Pro-Tech Search gets calls frequently to help companies find and hire people with the skills and abilities employers need. There are several IT jobs in higher demand for those that fit employer qualifications and can exceed expectations.

This post clarifies the most in-demand IT job opportunities for 2018.

Business intelligence analyst

Business intelligence analysts need experience in database technology, analytics, and reporting tools; businesses typically look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering; someone with the right skills to understand your business’s data needs and can then communicate those to stakeholders. It’s a role with growing significance as business needs focus on harvesting and making sense of big data. Glassdoor says there are currently around 900 or so positions available with a base salary of $105,000.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Experience with database queries
• Stored procedure writing
• Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
• Data cube technology
• Strong written and verbal skills

Data scientist

While a BI analyst to help understand and communicate data patterns from a business perspective is important, a data scientist is the person who helps gather, process, and analyze data. They are also skilled in communicating their findings and offering recommendations to others. Glassdoor ranks it the best job in America with more than 1,700 openings and a base salary of $116,840.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Programming languages (specifically Python or Java)
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong mathematical skills
• A masters degree or Ph.D.

Database developer

A database developer is responsible for developing and managing enterprise databases. Look for candidates who demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills. Glassdoor says that the national average salary for a Database Developer in the United States is $89,592.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or database experience
• Experience with enterprise database programs like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, or IBM DB2
• Certifications such as Microsoft Certified Database Administrator or Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional

Helpdesk or support desk technician

Customer service and troubleshooting experts, help desk workers need to have the right technical and soft skills for the job. Robert Half Technology breaks out the role of help desk technician into three tiers, since the job description and requirements can vary significantly based on the business. Glassdoor reports the national average Helpdesk support desk technician salary is $44,208.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Tier 1: Entry-level positions that require less than two years of experience, an associate’s degree or coursework at a technical school.
• Tier 2: Positions requiring two to four years of experience, a two-year or bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
• Tier 3: Four or more years of experience in a help desk setting, bachelor’s degree in a related field and professional certifications.

Network administrator

Network administrators are responsible for handling LAN/WAN protocol, software, and hardware. They spend a lot of time troubleshooting and typically need to be on call in case of an emergency or failure. What employers look for in experience will depend on how extensive their network needs are, but there are certain skills and certifications that can help businesses find the most qualified workers. Glassdoor states that the national average salary for a Network Administrator in the United States is $69,011.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Troubleshooting and communication skills
• Analytic and diagnostic skills
• A willingness to be on call after hours
• A bachelor’s degree or five-plus years of related work experience
• Professional certifications

Data security administrator

Handling large amounts of data requires a dedication to security to protect your business, employees, clients, and customers. Data security “admins” are responsible for defining network security requirements, ensuring all security measures are up to date, monitoring company-wide security practices and implementing security strategies. Hourly wages for data security admins range from $16 to $24 per hour.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Critical thinking and complex problem solving
• Innovative and proactive thinking
• A willingness to continue learning new skills
• Strong programming, mathematics, and general engineering skills
• A bachelor’s degree, relevant certifications, and a background in computer science

System administrator

A system administrator can demonstrate strong problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills. A system admin also needs a strong technical understanding of the company’s specific hardware and software. The national average salary for a Systems Administrator is $71,144 in the United States, according to Glassdoor.

Skills and experience to look for:

• Experience with servers, backup, and recovery and installing, patching, and upgrading software
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving hardware, software, and networking problems
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, associate’s degree or technical training certificate
• Certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), or Sun Certified System Administrator (SCSA)

Pro-Tech Search fulfills IT jobs throughout the country

Without question, Pro-Tech Search has etched its place as one of the finest Information Technology placement agencies in the United States.

For 24 years our search firm has been specializing in Information Technology, placing IT Professionals either via Direct-Hire or Contract. We have built an extensive internal database of pre-screened IT candidates who can hit the ground running for employers looking for that extra edge.

We have placed multiple contract IT professionals, as well as direct-hire IT professionals with key players in the industry.

We’ve filled IT direct-hire roles from help-desk to CIO & Chief Security Officer positions and are here to help employers fulfill their needs with the IT industry’s best.

Job titles may be different than what is listed here. We have used the descriptions to clarify the actual job functions and experience that companies need to fulfill these jobs.

Don’t hesitate to contact Pro-Tech Search with questions: info@pro-techsearch.com or 800-680-2853.