Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Charlotte

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: July 8th 2024

Charlotte, NC skyline with icons representing high-paying tech jobs, including software engineer and data scientist.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Discover the highest-paying tech jobs in Charlotte with booming demand and salaries. The top roles include Software Engineers ($97,842), Data Scientists ($116,654), and Solutions Architects ($131,093). Charlotte's tech industry has surged by 27.7% since 2015. With major companies like Bank of America and Microsoft setting up shop, it's the perfect hotspot for lucrative tech careers.

Charlotte is seriously killing it in the tech game! The city's tech scene has been booming harder than a Miami bass track, with companies and startups flocking in like crazy.

According to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, tech jobs have surged by an insane 27.7% since 2015, leaving the national average in the dust. The secret sauce? A potent mix of skilled workers, business-friendly vibes, and a rapidly growing network of accelerators and incubators for tech companies.

But let's talk about the real bread and butter - those high-paying tech gigs.

Not only do they keep the local economy lit, but they also mean serious cash for those who land 'em. CompTIA's research showed that Charlotte tech pros were raking in an average yearly salary of $84,778 in 2022, blowing past the overall metro area average of $57,957.

Talk about a win! Some of the most lucrative roles include:

  • Software Engineers: $97,842 - coding like a boss
  • Data Scientists: $116,654 - making sense of all that big data
  • Solutions Architects: $131,093 - building the tech solutions of the future

As Charlotte's tech scene keeps leveling up, job opportunities across various sectors are set to skyrocket.

Check out the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in this article to get the inside scoop on the hottest career paths and the skills you need to crush it.

Nucamp's coding bootcamp in Charlotte could be your ticket to landing one of these sweet gigs!

Table of Contents

  • Methodology for Ranking High-Paying Tech Jobs
  • 1. Software Engineer
  • 2. Data Scientist
  • 3. Solutions Architect
  • 4. DevOps Engineer
  • 5. IT Manager
  • 6. Cloud Engineer
  • 7. Cybersecurity Analyst
  • 8. Product Manager
  • 9. AI Engineer
  • 10. Network Engineer
  • Conclusion: Opportunities and Future Outlook for Tech Jobs in Charlotte
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology for Ranking High-Paying Tech Jobs

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Ranking the top high-paying tech jobs in Charlotte is a significant task. We need to look at the big bucks, the crazy demand, and how much these gigs are going to grow in the future.

To ensure accuracy, we consulted major sources like Glassdoor, Indeed, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the relevant information.

First, let's discuss the money.

According to Glassdoor, techies in Charlotte can earn anywhere from $75,000 for entry-level roles to a sweet $120,000 for the senior squad. The BLS also confirms that in-demand tech jobs nationwide are paying out substantial salaries.

However, it is not just about the cash.

We need to consider how desperately these companies require skilled techies and how much room there is for growth. That's why we're keeping an eye on:

  • High demand skills: Job postings on sites like Indeed, to see which skills are in high demand
  • Job growth projections: The BLS projections for job growth rates, so we know which careers are going to flourish
  • Local insights: What the local tech leaders and experts such as Charles Thomas are saying about which roles are crucial for Charlotte's booming tech scene

Charlotte's tech industry is thriving, and companies are actively seeking skilled professionals in various fields.

By balancing the money, the demand, and the growth potential, our rankings will provide accurate information on securing a lucrative and future-proof tech career in this thriving city.

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1. Software Engineer

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The big dog in Charlotte's tech scene is definitely the Software Engineer role.

These coding wizards are raking in some serious cash, with the average pay hitting $146,869 per year according to ZipRecruiter.

But it gets even crazier for the experienced ones, with Senior Software Engineers pocketing an insane $162,250 on average, based on BuiltIn's data.

So, what does it take to join this high-rolling crew? First off, you gotta be a coding ninja, fluent in multiple programming languages like Java, Python, and C++.

You also need to have that big brain energy to tackle complex problems, data structures, and algorithms. And don't forget about staying up-to-date with the latest dev methodologies and tools, from Agile to Git version control.

But it's not just about the technical chops.

You gotta have that teamwork spirit and communication game on point too. After all, you'll be collaborating with other devs, designers, and stakeholders to bring those innovative software solutions to life.

And if you can throw in some cloud computing skills like AWS or Azure? That's just icing on the cake.

The best part? Charlotte is quickly becoming a tech hotspot, with major players like Bank of America, Microsoft, and Red Ventures setting up shop here.

So if you're a Software Engineer looking to level up your career (and your bank account), this city is definitely worth checking out. Just ask Christopher Martin – he'll tell you the opportunities here are off the charts.

2. Data Scientist

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The Data Scientist gig is where it's at if you want to rake in some serious cash in Charlotte's booming tech scene.

We're talking an average salary of $131,154 per year according to the latest data from Talent.com.

That's a fat stack of cash just for crunching numbers and making sense of all that complex data flying around.

As a Data Scientist, your main hustle is to collect, analyze, and interpret massive data sets to uncover those golden insights that help companies make smart moves.

You'll be developing statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques to identify trends and patterns hidden in the data. But it's not just about running the numbers – you'll also need to work closely with different teams to translate those data-driven insights into real-world solutions that drive the business forward.

To crush it as a Data Scientist, you'll need a solid foundation in math, statistics, and computer science, plus mad skills in programming languages like Python, R, SQL, and Java.

You'll also need to be a pro at data mining, machine learning, and predictive modeling techniques. But it's not just about the technical know-how – you'll need to be a master at data wrangling, visualization, and storytelling to communicate your findings to the higher-ups in a way that makes sense.

The coolest part? Major players like Bank of America, Lowe's, Duke Energy, and LendingTree are all on the hunt for Data Scientists in Charlotte.

As the tech scene here continues to blow up, the demand for skilled data-crunchers like Jessica Rodriguez, Linda Williams, and Linda Johnson is only going to skyrocket, opening up some seriously promising career opportunities in this highly rewarding field.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

3. Solutions Architect

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Coming in at number 3 on our list of top paying tech jobs in Charlotte, we've got Solutions Architect - a role that can easily bag you an average of $122,502 per year, according to the latest data from PayScale.

As a Solutions Architect, you'll be the brains behind designing and implementing killer tech solutions that drive an organization's success. Your key responsibilities? Analyzing business needs, proposing solutions that hit the mark, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate those needs into technical specs, evaluating and selecting the right tech stack, overseeing implementation and integration, and ensuring the deployed systems are scalable, high-performing, and secure.

To rock this role, you'll need a solid blend of technical and non-technical skills.

We're talking expertise in software development methodologies like Agile and DevOps, coding proficiency in languages like Java, Python, or .NET, a strong grasp of cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman), and top-notch communication and leadership abilities.

Companies in Charlotte that are actively seeking Solutions Architects include tech giants like Bank of America, Honeywell, and Capital One, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore.

With Charlotte's tech scene continuing to boom, the demand for skilled Solutions Architects is only going to increase.

If you've got what it takes, this could be your ticket to a seriously lucrative and exciting career path.

4. DevOps Engineer

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DevOps Engineers are like the rockstars of the tech world right now, and in Charlotte, they're raking in some serious cash.

We're talking an average hourly rate of $64.66, which can go up to a mind-blowing $84.29 an hour for the top earners! That's a yearly salary range of $33,208 to $175,321, with the average being a sweet $134,502.

But it's not just about the money, you know? Being a DevOps Engineer means you're the glue that holds everything together.

You're the one responsible for making sure software development runs smoothly, from planning and building to testing and deployment. It's a crucial role that keeps the whole operation running like a well-oiled machine.

And let's not forget the skills you need to rock this job.

We're talking coding languages like Python, Ruby, and Java, database management with MySQL and MongoDB, and a solid grip on open-source technologies and cloud services.

But it's not just about the technical know-how; you've gotta have excellent communication and teamwork abilities too. After all, you're the one coordinating with developers, operations teams, and stakeholders to make sure everyone's on the same page.

With companies like Bank of America, Lowe's, Honeywell, and Red Ventures all hunting for top DevOps talent in Charlotte, this is definitely one of the hottest tech jobs in the city right now.

So if you've got the skills and the drive, why not go for it? The money's great, the work is challenging, and you'll be at the forefront of shaping how software gets built and delivered.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

5. IT Manager

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Let's talk about the IT Manager role in Charlotte - it's like the 5th hottest high-paying tech job in the city! According to the latest data, these professionals are raking in an average of $115,101 per year, which is pretty insane.

But it's not just about the cash, they're also overseeing the entire tech operations for their companies. We're talking about managing the IT staff, developing strategies, keeping systems running smoothly, and handling budgets like bosses.

To score this gig, you gotta have some serious skills.

We're talking leadership, communication, and project management abilities that are off the charts.

You also need to be a tech whiz who knows the ins and outs of IT operations, systems, and trends. It's like being the captain of the tech ship, steering it towards success.

The best part? The demand for IT Managers is skyrocketing, with a projected growth of 10% by 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Big players like Bank of America, Lowe's, Honeywell, and Premier Inc. are all on the hunt for these tech gurus in Charlotte.

If you've got what it takes, this could be your ticket to a seriously lucrative and exciting career path!

6. Cloud Engineer

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The Cloud Engineer gig is taking the #6 spot in Charlotte's top-paying tech jobs for 2024.

These tech wizards are raking in an average of $122,918 annually, with the big ballers earning up to $166,041, according to ZipRecruiter.

They're the ones making sure companies' cloud systems are running smooth and at peak performance.

So, what do these Cloud Engineers do? Well, they design and build badass cloud solutions that can scale up or down as needed.

They also migrate apps and data from on-premises to the cloud, automate infrastructure setup, keep an eye on resource usage to save money, and lock things down with top-notch security measures.

It's a lot of responsibility, but that's why they get paid the big bucks.

To become a Cloud Engineer in Charlotte, you gotta have some serious skills.

We're talking expertise with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, coding chops in languages like Python or Java, knowledge of containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and a deep understanding of cloud security and compliance.

Oh, and don't forget about DevOps practices and automation tools – those are crucial too.

According to Built In, some of the companies actively hiring Cloud Engineers in Charlotte right now are Bank of America, Lowe's, Honeywell, and Truist.

So, if you've got the skills and the drive, there are plenty of opportunities to snag one of these high-paying tech jobs in the Queen City.

7. Cybersecurity Analyst

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This is impressive! Cybersecurity Analysts are like the superheroes of the tech world in Charlotte. They're raking in some serious cash with an average salary of $117,006 per year, according to the latest data.

That's a pretty sweet deal for keeping businesses safe from all the shady hackers out there.

However, being a Cybersecurity Analyst is not easy. These tech ninjas are constantly on the lookout for potential protection of system breaches.

They've got to be experts at conducting risk assessments, penetration testing, and implementing top-notch security measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.

It's like they're playing a never-ending game of cyber cat-and-mouse.

If you want to join the ranks of these digital guardians, you better bring your A-game.

You'll need some serious coding chops in languages like Python, Java, and C++. Plus, you gotta have that analytical mindset to solve complex security puzzles and identify vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.

And let's not forget about those stellar communication skills – you'll be the one translating all the tech jargon for the non-techies in the company.

The best part? Charlotte is booming with tech companies that are desperately seeking Cybersecurity Analysts.

Big players like Bank of America, Lowe's, Duke Energy, and Honeywell are all on the hunt for these cyber warriors.

So, if you've got what it takes, you could be the next superhero protecting Charlotte's digital fortress.

8. Product Manager

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Coming in at #8 on our list of top-paying tech jobs in Charlotte, Product Managers are like the captains steering the tech product ship.

With an average salary of around $153,000 for Senior Product Managers according to Built In, this gig is a serious money-maker for those who love calling the shots on cool tech products.

As a Product Manager, you're basically the voice of the customer, figuring out what people want and need from a product.

You'll be researching the market, gathering user feedback, and translating all that into a solid game plan for the dev team to build something awesome. It's like being the bridge between the customer and the tech wizards making it all happen.

To rock this role, you'll need a mix of skills that make you a total strategic badass:

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills: on point
  • Communication game: strong for dealing with all sorts of people
  • Knowledge of agile methodologies: and project management
  • Tech know-how: background in software development
  • Customer-focused mindset: to keep things user-friendly

Major tech players in Charlotte like Microsoft, Bank of America, Lowe's, Honeywell, and SentryOne are always on the lookout for talented Product Managers to join their ranks.

As the city's tech scene keeps booming, the demand for these product masterminds is only going to rise. Like they say,

"Product Managers are the CEO of the product, responsible for its strategy, roadmap, and feature definition." - Marty Cagan, Silicon Valley Product Group founder.

9. AI Engineer

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Let's talk about this high-paying tech job called AI Engineer, sitting at #9 on the list of top gigs in Charlotte.

These pros are making serious bank, with an average salary of around $127,155 per year in 2024.

Crazy, right? But it makes sense because AI and machine learning are blowing up.

So, what exactly do AI Engineers do? They design and build the smart systems that make technology seem straight-up magic.

Their responsibilities include creating AI algorithms, training neural networks (those deep learning systems that can recognize patterns like a human brain), optimizing models for peak performance, and integrating AI solutions into existing apps and systems.

They also work closely with different teams to understand what the business needs.

To become an AI Engineer, you gotta have some serious skills. We're talking expertise in programming languages like Python, R, and C++, plus knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch.

You'll also need to understand data structures, algorithms, and how to model data. Experience with big data processing and databases is a must, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

If this sounds like your jam, some of the companies hiring AI Engineers in Charlotte include Bank of America, Lowe's, Honeywell, and TIAA.

With the demand for AI solutions skyrocketing across industries like finance, healthcare, and retail, the job market for AI Engineers in Charlotte is expected to grow by a whopping 21% by 2024.

Time to level up your skills and cash in on this lucrative career path!

10. Network Engineer

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Coming in hot at number 10 for the highest-paying tech gigs in Charlotte is Network Engineer.

These tech wizards rake in an average of $109,364 annually according to the latest data. They're the masterminds behind designing, building, and keeping computer networks running smoothly.

Here's what they do:

  • Setup network: Plan and oversee the setup of network hardware and software components
  • Configure devices: Configure routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices
  • Maintenance: Handle network maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance upgrades
  • Network security: Ensure network security and follow industry standards

To slay it as a Network Engineer in Charlotte, you'll need these skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field
  • Networking protocols: Solid grasp of networking protocols, technologies, and best practices
  • Configuration skills: Expert-level network configuration, routing, and switching skills
  • Security principles: Knowledge of network security principles and tools
  • Certifications: Certifications like CCNA, CCNP, or JNCIA are a major plus

Major tech players in Charlotte like Bank of America, Lowe's, Duke Energy, and Honeywell are actively hiring Network Engineers.

As Charlotte's tech scene continues to boom, the demand for skilled network gurus is staying high, offering lucrative career opportunities in this field.

Conclusion: Opportunities and Future Outlook for Tech Jobs in Charlotte

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Let's talk about the tech scene in Charlotte - it's absolutely thriving! We're looking at an average salary range of $80K to $130K for roles like software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity analysts.

That's some serious cash flow. The demand for tech pros in Charlotte is expected to skyrocket by 22% by 2028, leaving the national growth rate in the dust.

What's driving this tech boom? It's a perfect storm of major industry players like Bank of America, Microsoft, Amazon, and Red Ventures setting up shop, mixed with an explosive startup scene that just won't quit.

Charlotte's got it all - a business-friendly environment, an awesome quality of life, and a talented workforce that keeps these companies coming back for more.

If you're an aspiring techie looking for your big break, Charlotte should definitely be on your radar.

Here's why:

  • The cost of living won't break the bank, leaving more of those high-paying tech salaries in your pocket.
  • The tech community is thriving, with groups like Queen City Tech Hub and Charlotte Tech Talks offering prime networking and learning opportunities.
  • Initiatives like RevTech Labs, a top-notch tech incubator, are fostering startups and driving innovation.
  • Charlotte's diverse economy, from finance to healthcare to energy, means endless opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and career growth.

As Charlotte's tech landscape continues to evolve, the future is looking bright for those seeking rewarding and lucrative careers in this field.

Robert Taylor, a seasoned software developer at a leading fintech company, sums it up perfectly:

"Charlotte is quickly becoming a top tech hub in the Southeast, offering a unique blend of big-city opportunities and small-town charm. The city's commitment to supporting the tech community and its high quality of life make it an ideal destination for tech professionals."

With a solid foundation and unstoppable momentum, Charlotte's tech industry is set to reshape the city's economic landscape, creating a multitude of high-paying job opportunities for those with the skills and drive to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What has contributed to the surge in tech jobs in Charlotte?

The surge in tech jobs in Charlotte can be attributed to a mix of skilled workers, business-friendly vibes, and a rapidly growing network of tech companies. Since 2015, tech jobs have increased by 27.7%, outpacing the national average.

What is the average salary for tech professionals in Charlotte?

As of 2022, the average yearly salary for tech professionals in Charlotte was reported to be $84,778, significantly higher than the overall metro area average of $57,957.

What are some of the highest-paying tech jobs in Charlotte?

Some of the highest-paying tech jobs in Charlotte include Software Engineers with an average salary of $97,842, Data Scientists earning around $116,654, and Solutions Architects making approximately $131,093 per year.

How does Charlotte's tech industry impact job opportunities in the area?

Charlotte's booming tech scene offers a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. With major companies and tech giants setting up operations in the city, professionals can find lucrative and future-proof career paths.

What skills are necessary for landing a high-paying tech job in Charlotte?

Essential skills for landing a high-paying tech job in Charlotte include proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++), expertise in data analysis and machine learning, knowledge of cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and solid problem-solving and communication abilities.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.