Demand is high for talented people with technology skills. Because of that, employers are offering salaries at — or even above — pre-pandemic levels. With many options for job seekers, the technology industry attracts top talent .
An example? In 2021, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupants was $97,430, and technologist salaries reached a record high of $104,566, making it a great time to find a job.
The tech industry’s recent growth means IT opportunities will continue to soar. This list includes the best-paying jobs in tech, median salaries, job overviews, and skills required for each position. Check it out to identify professions based on your interests, technical skills, role requirements, and desired salary.
Please note: We used Salary.com for our research, but average estimates will vary based on skills and experience.
12. Blockchain engineer
One of the youngest, fastest-growing, highest-paid IT jobs, blockchain engineers use technology to create architecture solutions. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are gaining popularity across different industries and parts of the world.
- Average Yearly Salary: $83,000 (Salary.com)
- Required Skills:
- Programming
- Consensus methodologies
- Blockchain programs
- Industry awareness
- Distributed computing
11. Video game designer
Video game designers create concepts, storylines, and game mapping. Individual video game designers focus on specific aspects of the game, like managing the design process, user interaction, or rulemaking. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates this high-paying tech job will grow by 16% in the next decade.
- Median Yearly Salary: $89,000
- Required Skills:
- Creativity
- Programming
- System design
- Concept mapping
- Gameplay testing
10. Full-stack developer
Full-stack developers (FSD) understand all aspects and capabilities of software applications. FSDs create interactive and engaging applications with their understanding of front-end and back-end development. This is one of the highest-paid IT jobs, with over 23 million developers globally.
- Average Yearly Salary: $100,000
- Required Skills:
- Front-end development
- Back-end technology
- Database and cache
- Server-side
- Version Control System
9. Product manager/product owner
Product managers, or product owners, eliminate programming issues by facilitating communication between internal developers and external teams, like implementation, support, management, or sales. This high-paying tech job helps communicate between teams, processes product feedback and innovates new strategies to meet customer needs.
- Median Yearly Salary: $111,000
- Required Skills:
- Product lifecycle management
- Product management tools
- Time management
- Software training
- User input data
8. Internet of things (IoT) solutions architect
Internet of things solutions architects are among the highest-paying technology jobs and are currently in high demand. These roles oversee product architecture and design, IoT engagement, and the use of IoT solutions to solve business problems. These high-paying tech jobs usually work with engineers and sales teams to streamline work nature and functional business areas.
- Average Yearly Salary: $120,000
- Required Skills:
- Machine learning
- Hardware architecture
- IoT data management
- Programming languages
- Cloud computing
7. Big data engineer
Big data engineers plan, design, and manage the whole lifecycle of Big Data applications. They turn large data sets into insights, which is valuable now, considering businesses’ data dependence. TechJury says over 97% of organizations invest in Big Data and AI.
- Average Yearly Salary: $125,000
- Required Skills:
- Data warehousing technologies
- Programming
- Data visualization
- Interpersonal communication
- Project management
6. DevOps engineer
DevOps engineers overlap between the development and operations teams to create and maintain products more efficiently. They design products and continuously monitor them for necessary corrections.
- Median Yearly Salary: $126,000
- Required Skills:
- Ruby
- Python
- JavaScript
- Linux Command Line Interface
- Application development
5. Data scientist
Data scientists analyze and interpret large data sets to help companies operate with speed and efficiency. It is one of the best-paying jobs in tech and one of the most in-demand roles in the data and tech fields.
- Average Yearly Salary: $139,000
- Required Skills:
- Machine learning algorithms
- Data model creation
- Programming languages
- Statistical computations
- Data analysis
4. Cloud architect
Cloud architects are another high-paying tech job specializing in cloud computing strategy. These tech professionals work directly with stakeholders to develop business solutions related to cloud strategy. This position develops architecture, creates cloud strategy, organizes cloud implementation, and ensures successful cloud environment deployments.
- Average Yearly Salary: $139,000
- Required Skills:
- Cloud application architecture
- Cloud platforms
- Persuasive communication
- Leadership
- Business strategy
3. Software architect
Software architects identify customer requirements, create technical and design standards for the project, and assign development tasks to their team of developers. This role requires technical experience and interpersonal communication skills, which help Software Architects manage people, projects, and timelines.
- Average Yearly Salary: $141,000
- Required Skills:
- Data modeling
- Software architecture
- Programming languages
- Analytics
- Project management
2. Software engineering manager
Software engineering managers, one of the best-paying jobs in tech, lead computer and software development teams. These individuals oversee the creation of software applications and encourage engineering teams to perform highly. Their influence boosts productivity, solves technical problems, and creates business efficiency.
- Average Yearly Salary:$149,000
- Required Skills:
- Software development
- Product development
- Database experience
- Hardware knowledge
- Technical leadership
1. Lead artificial intelligence (AI) engineer
Artificial intelligence engineers design, develop, manage and oversee all AI initiatives for their organization. One of the highest-paying tech jobs, this position is responsible for making complex networks of algorithms that help AI function like a human brain. AI engineers should have experience in software development, programming, data science, and data engineering.
- Average Yearly Salary: $169,000
- Required Skills:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Python
- Torch
- TensorFlow
- Machine learning
Which tech fields are the most future-proof?
Information technology moves fast, and with constant innovation comes lots of new, promising opportunities, so choosing a secure field is crucial. Future-proof tech fields include cars, robotics, drones, farming, smart buildings, virtual reality, security, 3D printing, and cloud systems.
Essential skills for IT jobs
IT professionals need many skills, so it can be hard to meet general requirements and stand out in a job application. These hard and soft skills will help you stand out from the competition when combined with the correct technical skills.
Hard skills:
- Coding
- Analytical abilities
- Project management
- Time management
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Organization
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Perseverance
- Troubleshooting
- Resourcefulness
- Curiosity
- Interest in helping others
Find an IT career you’ll love with Top Workplaces
In addition to finding something well-paying, it’s crucial to find a job you’ll love. When you do, you’ll experience focus, performance, motivation, engagement, creativity, innovation, and energy.
Finding a career in the IT field is easier than ever, with record-high salaries and increasing demand. The best tech companies value diversity, work-life flexibility, and employee benefits within the competitive, fast-paced, rapidly growing industry. Check out the Top Workplaces Technology Award to find a great place to work in IT.
Does your company excel at communication and a people-driven culture? Get recognized for it! Nominate your organization for Top Workplaces, the employer recognition program that offers awards in 60+ regional markets and national awards for culture and industry excellence.
