Technology is one of the fast-growing fields for job availability today. Whether you are interested in working in computer science and information systems, business administration and management or communications, there is an exciting range of roles to explore.

We’ve gathered together four of the most in-demand technology jobs in 2018 below. Consider choosing a graduate program related to these roles to strengthen your skills, knowledge and experience and progress your career.

1. Data scientist
The world today revolves around data. The mass collection of data from consumers and internet users provides valuable research insights to marketers, manufacturers, retailers, banks, policy groups and other agencies. E-commerce sites, for example, are using data to create personalized ads that respond to the unique shopping habits and interests of each consumer.

According to the 2018 IT salary report from Robert Half Technology, data scientist is one of the most in-demand technology jobs in 2018. The role involves collecting, storing and analyzing data to present reports and insights to companies to help them make strategic business decisions. Some of the skills required for this job include a finely tuned attention to detail, good mathematical skills and, of course, strong analytical abilities. The annual salary range for this role is $100,000 to $175,000.

2. Software developer 
The social media apps, school portals and other technology platforms you engage with on a daily basis were all created by software developers. These experts are skilled coders, able to build programs from the ground up. In 2018, the emphasis is on creating software that is intuitive, easy to use and user-friendly.

U.S. News & World Report named Software Developer the No.1 job in its list of Best Technology jobs, mentioning that the role is in demand in many industries including finance and manufacturing. The publication also cited the career outlook for software developers by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency anticipates 24 percent growth in the number of software developer jobs between 2016 and 2026, and notes that the median pay for the role in 2016 was $102,208. Top skills for software developers include creative problem-solving, an expert understanding of creating a great user experience and top-notch technical abilities.

3. Machine learning engineer 
The so-called internet of things is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of devices able to connect to each other through the cloud and exchange valuable data and analytics. For the internet of things to work effectively, the synced devices need to be capable of machine learning, which is when the device is able to learn from past functioning, identify areas of improvement and then make the necessary changes.

As such, machine-learning engineers are in demand, according to ZDNet, and will be in even higher demand in 2020. As the site explains, machine-learning engineers use complex programming skills to create artificial intelligence-enabled systems that are able to learn from themselves. This role can command high salaries – the average annual salary is currently $120,931, according to Glassdoor.

4. Information security analyst 
Companies across industries are in major need of cybersecurity professionals. The number of hacking incidents, ransomware attacks and data breaches are on the rise, with the crimes threatening consumers’ security, and, in the case of the growing number of hospitals that are targeted by cybercriminals, even people’s health and well-being.

Information security analyst is one of the most in-demand roles related to cybersecurity, according to industry recruitment expert Bill Bonifacic in an interview with Forbes. These professionals conduct risk assessments at their organizations to understand vulnerabilities and then design and implement cybersecurity programs to keep data and clients safe. They also respond to cybercrime incidents to regain control of data and mitigate damage. There were 100,000 information security analyst jobs in the U.S. in 2016, however, BLS estimates that the number of jobs will increase 28 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average rate for all other industries. In 2016, the median pay for this role was $92,600, though pay can be much higher due to experience, the size of the company and demand.

These four jobs – data scientist, software developer, machine learning engineer and information security analyst – are some of the most in-demand technology roles in the U.S. in 2018. Consider embarking on a graduate program to hone your skills in one of these areas or concentrate your current studies to prepare you for a career in any of these four roles.