The Hottest Tech Jobs of 2025 And the Roles to Avoid

The technology job market is undergoing one of its most dramatic shifts in decades. New hiring data shows that while some high-paying positions are surging, others have fallen out of favor — and workers need to adapt quickly.

According to Indeed Hiring Lab, tech job postings have plunged 35% since early 2020, with demand falling sharply after the pandemic hiring boom and again after the release of ChatGPT in late 2022. This double decline has reshaped the career outlook for software engineers, data analysts, and IT professionals worldwide.

The AI Effect on Tech Careers

Experts caution that no single factor explains the drop, but automation appears to be a driving force. Brendon Bernard, a senior economist at Indeed, noted that “automation trends could be a reason the weakness persists. We’re seeing AI’s influence not just in reduced postings, but also in the rising skill requirements for jobs that remain.”

While demand for traditional entry-level developer roles has fallen, AI and machine learning specialists are in higher demand than ever. More than half of current tech postings now require five or more years of experience, a significant jump compared to pre-pandemic expectations.

The Jobs to Target in 2025

If you’re looking to future-proof your career, these roles stand out as high-growth opportunities:

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Engineers – Specialists in natural language processing, generative AI, and automation are commanding premium salaries.
Cloud Infrastructure Architects – As businesses migrate to the cloud, experts who can build and secure scalable platforms are indispensable.
Cybersecurity Analysts – With AI-powered cyber threats on the rise, security expertise is more critical than ever.
Enterprise Software Specialists (SAP and ERP) – Often overlooked, these roles are proving highly profitable. SAP’s steady growth, with shares tripling since late 2022, highlights the staying power of this sector.

“I often think that the most boring technology ends up being the most profitable,” one industry insider quipped — pointing to SAP’s performance as proof.

On the other hand, certain roles are seeing declining interest from employers:

Junior Software Developers – With AI tools taking on coding tasks, demand for less-experienced programmers has shrunk.
Basic IT Support Roles – Automation and self-service platforms are replacing entry-level support staff.
Data Entry Positions – Generative AI and automation software continue to erode this category.

For tech workers, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who embrace AI, automation, and advanced digital skills. While entry-level positions may be harder to land, opportunities exist for those willing to upskill.

The latest hiring patterns suggest that adaptability, specialization, and continuous learning will determine who thrives in a post-ChatGPT job market.