Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Chattanooga in 2025

Chattanooga's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, transforming into a legit tech powerhouse that's catching everyone's attention. WYRE Technology and other innovative companies are making waves, contributing to the city's billion-dollar tech industry that employs over 25,000 people.

What's really cool is that companies like FreightWaves and Branch Technology are pushing boundaries with real-time analytics and 3D printing tech.

The city's fast internet game is next level - we're talking quantum-as-a-service connectivity! Plus, the fiber network has created a $2.69 billion economic boost over the last decade.

The best part? Living costs are way cheaper than other tech hubs, about 8% below the national average. If you're looking to get into tech, the timing couldn't be better - we're seeing Cloud Architects making over $200K and Machine Learning Engineers pulling in around $166K. The city's projected 18% tech industry growth by 2024 means tons of opportunities for anyone ready to jump into this exciting field.

The perfect time to start building your tech career in Chattanooga.

Let me break down how we ranked these high-paying tech jobs in Chattanooga for 2025. Beyond just checking multiple salary comparison tools, we dove deep into the real factors that matter for tech professionals.

The research shows that IT professionals typically earn double what other occupations make, which is seriously impressive. We didn't just look at basic salary data - we considered how different roles are evolving, especially with AI changing the game.

Recent industry analysis shows that roles requiring a mix of technical skills and leadership abilities tend to command the highest salaries, particularly in emerging fields like AI and cloud computing.

The tech job market is way more complex than just base salaries.

According to recent compensation trends, factors like remote work options, skill certifications, and regional tech hub development are huge salary influencers.

For example, cybersecurity experts are seeing massive salary jumps because of the growing talent shortage - we're talking about a projected shortage of 85 million professionals by 2030! The criteria we used included median annual salary (obviously), but also looked at stuff like how fast the job market is growing, what skills are super hot right now, and what kind of education or certifications you need.

We also factored in Chattanooga's unique position as an emerging tech hub, which is actually pushing salaries higher than in some traditional tech cities because companies are competing for top talent.

This approach gives you the real picture of what you can expect to earn in these roles, not just now but in the next few years too.

As a budding tech professional in 2025, Cloud Architects are crushing it in Chattanooga's job market, with salaries reaching up to $182,375 annually. The field is absolutely taking off, and even entry-level positions start at $125,000, according to recent salary data for the region.

These tech wizards are responsible for creating and managing an organization's entire cloud strategy, making sure everything runs smoothly in the digital space.

What makes this role super interesting is how Cloud Architects get to oversee the complete cloud computing strategy, from planning to implementation.

The skills you need to succeed are pretty intense but totally worth it.

You'll want to get solid experience with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. What's really crucial is understanding how to design systems that can grow and stay secure.

According to industry experts, the most successful Cloud Architects combine technical expertise with strong communication skills, which is essential when working with different teams.

The best part? The field keeps evolving, so you're always learning something new. Companies in Chattanooga are actively searching for Cloud Architects who can help them modernize their operations and stay competitive in the digital age.

If you're thinking about getting into tech, this role offers an amazing opportunity to be at the forefront of digital transformation while earning a seriously competitive salary.

Machine Learning Engineers are totally crushing it in 2025, leading the charge in AI innovation and making a real impact across industries. These tech pros are responsible for building and deploying machine learning systems that can learn and improve from experience, as highlighted in Robert Half's latest salary report.

In Chattanooga, ML Engineers are pulling in competitive salaries ranging from $115,231 to $166,246, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the area.

According to recent industry insights, success in this field requires mastering seven key skills, including architecture design, integration expertise, and product thinking.

• Strong coding skills in Python: Being proficient in Python is essential for developing and deploying ML systems.
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms: Mastery of algorithms is crucial for creating effective machine learning solutions.
• Ability to handle large-scale data: Managing vast amounts of data processing is a key component of the job.

Companies in Chattanooga are actively seeking ML Engineers who can bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and real-world applications, making it an awesome time to jump into this field.

Whether you're working on computer vision, natural language processing, or predictive analytics, you'll be right at the forefront of tech innovation, turning data into actionable insights that businesses actually use.

Plus, with the growing emphasis on AI ethics and responsible development, ML Engineers are becoming key players in shaping how technology impacts society.

Data Scientists are revolutionizing how businesses operate in 2025, transforming raw data into game-changing insights. Organizations now consider data analytics the backbone of modern business, and Chattanooga's tech scene reflects this reality.

With salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000, Data Scientists are seriously cashing in on their expertise. What makes this role even more exciting is that the field is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing careers in tech.

The shift toward real-time data analysis means businesses can't afford to make decisions without solid data backing - it's literally become non-negotiable.

Data Scientists in Chattanooga are crushing it with skills in Python, R, statistical analysis, and data visualization, turning complex information into clear action plans.

The coolest part? Thanks to AI and automation, Data Scientists can now focus on the really interesting stuff - finding patterns and solving complex problems that actually move the needle for businesses.

Companies are investing heavily in data science because they've seen the results: better decision-making, increased efficiency, and a serious edge over competitors who are still guessing instead of knowing.

Whether it's predicting market trends or optimizing operations, Data Scientists are the ones making it happen, proving that in today's tech world, data really is king.

The role of Software Engineers in Chattanooga is totally different in 2025 compared to just a few years ago. According to recent industry predictions, companies are now hiring with a focus on quality over quantity, with nearly 300 open software engineer positions per company.

The average salary range hits between $90,000 to $198,000, making it one of the most rewarding career paths in tech. What's super interesting is that the career roadmap shows huge opportunities in both full-stack development and AI specialization.

Right now, companies are seriously upgrading their teams - 60% of tech managers are specifically looking for engineers with AI skills, which is nearly double from last year.

Software Engineers in 2025 need to be seriously skilled in multiple areas.

The latest market analysis shows that beyond just coding, we need to understand business context, think in solutions, and know when to keep things simple versus going complex.

The coolest part? Pure coding skills aren't enough anymore - we need to be problem solvers who can actually understand what users need and turn that into working tech solutions.

It's pretty wild how AI is changing everything, but instead of replacing us, it's just making us level up our game. Companies in Chattanooga are jumping on this trend, looking for engineers who can work with AI tools while still keeping that human touch in software development.

As someone looking to break into this field, it's honestly exciting to see how the role keeps evolving.

We're not just sitting behind screens writing code - we're building the future of tech in Chattanooga, working on everything from healthcare systems to fintech solutions.

The opportunities are massive, especially if you're ready to keep learning and adapting to new technologies as they come up.

As a Network Security Engineer, I'm honestly amazed at how this role has transformed in 2025.

With cyberattacks up 62% since last year, we're the first line of defense against threats to company data. The coolest part? The median salary now hits $97,420, with top performers making up to $139,000 - definitely worth the challenge! Our job involves way more than just watching screens; we're designing and implementing security solutions that protect everything from customer data to company secrets.

I've learned that success in this field means mastering both technical skills and staying super alert to new threats.

What really gets me excited about being a security engineer in today's tech landscape is the constant evolution of our responsibilities.

We're not just IT professionals - we're digital guardians handling complex security infrastructure, protecting endpoints, and managing borderless network perimeters.

It's crucial to stay ahead of the curve with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, especially since the field is growing 33% through 2033. The best part? Companies in Chattanooga are always looking for fresh talent who can bring new perspectives to cybersecurity challenges.

Working here means joining a community of tech professionals who are serious about innovation while maintaining rock-solid security standards.

As a Cybersecurity Engineer, you're basically the guardian of the digital realm, working both proactively to prevent breaches and reactively to tackle attacks when they happen.

The average salary is now hitting $101,000 annually, with senior-level positions reaching up to $145,000 - making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in Chattanooga.

Every day brings different challenges, from identifying vulnerabilities in computer networks to implementing cutting-edge security measures.

With cybercrime projected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, this field is seriously exploding. To get started, you'll need a solid background in IT fundamentals and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP.

What makes this role extra interesting is that cyber security engineers work on the front lines of the battle against cybercrime, designing and configuring solutions that protect companies from constantly evolving threats.

The job outlook is insane - with a 35% growth projected from 2021 to 2031, which is way faster than most other careers. Plus, there are tons of amazing companies hiring right now, including big names like Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM. If you're interested in problem-solving and keeping up with the latest tech, this could be your perfect career match.

The best part is you can start with an entry-level position and work your way up, constantly learning new skills and tackling fresh challenges along the way.

As a DevOps Engineer, you're basically the superhero who keeps everything running smoothly in the tech world.

Here in Chattanooga, the average salary hits $116,000 as of December 2024, with the potential to reach up to $130,182 depending on your experience and skills.

What's cool is that the global DevOps market is growing at nearly 19%, making it an awesome career choice for anyone interested in both coding and operations.

The daily life of a DevOps Engineer involves collaborating with development teams to deploy code changes, managing infrastructure, and making sure systems run without hiccups.

A key part of the role is building and testing new development tools, plus working with stakeholders to understand their needs.

The best part? You get to work with cutting-edge tech while solving real problems. Companies in Chattanooga are especially looking for people who can handle multiple projects and keep everything running efficiently.

Want to stand out in this field? The must-have skills include Linux expertise, programming knowledge (Python, Java, Ruby), and experience with cloud platforms.

According to recent industry reports, automation skills are particularly valuable, as they help speed up software deployment and reduce errors.

With the tech scene in Chattanooga growing rapidly, there's never been a better time to jump into DevOps. Plus, with remote work options becoming more common, you can collaborate with teams worldwide while enjoying the perks of living in our amazing city.

Information Security Analysts are the digital guardians keeping our data safe in Chattanooga's expanding tech scene. According to recent industry reports, these professionals are responsible for implementing security systems, monitoring network activity, and responding to cyber threats in real-time.

The role offers competitive compensation, with analysts in Chattanooga earning around $140,378 annually in 2025. What makes this career path even more exciting is the projected growth rate of 32% through 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing tech jobs.

Getting started in this field requires solid credentials and practical skills.

While a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Technology sets the foundation, the most successful analysts combine technical expertise with strong problem-solving abilities.

Key technical skills include mastery of firewalls, encryption programs, and penetration testing tools. The role also demands staying current with emerging security threats and technology trends.

The coolest part about being an Information Security Analyst is the variety of work environments available.

Major employers range from healthcare giants like BlueCross BlueShield to tech startups and government agencies.

Daily tasks include investigating security breaches, implementing protective measures, and training others on security best practices. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, this career path offers both job security and the satisfaction of protecting important data from hackers and cyber criminals.

As a Penetration Tester in Chattanooga's growing tech scene, you get to be the good guy who hacks systems to protect them.

The role has seriously taken off in 2025, with an average salary hitting $121,943 - pretty sweet for getting paid to find security holes! We're basically digital detectives who simulate cyber-attacks to spot weaknesses before actual hackers do.

A typical day involves testing applications, networks, and cloud systems while staying on top of the latest hacking techniques.

The coolest part? We get to think creatively about breaking things to make them stronger.

• Security assessments are crucial for identifying weaknesses.
• Documenting vulnerabilities helps in strategizing defenses.
• Collaboration with developers ensures security issues are efficiently addressed.
• Cyber threats are constantly evolving, necessitating up-to-date knowledge.

The job needs someone who's both tech-savvy and honest - we have to follow strict ethical guidelines while testing systems.

You'll need to master:

• Security tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark build a solid foundation.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python is increasingly important.
• Understanding of network protocols and security concepts is fundamental.

Getting certifications like CEH or OSCP definitely helps land jobs, but what really matters is hands-on experience.

Christopher Jackson started by practicing in home labs and joining bug bounty programs - it's honestly the best way to learn. The tech scene in Chattanooga is perfect for breaking into this field, especially since companies are investing more in cybersecurity than ever.

Plus, many roles offer remote work options, which means you can hack (ethically, of course) from anywhere while making a solid income.

As an AI Research Scientist in 2025, you're shaping the future of tech. According to recent salary data, AI Research Scientists in Chattanooga can earn between $199,745 and $248,029, which is pretty amazing for our city.

The role involves way more than just coding - you'll be working on groundbreaking stuff that could change how we live and work. Industry research shows that opportunities in this field are expected to grow significantly by 2025, especially for those skilled in AI models and machine learning libraries.

Major tech companies are actively seeking researchers who can leverage generative AI and develop innovative solutions.

Working as an AI Research Scientist means you'll be collaborating with international teams, contributing to open-source projects, and publishing your findings in top-tier conferences.

The role requires solid skills in:

• Machine Learning & Deep Learning: Understanding neural networks and language processing
• Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python, C++, and frameworks like PyTorch
• Mathematics and Statistics: Strong foundation in probability and linear algebra
• Data Manipulation: Experience with various database systems
• Soft Skills: Communication and teamwork are crucial

What makes this role exciting is how it combines cutting-edge research with practical applications.

Whether you're developing AI models for healthcare, gaming, or business solutions, you're literally building the technology that everyone will be using tomorrow.

The tech scene in Chattanooga is growing fast, and AI Research Scientists are at the heart of this transformation.

The tech scene in Chattanooga is absolutely taking off! The numbers tell an exciting story - over 4,500 IT jobs are currently available, with an awesome 15% growth projected for the next year.

The city's startup ecosystem is contributing more than $70 million to Hamilton County, and tech salaries are seriously impressive, hitting over $90,000 on average.

For someone starting in tech, it's mind-blowing to see roles like Cloud Architects making up to $176,666 and Cybersecurity Architects earning up to $245,373!

What makes Chattanooga even cooler is how accessible the tech scene is.

The city's got over 25,000 tech jobs across different fields like software engineering, data science, and IoT. Plus, the cost of living is about 20% below the national average - that means more money in your pocket! The Innovation District and places like the Edney Innovation Center are perfect for networking and learning from experienced pros.

Tech meetups and hackathons happen regularly, making it super easy to connect with others in the field.

Looking ahead, the future's looking bright for Chattanooga's tech scene.

The demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI experts keeps growing.

With the city's 10-gigabit internet (first in the Western Hemisphere!), major investments like Volkswagen's $1.2 billion commitment, and a thriving startup culture, there's never been a better time to jump into tech here.

Whether you're into coding, cybersecurity, or data science, Chattanooga's got your back with plenty of opportunities to build an awesome career.