Top 10 fastest-growing tech skills in IT industry

1. Spark

Following the success of its open-source framework, Hadoop, Apache developed this open-source processing engine aimed at helping companies process large data sets. With more companies building out their tech infrastructures, Spark professionals with strong coding and programming skills are top hiring priorities, says Bob Melk, president of Dice. In addition to competitive compensation packages, hiring managers on Dice are offering professional development and leadership opportunities to entice candidates with Spark expertise to join their team, Melk says.

2. Azure

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform designed to improve productivity for tech professionals. Azure is a crucial skill to have, as it can help streamline and simplify mobile app development or analytics, says Melk. Professionals with experience in Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are particularly marketable, with hiring managers on Dice often looking for candidates who possess both of those skillsets, he says.

3. Salesforce

Salesforce is far from new in the technology world, but it is new to Dice's fastest-growing skills list. Salesforce continues to be a dominant player, offering innovative customer service services for sales teams looking to drive leads and foster stronger client relationships. Interest in Salesforce professionals is widespread, with universities, management consulting firms and insurance companies all looking for professionals with this skillset on Dice, says Melk.

4. Big Data

Big data is an all-encompassing term for any collection of data sets so large and complex that it becomes difficult to process them using traditional data processing applications. Companies today that are looking for a competitive edge to leverage big data to gain insight into customer behavior or patterns in users, making this a highly in-demand skill, says Melk.

5. JIRA

JIRA is a bug, issue-tracking, and project management system developed by Atlassian and commonly used in software development. JIRA has garnered popularity in the tech world, with more and more hiring managers on Dice citing JIRA as a mandatory prerequisite rather than just a "nice-to-have" skill for a position in software development, Melk says.

6. Electrical Engineer

Though it's the only engineering position on the list, it's no surprise electrical engineers are in huge demand, says Melk. The role deals with the design, programming, application, manufacturing and operation of electronic or computer systems, and play a huge role in the design and development of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology; though these professionals can work for a wide variety of employers from government contractors to large tech firms and startups  

7. Cloud

As more companies adopt cloud technology as a solution for storage and data access, as well as cloud-based applications and technology providers, cloud skillsets are in high demand, Melk says. Cloud-based applications are popping up across a variety of industries and the technology is as ubiquitous today as mobile or big data. For that reason, companies are more than willing to open up their wallets for candidates with cloud expertise, Melk says

8. Hive

Apache Hive is a data warehouse system that analyzes large Hadoop data sets. Hive's popularity is growing in tandem with other big data skills, like Spark and more general big data and data analytics skills, says Melk. While still new to the market, this big data tool is continuing to garner recognition, with companies like Apple and Amazon looking for professionals with a working knowledge of Hive. 

9. Cassandra

Cassandra is another big data/Apache skill that's also used to help store, process and access large sets of data. Essential to a company's success, professionals with Cassandra experience are well-compensated.

10. Juniper

In today's market, most companies rely on specific networking products and services to drive their success, including vendors such as juniper networks , which provides provides companies with network-based identity and policy control products and firewalls. Melk says Dice often sees hiring managers in the market for candidates with vendor-specific network administration or security or support roles, especially around Juniper Networks technology.

Top 10 highest paying IT security jobs In world

1.Lead Software Security Engineer

Lead software security engineers are tasked with doing everything from maintaining and deploying employee training programme to developing security related aspects of application programme. Lead software security engineers should have at least a BS in computer science or a similar field with relevant security certifications. And soft skills, like communications and collaboration skills also are critical.

2.Chief security officer (CSO)

Chief security officers prepare organisations to counter existing and emerging threats. These CD suite professionals are responsible for establishing and communicating best practice for maintaining data security, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of security operations. This role often requires certifications in addition to at least a BS degree in computer science or a similar field.

3.Global information security director

This role involves the maintenance and execution of information security projects and coordinating the response to a breach or an attack if one occurs. The global information security director may be required to have a working knowledge of industry-specific rules and regulations -- such as HIPAA in healthcare or FISMA in the finance industry -- in addition to at least a BS in computer science and extensive security certifications.

4.Director of security

Directors of security can have varying roles and responsibilities based on their organization, with most of their energy centered on minimizing the risk of attack while guiding internal teams in maintaining proper security procedures. Since the director of security will need to interact with employees as well as external vendors and partners, good soft skills are a must.

5.Chief information security officer (CISO)

This role is similar to that of the chief security officer, but focuses more intently on protecting an organization's data and intellectual property -- the information-related assets. CISO responsibilities typically include maintaining best practices and designing effective policies to handle breaches and other disasters.

6.IT security consultant

Security consultants work with clients to develop strategies for effective cybersecurity across their entire organization. In addition to knowing best practices and recommended procedures, they must also possess solid communication, negotiation and project management skills. Organizations look for consultants with multiple years of experience, as well as a working knowledge of industry rules, regulations and broad and deep knowledge of enterprise security vendors and products.

7.Lead security engineer

Lead security engineers can be tasked with many different responsibilities, depending on their organization: securing operating environments, telephony and video conference systems as well as software, hardware and information (both stored and while in transit). The job does have some constants; typically these include reviewing code and procedures to detect security vulnerabilities, spreading awareness of those potential vulnerabilities to employees and implementing security tools to protect the organization.

8.Cybersecurity lead

A cybersecurity lead has a particularly demanding and high-pressure job: evaluating the organization for potential vulnerabilities in conjunction with analysts and other security staff, detecting any attacks underway and informing management.

9.Cybersecurity engineer

Cybersecurity engineers typically are experienced in penetration testing and other cybersecurity tools, and use them to keep an organization secure against both internal and external threats. Many jobs require certifications in addition to at least a BS in a technical field, along with some actual on-the-job experience.

10.Application security manager

Application security managers are in charge of ensuring any applications produced or used by their organization meet minimum standards for security and privacy. This role often reports to a Director of Security or similar management position.