When it comes to compensation and benefits, tech jobs have a great reputation.
If you’re considering a career in the field, you may be partially driven by the excellent salaries and compensation packages, many of which boast opportunities to work from home, on-site childcare — and even slides between office floors. These perks complement the fact that the work is exciting and collaborative, and the products you create positively impact end users’ lives.
If you’re a soon-to-be graduate who hasn’t decided where to specialize or a professional seeking a career change, knowing the highest-paying tech jobs can help you determine your next move.
The 15 highest-paying tech jobs
The rumblings about high-paying tech industry jobs are true. Google and Facebook pay median salaries of over $230,000, and the average for the entire field is in the low six figures. Plus, a survey by PriceWaterhouseCoopers — a prominent assurance, tax, and advisory service — shows that tech workers are more satisfied in their roles than their counterparts in other industries. In other words, a role in tech can allow you to enjoy your work and earn an excellent salary doing it.
If the average annual tech pay is over $100,000 annually, that implies the industry’s best-paying jobs are especially lucrative. So, what are the highest-paying tech jobs, and how can you hold one?
We have you covered. Here are 20 of the highest-paying tech jobs and the skills and schooling you need to land each role:
1. DevOps engineers
DevOps engineers — a portmanteau of “development” and “operations” — monitor the software development lifecycle. With their knowledge of both development and operations, they coordinate cross-functional activities between teams to ensure successful outputs.
To become a DevOps engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. You can boost your resume by getting a certification like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer.
Once you score a role, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $127,000 (with room to grow), according to ZipRecruiter. Top salaries reach roughly $180,000, making this one of the highest-paying jobs in tech.
2. Software engineering manager
Software engineering managers supervise the design and execution of development projects. They’re also tasked with screening and mentoring new engineers.
It’s standard to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science (or a related field), but if you possess the basic skills of software engineers and improve them through experience, more growth opportunities will be available to you.
Apart from an excellent grasp of software engineering, you must also possess exceptional leadership characteristics. In fact, many recruiters will look for years of experience in people management. If you fit the bill, you can earn around $165,000 in an average-paying role.
3. Enterprise architect
An enterprise architect ensures fluid operations of an information technology (IT) department. They analyze current functions, strategize, and suggest improvements with an eye for fortifying IT infrastructure and boosting productivity. Some of the duties may include helping employees sharpen skills, reducing business costs, and meeting industry compliance standards.
Most strong enterprise architect candidates have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT management, and some have a master’s degree in the IT field, hone excellent communication skills, and gain experience with project management. Companies offer candidates an average salary of roughly $160,000 annually, making this one of the highest-paying IT jobs.
4. Product manager
Product managers determine how the development of features will meet client needs and business objectives. In this role, managers strategize the creation of a product, specify its attributes, and determine the release schedule for features.
To hold this role, it’s common to have a bachelor’s degree in product management, computer science, business administration, or a similar field, but you can also complete bootcamps to learn the basic skills. You should also be an expert strategist and able to project a long-term vision of a product. And while many tech jobs afford you hours of introverted work behind a screen, this isn’t one of them — you must be an expert communicator who can motivate teams to create a product. For your hard work, you can earn an average of approximately $153,000 annually.
5. Artificial intelligence (AI) architect
AI architects build machine learning pipelines, creating an infrastructure for applications, networks, and databases. These professionals work closely with data analysts, database administrators, programmers, and business unit leaders to grow and run AI projects.
As an AI architect, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s and potentially a master’s degree in a relevant field like computer science, IT, software design, or AI. You should also pursue certification to meet the needs of your target role, whether by earning a credential in cloud architecture, AI engineering, or data management. It also helps to have solid project management knowledge.
Your specialized skill set can reward you with an average annual salary of around $141,000.
6. Site reliability engineer
Site reliability engineers use software to automate tasks and monitor applications. This work ensures that applications continue functioning well, even as developers integrate updates. Site reliability engineers are also problem-solvers. They often identify key issues and write code to fix them.
You must have a software engineering background (and most companies require a bachelor’s degree) and network experience to hold this role. You should also understand operating systems, code, and distributed computers. You can earn an average salary of around $138,000 per year for your expert work.
7. Cloud engineer
These niche engineers build and maintain cloud-based infrastructures to help businesses achieve optimal security and efficiency. Cloud engineers can specialize in architecting — designing cloud solutions — or development, which implies coding. They might also focus on the administrative aspect of cloud computing, working with networks.
To hold this role, you should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering and proficiency in a cloud computing platform (such as Azure, AWS, or Oracle) and programming languages (such as Java, Python, and Ruby). Some companies may prefer a Master of Science degree holder. You should also hone your communication skills, as you can expect to collaborate with other IT professionals.
Your specialized knowledge and strong interpersonal abilities will pay off, and not just in excellent cloud products for your client. You can earn a lucrative average salary of approximately $132,000 in this role.
8. Computer and information research scientist
Computer and information research scientists theorize ways to improve computing and work alongside engineers to solve problems in the IT field. These scientists can specialize in a research niche, like AI task automation, cybersecurity, or software development.
To become a computer and information research scientist, you typically need a master’s degree in computer science and skills specific to your specialization area, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You would ideally possess strong technical writing and coding abilities as well as soft skills like teamwork and analytical thinking. And IT professional salaries are high: this advanced work brings in an average salary of roughly $130,000 per year.
9. Data engineer
Data engineers create information pipelines. They use these tools to collect and validate high-quality data that their data scientist colleagues use to make inferences about company or product performance. These inferences, in turn, drive better business decisions.
While many candidates hold a bachelor’s, you can also learn the highly specific skills of the trade and skip earning a degree. Companies seek candidates proficient in languages like Python, SQL, and Scala and areas such as cloud computing and data processing. Make your resume stand out by highlighting the strong interpersonal skills that show you’re a team player, as you’ll likely work in small groups.
You can earn an average of about $128,000 per year for the valuable, niche knowledge you provide.
10. Machine learning engineer
Machine learning engineers form part of a data science team specializing in AI experiments and predictive models. They also design and implement machine learning algorithms and systems.
As a machine learning engineer, you can start with a bachelor’s degree and an entry-level position. But you likely need a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in computer science or a similar field, experience coding in Python, and a solid portfolio of industry-level machine learning projects to be a competitive applicant. You must also be a voracious learner to keep up with the latest trends, as this field is constantly evolving.
Machine learning engineering is highly specialized and challenging work for which you may be rewarded with an average salary of approximately $127,000 annually.
11. Computer network architect
These architects design computing networks for organizations. They create scalable, secure, reliable infrastructures that promote information sharing and communication. Network architects also generate detailed documentation of networks and install equipment like firewalls and routers.
To become a network architect, you should hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, math, or engineering and earn industry-specific credentials. These qualifications can pay off in an average annual salary of roughly $125,000.
12. Solutions engineer
Solutions engineers support sales teams by presenting clients with potential fixes for their pain points. These professionals start by determining clients’ needs, then demonstrate products, offer software solutions, and provide proof of concepts (evidence that a project will be successful).
If you’re seeking a career as a solutions engineer, you should have a solid understanding of computing products and a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field. And since you’ll work on the sales end of IT, you should also undergo training to learn how to sell tech products.
Developing the right soft skills is also essential for this role. Not only must you be a confident communicator and enjoy interacting with others, but you should also be able to explain complex terms straightforwardly. For this powerhouse set of skills, you can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $118,00 annually.
13. Information security analyst
Information security analysts keep data safe. They install and run data encryption programs and firewalls and mitigate security breaches through testing processes, like mock system attacks. Security analysts also monitor systems for threats and vulnerabilities and identify the cause of incidents.
To become an information security analyst, you must earn a degree in cybersecurity or acquire the right skills through industry training. Gaining on-the-job experience is essential, as recruiters must ensure a candidate is ready to face real-world security threats. Cybersecurity is a crucial concern for governmental agencies, organizations that store health data, and any company that processes personal information, making work in this field essential and in high demand. For playing this vital role, you can earn an average salary of around $107,000 annually.
14. Software developer
Developers create software that meets client needs. In this process, developers analyze what new features or improvements will fulfill those needs and program applications or software that meet the determined specifications.
Software development is another IT career path in which functional skills can outweigh holding a degree. You can attend numerous boot camp programs — short-term technical programs — to learn the trade (even while holding a part-time job) and move into an entry-level development role. That said, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
As for soft skills, you should be able to work well in a team, remain flexible, and manage your time within a defined project schedule. The average pay for this role is roughly $105,000 annually, but advanced developers could earn closer to $160,000.
15. Mobile developer
Mobile developers create applications for phones, tablets, and other handheld devices. They may specialize in an operating system like Apple’s iOS or Android, but many developers know both. Much like software developers, mobile developers build products with features that meet clients’ needs.
To obtain a role as a mobile developer, you can earn a degree, attend a coding boot camp, or do both, depending on your ideal employer’s hiring requirements. You should also practice making applications and generate a portfolio before applying to your first job.
Entry-level positions in this IT branch pay an average of approximately $100,000 annually, and you can earn more by becoming a principal developer for Android or iOS.
Great salaries and a positive job outlook
For many, the only thing better than an enjoyable job is one that also pays well. The highest-paying tech jobs often check off both of these boxes. What’s more, the employment outlook is often bright — the field continues to evolve, providing exciting new opportunities and access to in-demand work.
Investing in your skills before looking for a job in tech is a wise use of time. With the right profile, you can start in a high-paying, challenging role and continue honing your professional skills along the way. You may begin your career in a zero-experience, entry-level developer role and end it as the CEO of your own software company. Or you might come from a completely different background, like an English degree or work in marketing and transitioning mid-career into a new role. In this industry, the sky’s the limit.
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