The Software Skills Shaping Tech Careers in 2025

Tech moves fast, and software pros can’t afford to fall behind. Employers want people with sharp, specialized skills—and they’re paying top dollar for them. A new Software Finder report looked at over 16,000 U.S. tech job postings to find out which skills are actually boosting paychecks this year.

The study breaks down average salaries and shows which cities are offering the best returns. For tech workers, it’s a clear guide to staying competitive. For companies, it’s a snapshot of what they need to offer to attract top talent.

What’s Paying Now: The Top Software Skills

The data shows a few standout trends, especially around AI and data work:

• Natural language processing (NLP) leads the pack. Jobs that require NLP pay an average of $160,284, the highest among all software skills in the study. Think virtual assistants, real-time translation, and chatbots. Demand is high, and salaries reflect it.
• Machine learning and data science are close behind. Machine learning averages $152,677, with data science just under that at $152,406. These skills power everything from fraud detection to content recommendations, making them essential across industries.
• Cloud-native expertise continues to pay well: Skills like Kubernetes ($143,492) and AWS ($143,012) signal strong demand for engineers who can build and manage scalable, containerized applications in the cloud.
• Remote roles offer higher pay than on-site or hybrid jobs: Remote positions averaged $135,930—nearly 4% more than fully in-office roles, and 5% more than hybrid jobs. This further legitimizes remote work as a high-value, long-term fixture of the software world.
• Location remains a salary driver, but not the only one: While major hubs like New York ($154,291) and San Francisco ($151,459) still lead in pay, secondary markets such as Denver ($133,953) and Austin ($132,220) are competitive and growing.

Why NLP Leads the Pack

NLP’s rise to the top of the salary charts isn’t surprising. From automated customer service bots to large language models powering next-generation search and writing tools, companies across industries are incorporating NLP into core products.

NLP pros stand out for blending computer science with human language. Their work pulls from data science, linguistics, and software engineering—a rare mix that’s tough to replace or automate.

As more companies build in voice recognition and chat-based tools, NLP’s high salary shows how central it’s become to modern tech stacks.

Cloud Skills Still Matter

Cloud platforms and container tools aren’t new, but they’re more essential than ever. Knowing Kubernetes or AWS signals more than just tech familiarity—it shows you can build systems that scale and run efficiently.

For many roles, cloud skills aren’t optional anymore. They’re expected.

Companies deploying microservices or managing global data pipelines expect engineers to optimize performance using tools like Docker, Terraform, and Helm in conjunction with Kubernetes clusters.

Remote Work Isn’t Going Away

While debates continue around returning to the office, compensation trends are clear: remote software jobs now command the highest average pay. The numbers reinforce what many developers already know—remote roles often require self-sufficiency, communication skills, and time zone flexibility that add measurable value to a team.

It’s also a signal that many of the best-paying employers, including startups and global tech firms, are prioritizing talent over geography.

• Remote roles top salary averages: At $135,930 per year, remote positions offer stronger compensation than both hybrid and in-office equivalents.
• Flexibility attracts top talent: High-paying remote jobs appeal to developers who are not only skilled but also selective, forcing companies to compete for attention.
• Broader talent pools expand value: Employers aren’t limiting themselves to local applicants, driving up salaries in a national—and often international—market.

City-by-City: The Highest Paying Tech Hubs

Location still plays a part in salary outcomes, especially in traditional tech capitals. That said, strong compensation is no longer confined to coastal cities.

• New York continues to lead: With an average salary of $154,291, New York is the highest-paying city for software professionals.
• California remains strong: San Francisco ($151,459), Oakland ($151,201), and San Jose ($143,859) dominate thanks to proximity to top employers and venture capital.
• Secondary cities are catching up: Denver ($133,953) and Austin ($132,220) signal that skilled professionals can find high-paying opportunities outside legacy tech centers.

This shift has implications for both recruiters and professionals. Tech workers might find cost-of-living advantages in smaller markets without compromising on pay. And employers may need to offer competitive packages across a wider geographic spectrum.

Practical Advice for Today’s Software Professionals

Adapting to these trends doesn’t require a full career pivot. Targeted upskilling can keep developers competitive and open doors to higher-paying roles.

Here are smart moves professionals can make based on the data:

• Learn the most versatile languages: Python, Java, and C++ remain core to many high-paying roles. Their broad applicability across web, enterprise, AI, and embedded systems makes them solid foundations. Mastering these also helps when learning newer frameworks and tools built around them.
• Get certified in cloud platforms: Proving expertise with AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud through certifications can set candidates apart. Certifications validate hands-on skills and show employers you're ready to handle scalable, production-grade systems.
• Build AI/ML fluency: Whether through formal coursework or hands-on projects, understanding how to train models, process data, and apply algorithms boosts value. These skills feed directly into NLP, personalization engines, and analytics.
• Hone cybersecurity skills: With rising threats, knowledge in ethical hacking, network protection, and compliance is more critical than ever. Security expertise also crosses into DevOps and cloud roles, adding extra value.
• Adopt DevOps methodologies: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tools like Jenkins, Ansible, and GitHub Actions makes developers more desirable in high-performing teams. It also shows you can ship faster, safer code.
• Work on real projects: Open-source contributions and portfolio projects demonstrate initiative and apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways. Hiring managers love seeing real-world problem-solving and collaboration outside of formal roles.

The Long Game: Positioning for 2025 and Beyond

Succeeding in 2025’s tech industry takes more than just technical skills. It means staying flexible, tracking where the market’s headed, and constantly learning. The best professionals will mix hands-on expertise with strategic thinking, evolving alongside trends like AI, edge computing, and decentralized systems to stay valuable.

Likewise, companies need to play the long game. Focusing only on immediate hires isn’t enough. Retaining top talent means investing in growth, offering flexibility, and building a culture that encourages development.

Smart long-term moves include:

• Tracking tech shifts: Stay aware of emerging frameworks, tools, and platforms gaining traction in real-world use.
• Committing to lifelong learning: Prioritize small, consistent skill-building over crash courses or reactive pivots.
• Building cross-functional skills: Blend tech with communication, business acumen, and project management.
• Supporting internal growth: Companies that offer training and mobility keep top talent longer—and spend less hiring.
• Encouraging flexible work: Remote options and results-focused environments boost satisfaction and reduce churn.

Final Thoughts

This year’s data shows us a few clear truths: NLP, machine learning, and cloud skills remain top earners; remote work is now synonymous with premium compensation; and while geography still matters, it’s no longer destiny.

For tech professionals, the takeaway is simple: stay curious, stay current, and invest in the skills that keep evolving. For employers, the message is clear: the competition for talent is intensifying, and those willing to adapt their expectations—and compensation—will stay ahead.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Xiaomi Edges Out Rivals in Global Wearable Race as Basic Bands Spark Fresh Market Momentum

In the first three months of 2025, Xiaomi climbed back to the top of the global wearable market, moving ahead of Apple by focusing on affordable bands that deliver useful features, that is according to Canalys data. The overall market also showed signs of strength, with total shipments rising to 46.6 million units—a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

That growth didn’t come from flashy smartwatches, but mostly from basic bands. These simpler devices are getting popular again, especially in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, where price plays a bigger role in buying decisions. Xiaomi took advantage of that shift.

The company shipped 8.7 million wearables in the quarter, marking a 44 percent jump from last year. Its success wasn’t tied to one model alone, but the new Redmi Band stood out. More importantly, Xiaomi’s software now links its phones, watches, and home devices into a single system, giving users a better experience without raising prices.

Apple, by contrast, had a quieter quarter. It shipped 7.6 million Apple Watches, growing just 5 percent. The product still sells well in higher-income markets, but recent models haven’t changed much, and some buyers may be holding off for something more exciting. A bigger update is expected later this year, possibly to mark the tenth anniversary of the device.

Huawei stayed close behind with 7.1 million units, thanks to steady demand for its GT and Fit watches and broader use of its health app outside China. Samsung made the biggest leap among top brands, growing 74 percent year-over-year to 4.9 million shipments. It found success by splitting its strategy—offering basic models in price-sensitive markets while also selling more advanced watches elsewhere.

Garmin, though smaller in volume, held onto its niche. It shipped 1.8 million devices, up 10 percent from last year, continuing to attract fitness-focused users who prefer specialized tools.

For now, Xiaomi’s push into affordable, connected wearables has paid off. It understood where the market was headed and moved early, building a product line that meets real needs without inflating the price tag.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Nearly Half Of Americans, Particularly Millennials, Worry About Online Privacy But Continue Using Data-hungry Apps

Over the past two decades, the US has had over 4 billion breached accounts, ranking as the 1st country worldwide. The problem has become so widespread that people have lost millions to various cybercrimes. It would seem this evoked people’s actions to stay safe online. However, the reality is the opposite: even those who claim to be online privacy conscious still have some non-essential and data-hungry apps on their phones.

In fact, a recent survey and analysis by the cybersecurity company Surfshark reveals that those 41% who are highly concerned about their online privacy still use some data-hungry apps on their phones, especially Millennials.

Out of all people, Millennials are the most privacy-educated and privacy-conscious group. They are more aware of how companies collect and use their personal data, understand the risks of sharing information online, and are mindful about links shared on social media or messaging apps.

Overall, people in the 25-34 age group are the most privacy-policy-conscious: they significantly more often self-report that they review and adjust privacy settings on their devices and accounts (21% do it almost always), check app permissions before installing them on their phone (27% almost always), and read what data an app will collect before installing it (25% almost always).

Despite all of that, Millennials have significantly more apps that are data-hungry. People were asked which apps they have on their phones from a list of 48 popular apps, selected for their popularity and how data hungry they are. On average, these apps collect 21 unique data points, but some as many as 32 — nearly the maximum amount of 35. And some even share gathered information with third parties.

Millennials are significantly more likely than the overall sample to have at least one app of each category on their phones. For example:

• Over half (55%) of Millennials had at least one game app, compared to 42% of participants from the overall sample. This is concerning, as gaming apps are not necessary to use, just nice to have, and they collect a vast amount of data.

• Out of all generations, more Millennials had the Pokémon GO app, a game that collects precise and coarse location, than any other generation. This is significantly higher (19%) than the proportion of people who have this app in the overall sample (11%), as well as the highest proportion among all generation groups.

• A similar trend was noted regarding the app Candy Crush Saga, a mobile game which collects 16 unique data points, with significantly more Millennials having it on their phones, as well as the dating app Bumble, which collects 22 unique data points.

• Almost all Millennials use social media apps (98%). The least popular apps are AI & chatbots — only 39% have at least one of them.

What to do to change the privacy paradox?

According to a cybersecurity expert at Surfshark, Luís Costa, protecting yourself from data-hungry phone apps involves a variety of actions, for example:

• Reviewing app permissions before installing and granting only those permissions that are absolutely necessary for the app’s core functionality.

• Downloading apps only from trusted sources such as Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Also, before installing anything, it is important to check app reviews and ratings.

• Updating apps and operating systems regularly helps to stay up to date with the newest security enhancements.

• Checking privacy settings on the phone and changing them to limit data collection. For example, you can disable location services or set them to be used only when the app is in use. Or turn off background data usage for apps that don't need continuous access.

• Enabling two-factor authentication for apps that offer this. It helps to enhance an extra layer of security for your personal logins.

Finally, only carefully choosing and managing your apps, you can better protect your privacy and keep your data safe.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Is It Time to Boycott Microsoft? Employee Emails Blocked Over Palestine Terms as Protests Shake Internal Culture

Internal reports from Microsoft employees allege the company has blocked emails that contain specific terms including "Palestine," "Gaza," and "genocide." The filtering, according to a group of activist employees, did not affect messages referencing "Israel" or those using modified spellings such as "P4lestine."

The activist coalition, No Azure for Apartheid, made up of Microsoft workers critical of the company’s relationship with Israel, says the block affected both internal and outgoing messages. The group reported that many employees, across departments, found their emails undelivered if the flagged terms appeared in either the subject line or the body.

These allegations surfaced shortly after a series of high-profile protests staged by the group during Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference. Demonstrations disrupted keynotes and panel discussions throughout the week. On May 19, an employee identified as Joe Lopez interrupted CEO Satya Nadella’s address and was subsequently fired. Additional protests followed on subsequent days, including actions involving both current and former staff members.

The group views the email restrictions as a form of workplace censorship. “This is an attempt to silence workers and punish those who speak out in support of Palestinian rights,” the group stated, arguing the policy disproportionately affects Palestinian employees and their allies.

Microsoft, when questioned, confirmed that it had implemented steps to limit mass emails it described as “politically motivated.” The company cited the need to keep internal communication channels focused on work-related matters. It emphasized that employees interested in political issues could use a separate opt-in forum provided by the company.

Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to face scrutiny over its ties to the Israeli government. Activists allege that Azure cloud services support Israeli military operations. The company has denied this, saying a third-party investigation found no proof that its technology had been used to harm civilians in Gaza.

In a statement, Microsoft acknowledged it had provided limited support to Israel during a hostage crisis in October 2023 but emphasized that assistance was closely monitored and aligned with the company’s values. “We evaluated requests case-by-case, granting some and rejecting others,” the statement read, adding that the company aimed to help save lives while protecting civilian rights.

The controversy places Microsoft at the intersection of worker activism, global politics, and corporate responsibility, raising broader questions about how tech companies manage internal dissent and international partnerships in a polarized geopolitical climate.

Its is important to note that Microsoft is not alone in facing scrutiny. Other tech giants, such as Google, Amazon, and Meta, have also been criticized for their involvement in or silence around the crisis in Gaza. Google and Amazon, in particular, have faced internal backlash over Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud contract with the Israeli government, which employees allege could enable surveillance and military operations against Palestinians. Meta has been repeatedly accused of suppressing Palestinian content on its platforms while allowing inflammatory material from other sources to circulate. Critics argue that these companies, in prioritizing lucrative government contracts and geopolitical neutrality, have undergone a form of moral death — abandoning ethical leadership in favor of silence, profit, or complicity. As calls for accountability grow louder, these firms must now confront the ethical weight of their technologies and the human consequences of their business decisions.

In response to the growing criticism of tech companies seen as complicit in the oppression of Palestinians, public backlash has manifested through widespread boycotts and divestment campaigns. Consumers around the world have increasingly turned away from businesses that openly support or maintain ties with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon—especially those involved in contracts with the Israeli government. Activists have urged users to cancel subscriptions, delete accounts, and switch to alternative platforms, framing consumer choice as a form of resistance. These grassroots efforts reflect a rising global demand for ethical accountability in the tech industry and signal that public trust can no longer be taken for granted when human rights are at stake.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Why So Many People Stay Up Late on Their Phones (Even When They’re Tired)

Many people go to bed late, even when they feel very tired. They say they want to sleep, but still stay awake—scrolling on their phones, watching videos, or just doing nothing. Why does this happen?

It’s not always about bad habits or poor time management. For a lot of people, staying up late feels like the only time they have for themselves. This is something experts now callrevenge bedtime procrastination.

It means someone delays sleep on purpose, not because they can’t sleep, but because they want to enjoy some personal time—especially after a long, busy day.

People Want Control Over Their Time

More than half of adults in the U.S. say their work or daily schedule gives them no time for themselves. This can be stressful. When the day ends, and things finally become quiet, many people feel like it’s their only chance to do something just for themselves.

So they stay awake.

Even if they’re tired, they don’t want to sleep yet. Sleeping feels like losing the last part of the day that belongs to them.

What Do People Do Instead of Sleeping?

There are many reasons people stay up at night. Some want to relax. Others just want to avoid the next day. Some people don’t even enjoy it—they just can’t stop the habit.

Here are the most common reasons people stay up late:

Activity	% of People
Using their phone (scrolling)	50%
Watching videos or shows	45%
Enjoying quiet time alone	42%
Relaxing after work or family duties	40%
Just not feeling like going to bed	39%
Feeling anxious or stressed before sleep	29%
Spending time with others	28%
Doing hobbies or creative activities	23%
Staying up out of habit, not enjoyment	23%
Feeling like they didn’t do enough today	18%
Delaying the start of tomorrow	16%

Some of these reasons are emotional. Others are just about having time for fun or peace. But even small choices can add up, and less sleep every night can lead to problems over time.

The Platforms That Keep Us Awake

Technology plays a big role in why people stay up. Many apps and websites are designed to keep you using them. They show more content, play the next video automatically, or keep refreshing your feed.

Here are the most common platforms that people use late at night:

Platform	% Who Use It Before Sleep
YouTube	42%
Reddit	35%
Netflix	32%
Instagram	30%
TikTok	28%
Facebook	27%
Video games	20%
Hulu	16%
Prime Video	14%
Max (HBO)	12%

Data: Amerisleep.

These platforms are popular because they are entertaining. But they can easily take away hours of sleep if we don’t notice the time passing.

Can Technology Help Us Sleep Instead?

Technology is part of the problem, but it can also help. Many phones and apps now have settings to remind you when it’s time to sleep. You can also set limits on how long you use certain apps at night.

Other tools that can help:

• Sleep tracking appsto understand your sleep habits.

• Night modeorblue light filtersto reduce eye strain.

• Relaxing music or guided sleep stories.

• Putting your phone away from your bedto avoid temptation.

These small changes don’t fix everything, but they can make sleep a little easier to choose.

In the End, It’s About Balance

When people stay up late, it’s not because they don’t care about sleep. It’s because they feel they have no other time for themselves. In some ways, it’s an act of freedom. But when it happens every night, it starts to affect health, mood, and energy.

It’s important to create moments of personal time during the day—even just 15 minutes—to help the mind rest. That way, sleep doesn’t feel like something we need to fight.

Sleep is not the enemy. Sometimes, it just feels that way when life is too full.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

Rising Digital Discontent: UK Gen Z Shows Deep Regret Over Online Life

In the United Kingdom, disillusionment with the digital world is taking root among young people. A new study reveals that many aged 16 to 21 are beginning to question the internet’s role in their lives, with a significant portion stating they'd rather exist in a world where it never developed.

The research, conducted by the British Standards Association, surveyed 1,293 individuals in this age range. Its results reflect a profound shift that is nearly half of the participants expressed a desire to live disconnected from the web, a sentiment that underscores growing emotional strain linked to modern digital habits.

When asked about social platforms, a large majority admitted feeling worse after browsing apps such as Instagram and TikTok. This aligns with broader concerns that these platforms erode confidence, increase anxiety, and diminish self-worth, especially among teens who find themselves trapped in cycles of comparison and constant notification.

Alarmingly, the study also sheds light on risky behaviors that have become normalized online. Four out of ten respondents admitted to misrepresenting their age to access content or services not intended for their demographic. Similarly, a sizable percentage reported using deceptive accounts to conceal their identity or impersonate others—actions that point to a broader issue of online insecurity and fractured self-image.

One in four participants said they had shared their real-time location with individuals they had never met in person, a behavior that raises serious safety questions. This type of digital openness, especially among younger users, has triggered calls from campaigners for tighter platform design rules, as reactive parental controls and curfews appear insufficient on their own.

Many of those surveyed also supported the concept of a structured limit on screen time, particularly in the form of a 10 p.m. cut-off for apps widely seen as addictive. This backing for digital curfews signals a notable reversal—young users, rather than just older policymakers, are beginning to ask for guardrails.

Some respondents tied their online dependence to the global lockdowns of recent years, which confined social interaction to screens and made scrolling an everyday norm. For this age group, which came of age during a uniquely digital chapter of history, the psychological aftershocks are still unfolding.

While curfews and restrictions may offer short-term relief, many experts believe a larger overhaul is necessary. Platforms, they argue, must take greater responsibility in designing for well-being rather than engagement alone.

This generational wake-up call doesn’t come from parents or educators—it comes from Gen Z itself, now pushing back against a hyper-connected world it once embraced.

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News Media Alliance Denounces Google’s AI Mode Rollout, Citing Harm to Publishers

Following Google’s I/O event announcement that its new “AI Mode” will soon become standard for all U.S. search users, the News Media Alliance issued a sharp rebuke, calling out the growing threat this feature poses to online publishers.

The new interface weaves a chatbot experience directly into the core of Google Search, offering summarized answers drawn from across the web. Though branded as an improvement for users, the update raises serious concerns for those who produce original content.

The alliance, representing a broad group of media outlets, argued that Google’s shift further distances audiences from source material, reducing the flow of traffic to publisher websites. With fewer outbound clicks, revenue and visibility for news producers diminish—while Google keeps users and advertisers inside its own ecosystem.

In the alliance’s view, the search engine has crossed a critical line. The last meaningful connection between platforms and publishers—clickable links—is now at risk of becoming obsolete. They believe this shift undermines the foundation of digital journalism, where exposure and monetization depend heavily on being discoverable through search.

Earlier this month, the group lent its support to the ongoing antitrust case targeting Google’s market behavior. Submitting a legal filing, it emphasized the need for publishers to gain more control over how their work is used in AI-generated outputs. They called for new policy tools that allow media organizations to withhold participation in AI training or summarization, especially when such tools bypass original content creators.

Meanwhile, internal discussions at Google, recently revealed by Bloomberg, suggest that the company has no intention of granting opt-out choices to publishers who wish to stay visible in search but avoid being scraped for generative models. For many in the media sector, this development highlights what they see as a deliberate strategy by Google: absorb the value of original content while denying its creators a voice in how that value gets repurposed.

For the News/Media Alliance and its members, the conflict is no longer about influence—it’s about survival. With search behavior being reshaped by AI, the group is urging regulators to act before Google’s dominance becomes even more entrenched.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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