Written By Liz Eggleston
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Overview
There’s no better signal of what employers want than the skills they put in their job ads. And while tech trends shift fast, the numbers tell aspiring tech workers which skills and certifications they should invest in.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for technology jobs in the U.S. sits at $105,990, which is more than double the median across all occupations ($48,060). Adding specialised skills or credentials to your toolkit also increases your salary. According to Course Report’s Coding Bootcamp Alumni Outcomes Report, bootcamp grads report a median salary increase of $25,000 or 56% within 12 months of completing their program.
To find out which skills budding tech hires should be prioritising, Course Report analyzed over 12 million technology job postings across the U.S., categorizing them by skill and domain, from programming languages to cybersecurity specialties. The findings highlight which skills are most valuable for tech professionals to pursue.
Read on below to find out which tech skills are currently the most in-demand for employers.
Key Findings
-
Excel leads all tech skills with 531,000 job listings, outpacing even widely used tools like Python (67,000) and SQL (60,000).
-
HTML (129,000) and .NET (77,000) top the charts in programming and design, respectively, highlighting strong demand for foundational front-end skills.
-
In cloud technologies, AWS stands out with 50,000 listings, nearly doubling Azure (37,000) and tripling Google Cloud Platform (16,000).
-
Machine learning (31,000) and AI (25,000) see strong demand, but only a fraction of listings mention frameworks like TensorFlow (4,000) or PyTorch (4,000).
-
Kubernetes (16,000) and Docker (14,000) dominate DevOps roles, alongside infrastructure tools like Terraform (9,000) and Vault (11,000).
-
Excel (531,000) and Python (67,000) have the most job listings in data and analytics.
-
Cybersecurity roles are still looking for professionals who know the basics of Firewalls (12,000) and Network Security (9,000).
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AWS certifications, such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Cloud Practitioner, continue to be among the most requested credentials.
Results
Programming: HTML and .NET Outrank JavaScript and Python
A closer look at job postings reveals a surprising reality for programming roles. Some of the most in-demand programming skills aren't necessarily the newest. Instead, employers consistently prioritize tools that support large-scale, stable systems.
|
Skill |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
|
HTML |
129,000 |
|
.NET |
77,000 |
|
Python |
67,000 |
|
Java |
33,000 |
|
JavaScript |
22,000 |
|
C++ |
21,000 |
|
CI/CD |
20,000 |
|
Git |
15,000 |
|
CSS |
14,000 |
|
Docker |
14,000 |
The study of job postings in tech found that HTML consistently ranks among the top 10 most in-demand tech skills, appearing in 129,000 current job listings. While it’s often considered a foundational skill, employers still actively seek proficiency in HTML for creating and managing web content, especially when paired with CSS and JavaScript. HTML developers make anywhere from $70k to $127k per year, with the median total pay sitting at $93K.
.NET is one of the fastest-growing backend technologies in job demand, particularly in enterprise-heavy regions like the Midwest and East Coast. Employers favor .NET developers for their ability to build secure, scalable software that integrates tightly with Microsoft’s cloud and desktop ecosystems, making it a staple in industries like finance, healthcare, and government. .NET developers can make $108K to $155K a year with a total median salary of $129K.
Python topped our list of the most in-demand programming languages, appearing in over 67,000 tech job postings analyzed. Its dominance is driven by its use in high-growth fields like data science, machine learning, and AI, but it’s also valued in web development, automation, and DevOps. Depending on their seniority, Python developers can make $96K to $166K in a year with a median salary of $126K.
Even newer, trendier frameworks like React.js (900 job ads) and Vue.js (800) barely register in comparison to the tried-and-tested tools favored in enterprise environments. While these front-end libraries dominate conversations in developer communities, they represent only a fraction of real-world job demand. Per year, a React developer can make a median salary of $120K total pay, while a Vue developer can make $114K.
Cloud Computing: AWS and Azure Dominate
As more companies migrate to the cloud or expand their hybrid cloud infrastructure, fluency in these platforms and tools within cloud computing is becoming a core expectation for both developers and DevOps engineers.
The top cloud-adjacent skills requested include:
|
Skill |
Number of Job Listings |
|---|---|
|
AWS (Amazon Web Services) |
50,000 |
|
Microsoft Azure |
37,000 |
|
GCP (Google Cloud Platform) |
16,000 |
|
Kubernetes |
16,000 |
|
Terraform |
9,000 |
|
DNS |
8,000 |
|
S3 |
5,000 |
|
Azure DevOps |
4,000 |
|
EC2 |
3,000 |
|
CloudFormation |
2,000 |
|
Multi-cloud |
2,000 |
|
CloudWatch |
1,000 |
|
BigQuery |
1,000 |
|
VPC |
1,000 |
|
Okta |
1,000 |
AWS leads the cloud job market by a wide margin, appearing in over 50,000 job postings, a clear sign of its dominance in both startup and enterprise environments. From hosting infrastructure to machine learning services, AWS is the default cloud platform for many organizations due to its flexibility, maturity, and vast service offerings. This demand spans roles like cloud engineers, DevOps specialists, and backend developers. AWS certifications, such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, are cited in over 112,000 job descriptions and remain among the most sought-after credentials in tech.
Microsoft Azure comes in second, with around 37,000 job listings requiring Azure skills. Its popularity is particularly strong in enterprise and government sectors, where Microsoft products like Windows Server, Active Directory, and Office 365 are already deeply embedded. Azure is often used in hybrid cloud setups and enterprise app development, making it essential for system admins, DevOps professionals, and developers working in .NET environments. Earning credentials like the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals or Azure Administrator Associate can significantly boost a candidate’s visibility and salary potential.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP), while smaller in market share, still appears in 16,000 job postings, reflecting steady growth and a strong niche in data engineering, machine learning, and analytics-focused roles. Its tight integration with Google’s AI tools and data services makes GCP a favorite among startups, academic institutions, and tech-forward teams. Though less common in legacy enterprise environments, GCP’s demand is rising fast in industries like fintech, ad tech, and biotech.
AI & Machine Learning: Demand Is Growing but Roles Remain Niche
AI and machine learning may dominate headlines, but it's still emerging as a skill set in job ads. Core AI terms show up with modest frequency when compared to other tech skills, such as coding languages.
|
Skills |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
|
Machine Learning |
31,000 |
|
Artificial Intelligence |
25,000 |
|
Spark |
20,000 |
|
Computer Vision |
5,000 |
|
Deep Learning |
5,000 |
|
Data Mining |
5,000 |
|
TensorFlow |
4,000 |
|
PyTorch |
4,000 |
|
Hadoop |
4,000 |
|
NLP (Natural Language Processing) |
2,000 |
Machine learning leads this category with over 31,000 job postings, cementing its role as one of the most in-demand tech skills in 2025. It powers everything from recommendation engines and fraud detection to predictive analytics and autonomous systems. Employers are seeking candidates who can build models, fine-tune algorithms, and work with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, both with 4,000 current job listings, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Artificial Intelligence appears in 25,000 job ads, often overlapping with machine learning but covering a broader range of capabilities, including natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI tools like large language models. With businesses racing to integrate AI into products and workflows, demand spans beyond traditional tech companies to include retail, logistics, education, and media. Employers are looking for candidates who understand both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI..
Apache Spark shows up in 20,000 job listings, making it a standout skill for those pursuing roles in big data and machine learning infrastructure. Known for its speed and scalability, Spark is used to process large datasets for analytics, training models, and powering real-time insights. It’s especially valuable in data engineering, where candidates need to handle distributed systems, cloud storage, and data pipelines. Employers frequently list Spark alongside tools like Hadoop, Kafka, and Python.
That said, the underlying skills like Python (67,000) and SQL (60,000) are far more frequently requested. The data reveals that companies are hiring data-capable professionals broadly, but only a smaller subset is seeking AI specialists.
DevOps & Infrastructure: Kubernetes and Git Become Core Skills
DevOps isn't just for senior engineers anymore. CI/CD tools and infrastructure-as-code skills are showing up across a range of roles. These tools are essential for maintaining scalable, reliable software systems.
|
Skills |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
|
Kubernetes |
16,000 |
|
Git |
15,000 |
|
Docker |
14,000 |
|
Vault |
11,000 |
|
Terraform |
9,000 |
|
Jenkins |
8,000 |
|
Ansible |
6,000 |
|
Apache |
5,000 |
|
GitLab |
4,000 |
|
IaC |
4,000 |
Kubernetes tops the DevOps and infrastructure skills list with 16,000 job postings, reflecting its critical role in modern cloud-native development. As the standard for container orchestration, Kubernetes is essential for managing scalable, resilient applications across distributed systems. It's in high demand among employers running microservices architectures, especially in SaaS, fintech, and enterprise IT. Roles like DevOps engineers, site reliability engineers (SREs), and platform engineers frequently require Kubernetes proficiency.
Git, with 15,000 job ads, remains a foundational skill in nearly every software development role, from junior engineers to DevOps leads. As the standard version control system, Git enables collaborative coding, efficient branching, and secure code management. It’s especially critical in CI/CD pipelines and agile teams where frequent deployments are the norm. Despite being seen as a "basic" skill, Git proficiency still shows up in job ads across development, QA, and DevOps roles.
Docker follows closely with 14,000 job postings, highlighting its widespread use in containerization and application deployment. By packaging code with all its dependencies, Docker allows teams to move seamlessly from development to production, making it essential for DevOps, backend engineering, and cloud architecture roles. Employers often seek Docker experience alongside Kubernetes, as both tools underpin scalable, cloud-native infrastructure.
Data & Analytics: Excel Still Rules, Python and SQL Close Behind
Data science isn’t just a niche; it’s embedded in almost every department. These tools are used by analysts, marketers, product managers, and engineers alike. Companies are especially looking for candidates who can turn data into insights using both code and dashboards.
|
Skills |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
|
Excel |
531,000 |
|
Python |
67,000 |
|
SQL |
60,000 |
|
R |
58,000 |
|
Spark |
20,000 |
|
Tableau |
18,000 |
|
Power BI |
17,000 |
|
Data visualization |
14,000 |
|
Statistical analysis |
10,000 |
|
NoSQL |
7,000 |
With a staggering 531,000 job postings, Excel remains the undisputed king of data tools, proving that mastery of basics is still a career booster. Far beyond spreadsheets, Excel powers financial modeling, forecasting, reporting, and dashboards across nearly every industry. Its accessibility and deep integration with enterprise workflows make it a must-have skill for analysts, marketers, operations managers, and even engineers.
Python shows up in 67,000 tech-related job ads, confirming its central role in modern analytics, especially in data science and automation. Companies value Python not just for analysis, but for building data pipelines, running statistical models, and developing machine learning workflows. It’s the go-to tool when Excel hits its limits.
SQL is required in 60,000 job postings, underscoring its importance as the backbone of most data analysis work. Whether you’re querying customer behavior, financial performance, or inventory trends, SQL is the language that connects teams to their data. It’s frequently used alongside Excel, Python, or BI tools and is a must for roles like data analyst, product manager, or business intelligence engineer.
Cybersecurity: Skills in Firewalls and Network Security Lead the Way
As companies face rising security threats, they’re looking for candidates who understand the basics of digital defense. Cybersecurity remains a specialized field, but more generalist roles are also expected to understand threat modeling, access control, and compliance frameworks.
|
Skills |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
|
Firewalls |
12,000 |
|
Network security |
9,000 |
|
NIST |
8,000 |
|
IAM (Identity and Access Management) |
6,000 |
|
Palo Alto |
5,000 |
|
Splunk |
4,000 |
|
SIEM |
3,000 |
|
ISO 27001 |
2,000 |
|
SSL |
1,000 |
|
TLS |
1,000 |
TL;DR: The Most Sought-After Tech Skills in U.S. Job Ads
Analyzing over a million U.S. job postings in 2024 reveals which tech skills employers are actively seeking. Here’s a closer look at the most frequently mentioned skills, along with what they mean for job seekers and learners:
|
Skills |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
|
Excel |
531,000 |
|
Microsoft Office |
344,000 |
|
HTML |
129,000 |
|
Workday |
124,000 |
|
Agile |
82,000 |
|
.NET |
77,000 |
|
Python |
67,000 |
|
SQL |
60,000 |
|
Salesforce |
52,000 |
|
AWS (Amazon Web Services) |
50,000 |
|
Software Development |
49,000 |
|
Microsoft Azure |
37,000 |
|
Java |
33,000 |
|
Oracle |
33,000 |
|
Machine Learning |
31,000 |
1. Excel (531,000 job ads)
Microsoft Excel remains the undisputed foundation for data analysis and reporting across nearly every industry. Its widespread use in finance, marketing, operations, and product management means proficiency is often a prerequisite, even for roles not traditionally seen as “technical.” For job seekers, Excel is a low-barrier, high-impact skill that opens doors beyond pure coding roles.2. Microsoft Office (344,000)
Beyond Excel, the broader Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) is integral for communication, documentation, and collaboration. The ability to efficiently manage workflows and share insights via these tools is essential, making them critical soft-technical skills employers expect.
3. HTML (129,000)
HTML’s prominence highlights how fundamental front-end web technologies remain. Even roles outside of web development increasingly benefit from understanding how content is structured online, enabling better collaboration between designers, developers, and marketers.
4. Workday (124,000)
Workday’s high demand reflects the growing importance of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and human capital management platforms in large organizations. Job seekers targeting HR tech, finance, or operations roles should consider gaining expertise here to stay competitive.
5. Agile (82,000)
Agile methodologies are now deeply embedded in software development and project management. Familiarity with Agile principles, like Scrum or Kanban, signals to employers that candidates can adapt to fast-paced, iterative workflows — a must-have mindset in modern tech environments.
The Most Sought-After Tech Credentials
Employers continue to place strong value on formal credentials, even in a market increasingly focused on skills-first hiring. Based on an analysis of more than 12 million tech job postings in early 2025, certain certifications and degrees stand out as particularly in-demand.
|
Certification |
Career Track |
Number of Jobs |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS (Amazon Web Services) |
Cloud |
51,000 |
|
TS/SCI (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information Clearance) |
Cyber Security |
20,000 |
|
CISSP |
Cyber Security |
11,000 |
|
TCP |
Networking |
9,000 |
|
TCP/IP |
Networking |
8,000 |
|
CCNA |
Cyber Security |
5,000 |
|
IAT |
Government/Defense |
5,000 |
|
CISM |
Cyber Security |
4,000 |
|
CCNP |
Cyber Security |
3,000 |
|
CompTIA Security+ |
Cyber Security |
3,000 |
|
CompTIA A+ |
Cyber Security |
2,000 |
|
DoD 8570 |
Government/Defense |
2,000 |
|
IAT Level II |
Government/Defense |
2,000 |
|
AWS Certified Solutions Architect |
Cloud |
1,000 |
Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications lead by a wide margin, appearing in over 51,000 job listings, a clear signal of employers’ commitment to cloud technologies. Security clearances also remain a powerful differentiator, with TS/SCI (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information) cited in 20,000 jobs, highlighting the persistent demand for cleared professionals, particularly in federal and defense sectors.
Cybersecurity credentials dominate much of the list with the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) being required in 11,000 postings, while CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA A+ also ranked highly. Network-related skills are similarly sought-after, with TCP, TCP/IP, CCNA, and CCNP certifications showing up across thousands of roles, reflecting the continued importance of network architecture and administration in modern enterprises.
Other government-focused certifications, such as IAT, IAT Level II, and DoD 8570, show steady demand, especially in public sector and defense contracting. Finally, specialized cloud credentials like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect were requested in around 1,000 postings, emphasizing that employers still value role-specific cloud architecture expertise on top of broader AWS experience.
Liz Eggleston, CEO and co-founder of Course Report, explains how the study gives tech job seekers a clearer picture of which skills employers really want right now, helping them stand out and remain competitive in an increasingly challenging job market.
1. Excel, HTML, and SQL remain foundational
These tools are used in hundreds of thousands of job listings and remain essential across every industry. Whether you're in marketing, finance, product, or engineering, these skills form the connective tissue between teams and functions. For students considering a pivot into tech or looking to upskill, they offer the most flexibility across roles.
2. Cloud and DevOps tools aren’t just for specialists anymore
Tools like AWS, Git, and Docker appear in tens of thousands of job ads — not just for DevOps engineers, but for backend developers, data scientists, and even QA analysts. That ubiquity suggests that cloud fluency is becoming table stakes for many technical roles. Students should expect to touch these tools no matter their focus area.
3. Python’s versatility is unmatched
Python is one of the few languages that shows up meaningfully across multiple domains: data science, AI, backend development, automation, and more. For job seekers, this means learning Python unlocks multiple career paths — it's an efficient and durable investment.
4. AI skills are still emerging but data literacy is non-negotiable
Machine learning and AI skills are growing, but the job ad volume is still lower compared to broader data analysis skills. Data literacy, on the other hand, is now essential for most modern roles. Understanding how to interpret, query, and visualize data isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s an expectation.
5. Designers with HTML and accessibility know-how stand out
UX/UI professionals are expected to collaborate closely with engineering teams and employers are clearly looking for design talent that understands how their work gets implemented. Fluency in HTML and accessibility standards signals a designer who can work fluidly across disciplines.
Learn Tech Skills That Get You Hired
As our analysis of job ad data shows, foundational coding skills like Python, HTML, and SQL remain essential across multiple tech roles from software development to data analytics and beyond. Meanwhile, familiarity with cloud platforms and DevOps tools is increasingly expected, even outside specialized roles.
Whether you’re aiming to build these core competencies or deepen your knowledge in emerging areas like AI or cybersecurity, Course Report’s Bootcamp Directory can help you find the right program. From full-time immersive courses to part-time and specialized tracks, you can align your learning with the real-world skills employers are actively seeking.
Participating Schools
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Methodology
This analysis analysed over 12 million job postings on Indeed.com, collected and aggregated during 2025. We examined the frequency of specific technical skills mentioned within these job ads to identify which competencies are most in demand across the tech industry today.
To ensure accuracy, job ads were categorized by skill types, including Programming & Development, Cloud & DevOps, Data & Analytics, Machine Learning & AI, Cybersecurity and UX/UI & Design. Each skill’s presence was counted as it appeared in the job descriptions, providing insight into employer priorities.
We also cross-referenced this job posting data with salary data from Glassdoor to find out the median salary for each job role associated with each skill.
The data analysis was completed in June 2025.
About Course Report
Founded in 2013, Course Report is a research platform for immersive technology education. Use Course Report to get matched with highly-rated bootcamps, research 60,000+ coding bootcamp reviews, and choose the school that’s right for you, all in one place.
