The monthly “CompTIA IT Employment Tracker” shows computer and electronics manufacturing had its best month in September with 3,000 jobs added, fueled by hiring in computers and peripheral equipment and semiconductors and electronic components manufacturing.
In CompTIA’s analysis of the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) “Employment Situation” report, IT services and software development had another good month, adding 4,200 jobs. For the year, 106,600 net new jobs were added in this category, according to Business Insider.
Additionally, 3,200 jobs were added in the IT sector, while only 300 jobs were added in the data processing, hosting and related services sector. However, despite the rise in new positions, job posts in IT had their largest drop of the year, falling nearly 40,000 in September from one month earlier.
Digital transformation and cybersecurity big winners
“Because postponing digital business transformation is becoming an increasingly risky proposition, businesses of all sizes seek the expertise and tools to modernize their legacy systems,” said Tim Herbert, senior vice president, research and market intelligence, CompTIA.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to remain high. “Whether short-term job numbers rise or fall, there is simply no question that IT and specifically IT security specialists are going to remain in extremely high demand,” said Corey White, senior vice president of professional services at cybersecurity software firm Cylance, and chairman of the CompTIA Cybersecurity Advisory Board.
White cited the number of extremely damaging data breaches as leading to the demand for skilled security workers and cutting-edge technologies. He added, “We are among many companies who will always be looking to hire highly qualified, well-trained professionals.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, heightening public awareness to the importance of cybersecurity readiness.
