Grads with Tech skills are in increasingly high demand. And companies are willing to pay a lot of money for them.
According to a recent report by Robert Half, recruiting in the tech industry is on the rise — with companies reporting they are hiring “at or beyond pre-pandemic levels."
They compiled a list of the 15 most lucrative Tech roles in the USA. Though the results do apply specifically to those working in IT in the USA, the year in earnings looks just as good for Tech workers in the UK.
According to Glassdoor, salaries are high at Tech companies because there's a shortage of highly skilled employees in this area:
"Booming demand on a global scale for software engineers, database administrators, and data scientists has far outpaced the supply of these skilled, hard-to-find employees."
If you're looking to start a lucrative career in technology, here are the top 10 roles you should be keeping an eye on...
1. Big Data Engineer
Businesses need individuals who can transform large amounts of raw data into actionable information for strategy-setting, decision making, and innovation. These professionals typically create a company’s software and hardware architecture, and the systems people need to work with the data.
Median base salary: $141,500 (approx. £105,594).
2. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers are the bridge between coding and engineering. These professionals work across departments to help increase a company’s productivity by developing and improving various IT systems. DevOps engineers often need experience with coding languages, software engineering and security systems, and strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Median base salary: $125,750 (approx. £93,778).
3. Information Systems Security Manager
Now more than ever, employers need skilled IT security professionals to help keep sensitive data and systems safe. To excel in this role, you'll need both analytical and problem-solving skills to uncover threats and protect vital customer or client data. You'll also need to be prepared to keep up with security trends and government regulations, and often require certification in your chosen field.
Median base salary: $157,250 (approx. £117,257).
4. Mobile Applications Developer
With the abundance of smartphones and tablets, it's pretty easy to see why this role is in hot demand. Professionals in this field help develop applications for popular platforms, such as iOS and Android. It's a great area of tech for creative and inquisitive graduates to innovate and push their design skills. You'll also need to build a good knowledge of mobile frameworks and mobile development languages.
Median base salary: $137,250 (approx. £102,332).
5. Application Architect
These tech pros design the main parts of applications, including the user interface, middleware, and infrastructure. In addition to strong technical abilities, applications architects need to work well on teams — and sometimes manage them. This is one of the highest-paying IT roles because just about every company wants to improve existing applications or create new ones.
Median base salary: $150,500 (approx. £112,210)
6. Data Architect
Data Architects are responsible for the complicated processes essential to making strategic business decisions. They translate business requirements into database solutions and oversee data storage and how the data is organised. You'll need a head for figures and sharp organisational skills to forge a career in this field since keeping this data safe is also part of the job.
Median base salary: $$154,750 (approx. £115,349).
7. Database Manager
Database managers maintain and support a firm’s database environment, helping companies use data more strategically to meet their business goals. Database managers are especially needed in large organisations that have high volumes of data to manage.
Median base salary: $140,250 (approx. £104,543).
8. Data Security Analyst
The job of a Data Security Analyst is to understand all of the systems an organisation has in place to keep its data safe - including firewall administration, encryption technologies, and network protocols. You'll need excellent communication skills and the ability to translate difficult concepts into clear, actionable instructions for every individual of the organisation.
Median base salary: $141,000 (approx. £105,094).
9. Data Scientist
Similar to the above role, Data Scientists use their knowledge of statistics and modelling to make sense of complex data from various sources. You'll need a strong interest or background in programming languages such as Python and Java to find your feet in this role, with a degree in statistics, mathematics, or computer science being incredibly helpful in getting started,
Median base salary: $135,000 (approx. £100,621).
10. Network and Cloud Architect
These Architects plan, design, and upgrade network and cloud projects for organisations all over the globe. They're often essential in keeping these kinds of Cloud-based systems running and often assess a company's current protocols to offer recommendations for system enhancements. This role needs someone who has excellent technical problem-solving skills and knowledge of Cloud technologies.
Median base salary: $153,750 (approx. £114,601).