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

Joliet's tech scene is absolutely buzzing in 2025! With a super low 3.9% unemployment rate and major companies like Caterpillar and IBM driving innovation, the city's becoming a serious tech powerhouse.

The latest stats show a 25% growth in tech jobs since 2013, and it's not slowing down. What's really cool is that Will County is crushing it as Illinois' #1 county for job creation, with 17,900 new jobs added since 2019.

The city's got everything from AI and cybersecurity to sustainable energy projects taking off. Plus, with Walmart's new high-tech fulfillment center bringing over 1,000 tech jobs, there's never been a better time to jump into Joliet's tech scene.

The best part? Living costs are 20% below the national average, so your tech salary goes way further here. Whether you're into software engineering, cybersecurity, or data science, Joliet's got opportunities that could seriously level up your career.

Let's dive into the top 10 roles that are making waves in our city's tech revolution.

Creating a reliable ranking of high-paying tech jobs in Joliet requires careful analysis of multiple data sources and market trends. According to recent industry forecasts, the tech job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and data science roles.

Our methodology combines salary data from multiple sources with real-world demand indicators to create rankings that actually matter to job seekers. The numbers are pretty impressive - industry reports show that 55% of tech leaders are adjusting their hiring practices due to AI and automation advances, while 45% are increasing starting salaries to attract top talent.

We focused on positions showing serious growth potential, analyzing roles projected to expand by at least 25% through 2032.

The data reveals that cybersecurity engineers, cloud architects, and data scientists consistently rank among the highest-paid professionals, with salaries often exceeding $160,000 for experienced roles.

Latest market research indicates that IT managers and machine learning engineers are seeing especially strong demand, with median salaries reaching $169,510 and $161,286 respectively.

Our rankings also consider which roles are most crucial for business growth and innovation - we're talking about positions that directly impact a company's ability to compete in the digital space.

By combining salary potential with job security and growth opportunities, this ranking gives a real picture of what's happening in Joliet's tech scene.

The focus is on roles that not only pay well now but are likely to remain valuable as technology evolves. For anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career, these rankings show where the real opportunities are, backed by solid data and market analysis.

It's about finding that sweet spot between what pays well today and what companies will need tomorrow.

• High salary potential: Cybersecurity engineers, cloud architects, and data scientists have salaries often exceeding $160,000.
• Growth potential: Roles are projected to expand by at least 25% through 2032.
• Innovation impact: Positions directly affect a company's digital competitiveness.
• Strong demand: IT managers and machine learning engineers have median salaries of $169,510 and $161,286.

As a Software Engineer in Joliet, you can expect to earn an impressive average salary of $183,650 in 2025, making it one of the most financially rewarding tech careers.

Entry-level positions start at $173,350, which is seriously amazing for newcomers to the field. The tech scene in Joliet is growing fast, with a projected 15% increase in tech sector jobs, creating tons of opportunities for both fresh graduates and experienced pros.

Software Engineers here tackle exciting challenges like:

• Building AI-powered applications and cloud solutions: Engineers in Joliet are at the forefront of AI technology.
• Working with cutting-edge development tools like GitHub Copilot: Staying updated with the latest tech is key.
• Creating innovative solutions for emerging tech problems: Constant innovation is part of the daily job.

The best part about being a Software Engineer in Joliet? The job market is absolutely thriving.

Companies are constantly looking for talented developers, and they're willing to pay top dollar for skills. Plus, with the city's lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs, your salary goes way further here.

The local tech community is super active, with regular meetups and networking events where you can connect with other developers and learn about the latest tech trends.

What's really cool is that many companies are now more focused on skills than traditional credentials, making it easier for self-taught programmers and bootcamp graduates to break into the field.

If you're thinking about becoming a Software Engineer, Joliet offers the perfect mix of high pay, great opportunities, and a supportive tech community to help you grow your career.

IT Security Specialists in Joliet are crushing it in 2025, with salaries reaching up to $171,690 for experienced professionals, making it one of the hottest tech careers in the area.

According to recent salary data, even entry-level positions start around $99,753, which is seriously impressive for newcomers to the field.

The cybersecurity job market in Joliet is growing at a wild 9.4% annual rate, with over 1,200 positions expected to open up next year.

What's really cool is that 68% of these roles offer remote or hybrid work options, giving you the flexibility to work from anywhere.

The role involves protecting company networks, conducting security assessments, and staying ahead of cyber threats.

Key skills that employers are looking for include Python programming, network security protocols, and Linux proficiency. The average monthly earnings for specialists can reach $11,983, with the potential for impressive benefits packages including health insurance and student loan repayment plans.

For anyone looking to break into this field, certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, and GSEC are absolute game-changers for landing that first job.

The career path is pretty sweet too - you can start as a Security Analyst and work your way up to roles like CISO or Security Architect. With the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals expected to hit 3.5 million by 2025, there's never been a better time to jump into this field.

Companies are basically competing for talent, which means better salaries and perks for those with the right skills.

The role of Network Architect in Joliet has emerged as a seriously hot career path, ranking as the third highest-paying tech job for 2025. According to recent industry forecasts, Network Architects can expect a robust 13.4% job growth rate through 2033, with nearly 24,000 new positions being added nationwide.

In Joliet, the average salary ranges from $65,000 for entry-level positions to an impressive $171,021 for experienced professionals, making it one of the most financially rewarding tech careers in the area.

What makes this role particularly exciting is the hands-on work with cutting-edge technology.

Network Architects are the masterminds behind designing and implementing the complex network systems that power modern businesses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this field to grow much faster than average, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud services and the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

At Joliet Junior College, the local tech community is growing rapidly, with programs specifically designed to prepare students for these high-demand positions.

The college's partnerships with major tech employers and comprehensive training in network security, cloud infrastructure, and emerging technologies have resulted in an impressive 92% job placement rate for graduates.

The combination of strong educational support, competitive salaries, and abundant job opportunities makes Network Architecture an incredible career choice for anyone interested in shaping the future of technology in Joliet.

As someone looking to break into tech, it's worth noting that employers are particularly interested in candidates with hands-on experience in Python, Java, and cloud services.

The shift toward remote work has also created more flexible job arrangements, with many positions offering hybrid or fully remote options. This mix of technical challenge, excellent compensation, and work-life balance makes Network Architecture one of the most appealing tech careers in Joliet for 2025.

The Data Science field in Joliet is absolutely taking off in 2025, with salaries now reaching up to $160,617 annually.

The job market is seriously hot right now - there are over 550 Data Scientist positions

DevOps Engineers are crushing it in Joliet's tech scene, with salaries reaching an impressive $183,650 annually in 2024.

As someone who's obsessed with both coding and operations, I can tell you that this role is absolutely crucial for modern software development. DevOps professionals are the ultimate problem-solvers, working their magic to speed up code releases and make sure development and IT teams are totally in sync.

The coolest part? entry-level positions start around $85,865, and you can seriously level up your earnings with experience.

These tech wizards are responsible for building automation pipelines, managing cloud infrastructure, and creating scalable solutions that keep companies competitive.

The growth in this field is absolutely wild - we're looking at a 17% increase in job opportunities through 2033.

What makes this role even more exciting is how it combines technical skills with real problem-solving - you're not just coding, you're actually making things work better for entire organizations.

For anyone interested in tech in Joliet, DevOps is definitely where it's at right now.

The demand is real, the pay is fantastic, and you get to work with cutting-edge tools and technologies every single day. Plus, with more companies moving to cloud-based solutions, DevOps Engineers are becoming more valuable than ever.

It's perfect for anyone who loves both the technical side of things and working with different teams to make magic happen.

Cloud engineering is taking off in Joliet, where these tech professionals are shaping the future of digital infrastructure. According to recent salary data, cloud engineers in Joliet earn between $95,360 and $122,444, with the average hitting $107,161.

What's really interesting is that experienced professionals in nearby Bolingbrook are pulling in up to $167,638, showing the serious earning potential in this field.

The job market is super active, with a projected 25% growth rate in Joliet's tech industry, powered by major projects like the Lion Electric Factory.

The role goes way beyond just managing servers - cloud engineers are the architects of digital transformation.

They're handling everything from security protocols to system design, making sure businesses can scale up smoothly and stay protected. What's really cool is that companies are specifically looking for people with skills in AWS, Azure, and other major cloud platforms.

The shift to remote work has made cloud expertise even more valuable, with 68% of tech professionals now working either remotely or in hybrid setups.

Local tech surveys show that over 65% of Joliet's businesses are planning to expand their cloud solutions by the end of 2025.

This means tons of opportunities for anyone getting into cloud engineering right now. The best part? You don't need a traditional four-year degree - bootcamps and certifications can get you started in this field.

With the average tech salary in Joliet hitting $155,930 annually, and cloud roles often paying even more, it's definitely a career path worth considering.

AI Engineering in Joliet is seriously taking off in 2025, with salaries hitting up to $210,945 for experienced pros.

I'm totally excited to share that the field is growing like crazy - we're talking about a 25% boost in Joliet's tech scene, powered by major projects like the Lion Electric Factory.

The coolest part? Entry-level AI Engineers can start at around $44,000, but with just 2-4 years of experience, you can level up to $181,799.

That's some serious cash for doing what you love! What makes this even better is that 68% of local businesses are desperate for tech talent, especially in AI. If you're into Python, TensorFlow, or PyTorch, companies are literally waiting to snap you up.

The best part? You don't even need a fancy degree - bootcamps and certifications can get your foot in the door. Here's what's getting companies excited: AI Engineers are crushing it with machine learning applications, working on cutting-edge algorithms, and making real impact across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

It's not just about coding - you're basically shaping the future of how businesses operate. With 75 times more AI job postings than in 2022, this field is absolutely exploding.

Whether you're starting fresh or switching careers, AI Engineering in Joliet is where it's at. And honestly? The competition isn't even that fierce because the demand is way higher than the supply.

Time to get in on this!

Mobile app development is absolutely crushing it in Joliet's tech scene this year. As a Mobile Applications Developer, you're looking at an average salary of $110,498 nationwide, with Joliet's compensation being super competitive.

The field is growing like crazy, with global app revenues expected to hit $935 billion - that's billions with a B! Local tech companies are all about mobile innovation, and Joliet's top development firms are delivering next-level solutions for both startups and major corporations.

What makes this role even better is the flexibility - over 70% of developers can work remotely or hybrid, perfect for maintaining that work-life balance. The skills you need? Getting solid with languages like Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android, plus cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native.

Companies in Joliet are specifically looking for devs who can handle AI integration, 5G connectivity, and AR/VR experiences.

With smartphone users worldwide hitting 7.6 billion, the opportunities are literally endless. Plus, Joliet's tech community is super supportive, with regular meetups and workshops where you can network with other developers and learn the latest tech.

Whether you're building e-commerce apps, health tech solutions, or the next big social platform, mobile app development is definitely where the action is in 2025.

In Joliet's growing tech scene, UX/UI Designers are crushing it with exciting career opportunities and competitive salaries. According to recent salary data, UX/UI designers in Joliet can expect to earn between $52,000 to $93,000 annually, with potential for additional compensation averaging around $7,000 per year.

The role has seriously evolved, and the latest industry reports show that UX designers across the U.S. are making an average of $94,747, with senior positions pulling in up to $154,452.

The job market in Joliet is heating up, with companies actively seeking designers who can create amazing digital experiences.

Entry-level designers typically start around $70,000, but with some solid experience and a killer portfolio, that number can jump significantly. Illinois-based UX/UI designers are seeing even better numbers, with average salaries hitting $107,500 annually, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the region.

What makes this role super interesting is how it combines creativity with problem-solving.

Companies in Joliet are investing heavily in user experience because they know it directly impacts their bottom line. As a UX/UI designer here, you're not just pushing pixels - you're shaping how people interact with technology every day.

The skills you need? A mix of design tools like Figma or Adobe XD, strong research abilities, and the confidence to present your ideas to different teams. With more companies going digital, the opportunities for growth in Joliet's tech scene are looking pretty sweet for 2025 and beyond.

As a Technical Support Specialist in Joliet's tech scene for 2025, you're looking at an exciting career with serious growth potential.

The role has evolved way beyond basic troubleshooting - these specialists are now the go-to problem solvers keeping businesses running smoothly in our digital-first world.

According to recent data, the field is growing at a solid 5% rate through 2032, with the median salary hitting $59,660 annually. The technical support services are projected to reach a market value of $111 billion by 2033, showing just how essential this role has become.

The job involves more than just fixing tech issues - you'll be juggling multiple tasks like system maintenance, software updates, and helping users get the most out of their tech.

What makes this role especially appealing is that you don't necessarily need a four-year degree to get started. Instead, focusing on getting the right technical certifications and skills can open doors to this career path.

Companies in Joliet are actively seeking specialists who can handle everything from basic troubleshooting to more complex system issues, making this an ideal entry point into the tech industry.

The best part? There's tons of room for growth - you could move up to roles in cybersecurity, network administration, or IT management. With the increasing reliance on technology in every sector, the demand for skilled tech support specialists isn't just a trend - it's a long-term career opportunity that's here to stay.

Looking at Joliet's tech scene in 2025, it's honestly mind-blowing! Recent market analysis shows that 68% of local companies are desperately searching for tech talent, and entry-level salaries are starting at $68,000 for developers.

The city is totally transforming into this incredible tech hub, especially with companies like Caterpillar, Ecolab, and Gotion setting up shop here. What's really cool is how cloud computing and AI jobs are leading the charge, with Cloud Architects making up to $210,945 annually - that's seriously impressive! The best part? You don't even need a traditional degree to break into tech here.

Bootcamps and certifications are becoming the fast track to success, especially for roles in cybersecurity and full-stack development. Local workforce development programs are making it super accessible with transportation assistance and even paid internships.

Plus, with the rise of remote work, you can live in Joliet while working for companies anywhere in the world. For someone like me just starting in tech, the opportunities here are literally endless!