Tech jobs are extremely high-paying in today’s economy. In fact, if you want starting salaries approaching six figures, it’s one of only a handful of industries where you can get it. The average worker in the industry earned around $104,566 in 2021, according to the most recent data – an almost unbelievable statistic.
What’s more, the sky’s the limit when it comes to pay. If you can rise through the ranks and get a senior position, you could earn between $250,000 and $500,000 per year, more than most lawyers, physicians and surgeons. Even entry-level jobs for new recruits pay more than the national average, at over $60,000 per year.
If you’re looking for a high-paying tech job, then this post is for you. In it, we run through some of the most lucrative roles and the type of salaries you can achieve. Read on to learn more.
Cloud Security Engineer – $136,485 per year
Cloud security jobs are in high-demand right now. Businesses need professionals who can continually improve and upgrade their cloud networks and protect them from hackers.
Security challenges facing cloud-based businesses are higher than they have ever been before. With more workers working from home, companies need professionals who understand how to maintain a high level of security in a fluid, multi-device environment.
As a cloud security engineer, you will:
- Develop systems to record the overall security status of cloud networks
- Use Office 365 and Azure cloud security to deploy secure solutions
- Track and research the release of new cloud resource types and services with a clear focus on security
- Offer recommendations for improving company’s cloud security posture
Java Developer – $78,604 per year
Java developers are responsible for developing apps and software that uses the Java programming language. Most developers work in larger companies as part of a team, often alongside web developers and other IT professionals who use the tool.
Java developer jobs are in high demand at the moment because of the popularity of Java as a coding language. Businesses use it to create compelling websites, exciting applications, and customer funnels that convert.
As a Java developer, you will be responsible for:
- Developing and testing apps that use Java
- Defining the objectives and functionality of new software
- Writing, designing and implementing apps that use Java
- Creating Java-based programs that help businesses fulfill their corporate objectives
Network Engineer – $76,498 per year
Network engineers are responsible for maintaining the health and security of business networks. You can sometimes find network engineering jobs in specialist IT services companies. However, the majority of roles are in-house, supporting a firm’s IT systems full-time.
Network engineers focus on establishing and defining the networking environment and boosting security. They may also be responsible for implementing new systems and improving the resilience of the local computing environment.
More specifically, employers expect network engineers to:
- Perform regular IP address auditing to check who is logging onto their networks, and from where
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Enhance network security
- Define and enforce network standards, making sure that all users comply
- Maintaining network performance suitable for the tasks carried out by the business
Cloud Architect – $137,265 per year
Cloud architects focus on designing and building robust cloud networks that serve the operational needs of enterprises. Their main role is to integrate the many software-as-a-service tools that modern businesses use as part of their operations.
Cloud architects must be extremely knowledgeable. Many spend years as either cloud administrators or analysts, learning their trade before going on to design network operations from the ground up.
Their primary duties include:
- Monitoring cloud security and proactively reacting to perceived threats
- Looking for possible upgrades and improvements in their organization’s existing cloud setup
- Operating a comprehensive cloud strategy that aligns with business objectives
Mobile App Developer – $75,603 per year
Mobile app developers are in high demand in today’s economy. Companies require these professionals to develop apps that give their customers a more seamless experience. Most apps are developed for Android and iOS, but there are also Windows apps, and those developed for open-source platforms.
Entry-level mobile app developer pay isn’t particularly high. Many workers enter the industry on salaries as low as $40,000. However, there are professionals making more than $200,000 per year.
As a mobile app develop, companies will require you to:
- Brainstorm app ideas and then develop them from the ground up
- Create intuitive interfaces that will drive sales and conversions
- Ensure that apps are consistent with brand image and design ethos
- Monetize apps to help developers increase revenue
Big Data Engineer – $89,838 per year
Big data engineers are professionals, often with a computer science and statistics background, who help companies leverage their data resources. They are responsible for building and maintaining multi-source databases, appending new data sets, and, sometimes, producing analytical reports that the business can use.
Big data engineers have become more sought-after in recent years. With the advent of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and deep learning systems, their services are in high demand.
As a big data engineer, employers will ask you to:
- Develop data-access tools for data scientists and other professionals
- Manage and deploy structured data from multiple sources
- Integrate various analytical systems, databases and integration tools
- Maintain a data pipeline
- Design big data platforms from the ground up for usability
DevOps Engineer – $98,534 per year
Lastly, DevOps engineers are IT professionals who specialize in managing the software development lifecycle using continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) processes.
DevOps engineers have been around for a long time. However, they are more sought-after today due to the sheer number of software development projects currently underway. DevOps engineers are currently among the best-paid in the sector.
If you take a job as a DevOps engineer, your roles and responsibilities will include:
- Developing CI/CD pipelines and processes
- Ensuring that developers and teams remain committed to DevOp tools and methodologies
- Testing and optimizing DevOps solutions
