Technology dominates society in our everyday lives. From smartphones to web-enabled dashboards in our cars to smart homes, it is all around us. For this reason, there has been an explosion in the job market over the past decade. While data engineers and programmers have always been in demand, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence in the past few years has added further fuel to the fire. The job market is full of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) related jobs that offer some of the highest salaries out there.
More and more new positions are being created daily to keep up with this technology-driven world, and they do not always require a college degree. An increase in technology-related certificates and coding boot camps has given people new access to very high-paying careers. With an average six-figure salary for each in-demand job, the education or time spent in a boot camp can be well worth it.
Furthermore, once in this field, on-the-job experience becomes much more beneficial to pay increases and promotions. Seldom are people required to go back to school to be elevated in the area. As the tech sector is constantly shifting and changing at the drop of a hat, longevity in position becomes an asset. In addition to all of this, with the field also deepening, the demand for placement is at an all-time high. For those looking for a career path or even a change in careers, the tech sector may be the answer.
Here are some of the highest-paying tech jobs in the United States right now.
10. Full-stack Developer
Number ten on the highest-paying tech jobs list is a full-stack developer with an entry-level salary of $70,000 – $90,000 and an average salary of $95,000 – $130,000. This position entails developing both front-end and back-end components of web applications, managing databases, and ensuring smooth functionality. In other words, a full-stack dev manages how a website looks and also how it functions internally.
To be a full-stack developer, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field is a minimum requirement. A person fit for the job would also need proficiency in front-end (HTML/CSS) and back-end technologies (SQL/Node.js), knowledge of databases and familiarity with web development frameworks.
9. Cybersecurity Engineer
The entry-level salary for this position is usually $75,000 – $95,000, and the average salary is $100,000 – $140,000. Being a cybersecurity engineer entails protecting systems and networks from cyber threats, implementing security measures and monitoring for potential breaches and invasions.
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science or a related field is needed to pursue this field. Additionally, those wanting to be cybersecurity engineers should have knowledge of cybersecurity tools and protocols, networking, risk assessment and familiarity with compliance standards.
8. Data Scientist
A data scientist is one of these highest-paying tech jobs where those employed can make six figures upon entry. The entry-level salary is $80,000 – $100,000. Experienced data scientists earn, on average, a salary of $110,000 – $140,000.
This job position is broad and can consist of many responsibilities, such as analyzing large datasets, creating statistical models and deriving actionable insights for decision-making. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with teams to address business problems using data-driven techniques.
Typically, a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science or economics is required. Skill requirements include proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization and familiarity with tools like SQL, Tableau or TensorFlow.
7. DevOps Engineer
The entry-level salary for a DevOps engineer is $80,000 – $100,000, while its average salary is $110,000 – $150,000. This role entails managing infrastructure automation and ensuring smooth collaboration between development and operations teams. Additional responsibilities include implementing and overseeing CI/CD pipelines (continuous integration and continuous deployment).
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required at minimum for a DevOps engineer. It is also essential to have proficiency in scripting/programming languages, experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI), knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and familiarity with cloud platforms.
6. Blockchain Developer
This position’s entry-level salary starts at $80,000 – $100,000 and its average salary is $110,000 – $150,000. A role as a blockchain developer involves building decentralized applications, smart contracts and implementing blockchain solutions, as well as developing and maintaining blockchain protocols.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, cryptography or related fields is the minimum education requirement for this job. Those interested in the position should also have proficiency in Solidity or similar languages, understanding of blockchain platforms (Ethereum, Hyperledger), smart contract development and cryptography knowledge.
5. Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer’s entry-level salary ranges from $90,000 – $110,000 and their average salary is $120,000 – $160,000. This job entails designing and implementing machine learning models and systems. Additionally, developing algorithms, conducting experiments and deploying models into production environments.
The education requirements are most likely a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, or a related field. Good candidates should have strong programming skills (Python, Java, etc.), proficiency in machine learning libraries/frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), data handling and knowledge of algorithms and data structures.
4. Cloud Architect
Entry-level salaries for cloud architects are $90,000 – $110,000. Their average salaries are $120,000 – $160,000. This job entails designing and managing an organization’s cloud computing strategy, including cloud adoption plans, application design, and cloud management and monitoring.
What are the education requirements? A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Lastly, what are the skill requirements for cloud architects? Expertise in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, knowledge of networking, security, and infrastructure, and experience with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
3. AI Engineer
AI (artificial intelligence) engineers average an entry-level salary of $90,000 – $110,000. Their average salary tends to be between $120,000 – $160,000. The job description for AI engineers includes developing AI models and systems while applying machine learning techniques to solve business problems.
Necessary educational requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related field. Potential candidates can also expect to need proficiency in programming languages like Python, expertise in machine learning algorithms and frameworks, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and experience with data handling and preprocessing.
2. IT Manager/Director
Being an IT (information technology) manager/director starts at an entry-level salary of $100,000 – $120,000, with the average salary being $130,000 – $180,000 or more. What are the responsibilities of someone in this role? Managing the overall IT operations of a company, overseeing technology infrastructure, and ensuring its alignment with business goals.
Getting this position requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, along with significant management experience. Additionally, skills and attributes needed are leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure, experience in budgeting and resource management, and strong communication skills for interacting with various stakeholders.
1. Software Development Manager/Director
The top of the list of highest-paying tech jobs goes to the role of software development manager/director. An entry-level salary for this position usually starts at $110,000 – $130,000, and the average salary usually ranges between $150,000 – $200,000 or more. The required education for this position is typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus substantial industry experience.
The software development manager/director is in charge of overseeing software development projects, managing teams, and ensuring timely and quality delivery of software products. Leadership and managerial skills, strong technical background in software development, project management expertise, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for this position.
