10 tech jobs that were red hot in demand in 2023

As technology rapidly evolves and traditional job roles transform, tech talent must adapt to remain relevant and marketable. This means that over the past year, technology skills have undergone massive change. In 2023, artificial intelligence (AI)-related job roles have emerged as a significant driver as more companies turn to automation to streamline their businesses, believe experts. Additionally, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, blockchain, and DevOps skills, among others, have been in high demand this year. As we close the curtains on 2023, TechCircle has identified the 10 most sought-after technology jobs that were in demand this year. 

1. Artificial Intelligence 

The demand for skilled AI professionals is surging as AI continues to shape our world. AI and machine learning jobs are in high demand as companies utilize these technologies to improve efficiency, increase profits, automate processes, and enhance customer service. The emergence of generative AI has further accelerated the need for these job skills. Krishna Vij, Business Head, TeamLease Digital, sees key roles in demand within AI include AI engineers, AI researchers, data scientists (including those with advanced degrees in fields like statistics, mathematics, or computer science, as well as expertise in cloud tools, programming languages, and data processing platforms), machine learning engineers (who design scalable models capable of handling large volumes of real-time data), and deep learning engineers. 

Read more: AI jobs rose 50% to 32,000 open roles in June: Naukri data science head

2. Cybersecurity 

With the increasing volume of sensitive data and online operations, cyber security specialists who can safeguard their organisations’ digital assets are in great demand in recent years. In 2023, the role of a cybersecurity expert includes identifying vulnerabilities, developing protective measures, and responding to security incidents, besides, ensuring data privacy, meeting regulatory requirements, preventing costly downtime and operational disruptions. Popular job titles for cybersecurity roles observed this year include information security analyst, cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, chief information security officer (CISO), and security architect. 

Read more: Cybersecurity skills gap in India leaving enterprises vulnerable to attacks

3. Cloud Computing 

The tech job market is experiencing a significant shift towards cloud-based solutions, making cloud computing jobs highly sought after as organisations embrace digital transformation. A cloud expert helps organisations migrate to the cloud, while ensuring data security, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. In 2023, the most sought-after job roles in this field include cloud architects, cloud engineers, cloud developers, and cloud security specialists, noted Sachin Alug, CEO of staffing firm NLB Services. 

Read more: Cloud skills shortage hits hybrid cloud and Gen AI progress: Report

4. Data Science 

In the digital age, data has become a critical asset, and tech companies recognise its potential to drive innovation, optimise operations, and enhance customer experiences. Data scientists play a key role in transforming raw data into actionable insights. This year, skills such as programming languages like Python or R, and tools such as Jupyter, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, were the most sought-after. Popular job titles in demand in this field include data scientist, machine learning engineer, data analyst, and data engineer. 

5. DevOps 

DevOps, a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations, and bridges the gap between the two, results in faster, more efficient software delivery and better customer experiences. DevOps professional’s roles in streamlining processes, reducing errors, and ensuring continuous integration and continuous delivery became more important than ever, said Vij, adding that these skills wre essential for maintaining reliable systems and reducing downtime, and more. In 2023, the top roles in demand were DevOps engineer, DevOps specialist, cloud engineer, and Site Reliability Engineer (SRE). 

6. Full-Stack Development 

Full-stack development that involves the ability to work on both the front-end and back-end of web applications, was seen as one of the highly sought after job roles with full stack engineers continue to be in high demand in a difficult job market. Proficiency in a range of areas, such as frontend programming languages, backend development procedures, server handling, creating Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and working with version control systems, is what defines a full stack developer, according to an IT head of a leading financial firm. According to a Naukri JobSpeak index, there has been a 20% increase in demand for full-stack engineers in the last six months. Related roles, including web developer, software engineer, as well as front-end and back-end developer roles, were in demand in 2023. 

7. Blockchain 

Blockchain is revolutionising various industries, including finance, supply chain, and healthcare, by providing a tamper-proof and efficient way to record and verify transactions. In 2023, for many organisations blockchain has been a game-changer in eliminating fraud and streamlining business processes. According to global recruitment firm Michael Page India, there was 28-30% growth in the demand for blockchain talent in the third quarter of 2023. Popular job titles for blockchain roles include blockchain developer, blockchain architect, blockchain consultant, and cryptocurrency analyst. 

8. User Interface (UI)/User Experience (UX) Design 

UI and UX designers are responsible for creating engaging, intuitive, and user-friendly interfaces for websites and mobile apps. The UX/UI Engineers and designer market is booming and so is the demand for professionals. As a result, salaries are higher for skilled professionals. This field has a great career scope, the demand of UX designers is increasing. In India, the typical UX designer salary ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹13,00,000 per month, depending on experience and expertise. Other job titles that require this knowledge include graphic designers, front-end developers, UI designers, UX designers, and creative directors. These roles have contribute to the   product's appeal and are popular in software companies and product-driven businesses. 

9. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) 

AR and VR technologies are transforming industries such as gaming, healthcare, education, and training by offering immersive and interactive experiences. These professionals who enhance user engagement and are increasingly used for training, gaming, virtual tours, and remote collaboration, were highly sought-after this year. An AR/VR expert can create immersive content and applications, making technology more interactive and engaging. Companies seek AR/VR developers, as well as roles in domains such as XR (Extended Reality) designer, 3D modeller, virtual reality engineer, and augmented reality specialist. 

10. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) 

RPA has become a significant field in India, entering the mainstream technology segment and offering numerous job opportunities in banking, healthcare, retail and manufacturing, among others. According to experts 2023 has been a crucial year for this technology. Roles such as RPA Developer, RPA Analyst, RPA Architect, RPA Project Manager, RPA Tester, and RPA Support Engineer were in high demand. In terms of the remuneration, in India, salary packages typically range from ₹3-5 lakh per annum for basic, entry level positions, going to ₹6-10 lakh for mid-level positions, and reaching over ₹13 lakh per annum for senior level positions.