Top 10 highest-paying tech jobs and their education requirements
The top-paying tech jobs include database architect and computer and information research scientist. Find out more in our guide.
By: Jhoni Jackson, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Published: June 3, 2025
Are you an analytical thinker? Do you enjoy solving problems? Are you also interested in computer systems or programming? If so, a career in the tech industry could lead to a rewarding and high-paying career.
The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additionally, the Bureau projects that 356,700 job openings for these professionals will be added each year across the decade, which is significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
Read on for a rundown of the top-paying tech jobs, with salary information and educational requirements for each.
The top 10 highest-paying tech jobs
Our methodology for compiling this list of top-paying tech jobs included analyzing the broader BLS category of computer and mathematical occupations. We compared salary information, selected the highest salaries, and evaluated educational requirements and job duties.
| Occupation | Median annual salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Computer and information research scientist | $145,080 |
| Database architect | $134,700 |
| Software developer | $132,270 |
| Computer network architect | $129,840 |
| Information security analyst | $120,360 |
| Software quality assurance analysts and tester | $101,800 |
| Database administrator | $101,510 |
| Computer programmer | $99,700 |
| Web and digital interface designer | $98,540 |
| Network and computer systems administrator | $95,360 |
1. Computer and information research scientist
Computer and information research scientists investigate problems, develop solutions, and create new uses for hardware, software, and other computer technology. These professionals may publish research findings in academic journals and industry publications and present at conferences.
Computer and information research scientists typically work in office settings at computer system design firms, federal and state governments, and colleges and universities.
A master's degree is required for most roles. However, some entry-level federal jobs require only a bachelor's degree. Positions that specialize in areas like biomedical technologies may require additional education in biology or related fields.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $145,080
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): +26%
- Education requirements: Master's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
2. Database architect
Database architects construct, manage, and improve large data warehouses for a variety of businesses, such as financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and internet service providers.
The majority of database architects work on-site at company offices, though some work remotely.
Some employers require database architects to earn industry certification, including the Certified Data Management ProfessionalⓇ (CDMP), IBM Certified Data Architect - Big Data, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS™) certifications.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $134,700
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): +11%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, analytics, or related field for most roles. A master's degree may be required by some employers.
3. Software developers
Software developers design, analyze, and optimize software. In addition to working for software development companies, they also work in industries such as healthcare, banking, retail, and government.
Software developers can specialize in mobile, front-end, back-end, game, and security development. They often work in hybrid office settings or remotely.
Depending on the role, certifications may be required.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $132,270
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): +18%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in software development, computer science, or a related field. Some employers may require a master's degree.
4. Computer network architects
Computer network architects design, implement, and manage local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets to meet the needs of various businesses. These professionals regularly monitor, upgrade, and repair networks for optimum performance.
Most computer network architects work in office settings or remotely. These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including schools, government agencies, and technology firms. Depending on the role, certifications may be required.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $129,840
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): +13%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field.
5. Information security analysts
The security of an organization's network is the primary responsibility of an information security analyst. They evaluate networks for vulnerabilities, maintain and improve security software, and develop response plans for potential security breaches.
Some employers prefer to hire information security analysts with work experience in information technology. Earning the Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalⓇ (CISSP) certification or another industry certification may be required.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $120,360
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): +33%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with relevant industry experience and certifications.
6. Software quality assurance analysts and testers
Software quality assurance analysts and testers check for software issues, implement corrections, and document the process. This work typically happens before a product goes to market, so these professionals play a significant role — alongside developers — in ensuring software is error-free.
Most software quality assurance analysts and testers work within the computer systems design industry. However, there are also roles in healthcare, education, insurance, and security. The majority of these roles are in office settings or are remote.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $101,800
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): +12%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
7. Database administrator
Database administrators, sometimes referred to as DBAs, design databases, optimize security, and problem-solve performance issues. Many database administrators work in the technology sector, but other industries — finance, education, insurance, and others — also employ these professionals.
Certifications for database administrators depend on the software a company uses, which is often specified and sometimes sponsored by employers.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $101,510
- BLS projected job growth (2023-33): +8%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree.
8. Computer programmers
Writing code and scripts for computer software and applications is the primary job of a computer programmer. They also evaluate functionality, solve issues, and regularly work with software developers.
These professionals often work for technology companies, though some work in the programming department of businesses in other industries, such as entertainment, sports, and defense contracting firms.
Many computer programmers are experts in various programming languages. Note that as technology evolves rapidly, continuing education is common in this career.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $99,700
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): -10%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field.
9. Web and digital interface designers
These professionals design and refine the user interfaces of websites, applications, and software, often collaborating with user experience (UX) designers. Web and digital interface designers create and evaluate layouts and navigational menus, which may contribute to web marketability and search engine optimization efforts.
Web and digital interface designers work in a variety of industries, including media companies, banks, e-commerce platforms, and software development organizations.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $92,750
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): +8%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field.
10. Network and computer systems administrators
The installation and maintenance of a company's LAN, WAN, operating systems, and data communication networks are the primary duties of a network and computer systems administrator.
Some professionals may specialize in network infrastructure, while others handle company software, including employee access and technical support.
Certifications in specific products may be required by some employers.
- BLS median annual salary (2023): $95,360
- BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): -3%
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in computer or information science.
Start a rewarding career in tech
Computer and information technology can be an exciting and challenging space for driven professionals. Studying computer science and information technology can help you build the foundation you'll need to break into tech.
Take the first step toward a dynamic career by exploring courses on edX.