Best-Paying Jobs in Technology in 2025

In 2023, a report found that the tech industry in the US makes up 35% of the world market. It does not come as a surprise that a lot of job seekers would want to be part of technology jobs, as there are high-paying ones across various specialties.

Read on as we discuss the career path in IT, the best-paying jobs in technology, how to get into the high-paying ones, and some common questions.

IT career path and specialties

Career path in information technology (IT) comes with vast opportunities from almost every industry, such as management, security, and development. This diverse path is home to some of the most in-demand and high-paying tech jobs you might want to check out.

Each specialty in IT requires a different skill set and expertise so knowing them can help you identify which is the best fit for your chosen career path. Here is a list of remarkable specialties in tech jobs that pay well:

• Cloud computing
• Web development
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• User experience (UX) design
• IT consulting
• Data science and analytics
• Network and systems administration/telecommunications
• Database administration
• Software development
• Technical support
• IT auditing and compliance
• Mobile application development
• Digital marketing and e-commerce
• Project management

Top 12 highest-paying jobs in technology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for computer and information technology occupations is estimated to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, with a projected 356,700 job openings every year.

If you want to be part of this industry, let us look at the best-paying jobs in technology using Salary.com's Salary Data:

1. Cloud Architect ($108,400 to $142,748)
   Cloud architects are responsible for a company's cloud computing strategy. They design and establish cloud solutions, which guarantee scalability, security, and reliability. Proficient skills in cloud platforms, such as Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS, are important.
2. Network Security Engineer ($129,941 to $167,976)
   Network security engineers are responsible for designing and implementing security measures, tracking network activity, and countering cyber threats. Proficiency in network security protocol stacks, firewalls, and intrusion detection is essential for this role.
3. Data Scientist ($99,926 to $137,443)
   Data scientists analyze complex data sets to generate trends and insights and establish predictive models that help in business decision-making. They utilize data visualization techniques, statistical analysis, and machine learning, so expertise in these skills is a must.
4. Machine Learning Engineer ($93,452 to $127,300)
   Machine learning engineers are responsible for generating and deploying machine learning models to fix specific business and technical problems. They create algorithms that allow systems to learn and predict with no explicit programming. A deep understanding of data structures, statistical concepts, and machine learning algorithms is essential for this role.
5. Engineering Manager ($120,463 to $171,344)
   Engineering managers are responsible for leading engineering teams to ensure the complete delivery of projects. They arrange resources, implement technical direction, and align the efforts of the engineering department with business objectives. Managers need to have strong technical insights into the engineering discipline, as well as people and leadership skills.
6. Software Engineer ($77,080 to $201,030)
   Software engineers are responsible for designing, establishing, and managing software applications and systems, ensuring their scalability, efficiency, and alignment with user requirements. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish innovative solutions for technical problems. Proficiency in programming languages, such as Java, Python, and C++, is essential.
7. Penetration Tester ($75,886 to $107,856)
   Penetration testers are responsible for determining vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. They administer cyber-attack simulations to assess security measures and recommend improvements. These professionals must be experts in ethical hacking tools, network protocols, and vulnerability assessment.
8. AI Research Scientist ($162,262 to $225,755)
   AI research scientists are responsible for developing artificial intelligence algorithms and models. They design new computing technologies that can contribute to AI advancements and explore new uses of existing technologies. They must have competent mathematical and statistical skills, as well as proficiency in programming languages and data science concepts.
9. DevOps Engineer ($112,670 to $153,296)
   DevOps engineers are responsible for streamlining the collaboration of development and operations teams through establishing automation, tracking system performance, and guaranteeing a seamless software development life cycle. Their proficiencies include scripting languages, containerization tools, and continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines.
10. Information Security Analyst ($76,832 to $106,992)
    Information security analysts protect the organization's computer networks and systems from cyber threats through security measures, protocols, analysis of potential threats, and implementation of strategies that secure sensitive data. They need deep knowledge of cybersecurity tools, network protocols, and risk assessment.
11. Senior Data Analyst ($82,995 to $122,541)
    Senior data analysts' responsibilities include interpreting data, producing actionable insights, and generating reports for strategic decision-making. They also lead and mentor junior analysts in data analysis projects and ensure accurate data. Their proficiencies include SQL, data visualization tools, and programming languages.
12. Principal Software Engineer ($112,358 to 153,054)
    Principal software engineers lead the design of complex software systems while mentoring engineering teams, troubleshoot high-level technical issues, and maintain best practices in development and deployment. They are proficient in software design and architecture, leadership, and problem-solving.

How to get a high-paying technology job

Landing a high-paying tech job is possible when you have a strategy and qualifications fit for IT roles. Here are ways to get into tech jobs that pay well:

• Be specific with your career: To fully hone your skills and knowledge, choose a particular tech career that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. This will target your experience in developing specific expertise, which helps in entering a high-paying tech industry.
• Earn relevant education: To become a professional in the tech industry, a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related fields is usually required. Pursuing IT certifications also helps in demonstrating advanced learning and competency.
• Establish a good portfolio: Collect completed projects, internships, and contributions into a tangible presentation, such as a portfolio or document, to showcase your abilities and dedication to accomplish IT-related operations.
• Improve technical skills: Crucial technical proficiencies in the tech sector are programming languages, data analysis techniques, and cybersecurity tools.
• Connect with industry peers: Building a network of IT professionals will help you get access to your chosen tech field through events, conferences, and platforms. Learn and be mentored by your peers to guide you into entering high-paying tech jobs.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about high-paying tech jobs:

What job in tech pays the most?

Highest paid tech jobs, excluding the job titles mentioned above, include software developers, computer network architects, computer systems analysts, database administrators and architects, computer programmers, IT managers, product designers, site reliability engineers, product managers, and technical program managers.

What IT field is most in demand?

The most in-demand IT fields include software development, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Job titles that are significant to these fields include software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, cloud architects, AI engineers, and technical support specialists.

What are the best-paying tech jobs for recent graduates with a computer science degree?

The best-paying jobs in technology for recent graduates with a computer science degree include software engineers, data scientists, and cloud engineers.

What are some high-paying entry-level tech jobs that don't require a four-year degree?

Some of the high-paying entry-level tech jobs that don't require a four-year degree include web developers, computer programmers, systems analysts, computer support specialists, digital marketers, aerospace technicians, and graphic designers.