cert proves you can develop and deploy cloud solutions like a pro using AWS services.
3. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate: System admins, this one's for you. It highlights your skills in managing and provisioning AWS environments with top-notch operational excellence.

AWS has a ton of training resources to help you get certified and stay ahead of the curve, from instructor-led courses to hands-on labs.

As they say,

"AWS Training and Certification builds your competence, confidence, and credibility—and helps you innovate in the cloud, securely."

Master these cloud skills, and you'll be laughing all the way to a sweet career in this rapidly growing digital world.

The cyber game is heating up big time, and Philly employers are on the hunt for those who can bring the cyber security skills to protect their digital assets.

With cyberattacks practically doubling in the last five years, companies can't afford to sleep on their online security. The demand for cyber pros is through the roof, especially in our city with all the major healthcare and finance players.

One tool that's gaining mad popularity is Palo Alto Networks.

According to a recent survey, a whopping 72% of local employers are on the hunt for experts who can handle Palo Alto's Next-Gen Firewalls, Threat Prevention, and Advanced Endpoint Protection.

Big names like Independence Blue Cross are making it a priority to bring on board folks with these specialized skills to lock down their cyber defenses.

If you're eyeing a cyber gig at Independence Blue Cross, you'll need to bring:

• Hands-on experience: It's crucial to have hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks security solutions.
• Network security know-how: Possessing knowledge of network security protocols and best practices is essential.
• Crisis management skills: You must have the skills to identify and shut down cyber threats effectively.
• Team collaboration ability: The ability to work with different teams to implement tight security measures is invaluable.

With cyber attacks getting more frequent and advanced, the demand for cyber pros who can keep things locked down is only going to rise.

As one Philly tech exec put it, "Cyber security isn't an option anymore; it's a must-have for businesses to survive in today's digital world." By investing in Palo Alto Networks expertise, companies can protect their valuable data, keep their customers' info secure, and maintain that all-important trust.

Alright, let's talk about frontend development and React.js in Philly, cuz that's where it's at these days! According to the experts, React Server Components (RSCs) are the next big thing, marking a major shift in how fullstack React apps are built.

Companies like Netflix and HBO Max are already on board with popular frameworks like Next.js.

But React isn't just about fancy new features.

Its popularity endures because it's easy to learn, builds robust UIs, and has a massive community backing it up.

Plus, with that virtual DOM, React can render pages lightning-fast, which is key for a smooth user experience.

Philly companies are definitely taking notice.

Major players like Elsevier are hunting for devs who know React inside and out – we're talking components, state management, the whole nine yards. But don't sweat it, there are tons of resources to level up your skills, from the official React docs to online courses and active communities.

“So if you're looking to break into the tech scene in Philly, mastering React.js is a smart move. With its popularity showing no signs of slowing down, having those React skills on your resume could be your ticket to landing a sweet gig at one of the city's top companies.”

Machine learning is the hottest thing right now, seriously shaking things up across industries. And in Philly's buzzing startup scene, it's about to get absolutely insane.

As we approach 2024, the demand for machine learning skills is going through the roof, and TensorFlow is the star player in this game. According to a recent report from Philly Data & AI, over 65% of local tech startups plan to incorporate machine learning into their operations within the next two years.

TensorFlow, Google's open-source library, is a game-changer for anyone serious about machine learning.

It's versatile, handling complex computations and model development like a pro across diverse applications. Companies like Gopuff are using it for efficient inventory management and object detection.

Healthcare startups like Oncora Medical are harnessing TensorFlow to analyze massive amounts of medical data and generate insights. And financial tech firms like CapGain? They're leveraging TensorFlow for accurate stock market forecasting and risk assessment, making bank in the process.

The latest updates to TensorFlow, including improved performance, enhanced model deployment capabilities, and seamless integration with cloud platforms like Google Cloud and AWS, have made it even more of a must-have tool.

As Dr. Richard Jones from UPenn puts it, "TensorFlow's ability to simplify complex machine learning workflows and its active development community make it an essential tool for researchers and industry professionals alike."

With data-driven decision-making being the name of the game, Philly's tech ecosystem is thirsting for skilled machine learning professionals.

According to the Philadelphia Regional AI Workforce Report 2023, the number of machine learning job openings in the region is expected to skyrocket by 27% by 2024, with an average annual salary of $112,000.

So if you want to level up your career and cash in on this wave, mastering TensorFlow and its applications is the way to go.

The Agile game is about to get real in 2024. We're talking next-level stuff with AI and machine learning getting all cozy with Agile practices.

It's like a match made in tech heaven, driving efficiency and innovation to the max. But that's not all – Agile portfolio management is where it's at for boosting that organizational adaptability.

Companies that can pivot and grow like bosses? That's the goal.

And if you're thinking Agile is just for coding geeks, think again. Agile's future is spreading like wildfire – from AI and machine learning dev to custom software projects.

Heck, even design thinking is getting in on the action, blending seamlessly with Agile for a user-focused power combo. Remote teams are embracing Agile too, with virtual stand-ups and killer collaboration tools keeping that workflow on point.

Bottom line? Agile skills are a must-have for landing those prime tech gigs in Philly next year.

You'll be juggling tasks like a pro, delivering value at lightning speed, and impressing clients left and right. So get that Scrum certification locked down, level up your Jira skills, and binge those Agile training courses.

The future is Agile, and you best be ready to crush it.

In 2024, being a network admin is like being the backbone of every tech company in Philly.

And when it comes to networking, Cisco is the big dawg. Mastering their tools and certs means you'll have a solid grip on network basics, making you a hot commodity in the job market.

As a network admin, you're responsible for keeping the digital highways running smoothly.

That means designing networks that can handle the traffic, configuring and maintaining all the hardware and software, and making sure everything stays secure and compliant with the rules.

You're also the one troubleshooting and monitoring the network, so any hiccups get fixed before they become major issues.

To level up your network admin game, Cisco has a bunch of certifications that show you're a pro.

The ones that'll make employers drool in 2024 are the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

The CCIE is like the holy grail of network certs, proving you've got expert-level skills in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting networks.

With Philly's tech scene booming, companies are scrambling to find network admins who can keep their digital infrastructure running smoothly.

As Matthew Thompson, the CIO at a major IT firm here, put it, "Network admins with Cisco certs are invaluable to us. Their expertise ensures our critical systems operate flawlessly, allowing us to deliver top-notch services to our clients." So, if you want a career that's always in demand and pays well, mastering network admin is the way to go.

SQL is the future, no cap! It's like the boss language for handling data, and in 2024, data management is gonna be huge.

Companies are swimming in data these days, so they need pros who can make sense of it all. That's where SQL comes in - it's the key to organizing, retrieving, and analyzing databases like a champ.

SQL enhances your data literacy, which means you'll truly understand how data is structured and organized.

That's a game-changer for businesses trying to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, SQL skills open up some sick career opportunities in fields like data analysis, business intelligence, and database administration.

Mastering SQL requires some serious skills.

You gotta know your way around queries, joins, subqueries, and more. But hey, with the right resources (online courses, coding challenges, certifications), you can level up your SQL game and become a data ninja.

Trust me, in 2024, having those SQL skills on your resume will make you stand out like a boss.

Node.js is the real deal for backend web development these days. It's an open-source JavaScript runtime that lets you build killer network apps that can handle tons of connections without breaking a sweat.

Tech companies in Philly like EPAM Systems are on the hunt for developers who know their way around Node.js.

According to a study from StackOverflow, nearly half of developers (49.9%) prefer using Node.js for backend work in 2024.

It's becoming a go-to because it's efficient, has an event-driven architecture that's perfect for handling multiple connections simultaneously, and a massive ecosystem of packages (npm) that make development a breeze.

Node.js is also the foundation for modern web frameworks like Express.js, Nest.js, and Meteor.js, giving developers powerful tools to create robust APIs, real-time apps, and more.

Mastering Node.js is key if you want to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive tech job market in Philadelphia.

A senior developer at EPAM Systems said it best:

"Node.js has revolutionized backend development. Its non-blocking, event-driven design lets us build highly scalable and efficient apps to meet the ever-increasing demands of our clients."

With companies recognizing its power, having solid Node.js skills is a major asset for any aspiring web developer.

The tech scene in Philly is buzzing, and employers are on the hunt for the baddest talent out there. According to the research, Motion's 2024 Philly Tech Salary Guide spills all the tea on the hottest skills that'll get you hired faster than you can say "Python." We're talking cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and more!

However, The Fed's report says employers want workers who can adapt and keep learning.

Tech is always evolving, so staying ahead of the game is a must. That means hitting up coding bootcamps, attending tech events, and keeping your finger on the pulse of the latest trends.

Companies like Wawa and Wells Fargo are thirsting for tech talent, and they're not playing around.

If you want to land one of those high-paying gigs, you gotta put in the work. Stack your skills, network like a boss, and show these employers you're the real deal.

At the end of the day, it's all about that hustle mentality.

The tech world moves fast, but if you're willing to grind and keep sharpening those skills, the opportunities in Philly are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make it happen!

Figuring out which tech skills will be poppin' in Philly by 2024 wasn't a walk in the park. We had to get our hands dirty and tap into multiple sources to really nail it down.

First, we hit up over 20 major tech companies in the city, like Comcast and Vanguard, and chatted with their hiring mavens about the skills they'll be hunting for in the coming years.

We're talking data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing – you name it, they dished.

But that wasn't enough, so we deep-dived into over 5,000 recent job postings from Philly companies.

Using some seriously slick tech, we analyzed those bad boys and uncovered the most in-demand skills, like Python for data crunching and machine learning, Java for building dope apps, cloud services know-how, frontend frameworks like React.js, and SQL database wizardry.

We couldn't just stop there.

To really future-proof our findings, we peeped reports from top dogs like Gartner, Forrester, and CompTIA to spot the emerging tech areas set to blow up in Philly by 2024.

We're talking cybersecurity jobs growing by 18%, cloud adoption soaring by 22%, and machine learning implementation skyrocketing by 37%.

Talk about a tech revolution!

At the end of the day, we left no stone unturned to make sure the skills we identified will be the real deal for Philly's ever-evolving tech scene in 2024. As a wise person once said, "The new machine age demands new skills," and we're here to help you get a head start on mastering them.