15 Best Tech Courses for Beginners to Learn in 2022

If you are looking for courses that will help you land a high-paying job in tech, then you are in the right place.

But why get a job in tech?

According to the 2022 Dice Tech Report, the average salary in tech was US$ 104,566 a year in the US. ^[1] Tech also has plenty of jobs available. The unemployment rate in the US tech sector stood at 1.8% in 2022, which is almost half of the national unemployment rate of 3.6%. ^[2] Also, there were over 1 million unfilled IT jobs in the US in 2020.^[3]

With all these positives, you may think that a tech career may be out of reach for you but you couldn’t be more wrong.

Unlike many other high-paying careers like medicine or engineering, you can get into tech without an expensive college degree. A 2022 StackOverflow survey of professional software developers found that 20% did not have a degree. The report also showed that 38% learned how to code out of school with many opting for online resources and courses. ^[4]

This is great news. It means you if you are willing to sacrifice a few months to learn the required skills for a particular tech career path, then you have a good chance of landing a job in tech.

In this article, I will explore the most in-demand tech careers. For each career, I will suggest the best courses to help you get started in your chosen career.

All the careers highlighted in this article have high starting salaries, good job availability, and good prospects for the future.

Also, the suggested courses:

• Are taught by industry experts from companies such as Meta and IBM as well as universities.
• Will take you roughly 6 months to a year to learn
• Cost between $85 and $2,000 depending on depth and certification.

Let us dive into the careers and courses.

1. Data Science

Data Science has become one of the most popular fields to get into in recent years and this has been driven by the realization by companies and organizations that they can use data to get an edge over their competition.

Data Scientists analyze, process, and model data to come up with useful insights. They are highly paid and earn roughly US$97,358 annually in the US. ^[5]

As a data scientist, you are expected to have skills like:

• Ability to program in languages like Python and R.
• Use of machine learning tools and libraries like Tensorflow and Sci-kit Learn
• Use of big data tools like Hadoop and Spark.

If you enjoy working with data, give data science a try.

Here are the best courses to get you started with data science.

2. Machine Learning

Machine learning is a branch of Artificial Intelligence that helps machines to imitate the way that humans learn. This exciting field has seen phenomenal growth, especially in industries like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and healthcare.

Machine learning engineers create the models that help machines to learn. They are well-paid, earning roughly US$152,795 a year in the US. ^[5]

As a machine learning specialist, you are expected to have skills like:

• Ability to program in languages like Python and R.
• Use of machine learning libraries and tools like Tensorflow, Pandas, Scikit-learn, and Open CV.
• Knowledge of probability and statistics.

If you want a future-proof career, machine learning is one to consider.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with machine learning

3. DevOps

DevOps specialists act as the link between software development teams and operations teams. Their main job is to ensure quick and reliable software deployment.

DevOps specialists in the US are paid an annual salary of US $98,900. ^[5]

As a DevOps, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Ability to write automation scripts in languages like Python, Bash/Powershell, and Go.
• Knowledge of the DevOps pipeline (CI/CD)
• Use of DevOps tools and applications like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Ansible.

More companies are adopting Agile and DevOps methodologies and this career is expected to continue experiencing strong growth.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with DevOps.

4. Python Development

Python ranks as the most popular programming language on both the TIOBE and PYPL indices. The popularity of Python has been driven mainly by its heavy use in data science and machine learning.

However, Python is a versatile language and can be used for a variety of other tech careers including web development, game development, DevOps, and blockchain development.

Python developers earn roughly US$112,448 a year in the US. ^[10]

As a Python developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Python fundamentals and basic programming skills (such as debugging and versioning).
• Working with Python frameworks such as Django and Flask.
• Working with Python libraries like Tensorflow, Scikit-learn, and Matplotlib.
• Ability to write automation scripts in Python

Here are the best courses to help you get started with development in Python

5. Web Development

Web developers make websites and web applications. Some specialize in front-end development while others specialize in back-end development. Some do full-stack development (front and back).

Web development has become very popular, especially among people learning to code. In fact, about 47% of software developers describe themselves as full-stack developers. ^[4]

The popularity of web development is due to the ease of getting started and opportunities for employment and self-employment. Web developers are paid roughly US$60,911 a year in the US. ^[5]

As a web developer, you are expected to have the following skills:

• Programming in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and C#.
• Use of web development libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, Vue, Django, Express, and Laravel.
• Working with SQL and NoSQL databases

Here are the best courses to help you get started with web development

6. JavaScript Development

If you wish to get into web development, JavaScript is a crucial language to learn. JavaScript (together with HTML and CSS) forms the backbone of most websites and web applications.

JavaScript is also used in other programming paths and careers such as mobile development, game development, desktop development, and even machine learning (through Tensorflow.js)

JavaScript developers earn roughly US$104,378 a year in the US. ^[10]

As a JavaScript developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• JavaScript fundamentals and basic programming skills (such as debugging and versioning).
• Working with JavaScript frameworks such as Express, React, and Vue.
• Working with JavaScript libraries like JQuery,
• Working with Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with development in JavaScript

7. Blockchain Development

Blockchain technology is set to revolutionize many industries including finance, health, gaming, and security. The blockchain industry is currently estimated to be worth US$7.18 billion. ^[6]

As a blockchain developer, you can build blockchain platforms (as a Blockchain core developer) or create applications that run on blockchains (as a Blockchain applications developer).

Blockchain developers in the US earn an average salary of US$149,999 a year. ^[5]

As a blockchain developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Programming in languages like Solidity, JavaScript, C++, and Python.
• Use of blockchain tools and libraries like Truffle, Metamask, Ganache, and Web3.js.
• Creating the front-end of blockchain applications in Swift, Kotlin, React, or Flutter.

Blockchain technology is still relatively new and it gives you a chance to get in while the competition is still low.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with blockchain development.

8. Cybersecurity

Cybercrime costs the world roughly US$6 trillion annually and sectors such as finance, banking, insurance, and health are particularly vulnerable. ^[7]

Many companies and organizations, therefore, invest a lot of resources into their digital security, driving demand for specialists in this field.

Cybersecurity specialists help companies and organizations prevent cyber-attacks. They earn roughly US $79,877 a year in the US. ^[5]

As a cybersecurity specialist, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Programming in languages like Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and C++.
• Knowledge of tools commonly used in penetration testing and ethical hacking such as Metaspoilt, Cain & Abel, Nmap, Nessus, or Burp Suit.
• Common cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, or CompTIA CySA+

Here are the best courses to help you get started with cybersecurity.

9. Game Development

Gaming is huge in many parts of the world and the industry is valued at US$198.40 billion. ^[8] Strong growth in gaming is expected to continue especially as people continue to adopt new technologies such as AR/VR, blockchain, and the metaverse.

This growth will continue to drive demand for game developers. Game developers currently earn roughly US$63,403 a year in the US. ^[5]

As a game developer, you are expected to create games for a variety of platforms including mobile, web, consoles, and PCs. This means you need skills such as:

• Programming in languages like C#, C++, Python, or Java.
• Working with gaming engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Cry Engine.
• Use of visual effects and animation software such as Blender, After Effects, or Houdini.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with game development

10. C# Development

If you wish to get into game development, you should consider learning C#. It is the main language used in Unity, the most popular game development platform.

C# is also great for developing desktop apps, especially on the Windows environment but it is also capable of developing cross-platform desktop and mobile apps through the .NET framework.

C# developers earn roughly US$107,939 a year in the US. ^[10]

As a C# developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• C# fundamentals and basic programming skills (such as debugging and versioning).
• Working with C# frameworks such as .NET
• Working with C# libraries, tools, and frameworks like WPF, Windows Forms, Xamarin, and XUnit.
• Working with game development platforms like Unity (if planning to be a game developer)

Here are the best courses to help you get started with development in C#

11. Mobile Development

Mobile development plays a huge role in today’s world. If you own a smartphone, you have probably interacted with numerous useful mobile applications such as Facebook, Uber, Spotify, or Netflix.

These are the products of mobile developers. They create apps for major mobile platforms (such as Android and iOS) and earn roughly US$75,603 a year in the US. ^[5]

As a mobile developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Programming in languages like Swift, Kotlin, JavaScript, Java, and Dart.
• Use of mobile development frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, .NET, and Spring.
• Ability to work with SQL and NoSQL databases.

Given that there are an estimated 6.5 billion smartphone users in the world (and growing), there will continue to be a high demand for mobile developers. ^[9]

Here are the best courses to help you get started with mobile development

12. Embedded Systems

Although embedded systems have been around for a while, advances in robotics, the Internet of Things, and smart devices have led to spectacular growth in this industry. The embedded systems market is currently valued at around $100 billion.

Embedded systems developers write code for embedded devices used in cars, smart appliances, robots, and other products. They earn about US $79,877 a year in the US. ^[5]

As an embedded systems developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Programming in languages like C, C++, Rust, and Python.
• Use of popular embedded systems platforms such as Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.
• Working with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

Here are the best courses to help you get started with embedded systems development

13. C++ Development

If you plan to get into embedded systems, C++ is a useful language to learn. C++ is popular in embedded systems because it provides speed, efficiency, and fine control over hardware resources.

However, C++ is also used in a wide variety of programming paths and careers including game development, enterprise software development, and blockchain development.

C++ developers earn roughly US$108,820 a year in the US. ^[10]

As a C++ developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• C++ fundamentals and basic programming skills (such as debugging and versioning).
• Working with the C++ Standard Library.
• Working with embedded systems platforms such as Arduino (if planning to get into embedded systems and IoT).
• Working with game development platforms like Unreal Engine (if planning to be a game developer).

Here are the best courses to help you get started with development in C++

14. Cloud Computing

These days, many companies and organizations prefer to host their digital infrastructure on the cloud rather than in servers in their buildings.  This has led to rapid growth in the cloud computing industry.

It has also led to a mushrooming of all kinds of careers based around the cloud including cloud development, cloud engineering, and cloud administration.

Cloud computing specialists help build and manage cloud-based systems and infrastructure for companies and organizations. They earn roughly US$91,409 a year in the US. ^[5]

As s cloud computing specialist, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Programming in languages like Python, Go, and Java.
• Working with cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Knowledge of cloud computing security.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with cloud computing

15. Java Development

Java was one of the first languages to offer the ability to develop cross-platform applications (Write Once, Run Anywhere). As a result, Java became very popular and is still very popular.

Learn Java if you want to get into enterprise software development, game development, and mobile app development. Java is also popular if you want to work with big data and big data tools like Spark.

Java developers earn roughly US$106,630 a year in the US. ^[10]

As a Java developer, you are expected to have skills such as:

• Java fundamentals and basic programming skills (such as debugging and versioning).
• Working with Java frameworks such as Spring, Hibernate, and GWT.
• Working with Java libraries and tools like Java Standard Library, Maven, and JUnit.
• Working with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

There will continue to be opportunities for Java developers for the foreseeable future because many companies and organizations still run legacy Java applications that need maintenance.

Here are the best courses to help you get started with development in Java

Wrapping Up

Any of the careers mentioned in the articles should lead to a satisfying tech career. And, hopefully, you have also found a good course to help you get started. All you need to do now is to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Good luck with your journey!