Businesses are shifting towards digital infrastructure, leading to a surge in tech job demand. Many aspiring professionals, both new and old, are looking into ways to land their dream tech role. The top 17 most lucrative tech jobs in 2024 include project management, DevOp training, Data Science courses, and AI/ML courses. These careers are available in startups, innovative companies, and small IT departments.
If you’re considering a career in tech, there are many high-paying positions available in nearly every industry. This includes careers in management, development, data and security. In addition to highlighting these high-paying careers in tech, we’ll also take you through their different roles in IT and what each position is responsible for so as to help you choose a career that’s right for you.
According to Glassdoor, some of the most in-demand tech jobs in the US include data scientists, software developers, information security engineers, cloud engineers, and mobile app developers.
Tech Career Outlook, Jobs, and Salary Ranges
IT career opportunities are expected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028, driven by mobile device usage, cloud computing adoption, and data security needs. Popular IT jobs include web developers, network administrators, software engineers, and database administrators. IT jobs can range from $250,000 to $500,000, depending on experience.
Based on the information obtained from the United States Bureau of Labour and Statistics, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations was $97,430 in May 2021, while the median annual salary for all occupations was $45,760. High-paying tech jobs typically start at around $60,000. To achieve the highest-paying IT jobs, one must have years of experience, certifications, and credentials.
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17 Most Lucrative Tech Jobs in (2024)
17. Software Engineering Manager
A software engineering manager is one of the highest-paying tech jobs in the US. This professional is responsible for overseeing and guiding engineers in projects, including software design and development.
Software Engineers utilize current best practices and tools to design, build, and maintain software tailored to organizational needs. They perform routine maintenance, updates, and optimizations, working as in-house developers, contractors, or freelancers.
To become one, you must typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming and experience in related roles. The average salary for software engineering managers is 31.2 lakhs, with most earning between 13.1 lakhs and 94.5 lakhs annually.
16. Cloud Architect
Cloud solutions architects optimize cloud resources by designing efficient architectures for business-critical workloads and identifying cost savings opportunities. They collaborate with stakeholders like developers and system administrators to ensure successful technology implementations.
Key skills include knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, data security best practices, and troubleshooting technical issues.
15. Blockchain Engineer
Blockchain engineers are experts in designing and implementing digital blockchain for technology companies, earning an average base salary of $98,931. They work in core and software, with an expected $15.9 billion global blockchain solution spending by 2023.
They possess programming, Ripple, R3, Ethereum, Bitcoin, consensus processes, security protocol stacks, and crypto libraries. A four-month Professional Certificate Program in Blockchain, in partnership with IIT Kanpur, prepares individuals for real-world blockchain applications.
14. Cyber Security Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers help companies maintain secure networks by designing, building, and testing cybersecurity measures, maintaining firewalls and protocols, and training personnel. They conduct security audits and manage incident response.
To begin a career as a cyber security engineer, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, experience in network security, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems is required. Also, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with strategic thinking about security threats and vulnerabilities. The average salary for a cyber security engineer is $92,000 per year.
13. Web Development
If you are looking for a job in tech that can give you a fortune, consider being a web developer. The reason is simple: the demand for web-based solutions is expected to increase as the digital environment advances.
These experts design websites and apps using the latest technologies, ensuring robust and user-friendly solutions. They create visually appealing, high-functioning, and error-free websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
In addition, web developers manage technical aspects like capacity and performance, working with graphics, wireframes, and content management systems to develop user-friendly interfaces and test for performance and security.
12. Development Operations Manager
A development operations manager oversees a company’s development and operations, ensuring smooth processes, efficient projects, and budget-friendly projects. They typically earn between $75,000 and $125,000 per year and possess strong leadership, management, and Agile development knowledge.
A development operations engineer, an IT professional with expertise in software development and operations, is responsible for determining project objectives, configuring priorities, and developing solutions.
11. Software Test Engineer
Software Test Engineers earn one of the highest salaries in the tech sector. These professionals ensure software consistently performs as designed, creating evaluation methods, running tests, testing networking features, introducing new tools, and creating documentation.
They typically have a computer science degree and experience in software development or quality assurance. The salary ranges from $60,000-$80,000 per year.
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10. User Experience (UX) Designer
A UI/UX designer enhances users’ experience with a product or service, requiring experience in graphic design, web design, or user interface design.
They work closely with other designers to ensure users interact as intended, creating interactive programs and providing accessible, usable code for quick goal achievement. A typical annual salary ranges from $50,000 to $85,000.
9. Hardware Design Engineer
A hardware design engineer is responsible for designing and developing electronic hardware devices. They work with circuit boards, microprocessors, and other electronic components to create new products and improve existing ones.
A hardware design engineer typically has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. The average salary for a hardware design engineer is $85,000 per year.
8. Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is an IT professional with expertise in cloud computing software, responsible for managing and monitoring cloud technologies. They create, implement, and test cloud technologies, employ disaster recovery solutions, oversee compliance audits, and discover new ways to enhance systems operations.
A typical salary for a cloud engineer is $107,000 annually, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering and experience working with cloud-based systems.
7. Information Technology Manager
An Information Technology Manager oversees an organization’s IT department, managing staff, budgeting, and planning. They oversee performance, job expectations, and employee recruitment and training.
They also oversee operating systems, software, and server hardware, and oversee the IT budget. An IT systems security manager safeguards information systems, focusing on data protection from threats. The average base salary in the U.S. is $106,249, with an average work experience of eight years.
6. IT Security Specialist
IT security specialists monitor computer systems and ensure safe information storage, with a deep understanding of cybersecurity threats and technologies.
They work in various industries, earning between $50,000 and $120,000 per year. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or certifications, with cloud engineers earning an average annual salary of $107,000 in the US.
5. Full Stack Developers
Full-stack developers are software engineers who work on both front-end and back-end applications, developing user interfaces, databases, user authentication, and maintaining web application frameworks. They bridge the gap between front-end design and back-end systems, producing functional websites and applications.
Key skills include expertise in web application development frameworks like React and Angular, proficiency in web programming languages like HTML5/CSS/Javascript, and understanding relational and NoSQL databases like MySQL and MongoDB.
4. Site reliability engineer
A site reliability engineer (SRE) is a software engineer who combines development and operations, focusing on system administration. They develop software to improve site reliability, build self-service tools, and collaborate with release engineers for efficient software pipeline delivery.
SREs work in organizations with significant online presences, requiring strong software development and operations knowledge and effective communication. SREs can earn between $80,000 and $200 per year, depending on experience and skills.
3. Mobile developer
Mobile app development is a profitable and expanding profession in tech due to the widespread adoption of mobile gadgets and software. With a computer science or information systems degree, mobile app developers earn some of the highest salaries in tech.
They create functional and aesthetically pleasing mobile applications, supporting the entire application lifecycle, writing UI, conducting unit tests, gathering requirements, and debugging and troubleshooting to optimize performance.
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2. Business intelligence analyst
Business Systems Analysts are experts in streamlining tasks, eliminating bottlenecks, and simplifying procedures. They study the business, identify problematic aspects, and provide effective solutions.
In Nigeria, for example, they earn an average of NGN 8,000,000 annually. In the US, the average salary for a Business Intelligence Analyst in the United States $78,419. To excel in this role, you need strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
1. User Interface
User interface designers are responsible for the look and feel of digital products, including websites, apps, and software. They work with users to understand their needs and create user-friendly designs that meet their goals. Typically, they need to have a background of graphic design or human-computer interaction.
User interface designers should have Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.
In the US, the average annual salary for user interface designers ranges from $80,000 – $130,000, depending on experience and location.
Conclusion
Businesses are shifting towards digital infrastructure, leading to a surge in tech job demand. Top 17 lucrative tech jobs include project management, DevOp training, Data Science courses, and AI/ML. High-paying positions in management, development, data, and security are also available. Understanding IT roles helps choose the right career.
