The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries and creating exciting new career opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the IoT job market, top industries adopting IoT, and a detailed look at salaries and requirements for popular IoT roles.
An Introduction to the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things refers to the network of connected devices and sensors that collect and share data. While the concept dates back to the 1800s, IoT really emerged in recent decades with the proliferation of the internet, powerful mobile devices, and cheap sensors (1).
IoT allows devices to communicate real-time data with each other and aggregate information to drive insights. This technology is impacting many industries including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and more.
Some common examples of IoT devices include fitness trackers, smart home assistants, self-driving cars, and factory sensors. The IoT market is estimated to grow to over $1.5 trillion by 2028 as more devices get connected (2).
IoT Job Market Outlook and Growth
As IoT spreads across industries, there is growing demand for skilled professionals who can implement these technologies. Key IoT jobs include software developers, solution architects, embedded systems designers, cybersecurity specialists, and more.
IoT developer was ranked the #1 emerging job in 2020 by LinkedIn. The number of US IoT jobs grew by over 300% from 2013 to 2019 (3). And over the next decade, IoT related positions are expected to grow at 32%, far outpacing the economy.
This rapid growth is being fueled by investments from both enterprise and government. In manufacturing alone, global IoT spending is forecast to reach $42 billion by 2026 (4). This will drive jobs in industrial IoT, smart factories, and more.
Top IoT Industries and Use Cases
Here are some of the top industries adopting IoT along with examples of real-world implementations:
Manufacturing
Airbus created a “Factory of the Future” to streamline plane production. By adding sensors and smart glasses, they increased productivity by 500% and nearly eliminated errors (5).
Caterpillar uses IoT and augmented reality to provide operators real-time insight into fuel levels, maintenance needs, and more. This boosts uptime and safety.
An Australian automaker uses asset tracking to pinpoint the location of tools and parts. This improves efficiency and allows real-time supply chain management.
Transportation
Geotab fleets use IoT for route optimization, reducing miles driven by up to 20% per vehicle (6). This saves fuel costs and reduces carbon emissions.
UPS outfits delivery trucks with telematics sensors to cut millions of miles off routes each year through AI-powered optimization (7).
Utilities
Smart water meters detect leaks in real-time. Analytics identify high consumption to improve conservation. Data optimizes maintenance cycles.
Smart electrical grids balance supply and demand to improve reliability and enable integration of renewable energy.
Healthcare
IoT remote monitoring tracks vitals and detects early warning signs to reduce hospital visits. Wearables improve health outcomes.
Hospitals use asset tracking to locate wheelchairs and critical equipment faster for improved patient experience.
IoT Jobs and Salaries
Now let’s take a detailed look at popular IoT careers including responsibilities, requirements, and expected salaries:
IoT Developer
IoT developers build the software that enables devices to function and communicate. Responsibilities include:
- Developing firmware for specific devices and applications
- Writing code in languages like Python and Java
- Implementing communication protocols and APIs
- Analyzing data streams and filtering out unnecessary information
- Managing large amounts of IoT data
Required skills: Strong programming skills, experience with embedded systems and enterprise IoT platforms like AWS IoT and Azure IoT.
Median Salary: ₹420,000 per year
IoT Solution Architect
IoT architects develop the overall strategy and architecture for IoT implementations company-wide. Their responsibilities include:
- Determining which sensors, platforms, and technologies to implement
- Designing solutions to meet client needs and business goals
- Planning long-term evolutions of the IoT system and infrastructure
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering plus 5+ years of experience designing enterprise IoT, networking, and embedded systems.
Median Salary: ₹3,050,000 per year
Embedded Systems Developer
Embedded systems combine hardware and software to enable functionality in IoT devices. Responsibilities include:
- Writing firmware in languages like C, C++, and Rust
- Collaborating closely with electrical engineers and hardware designers
- Ensuring reliable performance of devices
- Creating prototypes
- Conducting testing and troubleshooting
Skills needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering plus experience coding in embedded environments.
Average Salary: ₹1,290,000 per year
The IoT revolution is creating exciting new career opportunities across industries. For those interested in working on cutting-edge IoT solutions, there are roles available with competitive salaries. Gaining the right skills through hands-on training and certification programs can help you capitalize on the growing demand for IoT professionals.
Conclusion
IoT adoption is accelerating and driving demand for skilled workers. Some of the hottest IoT job roles include developer, architect, and embedded systems designer. Salaries range from ₹500,000 for entry level positions up to ₹3,500,000 for senior architects and managers.
The future is bright for those looking to get into IoT. Gaining expertise in core technologies like embedded systems, cloud platforms, and data analytics will be critical for succeeding in these roles. With training and experience, there are abundant opportunities to build a rewarding IoT career.