From inflation to oil prices, the global economy is ever-changing. Even if you have a job, you may be just one recession or global conflict away from the unemployment line. So, it’s important to stay abreast of the latest technologies and learn in-demand skills.

For many people, this means learning how to code, developing digital marketing skills and becoming an expert at data analytics. There are dozens of high-paying tech skills that you can learn to boost your income this year. Here are five of them.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)


What is search engine optimization (SEO)? Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving a website’s visibility in search results. It includes making sure a website’s content is high-quality, using keywords in the site’s content and optimizing its images and videos. SEO is important because it helps a website rank higher in search engine results and grow online.

SEO career paths include:
• SEO Marketer
• SEO Analyst
• SEO Copywriter
• SEO Strategist

What you can expect to earn: Depending on your skills and expertise, you can earn as much as $100 per hour or more. As an SEO independent contractor, you can find your own customers and bill at higher hourly rates.


2. Video and Film Editing


What is video and film editing? A video and film editor transforms raw footage into coherent sequences that viewers can enjoy. Companies throughout the world hire video and film editors to edit commercials, training videos, YouTube videos and more. If you develop these skills, you will surely be in great demand.

Video and film editing career paths include:
• Film Editor
• TV Studio Editor
• Event Video Editor
• Web Content Editor

What you can expect to earn: According to Glassdoor, highly-skilled video editors can earn up to $230k per year depending on experience and specialized skills.

3. Digital Content Marketing


What is digital content marketing? Digital content marketing is the process of creating, publishing and distributing high-quality content to targeted audiences. It helps businesses stand out in a sea of competitors. This type of marketing is more than just creating useful content. It’s also about making sure that the content gets in front of the right people.

Digital content marketing career paths include:
• Digital Content Strategist
• Pay-Per-Click Marketer
• Email Marketer
• Affiliate Marketer

What you can expect to earn: Depending on the role and experience, you can earn as much as $200k per year.


4. Blockchain Development

What is blockchain development? Blockchain is a digital ledger that is decentralized. It saves transactions on computers throughout the world. Blockchain developers are software developers who build applications according to blockchain protocol and architecture.

Blockchain development career paths include:
• Blockchain Engineer
• Software Developer
• Digital Asset Engineer
• Network Architect

What you can expect to earn: Companies that hire blockchain developers include credit unions, technology firms and engineering firms. As a blockchain developer, you can expect to earn as much as $231k per year.


5. Information and Communications Technology


What is information and communications technology? Information and communications technology uses electronic and other media to enable communication between humans. It includes wired and wireless communications such as voice, text, images, video and cyber communications.

Information and communications technology career paths include:
• Computer Programmer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Database Administrator
• Artificial Intelligence Developer

What you can expect to earn: The average salary for people in the information and communications technology industries is $120k per year.

It’s Time for People of Color to Profit from the Global Tech Industry

Technology has created thousands of millionaires and billionaires in the United States. Unfortunately, a small percentage of them are people of color. The tech industry in Silicon Valley is mostly dominated by white men (83%) and Asian men (30%). Black people (2.9%) and Latinos (1.9%) hold only a small percentage of tech jobs in Silicon Valley.

If you want access to the opportunities and wealth that white men in Silicon Valley enjoy, you must take control of your career. The good news is you don’t have to go back to college for another degree. You can take courses and get certified through Google, Cisco, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and more.

The technology industry has experienced exponential growth during the past decade. With innovative technologies being developed every day, there will be plenty of lucrative tech opportunities for everyone.

Join Corporate Counsel Men of Color

Joining a professional organization such as Corporate Counsel Men of Color can help you network with other professional men and learn new career strategies. Want to learn more about Corporate Counsel Men of Color? Enroll in our organization today.

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