Companies in every industry need to leverage technology to stay competitive. That puts technology professionals in high demand, which you can leverage to land a high-paying job. But, taking the standard path of learning the most popular programming languages forces you to compete against every other software engineer and computer scientist.
We will explore the top-paying tech jobs, including everything from popular, growing industries to niche opportunities with minimal competition.
Top-paying jobs in technology in 2025
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations is significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This list includes the highest-paying jobs in the tech industry, featuring roles that offer top-tier salaries and require advanced technical and leadership skills.
Let’s jump straight to the point — here are the seven top tech careers in 2025 based on labor statistics.
1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers
Entry-level AI engineers can make a six-figure salary, with the median annual salary for the average AI engineer at nearly $150,000. This is one of the highest salary ranges in tech, but it requires extensive knowledge, with most entry-level positions requiring a master’s degree.
These tech jobs require unique skills and high qualifications, which is why their salaries are so high. AI and machine learning engineers need strong software engineering fundamentals, an aptitude for mathematics, expertise with data modeling, and domain-specific knowledge of the industry that applies AI and machine learning.
Any junior software developers looking to get into AI and machine learning should gain a solid understanding of Python, statistics, and algorithm design. Then, expand on their skillset by exploring TensorFlow and PyTorch.
2. Cloud engineers and architects
Organizations in most industries continue to use cloud computing at growing rates. This huge demand for cloud engineers and architects has skyrocketed the average salary in recent years to $147,236. Cloud engineer salaries are even higher for people specialized in specific cloud computing technologies and cloud platforms. For instance, Azure Infrastructure Architects make an average salary of over $150,000.
The nice part about becoming a cloud engineer or architect is that their salary is so high due to the high demand for this work. It’s not due to qualifications that are difficult to acquire, like with AI and machine learning engineers. However, many cloud engineering roles require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
There are several paths developers can take to get into cloud architecture by gaining related experience and then acquiring certifications. To become one of the top cloud architects, you need to gain relevant business experience in the industry in which you offer cloud computing solutions. Strong analytical skills are also essential for troubleshooting, debugging cloud stacks, and optimizing cloud-based solutions.
3. Cybersecurity analysts and engineers
Even though the average salary for cybersecurity engineers is not quite as high as that of cloud architects, cybersecurity engineers still make a solid salary, with most making over $111,000 and the average making nearly $133,000. This high salary stems from the fact that information security analysts pay for themselves as they actively save companies money by minimizing the risk of expensive security breaches.
To get into cybersecurity engineering, start learning the fundamentals of secure coding, understanding common vulnerabilities and how to identify them, and how to integrate security into the development lifecycle. Once you learn the fundamentals, you can raise your salary further by specializing in specific aspects of cybersecurity, such as network security, cryptography, or cloud security.
4. DevOps and site reliability engineers
As the line between software development and operations continues to blur, professionals who can bridge this gap remain in high demand. DevOps engineers and site reliability engineers make an average salary of over $125,000 in the U.S.
Site reliability engineers, in particular, automate tasks and write code to ensure system reliability, combining software engineering and system administration skills. They are also responsible for managing and maintaining various operating systems to ensure system stability and performance. Both roles require a blend of technical and interpersonal skills, with top talent making salaries of well over $175,000.
These tech jobs do not require expert knowledge in a specific niche, but rather overarching knowledge of the entire development pipeline for software applications. You’ll need a blend of development skills, systems knowledge, automation expertise, and troubleshooting capabilities. These skills enable DevOps engineers and site reliability engineers to make a direct impact on product quality and operational efficiency, which drives their high wages.
5. Blockchain developers and engineers
Cryptocurrency markets fluctuate massively without any semblance of consistency. However, the underlying blockchain technology finds consistent use across industries, and thus, developers and engineers who can develop blockchain solutions remain in demand regardless of the state of cryptocurrencies. The average blockchain developer makes a salary of over $125,000.
The typical educational requirements for blockchain engineers include a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Having a strong foundation in these areas is essential for pursuing a career in blockchain technology.
Despite the popularity blockchain has garnered in recent years, it’s still a relatively novel field. As such, dedicated developers can quickly become recognized experts through just a few years of hard work. Expertise in smart contract development, decentralized application architecture, and consensus algorithm design is particularly valuable in these areas.
6. Full-stack developers with specialized domain knowledge
Small businesses do not have the budget to hire specialized software engineers who can fulfill all of their needs. So, instead, they hire full-stack software developers with a wide range of computer science and web development skills, as well as knowledge of various programming languages and popular web frameworks. It’s a generic title with a huge range of salaries based on the individual and industry they serve, but it has a high earning potential.
In fact, the average full-stack developer ends up making over $170,000 per year, as many take on additional projects outside of their primary employment.
What separates high earners from struggling full-stack developers is their ability to create technical solutions for business problems. Don’t expect detailed project requirements or a list of technical needs. Instead, you need to understand the industry enough to create bespoke solutions to fulfill an organization’s needs. Strong communication skills are also essential for collaborating effectively with clients and team members.
7. Data engineers and architects
Year after year, the amount of data organizations generate continues to grow at an astonishing rate. As a result, the data engineers and architects design software systems for further data processing and data analysis by data scientists. They also design data communication networks and provide solutions that enable data analysts to put the data to use.
Surprisingly, there is not a wide range of salaries for data engineers and architects. Nearly half of data engineers make between $129,000 and $141,000. That makes it a great option for junior software developers looking to grow their salary quickly, as there is not a large disparity in salary between entry-level and senior positions.
For developers looking to transition into data engineering, building experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases, data processing frameworks like Spark, and ETL tools offers a solid starting path.
Alternative income streams for developers
There’s no denying that traditional employment offers the stability and benefits most people seek. However, technology professionals have a tremendous opportunity to diversify their income. Developers can create software solutions tailored to clients' needs, providing valuable offerings outside their main job. You can use alternative income streams to supplement the salary of your traditional employment or seek to replace your primary job and become your own boss.
Here are a few alternative income streams technology professionals can take advantage of.
API development and integration
Businesses operate through interconnected systems using various programming languages. They use APIs to connect disparate solutions. These APIs need to be developed, and then a technology professional implements the integration using the API.
By creating specialized integrations or building upon existing APIs, developers can create value-added services that solve specific business problems. These might be marketed directly to end users or distributed through marketplaces like the Text Platform, providing exposure to an established customer base.
Marketplace participation
Participating in marketplaces where businesses seek software developers offering bespoke solutions is another great way to make income beyond traditional employment. On these marketplaces, businesses can contract you to create a solution specific to their needs.
The Text Platform runs a developer program specifically tailored to helping developers create solutions that businesses actually need. They provide you with ideas you can create and help you connect with decision-makers who can hire you to solve their problems with technology.
What in-demand skills should computer programmers learn to maximize earnings?
Beyond the necessary skills required to fulfill the demands of a traditional role, there are skills you can learn to maximize your earnings and accelerate your career path, regardless of the specific job description. These rare but high-value skills can help you stand out in a competitive market.
System design and architecture
Designing scalable and maintainable systems is no easy task. However, being able to lead these projects is what brings you from an entry- or mid-level position to a senior-level role. Once you acquire this skill, your career path opens up beyond developer roles and into managerial positions. Of course, you still need the technical know-how to effectively manage a team, but instead of writing the code, you’re architecting the solution to a business problem.
Developing this skill takes more than technical knowledge or a deep understanding of specific programming languages. You also need to know how to look at the bigger picture by understanding business objectives and creating solutions. It’s hard to learn these skills by reading books or attending seminars. Most people grow into these roles through years of experience in computer science.
Performance optimization
As software systems grow more complex within an organization’s computer systems, they also take up more resources. That can lead to performance bottlenecks on the organization's computer networks, preventing the solution from working as designed. Often, these bottlenecks can be resolved by optimizing aspects of the solution rather than reworking the solution entirely.
Optimizing performance relies on a deep technical knowledge of computer science paired with analytical thinking. It’s about breaking down software programs to identify what’s causing performance issues and then developing a solution that resolves those issues. Tools like profilers, load testers, and monitoring systems are essential to performance optimization tasks.
Security awareness
Every technology role can benefit from an awareness of security. Digital threats grow more severe and widespread every year. And businesses understand this. That doesn’t mean you need to become an information security analyst, but you should understand essential security measures. Businesses are putting a priority on security, not just by expanding their cybersecurity team, but by hiring security-minded talent across the board.
Software developers can acquire this skill through formal training or certification programs, or by simply adopting a security-focused mindset in their regular work. They should always consider potential exploits when designing solutions, writing code, and reviewing work.
Business domain knowledge
It might seem counterintuitive, but some of the most valuable skills a technology professional can learn are not about technology at all. Understanding the industry you wish to work in can be just as valuable as learning a new technical skill. After all, everything you do as a developer is in service of a larger industry.
Typically, acquiring business domain knowledge requires working within that industry in a variety of roles. That’s not the only way to gain domain knowledge, though. You can also consider attending industry conferences, taking courses by industry experts, and reading industry journals. Gaining a deep understanding of the industry you work within helps you create solutions specific to the needs of your clients or employer.
Finding your career path to high-paying jobs in technology
You can’t expect your first job in technology to be the highest-paying tech job available. It takes time to land a great job in technology. But you can speed up that process by taking a strategic path toward high-paying tech jobs. Here are a few strategies you should consider:
Specialization vs. breadth
There’s a big debate about whether you should specialize or gain a breadth of knowledge. We find this debate to be redundant. Instead, focus on what you need to learn for the specific role you wish to acquire. If you want to become a full-stack developer, you’ll need a breadth of technical knowledge, but you should still specialize in an industry. On the other hand, cloud architects need strong technical knowledge, but can gain a breadth of knowledge about different industries that need cloud computing solutions.
Continuous learning strategies
Your salary should grow alongside your capabilities. It won’t be immediate, but if you dedicate yourself to continuous learning, you will see consistent growth in your salary in the long term. Instead of chasing the latest trends, focus on the core principles to easily apply emerging technologies.
Build a visible portfolio
Demonstrating your abilities is crucial to landing any job. It reduces the risk to the business by ensuring you’ll be able to fulfill the role you’re hired into. Showcase projects you’ve completed, relevant certifications and credentials, as well as tech jobs you successfully completed in the past.
For web developers, having a strong portfolio is especially important to highlight your front-end and back-end development skills and stand out to potential employers.
Negotiation and market awareness
Businesses want to keep their costs as low as possible. That means it’s on you to know how much you’re worth. Keep tabs on current market trends so you know what your salary should be. If you’re not getting an appropriate rate for your skill level at your current employer, start looking for new opportunities. It’s recommended to stay at your current role while looking for a new role, though, to reduce your risks.
By following these strategies, you can efficiently work your way towards a higher salary. Of course, learning the core skills of your desired role should remain your top priority, but beyond those core skills, there’s a lot you can do to increase your earnings.
Recap
There are tons of opportunities to land high-paying tech jobs. It doesn’t even require traditional employment. You can easily earn a six-figure salary as long as you’re willing to learn the right skills and put in the time to grow your experience.
Companies want to hire technology experts who offer real solutions to their problems, which require hard and soft skills. So, as you work toward landing a high-paying job, remember that it’s not just about your technical capabilities, but the results you can provide.
You also do not need to pursue traditional employment as your only source of income. The technology field is ripe for alternative income opportunities, and one of the best places to find those opportunities is with the Text Platform. They help developers find alternative income streams by building solutions clients actually want. Look through their list of app ideas, build the solutions you can, and they’ll connect you with clients willing to pay for your solutions. Increase your earnings today with the Text Platform.
