#Highest-Paying & Fastest-Growing Tech Jobs

Want to launch your tech career? Looking for a lucrative job? Discover the highest-paying and the fastest-growing tech jobs.

The 20 Best Tech Jobs

The best tech jobs offer six-figure salaries.
Computer research scientists, machine learning engineers, and software engineers make some of the top salaries in tech.
Tech employers will add about 667,600 new jobs between 2020-2030.
About 442,200 people worked in computer occupations as of 2020.

Tech pays more than double the median annual wage for all jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer and information technology jobs pay a median annual salary of $97,430, while the median wage for all occupations stands at $45,760. It’s no question that if you’re looking for a lucrative career, you should strongly consider tech.

Jobs such as data scientists, information security analysts, software developers, software engineers, and web developers offer some of the industry’s top wages. Many of the fastest-growing tech jobs offer six-figure salaries. Find out more about the 20 best tech jobs, job duties for specific roles, and average salaries.

10 Highest-Paying Tech Jobs

Tech jobs pay workers wages higher than the national average, but even within the industry, a hierarchy of pay exists. The ten jobs listed below usually pay tech employees the most.

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IT Manager

Computer and information systems managers, or IT managers, plan computer systems for organizations. IT managers plan upgrades and installation when companies need computer hardware and software upgrades. IT managers supervise IT teams such as computer support specialists. These professionals often need a bachelor’s degree if not a graduate degree.

Median Annual Salary: $159,010

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer

Artificial intelligence engineers automate everyday business processes for companies across many industries.These engineers help businesses to run more efficiently, lower costs, and increase their profits using AI strategies. They work with business executives, product managers, and software development teams to build and maintain applications. The job requires algorithm design, testing, and developing AI models for data collection.

Average Annual Salary: $130,000

Computer Research Scientist

Computer research scientists fix problems in commuting by developing theories and models. They test and improve products and processes and also design new architectures and prototype algorithms to solve problems in different sectors. Computer research scientists may specialize in programming or robotics.Employers often require at least a master’s degree in computer science, if not a Ph.D.

Median Annual Salary: $131,490

Computer Hardware Engineer

Roughly 22% of computer hardware engineers work in computer systems design and related services, where they design and test new computer hardware. They commonly work on household products such as home appliances, phones, and cars. Computer hardware engineers usually learn to program from computer engineering courses taken during a bachelor’s program. Employers may prefer hiring candidates who have graduated from an ABET-accredited program.

Median Annual Salary: $128,170

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects must understand a company’s business model and security needs to design data communication networks, including local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, and extranets. Qualifications for the job include extensive knowledge of firewalls, routers, and switches. Their work often includes recommending hardware and software upgrades and establishing IT policies.

Median Annual Salary: $120,520

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers develop and deploy artificial intelligence solutions that improve systems and products progressively. Machine learning engineers write code and systems that learn and eventually can make predictions on their own. They often have backgrounds as software engineers and proficiency in Python, Keras, PyTorch, and C/C++. The job requires understanding data mining and statistical modeling.

Average Annual Salary: $112,830

Software Developer

Software developers often use multiple programming languages to create computer software programs and applications. What software developers do depends on where they work. Software developers mostly work in computer systems design and related services, but also manufacturing, software publishing, and insurance carriers. They design diagrams that instruct programmers on how to write code.

Median Annual Salary: $110,140

Tech Sales Engineer

Exact job duties for tech sales engineers vary by industry. Most tech sales engineers work in merchant wholesalers, manufacturing, computer systems designs, wholesale electronic markets, and telecommunications. Tech sales engineers need a background in science, sales, and tech to work with sales teams and serve as technical advisors. They may also present product demonstrations for customers at events and conferences.

Median Annual Salary: $103,710

DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers work according to the continuous integration and continuous workflow that allows them to concurrently design, test, and deploy tool and system improvements. They optimize applications and set up monitoring and alerting systems. This position works with web development and IT teams throughout the entire software development process, from coding to deployment.

Median Annual Salary: $90,220

Software Engineer

Software engineers provide technical troubleshooting and debugging support for web applications and programs. They work with data scientists, product managers, and UX/UI designers, mostly on the back-end, to design software solutions. The job requires writing testable code, revising other people’s code, and writing supporting documentation to explain the functionality.

Median Annual Salary: $88,070

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10 Fastest-Growing Tech Jobs

Tech jobs will increase from 2020-2030 faster than all other occupations, according to the BLS. The ten tech jobs listed below are expected to grow faster than all other occupations in the industry.

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Information Security Analyst

Roughly 141,200 information security analysts work in the industry, with most working in computer systems design, finance and insurance, and information. These industries need information security analysts to deploy security safeguards to protect the company’s networks and protect confidential information. Information security analysts often make security recommendations and test for system vulnerabilities and security breaches.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 33%

Data Scientist

Data scientists build, test, and deploy machine learning models and statistical analysis, and algorithms. The job requires analyzing large structured and unstructured datasets to create business solutions for companies. They also create data pipelines to better understand organizational needs. Data scientists use programming languages such as Java, SQL, and Python.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 22%

Software Developer

Software developers create software that addresses customer needs. The job usually requires a bachelor’s in computer and information technology or another related major. The BLS reports that more than 1.8 million software developers work in the United States as of 2020. About 26% of software developers work in computer systems design.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 22%

Software Engineer

Software engineers work at computer system design firms, electronic product manufacturing companies, and insurance carriers. Their job requires designing, building, and maintaining computer applications, games, mobile apps, and web applications. Software engineers often have proficiency in C++, Java, and Python. The job often requires pair programming, where two or more people code to solve a problem. Software engineers also work with product development and engineers.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 22%

Computer Research Scientist

About 31% of computer research scientists work for the federal government, while another 16% work in research and development and another 15% work for computer systems design firms. Some jobs hire computer research scientists with only a bachelor’s degree, but many employers require at least a master’s in computer science degree.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 22%

Java Developer

Java developers use Java to create applications, software, and websites. They work with technology teams throughout the entire development process: analysis, design, testing, and implementation. Companies may need Java developers to also develop security measures and meet with users or clients to find programming solutions for issues.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 22%

Python Developer

Python developers ranked as one of the most in-demand jobs in 2022, according to Coding Nomads. Python developers may work with the development team, management, and users to design and maintain web application logic or back-end components to optimize applications. Python developers must detect and diagnose issues and fix problems with application systems. Some jobs require Python developers to develop security solutions.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 22%

Web Developer

Web developers use programming languages such as HTML or CSS to write code that instructs a website how to perform. Web developers also maintain websites and improve functionality, including loading speeds and issues with traffic. They often specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. Educational requirements vary by employer, with some jobs hiring people right out of coding school and others preferring bachelor’s degree holders.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 13%

PHP Developer

PHP developers use PHP server-side scripting language to design, test, and implement code for programs, websites, and web applications such as blogs and forums, e-commerce websites, and content management systems. They build applications used by the public but also work in back-end development to create applications for business solutions and handle database management. These software developers often work on a contract or freelance basis.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 13%

IT Manager

IT managers supervise tech staff and oversee a company’s computer and information systems. They work with management to create an electronic infrastructure and design the IT policy and strategy. They also configure and maintain the company’s infrastructure and maintain software and hardware inventories. They also manage vendors and recruit new staff.

Job Growth Rate, 2020-30: 11%

Frequently Asked Questions About Tech Jobs

What are some of the easiest tech jobs?

It depends on what you mean by “easy.” When people inquire about the easiest tech jobs, they often want to know about positions that require the least amount of training or education to get started.

Web developers have a range of educational backgrounds. It is not uncommon for junior web developers to find jobs right out of coding school with only a high school education. However, employers may prefer web developers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming.

Jobs such as computer support specialists that make a median annual salary of $62,760 also do not need a college degree, although many hold associate degrees.

Which tech jobs can be done from home?

Many of the best tech jobs offer remote work. Technological advancements make working from home easy. Remote work has only increased from the pandemic. Data scientists at The Ladders estimate that by the end of 2022, some 25% of all workers will work remotely.

It only takes a phone, strong internet connection, and technology for video conferencing to work in remote tech positions. Cybersecurity analysts, Java support specialists, product managers, software engineers, UX/UI designers, and web developers can work remotely.

Remote work can also boost productivity. A Stanford University study of 16,000 workers showed an increase in business by 13% when compared to past profits.

What tech jobs don’t require a degree?

You do not need an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree to work in tech. The technology ecosystem covers a wide range of different jobs for many industries. Some employers require a college degree in computer science, while a coding bootcamp is enough for others. DevOps engineers, software engineers, web developers, and web designers may find work with only a high school degree and technical training. Then again, employers may want new hires to have a formal college education.

Tech workers often pursue web developer positions with associate degrees or computer hardware engineer jobs with bachelor’s degrees in computer science or programming. Sometimes, tech workers launch their careers with only self-education.

Advanced management, specialized, and research positions in tech may require at least a bachelor’s degree or advanced graduate degree.

Feature Image: Hinterhaus Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images

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