The city of Columbus, Ohio, is rapidly becoming a hub for technology and innovation, with numerous companies setting up shop in the area. As a result, the demand for skilled tech professionals is on the rise. In this article, we'll explore seven Columbus tech jobs that are currently in high demand, along with their job descriptions, required skills, and average salaries.
In recent years, Columbus has made significant strides in becoming a major player in the tech industry. The city is home to a thriving startup scene, with many companies specializing in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. With the rise of remote work, Columbus is also attracting more established tech companies looking to expand their operations.
1. Software Engineer
Software engineers are in high demand across various industries in Columbus, from healthcare to finance. As a software engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. Your duties may include:
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify software requirements
- Developing high-quality, efficient code
- Troubleshooting and resolving software issues
- Participating in code reviews and contributing to the improvement of the codebase
Required skills:
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++
- Experience with software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Average salary in Columbus: $94,000 - $124,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Data Scientist
Data scientists are highly sought after in Columbus, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail. As a data scientist, you'll be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data to inform business decisions. Your duties may include:
- Developing and implementing machine learning models
- Creating data visualizations to communicate insights to stakeholders
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify business needs and develop data-driven solutions
- Staying up-to-date with new tools and technologies in the field of data science
Required skills:
- Advanced degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics
- Experience with programming languages like Python, R, or SQL
- Strong understanding of machine learning concepts and data visualization techniques
Average salary in Columbus: $118,000 - $160,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to Indeed, data scientist is one of the most in-demand jobs in the United States, with a growth rate of 15% from 2020 to 2025.
3. Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers are in high demand in Columbus, particularly in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. As a cybersecurity engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and implementing secure systems and protocols to protect against cyber threats. Your duties may include:
- Developing and implementing secure software applications
- Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify security risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Staying up-to-date with new threats and technologies in the field of cybersecurity
Required skills:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field
- Experience with security frameworks and protocols like NIST or CISSP
- Strong understanding of network architecture and operating systems
Average salary in Columbus: $120,000 - $170,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2025, with a projected growth rate of 30% from 2020 to 2025.
4. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers are highly sought after in Columbus, particularly in industries such as software development, finance, and healthcare. As a DevOps engineer, you'll be responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams to ensure the smooth operation of software systems. Your duties may include:
- Developing and implementing automated testing and deployment scripts
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement in the software development lifecycle
- Designing and implementing continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues with software applications
Required skills:
- Experience with programming languages like Python, Ruby, or Java
- Strong understanding of containerization using Docker and Kubernetes
- Familiarity with DevOps tools like Jenkins, Puppet, or Chef
Average salary in Columbus: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to Indeed, the demand for DevOps engineers is expected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2025, much faster than the average for all occupations.
5. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer
Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers are in high demand in Columbus, particularly in industries such as software development, finance, and healthcare. As an AI/ML engineer, you'll be responsible for developing and implementing intelligent systems that can learn and adapt to new data. Your duties may include:
- Developing and implementing machine learning models using programming languages like Python or R
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify areas where AI/ML can be applied to improve business outcomes
- Designing and implementing natural language processing (NLP) systems
- Staying up-to-date with new developments in the field of AI/ML
Required skills:
- Advanced degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field
- Experience with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Strong understanding of computer vision, NLP, or robotics
Average salary in Columbus: $125,000 - $180,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to Indeed, the demand for AI/ML engineers is expected to grow 34% from 2020 to 2025, much faster than the average for all occupations.
6. Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers are highly sought after in Columbus, particularly in industries such as software development, finance, and healthcare. As a cloud engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based systems and applications. Your duties may include:
- Developing and implementing cloud-based software applications using platforms like AWS or Azure
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify areas where cloud computing can be applied to improve business outcomes
- Designing and implementing cloud security protocols
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues with cloud-based systems
Required skills:
- Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure
- Strong understanding of containerization using Docker and Kubernetes
- Familiarity with cloud security protocols like IAM or Cognito
Average salary in Columbus: $115,000 - $160,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to Indeed, the demand for cloud engineers is expected to grow 27% from 2020 to 2025, much faster than the average for all occupations.
7. UX/UI Designer
UX/UI designers are in high demand in Columbus, particularly in industries such as software development, finance, and healthcare. As a UX/UI designer, you'll be responsible for designing and implementing user-centered design principles to improve the user experience of software applications. Your duties may include:
- Developing and implementing user-centered design principles
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify areas where UX/UI design can be applied to improve business outcomes
- Designing and implementing wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs
- Conducting user testing and gathering feedback to inform design decisions
Required skills:
- Experience with design tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD
- Strong understanding of user-centered design principles
- Familiarity with front-end development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Average salary in Columbus: $85,000 - $120,000 per year
Job Outlook
According to Indeed, the demand for UX/UI designers is expected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2025, faster than the average for all occupations.
What are the most in-demand tech jobs in Columbus?
+The most in-demand tech jobs in Columbus include software engineer, data scientist, cybersecurity engineer, DevOps engineer, artificial intelligence/machine learning engineer, cloud engineer, and UX/UI designer.
What are the average salaries for tech jobs in Columbus?
+The average salaries for tech jobs in Columbus range from $85,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on the job title and industry.
What are the required skills for tech jobs in Columbus?
+The required skills for tech jobs in Columbus vary depending on the job title and industry, but common skills include programming languages, data analysis, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the most in-demand tech jobs in Columbus. Whether you're a seasoned tech professional or just starting your career, Columbus has a wide range of opportunities available. With its growing tech industry and high demand for skilled professionals, Columbus is an excellent place to build a successful tech career.