20 In-Demand Skills To Learn

Getting your first job when you’re fresh out of college is hard enough as it is, but the added stress of navigating the different trends in the job market makes the process even more daunting. As much as academic grades and soft skills are crucial, developing functional skills to excel in your job is equally important. Fortunately, we’re here to help. With our list of the top in-demand skills of 2023, we hope to make your job search just a tiny bit easier. 

Top 20 Skills to Learn in 2023

Developing these best skills to learn in 2023 will help you succeed in a new company, school and in life, whether you are a high school student or college student or fresher. You can master a variety of in demand skills which are always in trend like translation, cloud computing, and many. In this blog, we'll look at some of the new skills to learn in 2023 that students should start working on and provide helpful advice on how to grow and improve these expertise.  

1. Artificial Intelligence Research

Average salary: $130,000

Job Titles: AI Research Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist

With self-driving cars and realistic humanoid robots on the horizon, the need for people with a good understanding of AI is higher than ever and is one of the most in-demand skills right now. AI is a new field for the world, and this means that before releasing it out into the open for people to use and abuse, companies need to ensure they have taken note of every possible outcome and have tested every single aspect of the products they release, which is why the need for people who can perform well documented AI research is incredibly vital skills that are in high demand. 

2. Machine Learning

Average salary: $130,000

Job title: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Deep Learning Engineer

This next one pairs well with artificial intelligence, so we’ve put them together. Machine learning involves using technology to help improve how well AI run products. The process is used to better-existing AI technology so that companies can be confident that their products are  constantly using the latest technology to ensure their users have the best possible products at their disposal. The job involves the understanding and learning of complex algorithms, which is why machine learning is one of the most in-demand skills right now.

3. Data Analysis

Average salary: $90,000

Job title: Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst

In the age where companies are fighting over who has the right to collect and use user behaviour and analytics data, data analysis has become a pressing need of the hour and skills that are in high demand. Collecting numbers is a task in itself, but being able to analyse and understand what to do with them is what businesses value the most. There’s no use for data without a direction, which is why data analysis is one of the most in-demand skills of 2023.

4. Cloud Computing

Average salary: $106,000 (US)

Job titles: Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Developer

No, this sadly has nothing to do with the fluffy clouds in the sky, but you knew that already. Cloud computing refers to the process that needs to occur so that a computerised system of resources is available to all members of an organisation that does not take up much time and effort for a user. Cloud computing allows organisations to manage their entire companies online without needing physical asset storage space or physical infrastructures. Many companies are moving to a highly digital mode of operations, so cloud computing is currently one of the most in-demand skills you could learn.

5. Translation

Average Salary: $70,000

Job title: Translator, Interpreter, Localization Specialist

The world has become increasingly globalised, with content from all over the world which is why translation and knowledge of foreign languages are skills that are the most in-demand skills right now. In the current market, translation is required in many different fields, including media and entertainment, medicine, technology and more. As a student, there are benefits to learning a foreign language at university. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the contracts, research proposals, and industry articles from different countries must be shared worldwide. The demand for translators will increase by 20% between now and 2031. 

6. Mobile Development

Average salary: $107,000

Job title: Mobile Developer, Android Developer, iOS Developer, Cross-Platform Mobile Developer

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, young adults have an average screen time of around 30 hours per week, which is likely to increase. With so many people glued to their phones, tailoring apps and websites to suit user needs best becomes one of a company’s top priorities, making mobile development an increasingly in-demand skill. Fortunately, these skills can be learned by investing in online learning resources and upskilling courses. Mobile developers are tasked with creating code and working with UI/UX teams to ensure the smooth functionality of apps. 

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7. Ethical Hacking

Average salary: $105,000

Job title: Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant

Contrary to what you’ve seen in Mr Robot, not all hacking involves bringing down the government. Ethical hackers don't go after different companies or top-secret organisations' skills that are in high demand. Instead, they are tasked with improving the security of their own companies. With so much data online, companies need to learn how to protect their assets, which is why ethical hackers are in high demand. They use their skills to try and find weaknesses within the companies’ existing systems to see how they can improve. 

8. Video Production

Average salary: $60,000

Job titles: Video Producer, Videographer, Video Editor

An increasingly in-demand skill in 2023, video production and video producers are required by companies across many different industries. In an age where consumers demand audio-visual content, video production becomes a very important skill to have. Video producers must know all the steps and resources needed to create a video. They need to have their foot in every door, so they know how smoothly the production process is running and can immediately troubleshoot whenever they run into any issues. 

9. Audio Production

Average salary: $60,000

Job title: Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Music Producer, Audio Mixer

Higher demand for video content creates a higher demand for good audio producers. Choppy sound or a mismatched audio track can immediately turn a viewer away from your content. Knowing how to sync sound and pick the right sound effects that evoke different emotions is a very in-demand skill that helps improve a viewer's impression of a company’s content. Users don’t always notice when an audio track is good, but they always know when it's bad. 

10. UI/UX Design

Average salary: $75,000

Job title: UI Designer, UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer

Marketing and product creation has become increasingly user-focused, primarily aiming to create a clear and smooth flow for customers. UI/UX designers are tasked with ensuring that any product being put out by a company, whether it be an app, website or survey form, is incredibly user-friendly. If a user finds your product pleasing and easy to navigate, they are much more likely to return, which is why UI/UX designing is an increasingly in-demand skill for employers. 

With a variety of job opportunities present, UI/UX designing has also become one of the best skills to learn. You can find hundreds of user interface and experience design courses available on some of the most reliable learning platforms that can help you get into the industry. 

11. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Average salary: $75,000

Job title: SEO Specialist, SEO Analyst, SEO Manager, Digital Marketing Manager - SEO

Oberlo reports that in  2022 Google was processing an average of 99,000 searches every second. With so many potential customers spending so much time on Google, companies must learn how to ensure their websites are Google approved. That’s where SEO analysts come in. Search Engine Optimization is a very in-demand skill for organisations because they need to ensure that the content they are putting out is being seen by the right people. 

12. Blockchain Development 

Average salary: $120,000

Job title: Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Architect, Smart Contract Developer, Solidity Developer

To help protect a company’s information, data is stored in interlinked databases that continuously record and increase the set of information. All this information is stored in what are known as blocks. Blockchain development is a very in-demand skill by employers because developers help to create systems to collect and preserve blockchain data in a way that hinders alterations or hackers, enabling secure digital transactions. They also develop application features and interfaces and secure blockchain technologies so companies can keep their data safe. 

13. Industrial Design

Average salary: $60,000

Job title: Industrial Designer, Product Designer, CAD Designer

Industrial designing has always been a very in-demand skill because they are responsible for creating, developing and improving the hardware companies use to run their businesses. Industrial designing involves combining skills from different disciplines, including business, engineering and even art, to ensure that products manufactured are easy to use, efficient and long-lasting. 

14. Trading

Average salary: $90,000

Job title: Trader, Equity Trader, Investment Banker, Investment Analyst

You may have heard the famous saying - “time is money.” Well, the phrase rings truest for traders. Traders are people who buy and sell assets on the stock market on behalf of a company. There are a  couple of people who engage in trading themselves but being an incredibly in-demand skill, companies are willing to pay large sums of money to people who can watch the stock market for them.

15. Cinematography

Average salary: $60,000

Job title: Cinematographer, Director of Photography, Camera Operator, Steadicam Operator

If you’ve ever hated a photo of yourself because it was taken from a bad angle, you know why good cinematography is so important. Audiences are becoming increasingly in tune with what presents itself as quality entertainment and what doesn’t. Good cinematography is an in-demand skill because a good cinematographer will ensure that a company’s message will be clearly delivered without worrying about the quality of content. 

16. Financial Management

Average salary: $130,000

Job title: Financial Analyst, Manager, Planner, Investment Banker

If you’re finding managing your own finances hard and budgeting as a student in college just isn’t working out for you, you can only imagine how hard companies have it. Organisations need people who can look after all of their finances and ensure budgets for projects are allocated efficiently and fairly, making financial management an incredibly in-demand skill employers look for in candidates. 

17. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Average salary: $120,000

Job title: AR/VR Developer, Unity Developer - AR/VR, AR/VR Designer, AR/VR Engineer

Augmented and virtual reality are not just used for video games (even though that is the most fun practical use). The future of virtual reality aims to make many different aspects of our lives easier, by improving the way we communicate with people across borders. Scientists are even working on developing haptic suits that will allow users to be visually and audibly immersed in a new environment and touch and feel the things around them. With such high hopes for technological advancements in the field, it's no surprise that augmented reality development is currently one of the most in-demand skills. 

18. Copywriting

Average salary: $55,000

Job title: Copywriter, Content Writer, Digital Copywriter, Creative Writer

Writing concise and informative content that conveys a brand’s message and keeps its identity intact is one of the most in-demand skills for companies that publish a large volume of content across different platforms. With the rise of the need for companies to have a social media presence regardless of their industry, copywriting skills are incredibly important for candidates to showcase in their resumes. You can check out 15 best language-learning apps for better command on different language simultaneously.

19. Digital Journalism

Average salary: $60,000

Job title: Digital Journalist, Multimedia Journalist, Digital News Writer

Slightly different from traditional journalism, digital journalism refers to creating content that goes up on websites and online distribution platforms as opposed to being published by traditional media like magazines or newspapers. Digital journalism is an increasingly in-demand skill as people are slowly shifting to using online platforms as their primary source of entertainment and news. You can also check out our blogs on masters in journalism in UK and masters in Journalism in USA. 

20. Computer Animation

Average salary: $60,000

Job title:  Animator, 3D Animator, Character Animator

Ice Age, Up, Inside Out, Encanto, Shrek, and all the other films you grew up with were all possible because of the work of computer animators. Computer animation is presently a highly in-demand skill primarily due to the added distribution channels that have become available due to the rise of on-demand video streaming services. Additionally, with platforms like Youtube with a very low barrier to entry, creators can put out content and create their own audience bases without needing to pitch their ideas to traditional media companies. 

That was our list of employers' top 20 skills in demand in 2023. Hope you find the provided information useful in order to develop some of the top skills to learn in 2023. Most of these skills are needed across a number of different industries, and knowing any of them will likely guarantee you a secure professional career. If you haven’t yet chosen your field of study, explore your options with our blogs on the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors and the highest-paid jobs for engineers. You can also go through our webstory on the 10 most in-demand skills to know more and for a visual treat as well.