Posted by The technology industry is one of the most lucrative in the world. A software engineer, for example, earns an average of $113,000 per year, comfortably exceeding the target figure in our topic. So, yes, you can make $100k each year with technical skills is possible. However, it is more complicated. It necessitates perseverance, patience, diligence, and consistency.
Fortunately, this article focuses on how to make $100k each year with this skill set. We’ll review seven of the most in-demand tech skills that can earn you this figure or more per year and how to monetize them via freelancing. So, if you’re ready to take your earning potential to the next level, read on!
Do you have a high-demand skill and are looking to earn from it? Consider checking out the ultimate online freelance marketplace, Fiverr. Earn massively, and don’t waste any time mastering this arena with our Free Fiverr guide.
1. Software Engineering
Let’s begin by discussing software engineering. This technical skill entails using engineering principles to design, develop, test, maintain, and deploy software systems. In layperson’s terms, it refers to the development of apps and other software. The demand for software engineers is enormous, and it is expected to increase by 25% between now and 2032. Yes, AI will not replace software developers anytime soon.
There are numerous reasons why software engineering is a valuable skill. First and foremost, software engineers are in high demand. Second, software engineering is a complex skill requiring a thorough understanding of computer science and engineering principles. Third, software engineers are essential in creating new technologies and products.
2. Big Data
Big data is a rapidly expanding field with numerous opportunities, and it can earn you more than $100k per year. The term itself refers to collecting, storing, and analyzing large amounts of data. This information can be obtained from various sources, including social media, customer transactions, and sensor readings. Big data is frequently characterized by its volume, velocity, and variety.
There are several career opportunities in big data, including big data engineers, data scientists, data analysts, and machine learning engineers. Each of these career paths is admittedly challenging but massively rewarding.
Big data specialists are in great demand and should see even more growth in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment growth for data scientists will be 31% between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially faster than average growth for all occupations.
3. SaaS
SaaS is an abbreviation for Software-as-a-Service. It is a software delivery model in which software is licensed by subscription and hosted centrally. Simply put, customers access the software online rather than installing it on their computers.
SaaS has grown in popularity over the past few years due to its many benefits over conventional on-premise software. These benefits consist of:
- Affordability: SaaS is typically less expensive than on-premise software because there are no upfront licensing costs. Customers instead pay a monthly or annual subscription fee.
- Scalability: SaaS is easy to scale up or down as needed, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.
- Accessibility: SaaS is perfect for mobile teams and remote workers since it can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Automatic updates: Customers don’t have to worry about software updates or maintenance because SaaS providers handle all that.
4. Information Security
Information security prevents unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of systems, networks, and data. It is an essential field in today’s digital world because businesses and organizations of all sizes rely on technology to function.
Professionals in information security can make a good living, with many earning six-figure salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts in the United States is $112,000. The top 10% of earners earn more than $160,000 annually in this field!
Pay attention to the significance of marketing your company online with a website or blog and earning certifications. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are well-known certifications.
5. Systems Administration
System administration is the management of computer systems and networks. This includes a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Installing and configuring hardware and software
- Managing user accounts and permissions
- Monitoring system performance and security
- Troubleshooting and problem resolution
- Maintaining and updating systems and networks
System administrators are in great demand and will continue to be so. Businesses require qualified system administrators to maintain their systems’ smooth and secure operation as they become increasingly dependent on technology.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of system administrators will increase by 3.4% between 2021 and 2031.
6. DevOps
Another tech skill that can net you $100k a year is DevOps. This fancy term, an amalgamation of development (Dev) and I.T. operations (Ops), describes a set of practices that combine software development and I.T. operations to shorten the system development life cycle and provide continuous delivery with high software quality. In another way, it’s like a way to break down the silos between development and operations teams so that they can work together more efficiently and effectively to deliver software to users faster.
DevOps can develop, deploy, and manage all types of software applications, from simple websites to complex enterprise systems. It is becoming increasingly popular as organizations look for ways to improve their software development and delivery processes’ speed, reliability, and quality. Hence, DevOps professionals are in high demand.
7. Machine Learning
Software programs can become more accurate at predicting outcomes without being specifically programmed to do so, thanks to a sort of artificial intelligence called machine learning (ML). As you can imagine, this technology is in high demand, and if you’re knowledgeable in this field, you can make a windfall of income!
ML is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Recommendation systems: Recommendation engines on e-commerce sites, streaming services, and other websites are powered by machine learning.
- Fraud detection: ML is used to sniff out various kinds of fraud and fraudulent transactions.
- Medical diagnosis: Medical professionals use machine learning (ML) to diagnose and prescribe treatments.
- Financial trading: Trading algorithms that can forecast market movements are created using machine learning.
These widespread uses of ML make the demand for machine learning engineers quite high.
How to Become a Freelancer
Before you embark on the long and adventure-filled journey of growing your freelancing business, the first thing you want to do is become a freelancer. So, how do you do that? Let’s find out how
- Select a niche: First, select a niche in whatever area of tech you developed. This is because all of these tech skills are broad, and you need to specialize in one specific skill. Here, it’s critical to pick one you know and are enthusiastic about. Take big data, for example; you could focus on machine learning, data engineering, or analysis.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio to demonstrate your abilities and experience to possible employers. Make sure your portfolio has a variety of projects to show off your range of skills.
- Sign Up With a Freelancing Market: Freelancing markets are platforms that connect freelancers with clients. Common freelancing platforms include Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal. Once you create an account on any of these (much like you do on Facebook), you can begin to market yourself, bid for jobs, and land clients.
Here’s how to land clients:
- Put out your best foot: Make sure your profile is jacked! Let it display your experience, portfolio completed projects (whether self or open-source projects), and any certifications you might have.
- Directly pitch to clients: Beyond your freelance market accounts, you can also reach out to clients through emails, LinkedIn connections, or other social media platforms.
- Network with Other Tech Guys: Network with other tech guys in your sector and potential clients by attending industry events and meetups.
- Set your rates: It is essential to set your rates competitively and ensure you are compensated fairly for your time and skills. Consider the value you are providing to your clients and the rates other freelancers charge.
- Market your services: Once you have set your rates and built a portfolio, it is time to start marketing your services. You can create a website, write blog posts, and share your work on social media. Furthermore, you can join freelance markets, bid for jobs, and market yourself.
Tips on How to Grow a Freelancing Business
- Offer top-notch customer support: This is crucial for any freelance company, especially tech businesses. You must have confidence in your ability to promptly attend to customers’ requirements and address any issues that may emerge.
- Be dependable and trustworthy: Your clients must be able to count on you to complete tasks on time and with high quality.
- Take the initiative: Don’t wait for companies to approach you. Make contact with prospective customers and inform them of your offerings.
- Provide competitive pricing: Setting your rates appropriately is crucial, but you must also be competitive. Determine the going rate for freelance system administrators and set your own pace appropriately.
- Effectively promote yourself: Establish a social media presence and website to advertise your company. To position yourself as an authority on system administration, write blog entries and articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tech Skill is in Most Demand?
These are the tech skills that are in most demand:
- Data Science
- Augmented Reality (A.R.) and Virtual Reality (V.R.)
- Cybersecurity
- DevOps
- Cloud Computing
- Blockchain
- Artificial Intelligence
- RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
What’s the Easiest I.T. Skill to Learn?
The easiest I.T. skill to learn is HTML. Hypertext Markup Language is the formatting language for simple web pages and is usually the foundation for learning web design.
Conclusion
Expertise in the tech industry is highly sought after and can be lucrative. You can earn a substantial income by offering your skills and solutions in the tech sector. As the year comes to a close, consider utilizing these remaining months to develop your tech skills.
By doing so, you can enter the market next year, and you may exceed a $100,000 annual income. Best of luck!