Technology is advancing at an exponential pace. So, it’s no surprise that tech jobs are among the most lucrative. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that computer and IT-related occupations will grow by 12% between 2014 and 2024. Certain specific niches in the field might also see growth as high as 27%. At HIRECLOUT, we’ve done our research throughout the technology career landscape in order to present 11 of the highest paying tech jobs including summaries of responsibilities, reasons for their growth in demand, and annual salary information to ensure your job prospecting efforts are maximized. Highly skilled and accomplished tech professionals will have much to gain from coupling this information with their career development efforts.
Tech Jobs
Data Scientist
Data scientists are enjoying a spike in popularity. Companies are harnessing the power of big data and utilizing it for valuable insights, operational streamlining, and better decision-making. With the tech industry seeing rapid growth in companies whose products are largely data-driven, such as Lyft, Netflix, and Waze, there is a definite need for data scientists who can apply R, Python, and machine learning methods to improve functionality and development. A data scientist can even help companies with decidedly less data-driven products, such as Starbucks. A data scientist is key to helping the company predict consumer actions, drive marketing projects, and increase sales.
Companies, such as the FANG and many other top firms, are making use of the ability to analyze large and complex data sets to drive cost optimizations, supply chain innovations, and access more accurate marketing data. All of these skills and industry demands make the data scientist roles one of the highest paying tech jobs.
This position involves a good amount of statistical analysis, knowledge of programming languages such as Python and SQL, as well as a solid business acumen along with proper data intuition. Due to an increase in the volume, velocity, and variety of data, a data scientist is vital to any company. A good data scientist can help expand operations, reach, and influence. No matter the type of company or product, there are plenty of prospects for you as a data scientist on the job market.
Average Yearly Salary of a Data Scientist: $141,000
DevOps Engineer
In an economy that hinges on ultimate customer satisfaction, there is no other tech job that connects the lines from product development to end-user so closely as the role of DevOps Engineer. Thanks to a wealth of cloud-based apps in today’s market, such as WordPress, GitHub, and Slack, the skills of a DevOps engineer are in demand. DevOp Engineers’ abilities to implement cloud technologies as well as their role in agile development and implementing more frequent updates to various programs and applications make them a fundamental part of any growing or established business.
This position involves efficient coding and scripting skills, knowledge regarding the Unix or Linux system administration, and proficiency with DevOps tools like Jenkins, Git, Gradle, etc. If you’re a detail-oriented problem solver and a genius at catching bugs in the software development process, then a DevOps Engineer position may be just what you’re looking for.
Average Yearly Salary of a DevOps Engineer: $123,000
Related: 5 of the Most In-Demand Tech Jobs of 2019 (and 3 for 2020!)
Software Architect
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 21% growth in the demand for software developers, for which software architects are the leaders, through 2028. More recently, an interest in cloud computing across a number of industries has made software architects with cloud experience a hot commodity in the job market. Big companies such as General Electric, eBay, and FitBit are benefiting from cloud computing. A cloud architect is the ideal team member who can take businesses to the next level.
The role involves making numerous design choices. Interacting with developers and clients to optimize the development process, requires deep knowledge and understanding regarding software architecture. Software architects also help develop software prototypes by addressing the needs and requirements of the customer and making sure the design’s quality is top-notch. An efficient software architect must possess refined technical knowledge, programming skills, analytical knowledge, management skills, and good communication skills.
Average Yearly Salary of a Software Architect: $130,000
AI Architect
The AI architect handles management and development within a company. They create system architecture depending on the AI frameworks and also develop AI solutions for the company’s clients.
The skills required to become a successful AI architect include having a deep understanding of the technologies prevalent in AI, such as Statistical Learning, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning along with many others. They should also have deep knowledge regarding the statistical computing languages, such as R, Python, SAS, and a host of others. The current technology landscape is working further and further towards automation and the use of AI to interpret and delineate complex data sets allowing firms to provide more and better solutions to their clients. All of this change will be lead by AI Architects which Jenny Darmodyy, Deputy Editor at Siliconrepublic.com, predicts to be “the hottest role in the future of work”
Average Yearly Salary of an AI Architect: $119,000
Data Security Analyst
Data Analysts handle computer and network security as well as look over the infrastructure behind the protection of these systems. Of the many responsibilities of a data security analyst, one of them is to discuss the company’s security policies with everyone who works for that given organization.
Knowledge about computer networks, operating systems, and all the risk factors that come along with them is something a data security analyst must possess. Large institutions are able to take advantage of the statistical and interpretive skills of data analysts to provide insights for their sales and marketing efforts. A projection by IBM estimates 700,000 new data analyst jobs this year.
Average yearly salary of a data security analyst: $90,000
Full-Stack Developer
Full-Stack developers work on every aspect of application development which includes frontend development, backend development, networks, databases, and system infrastructure. They are invaluable for projects that involve databases, user-facing websites, and possibly work with clients during the process.
A full-stack developer should acquire knowledge in several technologies, including Node.js, MongoDB, AngularJS, as well as others. Additional skills that are helpful for a full-stack developer are API and web development. Overall, full-stack development is a lucrative and rewarding career choice. The demand for full-stack is high due to the savings they bring to organizations. With a full-stack developer, there is less need to hire several more specialized software engineers. In addition, the diverse set of skills a full-stack developer allows them to change positions and adapt to different industries and technology landscapes more easily than many of their counterparts.
Average Yearly Salary of a Full-Stack Developer: $110,000
Cloud Architect
Overseeing and deploying the cloud computing strategy of a company is the responsibility of a cloud architect. This includes cloud deployment models, cloud application design, cloud management, and so on. Cloud architects must possess commendable communication skills, understanding of cloud application architecture, and knowledge of Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
A cloud architect should be aware of cloud security, cloud computing services, and operating systems such as Unix, Linux. According to a survey conducted at the end of last year, 86% of enterprises had over one-quarter of their IT infrastructure in cloud environments and for the longest time, there was a shortage of cloud specialists. As more enterprises migrate their operations to the cloud, the demand for cloud architects will likely stay strong well into the future
Average Yearly Salary of a Cloud Architect: $118,000
Blockchain Engineer
A blockchain engineer specializes in developing and using blockchain technology to implement solutions as well as architecture. With blockchain technology gaining more and more popularity, the demand for this role is rising, too. In addition to strong programming skills, a blockchain engineer should also have a solid understanding of the tech that goes behind Bitcoin, R3, Ripple, Etherium, and many other cryptocurrencies that are in use now, as well as, those soon-to-come.
Possessing knowledge regarding crypto libraries, security protocol stacks, and the different consensus methodologies fare well for a blockchain engineer. According to this piece, a Blockchain engineer is one of the fastest-growing jobs in tech today. The last year there has seen a 517% increase in demand for this job.
Average Yearly Salary of a Blockchain Engineer: $130,000
Data Warehouse Architect
Maintaining proper management levels is just one of the numerous responsibilities of a data warehouse architect. They’re also responsible for working with data warehouse technologies and developing data warehouse designing solutions. A company’s data warehouse has endless stacks of data, all managed and controlled by the data warehouse architect of that organization.
A data warehouse architect must have several skills, such as prowess in database design, efficiency in communication, awareness of the latest data warehousing technologies. It’s also helpful to have skills with other J2EE, and the like. As with many of the other jobs on this list, the demand for the skills this role possesses has been greatly increased by the growth of cloud migration and adoption. It appears that this demand will continue to go up in the foreseeable future.
Average Yearly Salary of a Data Warehouse Architect: $116,000
Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Architect
An IoT solutions architect is responsible for overseeing and deploying all the strategies behind developing and deploying IoT solutions. Understanding IoT solutions is imperative for this leadership role. Additionally, an IoT solutions architect should have experience in Machine Learning, programming skills, and hardware architecture and design.
An IoT solutions architects leads and participates in design and architecture. They also aid in the development of an IoT ecosystem engagement. IoT ecosystem engagement is derived from the IoT Solution Framework. Their help is also required to translate the needs and requirements of a business into solution architecture requirements. We are at the forefront of the IoT era so the demand for IoT Solutions Architects should be strong for years to come.
Average Yearly Salary of an IoT Solutions Architect: $133,000
Mobile Applications Developer
We’re flooded with mobile applications these days, with new ones being launched almost every other day. Mobile application developers are in demand and highly paid. As a result, it’s one of the most coveted roles in the tech field.
A mobile application developer should have experience on platforms such as Android, and iOS. Possessing prior experience in coding with mobile frameworks is always a plus point as well. In addition to knowing about mobile development languages, a mobile application developer must also know about web development languages.
Mobile application developers are also in charge of supporting the complete lifecycle of an application. They need to stay up to date on the newest mobile app trends and meet all the quality standards. They also involved in optimizing the performance of an application and researching the latest mobile products and protocols. In 2018, mobile app downloads were estimated to be 194 billion proving the demand for mobile app developers isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Average Yearly Salary for a Mobile Applications Developer: $107,000
Bottom Line
The technology career landscape is now more lucrative and diverse than ever. While there are many opportunities, it can be difficult to find that perfect match. HIRECLOUT is here to help. Regularly check our careers page to find your next opportunity in tech. HIRECLOUT handles permanent and contract placements at Fortune 500 tech companies at no expense to the candidate.
Are you an employer looking to fill one of the positions mentioned above? HIRECLOUT has a retention rate 43% higher than the industry average. Go to our employer page to find out more about working with a HIRECLOUT recruiter.
Related: Resume Power! 6 Dos and Don’ts for a Powerful IT Resume
