If you are considering a career in the tech industry, these top 10 highest-paying technology jobs could be worth exploring. Discover more about well-paid tech positions, such as job prospects, typical salaries, and educational requirements.
Tech careers involve utilizing computer and information technology to address challenges. The tech sector is known for its dynamic nature, particularly within start-ups, large corporations, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI). In 2023, the average yearly salary in the tech industry was $111,193, slightly lower than the $111,348 average in 2022 but still significantly higher than the average wage across all occupations in the United States. Keep reading to find out more about the highest paying jobs in tech roles and how to kickstart your journey in this field.
10 of the Best-Paying Jobs in Technology
The tech sector typically offers salaries that are higher than average. The following list provides details on ten well-paying tech positions in 2024, including their salaries, qualifications, and future prospects.
1. Full-Stack Developer
Average base salary: $91,381
Educational requirements: 71% of software developers hold a bachelor’s degree, 19% have a master’s degree, and 5% have an associate degree. The most common degrees earned by software developers are in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information technology.
Job outlook (2022-2032): Expected growth of 25%
A full-stack developer is a specialized software developer who works on both the front-end and back-end aspects of a website. The front end involves what users see and interact with, while the back end deals with data storage and processing behind the scenes. These two areas require different skill sets. While many full-stack developers have a bachelor’s degree, it is not always a strict requirement for employers if you have equivalent experience or a strong portfolio.
Four interview questions for full-stack developers:
- What aspect of development do you enjoy the most?;
- Which programming languages are you proficient in?;
- How do you envision the role of a full-stack developer within a team?;
- What strategies can you implement to improve a website’s speed?
2. Computer Network Architect
Average starting salary: $128,136
Educational requirements: Majority of network architects hold a bachelor’s degree (60%), followed by associate degree holders (18%) and master’s degree holders (16%). Common degrees earned include computer science, electrical engineering, business, and computer information systems.
Job outlook (2022-2032): Expected growth of 4%
Computer network architects are responsible for designing and constructing network solutions, such as creating plans, supervising hardware upgrades and installations, and implementing new technologies. Many start their careers as network engineers.
Four interview questions for computer network architects:
- How do you approach planning for a new network?;
- Can you discuss the significant security risks that data communication networks often encounter?;
- Have you had experience working with TCP/IP protocols?;
- Please share your thoughts on the most essential skills required for this role.
3. Information Security Analyst
Median base salary: $112,875
Educational requirements: 62% of information security analysts hold a bachelor’s degree, 20% have an associate degree, and 13% possess a master’s degree. The most common fields of study for information security analysts include computer science, electrical engineering, business, and computer information systems.
Projected job growth (2022-2032): 32% increase
Information security analysts are tasked with identifying and reducing security threats. In this role, you will identify vulnerabilities, implement cybersecurity measures, and generate reports on security breaches and cyber-attacks.
Four interview questions for information security analysts:
- What skills do you believe are essential for success in information security analysis?;
- Can you share an example of a successful experience from a previous position?;
- How do you approach testing for vulnerabilities?;
- Which tools do you prefer to use for information security purposes?
4. Software Developer
Median annual salary: $118,827
Educational requirements: 71% of software developers hold a bachelor’s degree, 19% have a master’s degree, and 5% have an associate degree. The most common fields of study for software developers are computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information technology.
Projected job growth (2022-2032): 25% increase
Software developers collaborate with UI/UX designers, QA analysts, operations teams, and other developers to create software solutions. Some typical tasks for software developers include programming, design, user research, and debugging.
Four interview questions for software developers:
- What programming languages have you worked with?;
- How do you integrate client feedback into your projects?;
- Share a significant accomplishment from your experience as a developer;
- Can you outline the skills and qualities that you believe are essential for a successful software developer?
5. Cloud Systems Engineer
Average base salary: The average starting salary is $105,921
Education requirements: 70% of systems engineers hold a bachelor’s degree, while 13% have a master’s degree and another 13% have an associate degree. Most systems engineers typically graduate with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, business, or information technology.
Job outlook (2022-2032): There is expected to be a 10% growth in job opportunities
A cloud engineer, also known as a cloud systems engineer, is responsible for designing, maintaining, and developing cloud-based solutions and infrastructure. Their tasks often involve coding for the cloud, managing cloud networks, and utilizing risk management services or specific cloud software. Employers usually seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree, along with relevant experience or expertise in cloud technologies.
Four interview questions for cloud engineers:
- How do you stay updated on trends in the cloud computing industry?;
- What is your approach to ensuring security and managing risks in cloud environments?;
- Can you explain the different layers of architecture needed for cloud computing?;
- Where do you see cloud computing heading in the next five or ten years?
6. Technical Product Manager
Average starting salary: $125,785
Educational requirements: 69% of technical product managers hold a bachelor’s degree, 20% have a master’s degree, and 6% have an associate degree. The most common degrees earned by technical product managers are in computer science, electrical engineering, business, and computer engineering.
Job outlook (2018-2028): Expected growth of 10%
Product managers are responsible for overseeing projects from inception to completion, such as software development or other complex products involving computer systems.
Here are four interview questions for product managers:
- What essential tools do you utilize as a technical product manager?;
- Have you worked on a software development team?;
- What metrics do you use to gauge success?;
- Can you explain your preferred techniques and strategies for launching a product?
7. DevOps Engineer
Average starting salary: $108,995
Educational qualifications: 75% of DevOps engineers hold a bachelor’s degree, 20% have a master’s degree, and 2% possess an associate degree. Most DevOps engineers typically major in computer science, electrical engineering, business, or computer engineering.
Job prospects (2018-2028): Expected growth of 21%
DevOps engineers are involved in various software development tasks like release management, system administration, and security. They focus on streamlining software processes within organizations. While a bachelor’s degree is usually required by employers, some may also value experience and specific skills.
Four interview questions for DevOps engineers:
- How does a DevOps engineer contribute to the success of a project?;
- Why do you think you are well-suited for a DevOps role?;
- What programming languages are you proficient in?;
- Which Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) do you prioritize for measuring success?
8. Site Reliability Engineer
Average starting salary: $125,892
Educational qualifications: 76% of site reliability engineers hold a bachelor’s degree, 13% have a master’s degree, and 8% possess an associate degree. The most common fields of study for site reliability engineers include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering, and business.
Job growth projection (2018-2028): Expected to increase by 10%
A site reliability engineer is responsible for providing system support through automation tools to ensure software stability during updates and new features. They play a key role in enhancing efficiency in software development. Employers typically seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and prior experience in DevOps.
Here are four interview questions for site reliability engineers:
- Explain a process or procedure that you successfully enhanced in a previous position;
- In your view, what is the most crucial aspect of site reliability?;
- How do you assess or measure success as a reliability engineer?;
- What is the role of the SRE within the broader development team?
9. AI Architect/Specialist
Average starting salary: $138,243
Educational requirements: 63% of AI specialists have a bachelor’s degree, 17% have a master’s degree, 10% have a high school diploma, and 7% have an associate degree. Most commonly, AI specialists earn degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science.
Job growth outlook (2018-2028): 8% increase
Artificial intelligence (AI) architects are responsible for overseeing AI projects. They collaborate between teams, determine which technologies are relevant to a project, and minimize security risks. Their main goal is to design and implement AI solutions and systems.
Four interview questions for AI architects:
- What do you believe is the most misunderstood aspect of AI?;
- Explain the concepts of deep learning and machine learning in AI;
- Can you explain the differences between supervised and unsupervised learning?;
- Which programming languages for AI have you worked with?
10. Enterprise Architect
Median salary: $156,820
Educational qualifications: 67% of enterprise architects hold a bachelor’s degree, 23% have a master’s degree, and 5% possess an associate degree. Most enterprise architects typically graduate with degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or business.
Projected job growth (2022-2032): Expected to increase by 4%
An enterprise architect is responsible for overseeing and designing the entire IT infrastructure of a company, including processes, projects, and risk management. They collaborate with various teams to develop appropriate systems. Companies generally require enterprise architects to have at least a bachelor’s degree and previous experience in IT.
Four interview questions for enterprise architects:
- How do you promote collaboration among different departments as an enterprise architect?;
- Share your leadership background with me;
- What methods do you use to keep up-to-date or ahead of IT trends?;
- Can you provide an example of successfully mitigating security risks in the past?
Final Thoughts
The tech industry continues to offer lucrative opportunities for individuals seeking high-paying careers. The top 10 technology jobs in 2024 showcase a range of roles with competitive salaries and promising job outlooks. From full-stack developers to enterprise architects, these positions require varying levels of education and expertise. As the tech sector evolves rapidly, professionals in these roles must stay updated on industry trends and possess essential skills to succeed. Pursuing a career in one of these well-paying technology jobs can lead to a rewarding and financially stable future for those passionate about innovation and problem-solving.