The 10 Best-Paying Careers in IT

A healthier work-life balance. Greater job flexibility. Better compensation. Whatever it is that fires you up about the tech industry as your next career move, we’re here for it! And we want to be a helpful resource as you navigate all the job possibilities of this dynamic, fast-changing space.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 tech jobs considered to be some of the best in 2025. Each one is well-paying, exciting, and in-demand by employers — in short, rewarding. We hope this list helps you see more clearly what a career in tech might look like for you and where to begin.

Why tech careers are more rewarding than ever

The tech industry is facing an unprecedented demand for professionals, so companies are willing to pay top dollar for talent. Tech workers also have more flexible work arrangements, with many working remotely. As you might expect, the highest-paying tech jobs are available to individuals with the necessary skills and experience.

How we chose these jobs

While the opportunity to earn more money is a big reason why many people make the switch to tech, salary alone does not make a career fulfilling. Improved quality of life, job security, better career prospects, and professional development all contribute to the most rewarding careers.

As such, here are the five advantages that guided our thinking for choosing these great jobs:

1. High paying. While total compensation ultimately comes down to seniority, location, and sector, we wanted to highlight exciting technical careers that have an average base pay of $100,000 or more. (All salary data sourced from Glassdoor.)
   
   
2. Suitability for people with different mindsets. Not everyone wants to code. And not everyone wants to be a people manager. It takes all kinds to make tech work happen, and our list of rewarding jobs reflects that range of career paths.
   
   
3. Flexibility. Across the board, tech companies tend to be more flexible when it comes to work schedules. In fact, 97% of employers offer some location flexibility. Specialists from these top technology careers can work as in-house, hybrid, or remote employees.
   
   
4. Positive growth prospects. Demand for the following qualifications exceeds supply. If you start upskilling this year, you should have nice employment opportunities by next year. (All growth data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or ZipRecruiter).
   
   
5. University degree optional. While a college degree helps, completing a high-quality online course that gives you all the required skills and career guidance is also a viable route for these jobs. Note: Some do require a few years of previous experience in tech.

Tech salaries in 2025: What you can expect

“What do technology jobs pay?” is a common question from aspiring tech professionals. The answer is that it varies depending on your field, although tech jobs are generally highly paid. Experience also matters, as you can earn more the longer you work in a field.

Let’s look at some examples of tech jobs and their salaries.

• The median salary for US-based software developers is $133,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This market is also witnessing rapid growth, providing opportunities for new entrants to earn high salaries.
• According to the BLS, the median salary for software quality assurance analysts is nearly $103,000. This field has different responsibilities, as it primarily involves testing rather than developing software, but it remains a high-paying role.
• The fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) engineering are experiencing a surge, driven by the rapid advancement of AI technology and the emergence of startups. The median salary in the AI field is $135,000, according to Glassdoor, and ML engineers command a median pay of $142,000. These are some of the best-paying jobs of the future.

The skills that will make you stand out in 2025

To secure high-paying technical jobs, you need the skills that employers seek. These include

Cyber security. With increasing digitization and the associated security risks, companies seek professionals who can analyze and counter cyber threats.

Cloud engineering. With growing migration from on-premise to cloud computing infrastructure, cloud engineering has become one of the most sought-after technology careers.

AI and ML engineering. The artificial intelligence (AI) sector has experienced a rapid expansion over a short period, driving a record surge in AI and machine learning (ML) engineering tech roles. 

Effective communication. Documentation and effective communication are crucial for success in all tech jobs for 2025. It’s not enough to know what to do. Explaining what, why, and how to do it helps you succeed in the workplace.

The best tech jobs for 2025

1. Software Engineer

Software engineers write the code that powers everything digital, from smartphones to cars, medical devices, and even toys. This role offers aspiring tech workers many different specializations_{11 Types of Software Engineers and Programmers: See Who You Can Become}, such as Full-Stack Engineer, UI/UX Designer, and Web Developer. Best of all, it remains in-demand across nearly every industry, including retail, healthcare, and transportation.

2. Data Scientist

Data scientists gather, parse through, and leverage data — with the help of technology — to solve a specific problem. Almost every industry now employs data scientists because data is everywhere and any company can benefit from a data-informed approach to decision-making. Example titles in the job market include Data Engineer, Business Analyst, and BI Engineer.

3. DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers_{What Skills Do You Need to Become a Software Engineer} oversee the entire software development process to ensure software and information technology (IT) are aligned. They might code, focus on project management and QA testing, or do a bit of both, depending on the need. Successful DevOps engineers possess generalist skills that help them integrate development and operations to streamline deployment.

4. AI Engineer

Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers develop and train AI applications that help companies increase efficiency and make better business decisions. They use machine learning algorithms and deep learning neural networks to build AI applications, pulling data from a variety of sources. Titles include AI Scientist, AI Interaction Designer, and Computational Scientist.

5. Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers_{Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning: Unraveling the Differences} develop and work with the algorithms and software used by AI and machine learning tools. They create systems and software that use data to learn independently and make decisions. Since the role combines software engineering with data science, it’s something that software engineers may progress into after gaining some experience.

6. Database Developer

Database developers design and implement new databases, modify existing ones for platform updates and changes in user needs, and keep data secure and up-to-date. Unlike Database Administrators, who ensure database systems are running properly, Database Developers focus on building out the best database architecture for an organization’s needs.

7. Cloud Architect

Cloud architects_{What’s Behind Google Cloud} build and maintain an organization’s cloud computing system. They work with platforms like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure, and need a thorough background in cloud computing. Note that this senior-level role requires first gaining experience in related careers in the technology field: Software development, databases, or networking.

8. Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts_{Unlocking the Path to Cyber Security: A Comprehensive Guide} protect sensitive company information and user data. They build efficient strategies and employ powerful tools to prevent and combat cyber threats. They also monitor their organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate when one occurs. As such, they need to stay up-to-date on new viruses and cyber attacks and how to prevent them.

9. Product Manager

Product managers coordinate team efforts to build a specified digital product. They distribute tasks, set deadlines, and track the performance of employees involved. They strive to detect potential problems before they occur and take measures to overcome them with minimal losses. Experienced PMs can juggle several products at a time, each one with its own respective team.

10. IT Manager

IT managers start in any tech role and gain enough experience in their chosen field to supervise others. IT managers need to have a good understanding of the requirements for different IT jobs and tasks, since they plan and coordinate the activities of teams and departments to make sure they deliver high-quality products for tech companies and non-tech companies alike.

Education paths: Degree vs bootcamp vs self-taught

Technology is a relatively egalitarian field where skills matter more than educational qualifications, although the latter does help. Tech companies often prioritize demonstrated skills over qualifications. 

Getting a degree is a standard way to break into a tech career. With a four-year computer science, engineering, or related degree, you can learn the broad aspects of software engineering and other skills that contribute to workplace success.

However, a degree isn’t the only way. Many skilled programmers are self-taught or have participated in bootcamps to gain relevant knowledge. 

The self-taught path is best suited for individuals with an intense passion for their field, which motivates them to practice and learn constantly. However, this path isn’t the easiest. It involves learning through trial and error, which can be challenging for the average aspiring professional.

A bootcamp strikes the right balance between a degree and self-teaching. It provides a structured, guided approach to learning the required software engineering skills. You’ll have access to tutors, industry mentors, and a network of like-minded students and graduates to gain knowledge from. 

TripleTen offers in-depth tech bootcamps that have helped many individuals secure lucrative jobs in the tech industry. The best computer jobs are available to skilled graduates of bootcamp programs.

Want one of these jobs? See if a bootcamp is for you

Now that you know a bit more about the most satisfying jobs in tech, you might be wondering what to do next. Should you use free online resources to learn new things? Or go back to college for a computer science degree? Or maybe try an online professional bootcamp?

Our quick quiz can help! In just a few minutes, you’ll learn which educational path is the best fit for you and your goals. Fundamentally, we believe that anyone — you — can make it in tech. All it takes is getting started, so you can progress into any niche that suits your particular strengths.

It also helps to hear from people who’ve been in your shoes. Check out these stories from TripleTen grads who’ve found rewarding careers in tech: Software Engineer Jenny Doctor_{From Making Music to Making Commits: Jenny Doctor’s TripleTen Story}, Data Analyst Andrew Millsaps_{Rekindling His Curiosity for Tech After A Decade in Sales: Andrew Millsaps’s TripleTen Story}, Full Stack Engineer Desiree Bradish_{From Graphic Design to Code Design: Desiree Bradish’s TripleTen Story}, and Data Scientist Jordan Wilheim_{Revitalizing a Promising Career: Jordan Wilheim’s TripleTen Story}.

Related articles

Can I get a tech job if I’m bad at math?

Yes, you can get tech jobs that pay well despite not being very proficient in mathematics. However, some in-demand tech jobs, such as data science and machine learning engineering, require a high level of mathematical skills. 

How do I know if tech is the right career for me?

Consider your skills and interests when determining whether tech is the ideal career for you. If you're drawn to problem-solving and analysis, the tech field is ideal because it centers on identifying and solving problems. Additionally, consider which IT jobs are in high demand and tailor your skills accordingly.

Are remote jobs common in IT?

Yes, the information technology (IT) field has the highest number of remote jobs. Tasks are performed mostly on computers, so being present at the office isn’t mandatory for productivity. Many companies offer remote top-paying technician jobs, and some have observed improved productivity with this arrangement.

Can I start an IT career later in life (30+, 40+)?

Yes, you can start a successful IT career as a late bloomer. You can snag in-demand technical jobs regardless of age when you demonstrate the right skills. Some people may initially face challenges due to a perceived lack of experience, but these can be easily overcome once you kickstart your career.

What’s the most creative tech job?

The most creative tech jobs are those that merge software development with design aspects, such as UI/UX design and game development. These are among the most in-demand tech jobs globally. 

Can I work in tech without learning to code?

Yes, some top in-demand tech jobs don’t demand you know how to code. Examples are UI/UX design, project management, and business analysis. However, coding is a plus, as it helps you better understand developers’ pain points.

How do I build a tech portfolio as a beginner?

You can work on personal projects to build a professional portfolio. At TripleTen, bootcamp participants work on real-world projects, providing them with a formidable portfolio to secure high-demand tech jobs after graduation. 

What soft skills are important in tech careers?

Communication, teamwork, and adaptability to new processes are core soft skills that help people snag in-demand technical careers. These skills enable you to work together with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. 

Are certifications worth it for breaking into IT?

Yes, professional certifications enhance your credibility with employers and increase your chances of securing a job amid intense competition.

How do externships or apprenticeships work in tech?

Externships and apprenticeships are pathways to obtain experience before landing full-time positions. They are short engagements that involve on-the-job training and mentorship, allowing you to apply your skills to real-world projects.