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Today, the tech industry is one of the most creative and evolving career fields due to continuous technological advancement. According to the World Economic Forum report on the Future of Jobs, businesses will continue to adopt recent technologies, like cloud computing, big data, e-commerce, encryption, non-humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence, as high priorities.
With thousands of tech jobs created monthly, the tech industry remains one of the most sought-after sectors for promising jobs. If you are hoping to enter the tech industry and considering lucrative technology careers, this post is for you.
What are the benefits of tech careers?
Tech jobs are on the hot list of careers in the job market today. It is mainly because tech careers provide one with the potential for a better salary and other benefits which eventually are commensurable to the hard work put into building your skill. In addition, it provides one with flexibility, work-life balance, and opportunity for skill development and career growth.
One of the benefits of technological advancement for businesses is the possibility of making profits using a small team to achieve their goals. With so much revenue and an increasing number of tech industries, high pay rates remain method businesses use to attract and secure hyper-efficient talents. As someone looking into an IT career, you can be confident of a satisfying pay rate.
Another exciting thing about tech jobs is the flexibility. It offers different work modes - remote, hybrid, and on-site. In addition, you get to work from any location and sometimes have an adjustable time structure. The choice is yours!
Unlike the traditional 9 to 5 work system, working in the tech industry gives flexibility for other aspects of your life. Some tech professionals take up 2 or 3 jobs, especially those in free-lancing. If you want a career that will give you time for self-growth, family, and social networks, you should consider an IT career.
Technology keeps evolving, and businesses need to stay on top of the trend, not sink in or be outdated. As a method of upskilling workers, they create a corporate skill development process for employees. Thus, there is always the opportunity for skill development for the workers.
Finding High Paying Jobs in Technology careers?
There is a tech career for everyone. It has no race, age, or gender barrier. As technology advances, organizations need talent. As a student, fresh graduate, or someone looking to transition career, there is an in-demand skill to learn and build your career on. A study on technology jobs by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a growth of 12% - 32% from 2018 to 2028.
If you have a passion for technology careers or are searching for the highest-paying jobs in the tech industry, let's explore and learn about some high-paying technology jobs.
What are the 7 high paying technology jobs?
Technology professionals with the right skill set have many options in the present job market. As a skilled data scientist, software architect, computer programmer, or full-stack developer, employers need your expertise. There is always a competitive demand for highly skilled specialists.
Let's look at 7 technology careers with high pay; their job outlooks each year or over a decade using the BLS report, and salaries using Glassdoor salary trajectories.
Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Architect
On the list of the highest-paying tech jobs is the Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Architect. Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the creative problem-solving today. Imagine never having to set your alarm every night; worry about your phone and home security systems getting hacked or tracking your cargo. That is what IoT solutions does.
An Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Architect creates a usable guide and strategy for designing and deploying applications. A Solution Architect also develops and implements other IoT solutions that can work successfully without human support.
As an Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Architect, it is necessary to have good programming skills, machine learning, and hardware design/architecture.
Job Outlook
Projected growth: 5%
Number of jobs: None
Average salary: $122,492
Some careers emerged due to the Internet of Things (IoT) that are worth mentioning:
Cloud support specialists: a cloud support specialist transfers data into a virtual environment, using suitable cloud solutions. The job outlook between 2020 and 2028 is 5%, and the median pay of $46,013 per year.
Cloud engineer: A cloud engineer career involves creating and maintaining cloud infrastructure; designing cloud solutions for corporations; programming and operating cloud networks. The job outlook between 2020 and 2028 is 5%, and the median pay of $107,527 per year.
Computer systems administrator: computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain computer software, network hardware, and telecommunications operations. In addition, monitor and evaluate the smooth running of all computer systems. The computer systems administrator carries out security measures on computer networks and systems.
The education requirements for this career are a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or computer engineering. In addition, CompTIA Cloud+ certification and experience. The job outlook between 2020 and 2028 is 5%, with 24,900 jobs, and median pay of $72,435 per year.
Data scientists
Data scientist is one of the highest-paying tech jobs. A data scientist gathers, sorts, and sifts data to accomplish a business goal. He uses his knowledge and skill set to arrange, analyze and interpret complex data from various sources. This is done through various machine learning-based tools, statistical analysis, and processes that enhance data quality.
Some in-demand skills data scientists need are communication skills, machine learning, background knowledge in statistics, mathematics, and computer science. Other necessary competencies of a data scientist are programming languages like Python, Java, and R.
Educational background: bachelor’s degree in Computer science, social sciences, Physical sciences, and Statistics.
Job Outlook
Projected growth: 22%
Job openings: 3,200
Average salary: $120,966
Big Data Engineer
Every day 2.5 quintillion daily bytes of data are created. Due to the rate of enormous data created daily, nearly every industry relies on Big Data engineers for their analytics.
Big data engineers collect complex data from various sources to extract organized data for analysts and data scientists. Some must-have tech skills of big data engineers are SQL, Python, and Apache Stack.
Educational background: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a different IT degree.
Job outlook
projected growth: 12%
new job opening: None
Average salary: $114,986
Cloud Architect
A Cloud Architect is responsible for planning, execution, and day-to-day maintenance of network and cloud services. A cloud architect manages the cloud environment and cloud computing strategy. Cloud computing strategies like cloud adoption plans, cloud application design, cloud management, and monitoring. Cloud environments such as the public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud.
Some required skills are AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Java Linux DevOps Docker.
Educational background: a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, electronics, or telecommunications.
Other jobs related to a cloud computing career
Database administrators: installing, maintaining, and protecting data and data storage will be your crucial tasks as a database administrator. The job outlook is at 8%, with 13,900 openings, and median pay of $106,757 per year.
Computer network architect: Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. Some network architects also install computer hardware. The job outlook is 5%, with 11,000 openings, and median pay of $107,256 per year.
Cloud Architect job outlook
projected growth: 5%
new job opening: 11,000
Average salary: $132,333
Web developers
With the population of internet users growing exponentially, web development remains one of the most promising technology careers and highest-paying tech jobs you can venture into. Web development covers web design, web publishing, web programming, and database management using specialized software. Some specialized software used are WordPress, Mockplus, Macaw, Weebly, CodePen, and Github.
Education background for a web developer: a bachelor's degree in computer science or other related fields. A web developer normally requires a master's degree in computer programming.
There are three types of web developers - Front-End, Back-End, and Full-stack developers.
Front-End
Front-end developers, as computer programmers, bring designs to life through code. Everything you interact with on a web page, such as the logo, search bar, drop-down buttons, animations, and other features, is created by front-end developers.
Front-end developers create functional and optimized designs for websites and applications. The Front-end is responsible for the look, feel, and usability of mobile apps and websites. The median pay per year is $102,833.
Back-End
Back-end works behind the scenes of websites. Back-end developers program how browsers interact, store, and read data from the database. They also program how the browser or other software programs updates data and deletes the data or information from the database. The median pay per year is $111,099.
Full-Stack Developer Full Stack developer combines both back-end and front-end programming skills, and has competence at all stages of development, from start to the end product.
By 2023, the population of developers worldwide is expected to exceed 27.7 million, which makes it one of the highest-paying jobs. Some important skills to master are Python, CSS, HTML, SQL, and others. The median pay per year is $110,216.
Web Developers Job Outlook
Projected growth: 13%
Job opening: 17,900
Software developers
Software development is the creation of a complex computer program of all types. Software development careers rank on the top list of in-demand careers in the job market; due to the increasing importance and demand for mobile apps and related applications for consumers.
Software developers are of two niches:
Application software developer specializes in creating specific programs or software;
System software developer: specializes in designing operating systems and creating giant networks or underlying systems that activate and power other programs.
Software development specialized software are UltraEdit, Quixey, Embold, Linx, and GeneXus.
Software development education background requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or math.
Software development job outlook
projected growth: 22%
number of jobs openings: 189,200
Average salary: $104,120
Product Manager
As a project manager, you are to manage set goals, define success strategies, motivate teams, and be accountable for the project outcomes.
A product manager studies and balances customer needs and business objectives; translates them into product goals; defines the success of the product; and manages a team to achieve product goals.
Agile Project Manager
Agile project managers play the roles of team consultant, coach, director, and manager, to ensure prompt and efficient project execution.
Job outlook
projected growth: 9%
new job opening: 29,200
Average salary: $109,847
Other high paying jobs to consider
Product Designer
A product designer creates an exquisite and functional user experience while satisfying the business objectives of products. Products range from web and mobile applications to physical products. It is one of the best-paying jobs in the design field. The focus is to provide solutions to both user and business needs and maintain a balance between the two.
Some top tech skills for product design that require in-depth understanding are user interface, visual design, user research, interaction design, and CSS.
Educational background; bachelor's degree
Job outlook: 3%
Job opening: 17,900
Median salary: $82,219
UI/UX
UI/UX are two design careers in tech that use visuals to enhance functionality and user experience. While some companies fuse the two, UI/UX design is two independent skill sets; that complement each other.
They use visual design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The two careers require an in-depth understanding of visual design best practices in areas like typography, color theory, layout, icons, and general design theory. The average salary is $88,995
Job Outlook
Projected growth: 7.6%
Job openings: 17,900
UI Designer (User Interface)
UI or User Interface enables users easy access and interaction with a product by anticipating user needs. UI interface is essential for attracting prospects and retaining them as long-time customers.
Some in-demand skills are HTML, CSS, Javascript, Wireframing, prototyping and visual communication, analytics, and coding.
Educational background: bachelor's degree in psychology, web design, or graphics design.
UX Designer
UX design or User Experience design is focused on the why what, and how of the product. UX designer is the trendsetter for the UI designer. The UX designer studies how people interact with their everyday products, their challenges with the products, and the solutions they wish they had. UX design combines aspects of psychology, business, market research, design, and technology.
Graphic Designer
Graphic design involves using visuals to captivate, stimulate, interpret, and communicate product ideas to users. With new technological innovations giving realistic expressions to graphic design, especially in 3D printing, responsive design, and stock photography, graphic design is one of the promising tech job opportunities, particularly in freelancing.
Job Outlook
Projected growth: 3%
Job opening: 23,900
Median salary: $63, 000
Educational background; bachelor's degree in graphics design or a related fine arts field.
Is an IT or Computer Science Education Background necessary?
Is an educational background or bachelor's degree necessary to attain tech careers? The answer is no! An IT career does not necessarily need a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields. However, it is an added advantage.
Today, there are tech-based learning platforms that reskill and upskill anyone in need of an IT career and self-growth. In addition, there are nonprofit organizations that run free boot camps. The pleasing thing is that you don't only get to learn, but also engage in live projects that help build your portfolio.
Today, technology careers are accessible through recruitment agencies and professional platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, and other related platforms.
Futureproof Your Career with a Certification
This article has discussed some top-paying jobs. One takeaway fact is that achieving these landmarks is not a day job. It requires a lot of dedication and learning. Thus, while building your career to the top, take on certification courses relevant to the career path you aspire to be. Apart from the technology jobs discussed above, there are many other technology jobs you can investigate, such as
computer support specialists,
software engineers,
computer programmers,
information security analysts,
information systems managers,
site reliability engineer, and
computer systems analysts.
software architects
data architect
systems architects
Another take-home fact is that you need not return to graduate schools to access the best-paying jobs. When you find anyone that suits you, you can always register for online courses. Getting online courses for IT jobs to access the best paying jobs is easy; start that career-building journey today. The best-paying jobs await you. Learn about us today!
The bottom line
The tech industry is a highly competitive sector. Always be on top of the trend. Learn about existing and new jobs, salaries, and the education requirements of your dream job.
Non-profits like the Brave Achievers Foundation empower under-represented minorities in the US and Nigeria tech space. Kindly sign up today.