Columbus is not just known as Ohio’s capital anymore; its meteoric rise is seeing it become one of the most prominent tech capitals in the United States. In 2017, McKesson’s acquisition of Columbus’ CoverMyMeds for $1.1 billion sent shock waves through the tech scene. The next year, three of Columbus’s startups – Root Insurance, Beam Dental, and Olive – went on to raise the largest VC rounds of any Ohio tech startup, excluding health care startups.
This undeniable growth in Ohio’s tech sphere has led to an increased demand for tech-related professionals. Ohio has seen a 53% growth rate in hiring tech jobs from 2018 to 2019. And according to Forbes, four of Ohio’s cities made the national list for the top 10 cities with the greatest job prospects in 2020, with Columbus occupying the second spot.
In this post, we’re going to explore the growing trend of Columbus’s tech industry before we examine some of the most promising tech jobs in the region at the moment.
Tech Job Growth in Columbus
Columbus has created an atmosphere conducive for tech companies to thrive. One is the city’s culture and entrepreneurial attitude inherent in its social fabric. Second, there is access to many talented people. The Ohio State University, for instance, has the third-largest enrollment in the US. Aside from churning real talents, the university has been influential in the medical technology innovation sphere.
For all these reasons, Columbus is also attracting big names from Silicon Valley and around the world. Investments like the electric charging network led by Smart Columbus; not to mention Google, Amazon, and Facebook all moving with offices and data centers. Startups are also springing up at an unprecedented rate.
According to Burning Glass, which collects and analyzes job postings across the country, tech job postings have grown by 38% year-over-year in Columbus. What’s more interesting is that the salary growth in the region (14.2%) is higher than that in Silicon Valley (hovering around 4 and 5 percent). As it stands, the average tech worker in Columbus earns $92,017. But at this rate of salary growth, Columbus’s tech workers will earn as much as those in Silicon Valley in just a couple of years.
Because of this amazing prospect, Columbus was named the Best City for Tech Workers by SmartAsset, a personal finance startup, based on five factors:
- The percentage of people in tech.
- Their average salary.
- How their salary compares with those in other fields.
- Unemployment rate among tech workers.
- Overall cost of living.
Top 5 In-Demand Tech Jobs in Columbus
Whether you’re a programmer, software developer, cybersecurity specialist, data analyst, or any other tech worker, these are exciting times in Columbus. With the right education, expertise, and experience, there’s no limit to how far you can advance your career. The tech industry is booming and it’s high time to get your slice of the pie. Here are the hottest tech jobs in the city right now:
Computer and Information Systems Managers
These professionals implement and oversee computer-related activities with an organization. Working with top executives, they help determine the company’s computing needs, and then design a viable plan to meet those needs.
In recent years, network and systems challenges are exacerbated by cloud computing. Therefore, computer and information systems managers are needed, now more than ever, to keep up with network advances.
Key Info
- Median Annual Salary: $133,251
- Job Growth rate in Central Ohio (2009-2019): 33%
- Hiring Trends in Columbus: About 438 jobs are posted monthly for this role, which companies like PwC, Express, Nationwide Insurance, and Huntington leading the pack.
Software Developers, Applications
Software developers typically analyze users’ needs and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs. They are the creative brains of computer applications that allow people to do a wide array of tasks across many devices.
With the wide adoption of mobile technology, there’s been an insane demand for mobile applications, with over 5 million apps of Play Store and Apple App Store combined. This provides vast opportunities for developers.
Key Info
- Median annual salary: $101,347
- Job Growth in Central Ohio (2009-2019): 62%
- Hiring trends in Columbus: On average, about 2,820 software application development jobs are posted every month. The most prominent companies in high demand for this role include Oracle, JPMorgan, Careworks, American Express, and Anthem.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts install software, such as firewalls, to protect computer networks. In general, they plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s networks and systems. As the number and sophistication of cyber-attacks increase, these professionals are becoming more invaluable.
Key info
- Median annual salary: $90,571
- Job Growth in central Ohio (2009-2019): 114%
- Hiring trends in Columbus: About 460 jobs related to information security analysts are posted every month. JPMorgan, Cardinal Health, Huntington, Verizon, and Oracle posted the most jobs in the last year.
Operation Research Analysts
Operation research analysts advise managers and other decision-makers on the appropriate course of action to solve a problem. They use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help companies solve problems and make better decisions. In today’s world where there’s access to Big Data, companies are hiring professionals that can help them make sense of it.
Key info
- Median annual salary: $78,891
- Job growth in Central Ohio (2009-2019): 86%
- Hiring trends in Columbus: An average of 129 jobs are posted for operation research analysts every month. Here are the companies that made the most posting in the last year: Anthem, JPMorgan Chase, L Brands, Scotts Miracle-Gro.
Web Developers
Web developer designs and creates websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, like monitoring and optimizing performance and capacity. Since websites are the universal presence of an organization, almost every serious company has one. Consequently, web developers are in high demand.
Key info
- Median annual salary: $67,860
- Job growth in Central Ohio (2009-2019): 56%
- Hiring trend in Columbus: About 964 jobs are posted for web developers each month. Ohio State University, Scotts Miracle-Gro, IBM, Oracle, and Huntington posted the most jobs last year.
Other Tech Jobs in High Demand
To wrap up, here’s a list of other tech jobs that are currently in high demand in Columbus:
- Computer Support Specialist
- IT Project Manager
- Network Engineer/ Architect
- Network/Systems Administrator
- Database Administrator
- UI/UX Designer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
