Five in-demand IT careers that are full of opportunities

There’s always a new technological innovation just around the corner ready to shake up the job market.

Modern information technology jobs that were once the domain of science fiction are becoming common place. But which of these jobs will send you rocketing into the future?

The best way to take hold of the opportunities of tomorrow is to prepare with the right skills and qualifications. To get a glimpse of the future of IT careers, we need to look at the jobs and technology that’s been gaining momentum in recent years. These trending areas include cyber security, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analysis, and business solutions.^1,2

#1. Cyber security specialists

As remote work, ecommerce, and the growth of online services such as telehealth continue to rise, so too does the need for digital security. Encompassing a range of different roles from threat intelligence to forensics, cyber security specialist are becoming increasingly important as new digital and AI systems are integrated into businesses around the world.

The Australian government’s Jobs and Skills Centre project that digital security roles will grow 14.2% from May 2024 to 2029, more than double the national average rate of 6.6%.³

RMIT’s Bachelor of Cyber Security  equips you with the specialist knowledge and expertise to troubleshoot, design, support and provide cyber security solutions to combat the latest digital threats. For even deeper expertise and the skills to join the industry of your choice as a cyber security professional, RMIT’s Master of Cyber Security is the perfect option. 

Course and job outlook

Bachelor of Cyber Security

Course duration: 3 years

Skills: Computer forensics, blockchain, AI systems analysis, digital security for software ranging from troubleshooting to designing.

Cyber Security Analyst⁴

Average annual salary: $110,000

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#2. Data integration consultant

Data is gold to companies, but only if they can effectively store and organise it. While big data has been around for some time, the role of data experts means more than it ever has. Thanks to new technology and novel ways to use meta data, professionals with the skills and knowledge to manage data-rich systems are highly sought after. 

Through data science, businesses gain a competitive edge. Roles like data integration consultants help businesses turn data into valuable insights such as market patterns and trends. 

"Data has become crucial for AI, which is why companies need a data strategy now." — Lawrence Cavedon, Associate Dean Data Science

RMIT’s IT courses offer a variety of ways to specialise in data analysis. There’s the Bachelor of Data Science and the Master of Data Science, both of which are taught with a strong focus on Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and hands-on experiences. 

Course and job outlook

Bachelor of Data Science

Course duration: 3 years

Skills: Data analytics, statistics, computer science, machine learning, programming, mathematics and data management.

Data Consultant⁵

Average annual salary: $135,000

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#3. Machine learning and AI engineer

The growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to a surge in demand for IT professionals who can develop, manage, and integrate automation technology.⁶

Machine learning and AI engineers research, build, and design systems that create efficiencies and increase productivity. RMIT IT students will get hands-on with these systems long before graduation with access to innovative AI tools and learning environments such as the  Hub for Digital Innovation. The Hub is  home to inspiring researchers who develop AI solutions for industries ranging from food and agriculture to advanced manufacturing.  

RMIT’s Master of Artificial Intelligence gives students the means to create AI apps, platforms and solutions, while also showing them how this technology relates to security, ethics and social responsibility.   

Course and job outlook

Master of Artificial Intelligence

Course duration: 2 years

Skills: Utilising applied methodologies and computational tools, and advanced research skills to critically analyse complex digital requirements, evaluate software and IT system designs.

AI Engineer⁷

Average annual salary: $175,000

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#4. Cloud Developer

In Australia alone, the total spend on public cloud services is expected to reach and exceed $33.6 billion per year. For reference, the total was $27.6 billion in 2025⁸, and $23.3 billion in 2024.⁹ This investment in cloud-based computing and storage is expected to continue increasing, and with opportunities for cloud developers.

Responsible for planning, designing and maintaining cloud computing systems, cloud developers are essential for any business, as they maintain and innovate on the platforms that keep organisations running. At RMIT, students can build a strong set of digital skills, while also specialising in cloud computing with the  Bachelor of Computer Science.

Course and job outlook

Bachelor of Computer Science

Course duration: 3 years

Skills: The fundamentals of computer technology, hardware, operating systems, data structures, software engineering, and more depending on your majors and minors.

Cloud Developer¹⁰

Average annual salary: $110,000

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#5. Solutions Architect

Simply put, Solution Architects solve problems with code and IT tools.  

Businesses are often in search of new solutions to old issues. In a world driven by technology, Solution Architects the golden goose. There is a bright future ahead for those with the skills to navigate the complexities of the latest tech innovations and provide modern solutions.

"Studying at RMIT not only helped me gather the necessary skills to navigate a successful career in the IT industry but helped me to understand the fundamentals behind a business and the wider macroeconomic environment that should always be taken into account." — James Barillaro, Bachelor of Information Technology

Solutions Architect’s may have a specialisation, but they are also required to have a strong bedrock of generalist knowledge, which is why RMIT’s Bachelor of Information Technology is the perfect choice. This course gives you the foundations you need to succeed, plus a choice between fifteen different specialisations.

Course and job outlook

Bachelor of Information Technology

Course duration: 3 years

Skills: The knowledge and experience to solve, support, analyse, troubleshoot and design everything from websites to business apps and more depending on your specialisation.

Solutions Architect¹¹

Average annual salary: $175,000

Story: Jacob Johnston

References

¹ Austalian Government. ‘Jobs and Skills Australia: Data and Technologies’. Accessed August 2026.

²ACS. ‘Emerging tech roles to watch in 2025’. Accessed August 2026.

³ Australian Government. ‘Jobs and Skills Australia: Cyber security skills in demand as labour market evolves’. Accessed August 2026.

⁴ Seek. ‘Career Advice: Cyber Security Analyst’. Accessed August 2026.

⁵Seek. ‘Career Advice: Data Consultant. Accessed August 2026.

⁶PWC. ‘2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer: Two futures for Australian jobs in an AI era’. Accessed August 2026.

⁷Robert Half. ‘AI Engineer in Melbourne’. Accessed August 2026.

⁸Aaron Tan. ‘Australian public cloud spending to surpass A$33.6bn in 2026 ‘. Computer Weekly. Published May 2026.

⁹Gartner. ‘Gartner Forecasts Australian Public Cloud End-User Spending to Reach $23.3 Billion in 2024’. Published May 2024.

¹⁰Seek. ‘Career Advice: Cloud Developer’. Accessed August 2026.

¹¹Seek. ‘Career Advice: Solutions Architect’. Accessed August 2026.

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Five in-demand IT careers that are full of opportunities