The South African tech sector is booming, offering exciting career opportunities for skilled individuals. This guide explores 10 of the most in-demand tech jobs in South Africa, along with potential salary ranges and pathways to success.

1. Software Developer: 

• Their main job is to plan, create, and test software applications. They need to know programming languages (like Python, Java, and JavaScript), software development methods (like Agile and Scrum), how to solve problems, and how to think critically. Education: online classes, coding boot camps, and a degree in computer science

Salary Range: R250,000 – R1,200,000 per annum

2. Data Scientists:

• The Main job is gathering, analyzing, and making sense of large datasets to find useful insights. – Abilities: Data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualisation, and programming languages (R and Python). Getting educated: a degree in data science, postgraduate diplomas, and online classes.

Salary Range: R350,000 – R1,500,000 per annum

3. Cybersecurity:

• The job of a cybersecurity analyst is to keep computer systems and networks safe from cyber threats. They need to know how to do things like network security, threat intelligence, intrusion detection, ethical hacking, and risk assessment. Degrees, certifications (like CompTIA Security+ and CEH), and online courses in cybersecurity are all available.

Salary Range: R300,000 – R1,000,000 per annum

4. Cloud Engineer: 

• Duties include planning, setting up, and overseeing cloud computing systems (AWS, Azure, GCP). Cloud computing, virtualisation, networking, scripting, and automation are some of the skills that you need. ** Learning: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) certifications, online courses, and relevant degrees.

Salary Range: R400,000 – R1,200,000 per annum

5. As a DevOps engineer:

• Your job is to connect the people who make software and the people who run IT. Skill sets include cloud computing, containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), automation, scripting (Python, Bash), and version control (Git). Getting educated: DevOps certifications (like DevOps Engineer Professional), online classes, and degrees that are relevant.

Salary Range: R350,000 – R1,000,000 per annum

6. Data Analyst 

• Your main job is to look at data to find trends, patterns, and insights. *Knowledge: tools for analysing data (SQL, Excel, Tableau), showing data visually, analysing statistics, and running a business. ** There are degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and online courses in data analytics.

Salary Range: R250,000 – R800,000 per annum

7. UI/UX Designer:

• This job is all about making interfaces for websites and apps that are easy to use and look good. You need to know how to do user research, design thinking, prototyping, user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) design. *Schooling: UX/UI design bootcamps, design degrees, online classes, and portfolio building.

Salary Range: R250,000 – R800,000 per annum

8. An expert in Digital Marketing: 

• Planning and carrying out digital marketing campaigns through different channels is the main focus. Social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, SEO/SEM, and analytics are some of the skills that you need. Courses, certifications, and online courses in digital marketing, such as Google Ads and Google Analytics.

Salary Range: R200,000 – R700,000 per annum

9. Front-end Developer

Work on both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server-side) of web apps as a full-stack developer. ** Skills: Databases, front-end technologies (like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), and back-end technologies (like Python and Node.js). ** Education: online classes, coding boot camps, and a degree in computer science. 

Salary Range: R300,000 – R1,000,000 per annum

10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Technician:

• Main goal: creating and using AI and machine learning algorithms. Ability to use Python, libraries for machine learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch), do data science and deep learning. You can get degrees in Data Science or AI/ML, as well as postgraduate diplomas and online courses.

Salary Range: R400,000 – R1,500,000 per annum