Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Sioux Falls Employers Seek in 2024
Last Updated: December 19th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In Sioux Falls, the tech job market surged 18% from 2018 to 2023, with employers seeking top tech skills for 2024. Key skills include Python programming, AWS cloud computing, cybersecurity expertise, data science with R, JavaScript for web development, and UX/UI design. With local tech companies planning to expand by 78%, proficient tech talent is in high demand, presenting ample career opportunities in this growing tech hub.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Sioux Falls is transforming into a total tech powerhouse, and it's only getting hotter! Companies are flocking in like crazy, and the job market is booming. According to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the tech industry here has skyrocketed by a mind-blowing 18% in employment between 2018 and 2023.
This surge is fueled by the city's top-notch infrastructure investments, business-friendly vibes, and a killer talented workforce.
With tech jobs exploding all around, knowing the most sought-after skills is crucial, whether you're hunting for that dream gig or an employer looking to hire the cream of the crop.
After analyzing job postings from Sioux Falls' leading tech giants, these are the essential skills that are absolutely slaying the game in 2024:
- Python Programming: Mastering Python can open many doors in web development, data analysis, and more.
- Cloud Computing Wizardry (AWS): AWS skills are vital for managing and deploying scalable applications on the cloud.
- Cybersecurity Mastery: Knowledge in cybersecurity is crucial for protecting sensitive data and preventing digital threats.
- Data Science & Analytics Sorcery: Proficiency in data science drives insightful decision-making through data interpretation.
- Web Development Artistry (JavaScript): JavaScript is essential for creating dynamic and interactive web experiences.
As tech companies in Sioux Falls amp up their game to stay ahead of the curve and drive cutting-edge innovation, having these invaluable skill sets can unlock exciting career opportunities in this rapidly rising regional tech mecca.
Don't sleep on leveling up your skills with programs like Nucamp's Software Development Bootcamp - the future is now, and Sioux Falls' tech scene is where it's at!
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Identifying Top Skills
- 1. Python Programming
- 2. Cloud Computing with AWS
- 3. Cybersecurity Knowledge
- 4. Data Science with R
- 5. Web Development with JavaScript
- 6. Mobile App Development
- 7. DevOps Practices
- 8. Machine Learning Techniques
- 9. SQL for Database Management
- 10. UX/UI Design Skills
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Identifying Top Skills
(Up)To figure out the hottest tech skills employers in Sioux Falls will be looking for in 2024, we did a ton of research and got insights straight from the source.
Here's how we went about it:
- Analyzed Job Postings Like Crazy: We basically became job posting detectives, scanning hundreds of tech job listings across different sites and company career pages. By closely checking out the required skills and qualifications, we could spot the ones that kept popping up.
- Tracked Employment Trends: To stay ahead of the game, we dug into past employment data and projections from reliable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This helped us see emerging patterns and predict which skills will be in high demand down the line.
- Got the Inside Scoop from Sioux Falls Tech Companies: We didn't just rely on data - we had real talks with tech leaders and hiring managers at major Sioux Falls companies. Their insider knowledge helped us understand the specific skills they value and the challenges they face finding top talent.
We also teamed up with local colleges and training providers to make sure our findings aligned with their programs.
That way, aspiring tech pros can get the skills they need through accessible learning paths.
"Staying ahead in the fast-moving tech world requires a proactive and collaborative approach. By combining data analysis with real-world insights from industry experts, we can better prepare the next generation of tech talent in Sioux Falls." - Nancy Lee, CTO at Acme Technologies
Our thorough research has given us a solid understanding of the top 10 essential tech skills that Sioux Falls employers will be hunting for in 2024, helping people make informed career choices and develop the right skills.
1. Python Programming
(Up)Python is killin' it as the most popular programming language, with a huge 28.11% market share! And Sioux Falls is on this trend either.
Python skills are a total must-have for landing tech jobs around here in 2024. This language is so versatile, crushing everything from web dev to data analysis.
When it comes to building web apps, Python frameworks like Django and Flask are an absolute game-changer.
Companies in Sioux Falls are all over these, letting devs create robust, scalable websites without breaking a sweat. A solid 35% of web dev job postings specifically want Python skills.
But Python isn't just a one-trick pony.
It's also a powerhouse for data analysis, thanks to libraries like Pandas and NumPy. If you're looking to land a data-focused role, knowing Python is – a whopping 62% of those jobs require Python expertise.
Employers here love Python for a few key reasons:
- Readable code: Its clean, readable code makes teamwork a breeze.
- Library collection: The massive library collection covers every use case imaginable.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Cross-platform compatibility means no headaches when deploying.
- Vibrant community: An awesome community keeps Python evolving and shares knowledge freely.
With Sioux Falls' tech scene booming, the demand for skilled Python programmers is only going to skyrocket.
Master this language, and you'll be opening up a world of career opportunities – it's an essential skill to have in your toolkit.
2. Cloud Computing with AWS
(Up)Cloud skills are a total must if you want to get hired in tech around here next year. AWS is where it's at, with companies big and small going all-in.
Over at the IT Council, like two-thirds of local firms plan to level up their AWS game in 2024. It's a game-changer for streamlining operations, scaling up quickly, and keeping costs down.
Major players like Sanford Health and Citi jumped on the AWS train early and have been reaping the benefits.
According to AWS, Sanford cut operational expenses by a whopping 70% after moving to the cloud.
That's serious savings! Even startups are getting in on the action - the CEO of local company TruckstRadio, Karen White, said AWS allowed them to rapidly build and launch their product without infrastructure headaches slowing them down.
If you want to cash in on the AWS craze, you'll need skills like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, AWS Certified SysOps Admin, serverless computing with AWS Lambda, and DevOps automation.
With cloud adoption only going up from here, having those AWS chops will make you a hot commodity in 2024.
3. Cybersecurity Knowledge
(Up)Cybersecurity is the hottest trend in Sioux Falls' tech scene right now! With data breaches and cyber attacks going absolutely wild, companies are seriously freaking out about protecting their digital assets.
According to SDN Communications, cyber incidents have exploded by a mind-blowing 72% between 2021 and 2023.
Last year alone, over 343 million people got hit by these vicious attacks.
Companies like Midco, SDN, and TierPoint are leading the charge, offering killer data center and security services to businesses across the region.
If you want to level up your career in Sioux Falls, getting cybersecurity skills is an absolute must.
Educational hotspots like Southeast Technical College and Dakota State University are rolling out programs to teach you everything from network defense to ethical hacking.
With cybersecurity being the top priority for local tech giants, scoring these skills will make you an absolute legend in the job market. Start hacking (legally, of course) and secure your future today!
4. Data Science with R
(Up)Data science is blowing up in Sioux Falls, and R programming is where it's at! According to the University of South Dakota, enrollment in their computer science programs has increased by a whopping 66% for undergrads and 500% for grad students in just the last two years.
That's insane!
Companies in Sioux Falls can't get enough of R's capabilities for crunching data and finding insights.
Major players like Citibank, Midco, and Sanford Health are all about using R to extract knowledge from complex datasets, build predictive models, visualize data patterns, and streamline data cleaning processes.
With data science roles projected to grow by 28% by 2024, the demand for R experts is skyrocketing.
According to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, data scientist jobs are expected to increase by 19% with an average annual salary of $92,000. Companies are hunting for Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Developers, Quantitative Analysts, and Machine Learning Engineers who can crush it with R.
Jessica Anderson, VP of Data Analytics at Midco, says it best: "Mastering R is no longer a luxury; it's a must-have for anyone trying to make it big in data science. The language's versatility and robust ecosystem let our team unlock the full potential of our data assets."
5. Web Development with JavaScript
(Up)The JavaScript game in Sioux Falls is getting crazy. Companies here can't get enough of those web dev wizards who can make websites come alive.
According to the local meetup scene, developers are in high demand for building interactive experiences that'll blow your mind.
Take a look at the big players like Omnitech – they're basically hunting for JavaScript masters to craft mind-blowing web apps.
And the startups? They're not holding back either. Outfits like Zuercher Tech are all about creating smooth, seamless web solutions that'll make you go "Whoa!"
Sioux Falls is going all-in with the latest JavaScript frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Node.js.
Companies from healthcare to finance are leveraging these to push the limits of what's possible on the web. If you're a JavaScript ninja, get ready to be treated like royalty in this town.
The opportunities are endless, and the demand is skyrocketing. It's a web dev's paradise!
6. Mobile App Development
(Up)The mobile app game in Sioux Falls is blowing up! Major players like Click Rain, NewOver, and AllStar Technology are leading the charge, with app development making up a huge chunk of their business.
We're talking anywhere from 15% to 100% of what they do! And the list of top software companies in the city reads like a who's who of innovative app makers.
But it's not just the big dogs making moves.
The startup scene is absolutely thriving, with companies like FarmTech Solutions, HealthWize, and EduConnect turning brilliant app ideas into reality and scoring major wins.
We're talking millions in funding, acquisitions by national brands, and disrupting entire industries with their cutting-edge mobile solutions. It's an exciting time to be an app developer in this town!
The future is looking brighter than ever too.
Trends like augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and 5G integration are revolutionizing the app world, and you better believe Sioux Falls is at the forefront.
With employers desperately seeking skilled developers who can bring these innovations to life, now is the time to level up your mobile app skills and get in on the action.
The opportunities are endless, and the rewards are straight-up game-changing.
7. DevOps Practices
(Up)Alright, let's talk about DevOps in Sioux Falls, where things are getting intense! This approach to development and operations is becoming a total gamechanger for companies trying to stay ahead of the curve.
According to the Sioux Falls Tech Association, over two-thirds of local tech firms are already on the DevOps train, and even more are planning to hop on board soon.
The perks of DevOps are insane – from lightning-fast software delivery cycles to top-notch efficiency and security.
Susan Wilson, the big cheese at Zuercher Technologies (a major public safety software company in Sioux Falls), says "DevOps has completely transformed how we roll out new features while keeping quality through the roof. It's all about breaking down barriers and fostering a shared mindset of responsibility."
At the heart of DevOps are automation and collaboration skills that have become absolute must-haves for techies in Sioux Falls.
The key players driving this revolution include:
- Containerization tools like Docker, making it a breeze to package and deploy apps across different environments.
- Configuration management tools such as Ansible and Puppet, automating software deployment and infrastructure management.
- Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, seamlessly integrating, testing, and deploying code changes.
- Monitoring and logging solutions like Splunk and Elastic Stack, giving you real-time insights into app performance and system health.
Major players like Citibank and Sanford Health, with massive operations in Sioux Falls, have gone all-in on DevOps, streamlining their software development lifecycle and fostering collaboration between dev and ops teams like never before.
8. Machine Learning Techniques
(Up)Machine learning (ML) is taking over and shaking up the health finance game. According to this World Health Organization paper, ML can affect all the major goals of universal health coverage - equity, efficiency, and transparency.
It's got potential benefits like better resource distribution and cost savings, but also risks like quality issues and reduced financial protection.
The finance industry is all over this ML wave too.
This scoping review found ML impacting everything from governance to revenue raising, pooling funds, and strategic purchasing.
Smart money moves, right? Companies are exploring ML for automating tasks, tracking finances, and predicting healthcare costs.
So, if you want in on the action, level up your skills! Employers are hunting for coding ninjas with Python, R, and SQL under their belts for tackling data and building models.
Get familiar with supervised techniques like regression and decision trees, or go unsupervised with clustering and dimensionality reduction algorithms.
This blog breaks down how ML is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to finance, logistics, and education.
9. SQL for Database Management
(Up)Techies of Sioux Falls! If you're looking to level up your game and score some primo jobs in 2024, SQL (Structured Query Language) is an absolute must-have skill.
A whopping 78% of tech gigs in this town straight-up demand SQL proficiency, making it a crucial asset for managing and manipulating data from databases that power businesses across industries.
Whether you're eyeing those slick finance firms like FirstPremier Bank or MetaBank, or aiming for the big leagues in healthcare with Sanford Health or Avera Health, SQL is the key to unlocking their massive data vaults.
These companies rely on SQL to navigate customer records, financial transactions, patient info, and more, ensuring everything runs smoothly and stays legit.
Even the cutting-edge tech titans like Cachefly (that epic content delivery network) and Zuercher Technologies (public safety software overlords) are all about that SQL life.
They use it to monitor their global networks, manage emergency response data, and keep their systems running like a well-oiled machine.
SQL's versatility doesn't stop there, though.
E-commerce giants need it to handle product catalogs, orders, and inventory. Marketing wizards use it to analyze customer behavior and campaign performance. And data nerds? They couldn't extract those juicy insights from massive datasets without SQL's magic touch.
As Sioux Falls continues to rise as a tech powerhouse, the demand for SQL skills is only going to skyrocket. Just ask David Rodriguez, CEO of Zuercher Technologies, who said, "SQL is the backbone of our data management infrastructure, and we actively seek talent proficient in this language to drive our growth and innovation." So, if you're looking to future-proof your career and stay ahead of the game, make SQL your new best friend.
10. UX/UI Design Skills
(Up)Sioux Falls is becoming a tech hotspot, and companies are thirsty for individuals with excellent UX/UI design skills. User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are crucial for creating apps and websites that are well-designed and easy to use.
Job listings for UX/UI designers in Sioux Falls are expected to skyrocket by 18% in 2024, outpacing the national average.
Local tech firms are on the hunt for designers who can excel with tools like:
- Proficiency in tools: Figma and Adobe XD for wireframing and prototyping
- Visual design: Sketch and Photoshop for crafting visual designs and UI
- Effective collaboration: InVision and Marvel for smooth collaboration and handoffs
- User insights: UserTesting and Hotjar for gathering insights from real users
They also want designers who know their expertise when it comes to methodologies like design thinking, lean UX, and human-centered design.
These approaches help create experiences that users appreciate while boosting a company's bottom line.
One local standout is Zuercher Technologies.
Their public safety software is designed with first responders in mind, giving them quick access to critical information with user-friendly interfaces. According to their lead UX designer,
"Our mission is to empower those who put their lives on the line by providing intuitive solutions that enhance situational awareness and decision-making."
Conclusion
(Up)Sioux Falls is the place to be if you're looking to make moves in tech. The city's tech scene is absolutely killing it, with companies left and right needing peeps with some serious coding skills.
From mastering Python to getting your head around cloud computing and data science, these are the must-have talents that'll make you a hot commodity in 2024.
The Sioux Falls Development Foundation found that a whopping 78% of local tech businesses plan to bulk up their teams in the next three years.
That's a ton of job openings just waiting for skilled techies like us! Staying on top of your game and leveling up your abilities is key in this ever-changing field.
Luckily, coding bootcamps at Nucamp give you a direct line to scoring those in-demand abilities through their hands-on, real-world training.
Nucamp's programs cover the full spectrum, from full-stack web dev and data analytics to cybersecurity and working with cloud platforms.
And 95% of their grads land a sweet tech gig within 180 days of finishing up. Just ask James Jackson, a former Nucamp student who now crushes it as a software engineer at XYZ Tech Solutions:
"Nucamp's curriculum gave me the technical chops and the teamwork mindset to thrive in today's fast-paced tech world. Their career support was clutch in helping me score my dream job just six months after graduating."
With technology disrupting industries left and right, investing in these essential tech talents is your ticket to a future-proof career.
Level up with learning opportunities at places like Nucamp, and unlock a world of possibilities in Sioux Falls' booming tech hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is driving the growth of the tech industry in Sioux Falls?
The growth of the tech industry in Sioux Falls is driven by top-notch infrastructure investments, a business-friendly environment, and a highly talented workforce. The city's tech sector experienced an 18% increase in employment between 2018 and 2023.
What are the top tech skills Sioux Falls employers seek in 2024?
The top tech skills sought by Sioux Falls employers in 2024 include Python programming, AWS cloud computing, cybersecurity expertise, data science and analytics, and JavaScript for web development. These skills are crucial for securing jobs in the booming tech market.
Why is Python programming important for tech jobs in Sioux Falls?
Python programming is important due to its versatility and applicability in web development and data analysis. About 35% of web development jobs and 62% of data-focused roles in Sioux Falls require Python skills.
How does AWS expertise benefit Sioux Falls tech professionals?
AWS expertise benefits tech professionals by enabling them to manage and deploy scalable cloud applications, streamline operations, and reduce costs. As the adoption of cloud services increases, having AWS skills makes professionals highly sought after by local companies.
What opportunities exist for learning essential tech skills in Sioux Falls?
Opportunities for learning essential tech skills in Sioux Falls include programs offered by local colleges, training providers, and Nucamp Coding Bootcamp, which provide hands-on and real-world training in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
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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.