Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Virginia Beach Employers Seek in 2025

The tech scene in Virginia Beach is seriously heating up in 2025! According to recent industry forecasts, tech roles are projected to grow by 25% through 2031, with software engineering positions leading the charge.

The average tech salary here is hitting $96,805, making it a sweet spot for career growth. What's really cool is that major players like USAA and Ferguson Enterprises are expanding their operations, particularly in cloud security and AI. The must-have skills? Python and Java are basics, but what's really catching employers' eyes is expertise in AI, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity.

Data scientists and web developers are seeing massive growth, with projections of 35% and 16% respectively through 2032.

For anyone looking to break into tech, the timing couldn't be better - entry-level cybersecurity analysts are starting with six-figure salaries, and there's a growing demand for computer support specialists and database administrators.

Whether you're into coding, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, Virginia Beach's tech market is ready for fresh talent who can adapt to these emerging technologies.

As a tech enthusiast working to identify the most crucial skills for Virginia Beach employers in 2025, I've discovered some fascinating trends through extensive research.

According to recent industry analysis, the tech job market is experiencing an 18% growth rate, with 50% of employees needing to reskill by 2025.

The research methodology combines data from multiple sources, including job market analytics, employer surveys, and industry forecasts.

• Machine learning and AI development: These aren't just buzzwords anymore — they're becoming essential skills across all industries, from healthcare to finance. Our findings show that employers are specifically looking for people who understand supervised learning for tasks like classification and regression.
• Data and analytics skills: Absolute must-haves, especially proficiency with tools like Power BI and SQL.
• Selection criteria: The focus is on three main areas: growth potential in emerging technologies, cross-industry applicability, and alignment with market demands.

Companies are seriously investing in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data engineering talent, with some positions offering starting salaries between $80,000 and $160,000 in high-demand locations.

This information comes from analyzing current job postings, conducting employer interviews, and studying market trends to create a comprehensive picture of what's actually needed in the field.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer in how machines learn and solve problems. According to recent industry analysis, AI combines smart algorithms with data processing to perform tasks that normally need human thinking.

By 2025, Virginia Beach is seeing massive growth in AI-related opportunities, particularly in tourism, healthcare, and logistics. What's really interesting is how AI works - it's not just about robots and sci-fi stuff.

AI actually operates through iterative learning, constantly improving its performance by processing tons of data and recognizing patterns.

The latest stats show that AI-related jobs in Virginia Beach are expected to grow by 25%, which is seriously impressive.

Industry experts predict that AI will reshape multiple sectors, creating exciting new roles.

Think about healthcare facilities using AI to predict patient outcomes, or tourism companies developing smart systems for personalized travel experiences. The key positions emerging include:

• Machine Learning Engineers: Creating AI systems that can learn and adapt
• AI Research Scientists: Pushing the boundaries of what AI can do
• Robotics Engineers: Building smart machines for real-world applications

As Virginia Beach transforms into a tech powerhouse, getting skilled in AI isn't just an option anymore - it's pretty much essential.

Local tech consultant Mary Martin puts it perfectly when she says AI is about creating future opportunities, not just solving today's problems. For anyone starting their career journey, AI skills are basically your ticket to being part of something huge in Virginia Beach's tech scene.

Looking at the bigger picture, Virginia Beach's growing industries and focus on tech make AI knowledge super valuable.

If you're thinking about getting into tech, AI is definitely the way to go - it's where all the exciting developments are happening.

Machine learning is changing the game in modern tech, and it's transforming everything around us. As research shows, ML enables computers to learn from data and make smart decisions without being specifically programmed for each task.

Here in Virginia Beach, the tech scene is getting wild with ML applications. Healthcare providers are using AI to nail diagnoses faster, while banks are getting better at catching fraud before it happens.

The coolest part? These systems keep getting smarter the more they work.

The career opportunities in ML are absolutely insane right now. According to recent trends, machine learning jobs are increasing by over 30% annually, with skills like Python programming and data analysis being super valuable.

In Virginia Beach's growing tech ecosystem, companies are looking for people who can handle everything from basic algorithm development to advanced neural networks.

The pay is pretty sweet too - machine learning engineers are pulling in six-figure salaries, making it a seriously attractive career path for anyone into tech.

What's really interesting is how machine learning is being used across different industries.

Companies are using it for everything from recommending products on shopping sites to predicting when machines need maintenance. The best part is that you don't need a fancy degree to get started - there are tons of online resources and bootcamps where you can learn these skills.

If you're thinking about getting into tech in Virginia Beach, machine learning is definitely the way to go. The field is growing like crazy, and there's never been a better time to jump in and start learning.

Data science is totally transforming Virginia Beach's job landscape in 2025, and honestly, the numbers are pretty impressive. According to recent employment stats, there's a projected 27.9% rise in data science jobs through 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing career paths.

The average salary ranges from $75,000 to $148,000, which is seriously nice for someone just starting out. What's cool is that Chesapeake's tech scene is growing by 15.7% too, showing that the whole area is becoming a legit tech hub.

Data scientists here work with machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization to help companies make smarter decisions.

The market's super competitive right now.

You need to bring your A-game with skills in Python, R, and SQL - these are literally mentioned in like 78% of job postings. The latest market analysis shows that cloud certifications like AWS are becoming crucial, mentioned in about 19.7% of job listings.

Companies in Virginia Beach, especially in healthcare, finance, and maritime industries, are investing big time in data analytics to stay ahead. They're using it for everything from predicting customer behavior to optimizing their operations.

Education requirements vary, but about 47% of positions want a data science degree.

That said, what really matters is having solid technical skills and being able to solve real problems. Local companies are actively recruiting data scientists who can turn complex data into clear, actionable insights.

The competition might be fierce, but with the right mix of skills and determination, breaking into data science in Virginia Beach is totally achievable. The demand for people who can make sense of data isn't just a trend - it's becoming essential for basically every industry.

Cloud computing continues to transform business operations in Virginia Beach, making it an essential part of modern tech infrastructure. As a growing tech hub, Virginia Beach companies are rapidly adopting cloud solutions to boost efficiency and cut costs.

According to recent data, businesses implementing cloud technology see a 40% reduction in operational expenses while gaining access to unlimited storage space and convenient data access.

The shift to cloud services has created exciting opportunities for tech professionals, with competitive salaries reflecting the high demand for cloud expertise.

Local cloud computing companies provide various services, from infrastructure solutions to specialized applications, making Virginia Beach an attractive destination for tech talent.

The surge in remote work has accelerated cloud adoption, with over 60% of regional companies now operating in hybrid environments. For those considering a career switch, cloud computing presents an excellent opportunity, as top cloud computing companies in the area are actively recruiting professionals with cloud infrastructure skills.

The demand for cloud specialists continues to grow, with job postings increasing by 32% annually. Whether you're starting your tech career or looking to level up your skills, cloud computing expertise has become a must-have for anyone aiming to succeed in Virginia Beach's tech scene.

In 2025, cybersecurity has become absolutely crucial for business survival, not just a nice-to-have feature. With five essential strategies now driving protection - including EDR, MDR, MFA, Security Awareness Training, and Incident Response Planning - organizations are stepping up their defense game like never before.

The tech scene in Virginia Beach is feeling the heat, especially with SANS Institute hosting major cybersecurity training events right here at the oceanfront.

According to recent research, AI-powered attacks and advanced ransomware techniques have made traditional security measures look seriously outdated.

What's really interesting is how AI-driven cybersecurity is changing the game for businesses in Virginia Beach.

We're seeing real-time threat detection, automated responses, and predictive analytics becoming standard practice. These systems are getting smarter by the day, learning from each attack attempt and automatically adapting their defenses.

It's mind-blowing how quantum computing is already pushing us to develop new encryption methods just to stay ahead of potential threats.

Speaking of staying ahead, cybersecurity mesh architecture is becoming the next big thing in 2025, allowing for super flexible security systems that can protect both office and remote workers.

With starting salaries hitting six figures and tons of job openings, getting into cybersecurity right now is honestly a smart move. Whether you're into ethical hacking, threat analysis, or security architecture, Virginia Beach's growing tech scene has opportunities for everyone who wants to help fight digital crime and protect our online world.

Full-stack development is at the heart of modern web development, combining front-end and back-end expertise to create complete digital solutions.

In Virginia Beach's expanding tech scene, developers who can handle both user interfaces and server-side operations are becoming increasingly valuable. These professionals write code for browsers and servers, manage databases, and ensure everything works smoothly together.

According to recent data, full-stack developers are responsible for designing, creating, testing, and deploying complete web applications from start to finish.

The role requires proficiency in multiple programming languages and frameworks, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript for front-end, and languages like Python or Node.js for back-end development.

The career outlook is seriously promising - the average total compensation can reach $120,404 annually, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in Virginia Beach.

With local tech companies rapidly expanding their digital presence, the demand for full-stack developers who can build and maintain comprehensive web solutions continues to grow.

Their ability to work across the entire development stack makes them incredibly valuable to employers, especially in a market where efficiency and versatility are crucial.

For aspiring developers in Virginia Beach, mastering full-stack development opens doors to exciting opportunities in both established companies and startups, with the added benefit of being able to create complete, functional applications independently.

The tech scene in Virginia Beach is seriously heating up in 2025, with Python, Java, and SQL leading the charge.

Python's popularity is off the charts, with 87% of local tech companies actively searching for Python pros who can handle everything from data analysis to machine learning projects.

SQL continues to be crucial, especially since data analysis skills are in major demand for tech roles like Data Analysts and Database Administrators. The real game-changer is Java, where 72% of local tech companies are actively hiring Java developers for mission-critical systems.

Entry-level positions for Java and Python programmers are opening up everywhere, making it the perfect time to jump into coding.

Companies are specifically looking for people who can work with frameworks like Spring and libraries like NumPy and Pandas. What's really interesting is how these languages work together - you might use Python for data analysis, SQL for managing the database, and Java for building the actual application.

The employment numbers are pretty impressive too, with over 17,000 new tech jobs added just last year in the Virginia Beach metro area. If you're just starting out, focusing on these three languages is definitely the way to go - they're not just in-demand, they're absolutely essential for anyone wanting to break into tech in Virginia Beach.

Digital marketing is absolutely crushing it in Virginia Beach this year, with over 85% of local businesses going all-in on digital strategies.

The game has totally changed - it's not just about having a website anymore. What's really interesting is that digital advertising revenue is set to hit $700 billion globally by 2025, which is honestly mind-blowing.

Whether it's crushing it with SEO, creating killer content, running social media campaigns, or mastering email marketing strategies, businesses are stepping up their game to stay competitive.

The tech stack for digital marketing is seriously next level.

Google Analytics 4 is the new standard for tracking everything that matters, and social media management tools have gotten super sophisticated. What's really cool is that AI and automation are revolutionizing everything from email campaigns to chatbots.

Local businesses in Virginia Beach are getting really smart about using these tools - I've seen so many small companies absolutely transforming their online presence.

The demand for people who know this stuff is through the roof, especially for those who can handle multiple platforms and understand analytics.

The career opportunities are seriously impressive right now.

Marketing managers are looking at an average salary that's way above what most entry-level jobs offer, and the growth isn't slowing down. What makes it even better is that you don't need years of experience to get started - tech-savvy people who understand social media and can learn quickly are in high demand.

Companies are investing heavily in their digital presence, and they need fresh perspectives from people who naturally get the digital landscape. The best part? You can start learning these skills right now through online courses and certification programs, making it a perfect entry point for anyone interested in tech and marketing.

User Experience (UX) Design has become absolutely crucial in 2025, transforming how we interact with digital products. Studies show that 88% of online users are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience, making UX design a major priority for businesses.

The field has evolved beyond just making things look good - it's about creating meaningful connections between users and products. The global UX service market is projected to reach $37.203 billion by 2032, showing just how important this field has become.

In Virginia Beach, companies are investing heavily in UX talent, especially as digital services continue to expand across healthcare, tourism, and government sectors.

Recent data shows that for every dollar invested in UX research, companies save $10 in development and $100 in post-release maintenance. The core principles of user-centricity, consistency, hierarchy, and context are shaping how designers approach their work in 2025.

With AI and automation becoming more prevalent, UX designers are focusing on creating interfaces that are not just functional but also emotionally intelligent and adaptable to user preferences.

The job market for UX designers in Virginia Beach is particularly strong, with opportunities expanding across multiple industries and competitive salaries reflecting the high demand for these skills.

The tech scene in Virginia Beach is seriously taking off, and the skills employers want in 2025 are pretty clear. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are leading the charge, with 80% of companies using ML for better decision-making.

The average software developer salary starts at $59,000, but specialized roles like cybersecurity pros can earn between $120,000 to $150,000. The tech job market is growing at 12%, creating tons of opportunities for people who know their stuff.

I've found that staying current with tech skills is super important.

The Virginia Beach Public Library offers free resources to learn everything from basic coding to advanced cloud computing. Plus, there are awesome online courses through LinkedIn Learning that cover CAD, programming, and web development.

Companies like USAA and Ferguson Enterprises are expanding their tech operations here, which means more job opportunities are coming.

The coolest part about getting into tech right now is how many different paths you can take.

Whether it's data engineering, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, there's something for everyone. The local tech sector contributes $1.2 billion annually to the economy, and with Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus nearby, the opportunities are just getting started.

If you're serious about a tech career in Virginia Beach, now's the perfect time to start learning these skills and jump into this growing field.