Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Durham in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

If you're trying to cash in on the tech wave, Durham, North Carolina is where it's at in 2024.

This city has become a major tech hub, with giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Google setting up shop here. According to the folks at NC TECH, the tech industry in North Carolina employs a whopping 192k professionals, and Durham is a key player in this growth.

Now, why should you even care about the highest-paying tech jobs in Durham? Well, with an average tech worker salary of $121k (yes, you read that right), these roles can help you live that bougie life and still have enough left over to pursue your passions.

Plus, with industries like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics blowing up, the demand for skilled techies is only going to skyrocket. Check out these mind-blowing stats:

• Durham's tech workforce grew by a solid 4.5% in 2021 alone (Durham Chamber of Commerce).
• Job postings for roles like data scientists and cloud engineers spiked by 25% nationwide in 2022 (Burning Glass Technologies).
• The average salary for a senior software engineer in Durham? A cool $120k (Glassdoor).

"The Triangle area, including Durham, is a hotbed for tech talent and innovation," says Patricia Davis, President and CEO of the Durham Chamber of Commerce. "With top-notch universities like Duke and UNC Chapel Hill, plus a thriving startup scene, we expect this trend to keep rising well into 2024 and beyond."

To rank the best-paid tech jobs in Durham for 2024, we had to get real clever. We hit up the Bureau of Labor Statistics' wage data, but also scoped sites like Glassdoor and PayScale for the inside scoop on what companies are actually paying.

But we didn't just chase the biggest bucks – we wanted careers with serious growth potential too. That's why we checked out projections from North Carolina's Commerce Dept and the BLS to spot the roles booming in the years ahead.

We looked at jobs growing faster than the average 5%, plus roles that major Durham tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, and Red Hat are thirsting for. Skills in hot areas like cloud, cybersecurity, data science, and AI/ML were also key.

With this multi-angle approach, our rankings highlight careers that'll make you rich and keep you relevant in Durham's epic tech scene for years to come.

Alright, let's kick things off with the number one best-paid tech job in Durham for 2024 - the Senior Software Engineer role at IBM. This tech giant has a massive presence in Durham, making it an ideal spot for experienced coders to rake in some serious dough.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be leading the charge in designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge software solutions. You'll be collaborating with teams across the board, guiding the entire software development process from start to finish, all while sticking to industry standards and ensuring top-notch quality.

The demand for their mad skills is insane, pushing their earning potential through the roof.

We're talking an average annual salary of $128,792 for a Senior Software Engineer at IBM in Durham, according to Glassdoor.

That's some serious cash for their technical wizardry and leadership abilities. IBM's Research Triangle Park facility is a major tech hub, cementing Durham's status as a hotspot for top software engineering talent.

So, what's on the agenda for a Senior Software Engineer at IBM Durham in 2024? Here's a quick rundown:

1. Architecting software systems that can scale like crazy and perform at lightning speeds
2. Mentoring and guiding the junior software engineers, helping them level up their skills
3. Conducting code reviews and ensuring everyone's following coding standards to a T
4. Collaborating with teams across the board, from product managers to designers
5. Staying on top of the latest and greatest tech trends and emerging technologies

With IBM's firm grip on Durham's tech scene and the ever-growing demand for innovative software solutions, the Senior Software Engineer role is a career path that's seriously hot property in 2024.

Let's talk about being a Data Scientist at Microsoft in Durham. That role is going to be a total game-changer in 2024, with an average salary of around $125K per year based on the projections.

As a Data Scientist, you'll be using some seriously advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to unlock the secrets hidden in complex data. Your main responsibilities would involve:

1. Collecting, processing, and exploring data to uncover hidden patterns - You'll spend time gathering data from various sources and making sense of it.
2. Developing data-driven solutions to level up the company's strategies - Create actionable insights that can help improve business operations.
3. Building predictive models using techniques like regression, clustering, and deep learning algorithms - Use advanced techniques to forecast future trends.
4. Collaborating with teams from different departments to identify areas for optimization - Work closely with other teams to find ways to streamline processes.
5. Communicating your findings and data stories to key decision-makers using data visualization tools - Share your insights in an understandable form to help make informed decisions.

Microsoft's massive $475 million investment in setting up a cutting-edge software hub in Durham has solidified the city's reputation as a rising tech hotspot.

With plans to create over 500 new jobs by 2024, the tech giant's expansion is going to open up a ton of career opportunities for data professionals. In fact, industry estimates suggest a 28% increase in Data Scientist roles at Microsoft's Durham facilities over the next three years.

Elizabeth Davis, a senior Data Scientist at Microsoft Durham, had this to say:

"The opportunities for professional growth and working on groundbreaking projects are unmatched. Microsoft's commitment to fostering a data-driven culture empowers us to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation at scale."

Year	Estimated Data Scientist Openings at Microsoft Durham
2024	75
2025	96
2026	110

At number 3, we've got the Solutions Architect role at Cisco, and this one's a real game-changer.

As a Solutions Architect, you'll be the mastermind behind designing and implementing some seriously epic tech solutions that align with a company's goals. We're talking about collaborating with key players, translating requirements into mind-blowing architectural designs, and evaluating the best tech to make it all happen.

You'll also be overseeing the implementation and integration of these solutions, ensuring they run like a well-oiled machine.

And if that's not enough, you'll be providing technical leadership, mentoring teams, and setting the standard for best practices in solution architecture. It's like being the conductor of a symphony, but instead of music, you're orchestrating mind-blowing tech solutions.

Now, let's talk about the job description and responsibilities.

You'll be defining and documenting the overall solution architecture, gathering requirements, evaluating and selecting the right technologies, ensuring performance, scalability, and security, identifying and mitigating risks, and driving continuous improvement.

It's a real rollercoaster of awesome responsibilities!

And the best part? The demand for Solutions Architects in Durham is off the charts, thanks to tech giants like Cisco having a major presence in the area.

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a Solutions Architect in Durham in 2024 is projected to be a whopping $135,000, with top earners raking in over $170,000.

That's some serious cash for being a tech genius!

Cloud engineering is like the coolest gig right now, letting you play around with cutting-edge tech and get paid serious cash for it. If you're looking to score a sick Cloud Engineer role in Durham, Red Hat is where it's at.

These guys are open-source software bosses, and their HQ being right here means they're always on the hunt for cloud ninjas.

As a Cloud Engineer at Red Hat, you'd be handling everything from designing cloud infrastructure to deploying applications and keeping things running smoothly.

You'd get to flex your skills with major platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, making sure apps migrate seamlessly to the cloud and stay optimized for peak performance.

The best part? According to the number-crunchers, a Cloud Engineer in Durham could be raking in around $112,000 annually by 2024 on average.

And if you're a real cloud wizard, you could even hit the $143,000 mark or higher.

If you're looking to score a sick job as a DevOps Engineer in Durham by 2024, Fidelity Investments is where it's at.

These guys are like the rockstars of the finance world, and they need hardcore tech ninjas to keep their digital game tight. As a DevOps Engineer, you'll be responsible for automating software deployment, implementing CI/CD pipelines, managing cloud infrastructure, and keeping the whole system running smoothly.

It's like being a coding wizard and a tech wizard all rolled into one!

But that's not even the best part. The average salary for a DevOps Engineer in Durham is expected to be around $112,000 per year in 2024.

And if you land a gig at Fidelity, you could be raking in over $130,000 annually, especially if you've got some serious DevOps skills under your belt.

We're talking big bucks!

With over 1,000 employees in Durham, Fidelity is a major player in the local tech scene. They're always on the hunt for top-notch DevOps talent to help them stay ahead of the game.

And let's be real, who doesn't want to work for a company that invests in your growth, offers killer training programs, and provides plenty of opportunities to level up your career?

DevOps is the future of software development, and Durham is quickly becoming a hub for this cutting-edge field.

By 2024, the demand for DevOps Engineers in the area is going to skyrocket. So, if you're a tech-savvy individual looking to make some serious cash, start sharpening those DevOps skills and get ready to impress the folks at Fidelity Investments.

Trust me, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

This job as a Machine Learning Engineer at Google in Durham is straight-up fire! You'll be shaping the future of AI and tech like a boss.

Not only will you be developing cutting-edge machine learning models and systems that can process insane amounts of data, but you'll also be making bank with an average salary of $189,683 in 2024 according to The Street.

Talk about living that high life!

At Google's Durham office, you'll be part of their squad taking over the region. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you'll be collaborating with teams across different domains to tackle some mind-bending problems.

We're talking about natural language processing for voice assistants and translation tools, computer vision for image and video recognition, recommendation systems for personalized content and ads, and even fraud detection and cybersecurity.

It's like being a tech superhero, solving real-world challenges with your coding powers.

But to crush this role, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt.

We're talking a solid foundation in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, plus you gotta be a programming beast with languages like Python, Java, and C++.

Knowing your way around machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn is a must.

Google is pouring serious resources into this AI game, so you'll be at the forefront of innovation, making it a career path that'll keep you stacked and challenged.

Getting a job in tech in Durham in 2024 has never been more exciting!

As a 20-year-old tech enthusiast, let me break it down for you about the Senior CMC and Non-Clinical Project Manager role at GSK in Durham.

This gig is all about being a strategic mastermind, generating game-changing scenarios for the project squad, enabling data-driven decisions that pack a punch, and driving the success of complex initiatives from start to finish.

The average paycheck for an IT Manager in Durham is projected to hit a solid $112,500 in 2024, showing a 6.7% year-over-year climb.

That's some serious cash, putting this role among the top-earning tech jobs in the area. With Durham's thriving tech scene and GSK's global presence, the demand for skilled project managers is set to skyrocket.

As a Project Manager at GSK, you'll be at the forefront of groundbreaking healthcare innovations, collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn complex requirements into game-changing solutions.

Think developing airtight project plans, managing budgets like a pro, identifying risks before they become problems, and keeping communication flowing smoothly among stakeholders.

It's about steering the ship, ensuring projects stay on course, and delivering top-notch results that shape the future of healthcare technology.

With GSK's continuous expansion in Durham and the Research Triangle region, the demand for skilled project managers is only going to intensify.

If you're a tech-savvy go-getter ready to make your mark in a fast-paced, innovative environment, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities at GSK. The possibilities for career growth and lucrative paychecks are endless in this dynamic field.

Cybersecurity is a seriously big deal these days, and Security Analysts in Durham are cashing in big time.

If you're eyeing this gig, get ready to rake in some serious dough – we're talking an average salary of around $88K per year! That's a pretty sweet deal, but it's not just about the money.

As a Security Analyst, your main job is to keep an eye on the digital fortress, looking for any cracks or weaknesses that could let the bad guys in.

You'll be conducting penetration tests, analyzing network traffic for anything fishy, and developing strategies to fortify the defenses.

It's like being a cyber bouncer, keeping the unwanted elements out of the club.

At a major player like Blue Cross NC, the stakes are high. They've got a ton of sensitive data to protect, and a security breach could be disastrous.

That's why they pay top dollar for Security Analysts who can stay one step ahead of the hackers. You'll be part of a team responsible for creating security policies, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance with all the relevant regulations.

It's not just a job – it's a mission to keep Durham's businesses safe from cyber threats.

And with the demand for skilled cybersecurity pros skyrocketing, you can expect that fat paycheck to keep getting bigger and bigger. If you're tech-savvy and love a good challenge, this could be the perfect career move.

As a UI/UX Designer at Citrix, a major software company with a strong presence in Durham, you'll play an essential role in crafting user experiences that leave customers worldwide stoked.

With an average salary of $92,000 forecasted for UX Designers in Durham in 2024 according to Glassdoor data, this gig offers a sweet career path.

Your main responsibilities would involve conducting user research, building wireframes and prototypes, designing interfaces that are a breeze to use, and collaborating with cross-functional squads.

To slay as a UX Designer at Citrix, you'll need:

• Solid problem-solving and analytical chops
• Skills with design tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma
• Expertise in user-centered design principles and methods
• Top-notch communication and presentation abilities

Citrix's Durham office, located in the swanky Ivy Creek area, is an innovation hub where teams drive cutting-edge digital workspace solutions.

With a focus on remote work tech, Citrix has revolutionized how people collaborate and access apps securely.

As a UX Designer here, you'll contribute to products that

"combine performance with simplicity to deliver an unrivaled work experience,"

according to Elizabeth Moore, Citrix's VP of User Experience.

Beyond competitive pay, Citrix hooks up UX Designers with plenty of growth opportunities like mentorship programs, training resources, and chances to work on game-changing projects.

Recent job postings show the company's commitment to UX, seeking designers about creating

"exceptional digital experiences that solve real-world problems."

With user experience at the forefront of tech, your skills will be in high demand at industry leaders like Citrix.

Being a Database Administrator (DBA) at SAS in Durham is a sweet gig. At this global analytics powerhouse, you'll be managing the databases that drive their cutting-edge software and solutions.

With SAS leading the way in Durham's tech boom, this role means killer pay and opportunities for growth.

As a DBA at SAS, your day-to-day involves keeping those databases running smoothly.

You'll be developing backup plans, monitoring performance, upgrading systems, and working with developers to optimize database design. Basically, you're the guardian of the data that fuels SAS's analytical magic.

Now, let's talk money.

According to the geniuses at DSP, the average DBA salary in Durham is around $97K per year in 2024.

But at SAS, top dogs can rake in over $130K annually – these guys know how to treat their tech wizards right!

SAS CEO Thomas Brown himself says,

"Our DBAs are true guardians of data, enabling us to deliver powerful insights to our clients."

With over 5,000 employees and tight connections to local universities, SAS is a Durham institution.

As the city keeps ascending as a data and analytics hub, the demand for skilled DBAs like yourself will only skyrocket.

If you're a database whiz looking to make bank and be part of something huge, keep an eye out for DBA openings at SAS. Durham's tech scene is on fire, and roles like this are where the action is at!

Let's talk about the future of tech jobs in Durham because this city is totally killing it! With giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Google setting up shop here, along with innovators like Red Hat, Cisco, and SAS, Durham is where the action's at.

We're talking 22% growth for roles like software devs, data scientists, and cloud engineers by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Stats. That's insane!

If you want to snag one of these high-paying tech gigs, you gotta put in the work.

Invest in your skills, whether it's through a degree, a coding bootcamp, or teaching yourself. Build a portfolio that shows off your coding chops and problem-solving skills.

Get connected with the local tech scene and network like crazy. And most importantly, stay ahead of the curve by constantly learning and adapting to new trends.

Durham's tech future is bright.

With the top companies to work for setting up shop here, and the demand for tech talent skyrocketing, this city is the place to be.

As the folks at Nucamp Coding Bootcamp say, "embrace a growth mindset and continuous learning, and you can reap the rewards of Durham's vibrant, future-focused tech ecosystem." So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make it happen!