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

Jacksonville's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! Major industries like healthcare and logistics are seeing massive gains from automation, while Baptist Health just ranked #21 worldwide for best places to work in IT.

The tech job market is on fire with a 28% growth rate, way above the national average. The University of Florida's new tech campus coming to LaVilla, focusing on semiconductor technology and offering programs in AI, cybersecurity, and biomedical sciences.

With companies like FIS, Dun & Bradstreet, and SoFi expanding their operations here, thousands of new tech positions are opening up. The average tech salary sits at $78,000, but specialized roles like Cloud Architects and Data Scientists are pulling in $130,000-$180,000.

Jacksonville's cost of living is still way better than other tech hubs, making it perfect for starting a tech career. Tech jobs here aren't just about coding - they're driving innovation in everything from healthcare AI to fintech solutions.

Let me break down how we figured out which tech jobs will be making bank in Jacksonville for 2025. According to recent salary data, AI Architects are leading the pack with salaries over $200k, while even entry-level tech positions are starting around $90k.

The research shows tech salaries are getting a major boost due to some serious talent shortages - we're talking about an estimated 85 million tech professional shortage by 2030.

That's honestly wild!

The latest market analysis shows Software Engineers in Jacksonville are pulling in $90k to $198k, while Data Engineers are making between $69k and $191k.

What's super interesting is that AI and cloud computing specialists are seriously crushing it in terms of demand. The coolest part? Companies are basically fighting over anyone who knows their way around cloud platforms - only 9% of tech pros have legit multicloud experience, even though 85% of companies are using multiple cloud services.

Looking at hiring trends, cybersecurity experts are particularly valuable in Jacksonville's growing fintech scene, with the average data breach costing companies $4.88 million in 2024.

That's why companies are willing to pay top dollar for security talent. Jacksonville's healthcare tech sector is also booming, creating tons of opportunities for software developers and data analysts who can handle sensitive medical data while following all the proper regulations.

As a Cloud Architect in Jacksonville's thriving tech scene, you're looking at earning between $128,000 to $167,000 in 2025, making it one of the most lucrative tech roles in the region.

The job involves designing secure and scalable cloud infrastructures while focusing on cost optimization. Network architects need strong technical problem-solving skills and expertise in routing, switching, wireless security, and system architecture.

A bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science, plus five years of experience with network operating systems and security, is typically required. The role has evolved to include working with various cloud platforms, development stacks, and DevOps practices.

Jacksonville's tech job market is experiencing the third-largest monthly growth rate nationwide, with companies like Baptist Health, FIS, and Dun & Bradstreet actively hiring.

Cloud Architects collaborate with engineering teams to define deployment architectures that meet performance targets, identify and resolve networking issues, and provide technical guidance for business unit projects.

The position requires staying current with emerging technologies and maintaining expertise in high-availability, high-performance open-source technologies. This role is particularly crucial as Jacksonville continues to establish itself as a competitive tech hub, offering salaries comparable to major tech centers while maintaining a lower cost of living.

Data Scientists are shaping the future of business in Jacksonville, transforming complex data into game-changing insights. According to recent studies, over 90% of the world's data was created in just the last two years, with businesses generating 328 million terabytes daily.

Companies like Black Knight Financial Services and FIS Global are at the forefront, using advanced analytics and machine learning to revolutionize their operations.

Data science careers are growing - with a massive 36% growth expected between 2021 and 2031, making it one of the hottest tech jobs around.

The impact of data science on business success is mind-blowing.

Data-driven companies report 15-25% increases in EBITDA through better decision-making and personalized customer experiences.

In Jacksonville's financial and healthcare sectors, Data Scientists are crushing it with predictive analytics that boost efficiency and drive innovation. Local companies like XL Brands and Acosta Sales and Marketing are investing heavily in data science talent, offering starting salaries that often exceed $100,000.

Jacksonville's tech scene is seriously heating up, with companies competing for skilled Data Scientists who can handle everything from AI implementation to advanced statistical modeling.

Major employers in Jacksonville include:

• Cutting-edge analytics: Black Knight Financial Services and FIS Global lead with advanced analytics to transform operations.
• High demand: Acosta Sales and Marketing is constantly seeking skilled Data Scientists to innovate.

As Jacksonville's tech ecosystem expands, Data Scientists are becoming the rockstars of the industry, with opportunities that combine cutting-edge tech with real-world impact.

The future is bright for anyone looking to dive into this field in the Sunshine State.

Software engineering in Jacksonville has totally transformed into something incredible in 2025. As architects of the digital world, software engineers do way more than just code—they're creating the future of tech in fields like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.

The role is super diverse, with coding actually making up only about 30-40% of the work. The rest involves problem-solving, communication, and making sure projects actually benefit the company's bottom line.

Money matters.

Entry-level positions start around $60,000, but experienced engineers can make well over $150,000 annually.

What's really cool is that Jacksonville's lower cost of living means your salary goes much further compared to traditional tech hubs. The career path is pretty exciting too—you can move up to become a Lead Developer, Technical Architect, or even CTO if you're ambitious and keep learning new skills.

The future looks seriously bright for software engineers here.

Companies are actively seeking developers with advanced skills, especially in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

The University of Florida's new tech campus in LaVilla is offering cutting-edge programs, and the local tech community is super active with regular meetups and networking events.

With major companies like SoFi and FIS setting up shop here, Jacksonville's definitely becoming a serious player in the tech world.

As a Network Security Engineer in Jacksonville's growing tech scene, you're basically the guardian of the digital realm. Network engineers handle complex security systems to protect everything from user identities to network endpoints.

The role has seen massive growth, with a reported 62% increase in cyberattacks from 2021 to 2022, making this career path super relevant. According to recent data, entry-level positions start around $90,421, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $128,441 annually.

The job goes way beyond just maintaining firewalls—you'll be conducting penetration testing, analyzing vulnerabilities, and creating emergency response protocols.

What's exciting about this role is how it keeps evolving.

Network Security Engineers are responsible for implementing new security protocols, resolving hardware issues, and leading cloud security design—skills that are absolutely essential in Jacksonville's expanding tech landscape.

The position requires strong analytical skills and the ability to stay ahead of emerging threats. With Jacksonville's financial and healthcare sectors expanding their digital presence, the demand for network security expertise is skyrocketing.

These sectors handle super sensitive data, making security a top priority.

To get started in this field, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, though many professionals are also picking up specialized certifications like CISSP or CEH to stand out.

The coolest part about being a Network Security Engineer is that you're constantly learning and adapting to new challenges. Every day brings different security puzzles to solve, making it an ideal career for tech enthusiasts who love problem-solving and staying ahead of the curve.

Machine Learning Engineers are the architects behind the smart systems reshaping our digital world. These tech pros don't just write code - they create intelligent systems that can learn and adapt on their own.

According to recent industry reports, the role demands a mix of programming skills, statistical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.

The work spans across multiple industries - from making healthcare smarter with predictive analytics to powering the next generation of self-driving cars. Machine learning applications are transforming manufacturing, with companies using ML to cut production waste by over 50% and boost efficiency.

The average salary for ML Engineers in Jacksonville hits around $122,000 annually, making it one of the most lucrative tech careers in the area.

The core responsibilities include designing AI systems, running experiments, and optimizing algorithms for better performance.

You don't need decades of experience - many successful ML Engineers start with strong fundamentals in Python, statistics, and popular frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.

Major companies in Jacksonville are investing heavily in ML teams, creating opportunities across finance, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors. The projected 22% job growth by 2025 means there's plenty of room for newcomers to make their mark in this field.

Whether you're interested in building recommendation systems for streaming platforms or developing predictive models for cybersecurity, Machine Learning Engineering offers endless opportunities to work on projects that actually matter.

As a DevOps Engineer in Jacksonville's tech scene, you get to be the ultimate problem-solver between development and operations teams.

These tech experts are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining the tools that make software development run smoothly. The average salary for this role hits around $134,917, making it seriously worth considering as a career path.

A typical DevOps Engineer's day involves managing IT infrastructure, deploying code changes, and ensuring systems run without hiccups.

The role requires strong skills in Linux-based systems, programming languages like Python and Java, and database management. What makes this job extra interesting is how it combines technical expertise with real problem-solving challenges.

You'll need to master tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes, which are basically the Swiss Army knives of modern software development. The coolest part? You get to work with cutting-edge technologies while automating processes that make everyone's work life easier.

Jacksonville employers are especially keen on DevOps Engineers who can handle cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, and who understand how to keep systems secure and efficient.

Plus, with more companies moving their operations to the cloud, the demand for DevOps skills is only going up. The best part is that you can start building these skills right now through online courses and certifications, even before landing your first job in the field.

In 2025, AI Specialists are leading the charge in tech innovation, with salaries ranging from $68,405 to an impressive $181,216 annually. As a crucial part of the AI workforce, these professionals build and optimize machine learning models, develop natural language processing systems, and create computer vision applications.

The role demands strong programming skills in Python, R, and Java, plus a solid foundation in mathematics and data analysis. AI is reshaping how innovation happens, with companies racing to develop better algorithms and collect valuable datasets.

Recent studies show AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, making it one of the most impactful technologies of our time. AI Specialists work across various sectors, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and retail, developing solutions that improve efficiency and create new possibilities.

The field is dynamic, with opportunities to work on everything from autonomous systems to edge processing, making it perfect for tech enthusiasts who love solving complex problems.

Companies are actively hiring, and the demand keeps growing, especially for those who can combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving skills.

As a Cybersecurity Analyst in Jacksonville for 2025, you're basically the guardian of digital security, protecting everything from patient records to financial data.

The role has gotten super intense lately, with healthcare breaches up by 156% in 2023 - honestly, how much cybercrime has increased. We're talking about an average of 373,788 records getting compromised daily! A typical healthcare data breach costs about $429 per stolen record, which adds up fast.

The good news? The pay is seriously competitive, with salaries ranging from $85,000 to $135,000 annually in Jacksonville.

What makes this job really interesting is how varied it is.

Day-to-day tasks include monitoring network traffic, running security audits, and responding to incidents in real-time.

It's never boring - you're constantly learning about new threats and finding creative ways to stop them. Major employers in Jacksonville, like Baptist Health and VyStar Credit Union, are actively expanding their cybersecurity teams.

With the field expected to grow 32% by 2032, job security is practically guaranteed. Plus, you get to work with cutting-edge tech while protecting people's sensitive information - it's like being a digital superhero, but with better hours and actual benefits.

The role is particularly crucial in Jacksonville's healthcare and financial sectors.

Not only are you defending against ransomware attacks (141 hospitals got hit in 2023 alone), but you're also protecting against sophisticated phishing schemes and insider threats.

Local organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure, creating tons of opportunities for analysts who can handle the pressure. The best part? You don't necessarily need a traditional degree - what matters most is having the right skills and certifications.

As the backbone of any data-driven organization, the role of a Database Administrator (DBA) continues to evolve in Jacksonville's dynamic tech landscape.

According to recent industry analysis, DBAs are essential for maintaining database functionality, security, and efficiency.

Their responsibilities have expanded beyond traditional database management to include cloud integration, performance optimization, and strategic data planning.

The median annual salary now reaches $98,860, making it one of the most financially rewarding tech careers in Jacksonville.

Research shows that DBAs are critical in ensuring data reliability, accessibility, and security across organizations.

They implement disaster recovery strategies, manage storage solutions, and collaborate with IT teams to maintain optimal database performance. The role requires a mix of technical expertise and problem-solving skills, with professionals often working on complex data management challenges.

Industry experts predict strong growth for DBA positions through 2025, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, and tech startups.

Entry-level positions typically start around $75,000, while experienced DBAs can earn upwards of $150,000 annually. The position requires proficiency in major database platforms like Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server, along with a strong foundation in security protocols and data protection standards.

As Jacksonville's tech sector expands, opportunities for DBAs continue to multiply, especially in companies prioritizing data-driven decision-making and digital transformation.

Front-end developers in Jacksonville are experiencing a surge in demand, with over 730 positions currently available across the city's tech sector.

The role requires mastery of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with a strong focus on UX/UI design and Figma for creating responsive web applications.

Front-end developers earn competitive salaries averaging $95,000 annually, reflecting a 15% increase since 2023. The rise in remote work opportunities has made it easier for developers to work with companies across different time zones while staying based in Jacksonville.

The healthcare and fintech sectors are driving significant growth in front-end development roles, with a particular emphasis on React Native development, which has over 10,000 job listings in the area.

React Native expertise is crucial as companies are prioritizing mobile-first approaches and cross-platform compatibility in their digital products. This shift has created a high demand for developers who can build responsive, accessible interfaces that work seamlessly across all devices.

Local tech companies are investing heavily in their front-end teams, recognizing the critical role they play in customer engagement and business growth.

The focus has shifted beyond just creating visually appealing websites to developing comprehensive digital experiences that drive user engagement and conversion rates.

As Jacksonville's tech scene continues to expand, front-end developers who combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving skills are finding themselves at the center of digital innovation, with opportunities spanning from startups to established enterprises.

Jacksonville's tech scene is absolutely exploding in 2025! The latest data shows that top tech roles like Cloud Architect and AI Specialist are commanding serious salaries ranging from $128,000 to $200,000.

What's super exciting is seeing how positions like Machine Learning Engineer (averaging $145,000) are transforming the local job market. The cybersecurity sector is growing crazy fast, with a 28% growth rate that's way above the national average of 18%.

Major employers like CSX Corporation and Florida Blue are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent. Plus, tech professionals have the flexibility to choose between remote work (31%) or hybrid arrangements (56%), which is honestly amazing for work-life balance.

With over 3,000 tech positions available and salaries running 4.1% above the national average, Jacksonville isn't just another tech hub - it's becoming THE place to be for ambitious tech professionals.

For anyone looking to break into the industry, focusing on AI integration, cloud computing, and cybersecurity skills is definitely the way to go. The opportunities are massive, and with the right skills and determination, there's no limit to what you can achieve in Jacksonville's tech scene.