Finding the right career path can be pretty challenging, although the tech industry is an excellent choice, as this sector offers stability, ample growth, and typical high pay.

Since the early 2010's augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) job openings have seen a spike in the market. Over 10,000 vacancies were requesting AR/VR job skills in the U.S. in the first nine months of 2017.

Contrary to popular opinion, AV/VR jobs span far beyond the scope of computer-based and console video games. Companies can use AV/VR skills in the military, education, law enforcement, and healthcare industries. Therefore young AV/VR professionals must gain portfolio experience in different environments.

Although virtual reality and augmented reality jobs require technical skills and experience, it is also essential to develop people skills that will benefit customer experience feedback.

Here are 5 AR/VR jobs currently taking the market by storm.

Graphic Design

Graphic designers in the AV/VR industry work to develop and improve new visuals, effects, and experimental prototypes. The job requires adequate programming or coding knowledge such as C#, C++, and other languages such as javascript. A solid experience in developing 3D simulation is also highly required. The average graphic designer or programmer may be looking at earning $84,000 per year.

Software Development

Software development is probably the most sought-after skill in the AR/VR market. Developers' primary job description is building and designing virtual experiences for customers. Most job requirements lists include but are not limited to broad knowledge in C# programming and hands-on experience working on the Unity game engine. Software developers in the AV/VR job market can expect a slightly higher average salary of $85,000 per year.

UX Design

User experience (UX) designers are responsible for tracking overall customer interaction with the software and collecting feedback for future product development purposes. UX design jobs require candidates to be creatively inclined with several years of experience in graphic and product design. UX and graphic designers are tasked with designing features and functionalities that will please the users' aesthetic requirements.

Researchers

AV/VR researchers mainly work in the corporate and academic fields. They spend most of their time researching and testing new software programs before being released to the public. Commonly occurring required skills include but are not limited to having a degree in the AV/VR field, working experience, and prior experience in research and development. Researchers in this field can expect to earn over an average of $102,000 per year.

Quality Assurance And Maintenance

One of the most overlooked skills in AV/VR is the quality assurance and maintenance aspects required in the field. The quality assurance department is responsible for ensuring machine consistency and improvement of features and functionalities that will match current demands in the market. The department works to keep up with new technological advancements.

The maintenance department is responsible for upholding machine functionalities by preventing equipment failures in the industry. Things like invasive maintenance tasks, improper repairs, and installation errors are common equipment failures that technicians must monitor regularly.

Although traditional AV/VR jobs have been in the gaming industry, many industries are beginning to incorporate AV and VR skills to tackle new user needs.