Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Knoxville

Knoxville's tech game is on fire, and there's no better time to score one of those high-paying roles! According to the latest economic outlook report, job opportunities in this field are expected to skyrocket by 20% by 2024.

With heavy hitters like Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee leading the charge, Knoxville is rapidly becoming a tech powerhouse you can't ignore.

But why aim for these coveted tech gigs? For starters, they offer serious financial stability and room for growth.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average tech salary in Knoxville is a sweet $75,000 per year – way higher than the city's overall average of $49,000.

With the right skills and experience, you could land some seriously lucrative roles like Data Scientist at Pilot Flying J, Software Development Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, or Mobile App Developer.

As Knoxville's tech prowess continues to rise, now's the time to explore these exciting career paths.

The opportunities are endless, from networking events and meetups to internships and entry-level positions.

Let's dive into the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in the area!

To rank the hottest high-paying tech jobs in Knoxville, we went all out, considering multiple factors. First up, we checked out legit salary data sources like Glassdoor and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to get the real scoop on what tech roles in Knoxville are raking in the big bucks.

We prioritized gigs with consistently high average salaries, ensuring you can live that ballin' lifestyle without breaking the bank.

But it's not just about the Benjamins.

We also looked at job growth projections and the demand for specific tech skills in Knoxville. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development's 2022-2024 Projections Report, roles like:

• Software Developers are expected to grow by a massive 12.4%.
• Computer Systems Analysts by a solid 11.5%.
• Information Security Analysts by an insane 21.9%.

This data shows that the demand for tech talent in Knoxville is lit, meaning long-term career prospects for those in these fields are on fire.

And let's not forget about Knoxville's booming tech scene, home to major players like Discovery Inc. and Scripps Networks Interactive, as well as tech giants like Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

As this tech hub keeps growing, the need for skilled pros across various domains will skyrocket. Our ranking highlights the most lucrative and in-demand tech careers in Knoxville, giving you the inside scoop on where to focus your efforts for a killer career.

When it comes to scoring the top-paying tech gig in Knoxville, being a Research Software Engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is where it's at.

This place is like the holy grail of scientific research, and their software engineers are the real MVPs behind making groundbreaking discoveries happen.

As a Research Software Engineer, your main responsibilities would be flexing your coding muscles to build cutting-edge software that powers ORNL's mind-blowing projects.

You'd be working closely with the smartest minds in science, engineering, and computer science to turn their wildest dreams into reality. But that's not all – you'd also be responsible for optimizing the performance of these software systems, ensuring they can handle the most intense computations without breaking a sweat.

The average salary for this role is a whopping $112,000 per year! Talk about cashing in while doing something truly meaningful.

But the best part? Knoxville is like a hidden gem, with a vibrant tech scene and an affordable cost of living that'll make your paycheck go further. As ORNL continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the demand for top-notch software engineers like you is only going to skyrocket.

So, if you've got the skills and the passion, this opportunity is definitely worth considering.

Check this out! Data Analysts at Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) are killing it! These tech wizards get to play with all sorts of data, from customer info to operational systems and geographic mapping.

Their job is to take this raw data and turn it into pure magic - powerful insights that help KUB run smoother and deliver better services to customers.

But it's not just crunching numbers all day.

KUB's Data Analysts get to flex their creative muscles by building dashboards, reports, and visualizations that make complex data super easy to understand.

And they get to collaborate with different teams across the company, working on projects that drive real change.

The best part? This gig pays serious cash! According to the job listing, the salary range for a Data Analyst at KUB is between $51,900 and $94,300 per year.

Not too shabby for a job that lets you solve puzzles and make a real impact, right? With Knoxville's booming tech scene, you know there are plenty of opportunities to grow and advance your career.

Let's talk about one of the sickest tech gigs in Knoxville - being an IT Manager at the University of Tennessee.

Imagine being the boss, calling all the shots when it comes to the uni's massive tech setup. You'd be running the show, making sure everything from the classroom computers to the research labs is on point and up-to-date.

As an IT Manager, your daily grind would involve stuff like:

• Mapping out the future: Crafting killer IT strategies that align with the uni's goals, keeping them ahead of the game.
• Leading the pack: Managing a crew of tech wizards, helping them level up their skills and productivity.
• Keeping it funded: Handling the IT department's budget like a pro, making sure every dollar is spent wisely.
• Project Mastermind: Spearheading major IT projects, ensuring they're delivered on time and without hiccups.
• Cyber Lockdown: Implementing tight cybersecurity measures and making sure the uni stays compliant with all the rules and regulations.

Now, the best part - the cash flow.

According to Glassdoor, IT Managers in Knoxville rake in an average base pay of $97,000 per year.

That's not even counting the sweet benefits package with healthcare, retirement plans, and opportunities for further education. Cha-ching!

In the words of the University of Tennessee System,

"IT Managers are the backbone of an institution's technological infrastructure, ensuring students, faculty, and staff have access to cutting-edge resources for seamless collaboration, research, and operations."

Sounds like a game-changer role to me!

In this digital era, cybersecurity has become crucial for healthcare, and Knoxville's Covenant Health knows it.

They're hiring skilled Cybersecurity Analysts to protect patient data and keep their systems secure. These analysts have a great deal on their plate, like monitoring networks, identifying threats, implementing top-notch security measures, responding to incidents quickly, and collaborating with teams to enhance protocols.

They must stay ahead of emerging cyber dangers too.

With healthcare being a prime target for cyberattacks, establishing robust cybersecurity aligns with patient safety.

Covenant knows this, which is why their Cybersecurity Analysts are so vital. These analysts are projected to earn around $95,760 in Knoxville in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's a significant salary for a role that's crucial in protecting sensitive data and complying with regulations. As cybercrime escalates, Covenant is committed to maintaining tight security, making this position both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling for those skilled in the cybersecurity field.

Want to dive deeper into Knoxville's thriving tech scene? Check out our breakdown of the top-paid tech jobs, the highest-paying tech companies, and the most in-demand tech roles in Knoxville for 2024.

If you're looking for a seriously sweet gig in the tech world, being a cloud solutions architect at a company like Scripps Networks Interactive is where it's at.

These folks are all about designing and managing the cloud infrastructure that keeps businesses running smoothly.

According to the job description, a cloud architect in Knoxville can rake in an average of $128,418 per year in 2024, with top earners scoring up to $167,000 annually.

That's some serious cash to play with!

So, what exactly does a cloud solutions architect do? They're the masterminds behind designing scalable and secure cloud systems that keep businesses ahead of the game.

From migrating to the cloud and ensuring compliance with regulations to optimizing performance and planning for future growth, these tech geniuses have their hands in everything.

But it's not just about the technical skills – they've got to be total team players, collaborating with different departments to understand their needs and communicate complex concepts in a way that everyone can understand. It's like being a translator between the tech wizards and the business folks.

And let's not forget about the sweet perks! At a company like Scripps, you might get to work on some seriously cool projects, like cutting CGI render times by 95% or earning certifications in AWS Cloud Solutions.

Talk about leveling up your skills and building an impressive resume!

In this digital age, being a UI/UX Designer is totally the move if you want to create mind-blowing user experiences.

At Tombras Group, these tech wizards are straight-up experts at shaping how we interact with all kinds of digital products. Their main gig includes things like researching the target audience to understand their needs, developing wireframes and prototypes to visualize the design, and creating visual designs that are both aesthetic and user-friendly.

They also test the designs with real users to ensure everything flows smoothly and make adjustments based on feedback.

With businesses going all-in on digital, the demand for talented UI/UX Designers in Knoxville is skyrocketing.

According to the latest stats, the average salary for this role in 2024 is projected to be a solid $74,000, which is pretty sweet.

These designers play a crucial part in shaping a company's digital presence, ensuring that users have an awesome experience from start to finish. A well-designed interface can make all the difference in attracting and retaining customers, ultimately driving success for the business.

At Tombras Group, UI/UX Designers collaborate with marketing gurus, developers, and brand strategists to create digital experiences that are both visually stunning and highly functional.

Robert Anderson, the Lead UI/UX Designer, sums it up perfectly:

"Good design isn't just about looking cool; it's about crafting intuitive and enjoyable experiences that truly connect with users and contribute to a company's bottom line."

With their skills in high demand, these designers are the MVPs of the digital world.

The mobile app game in Knoxville is straight fire, and Jewelry Television is leading the pack. As a Mobile Application Developer there, you'll be crafting some sick apps that'll make users go crazy!

Your main gigs would be:

• App Design: Team up with the UX/UI crew to dream up mobile app interfaces that are both slick and on-brand for Jewelry Television's customers.
• App Development: Get your hands dirty with cutting-edge programming languages and frameworks, building mobile apps for iOS and Android that'll blow everyone's minds.
• Testing and Deployment: Put those apps through their paces, making sure they're running smooth across devices and OS versions. Then, work with the DevOps squad to roll 'em out seamlessly.

According to Zippia, Mobile App Devs in Knoxville are raking in an average of $104,200 per year.

With Knoxville's tech scene popping off, the demand for mobile app wizards like you is skyrocketing.

Businesses like Jewelry Television know that having a killer mobile presence is a must to stay ahead of the game.

"Mobile apps aren't just a trend anymore; they're essential for companies to stay competitive and give customers what they want," says Mary Thompson, Jewelry Television's CEO.

Let's talk about the Network Engineer role at Pilot Flying J, landing at #8 on our list of high-paying tech gigs in Knoxville.

As a network engineer there, you'd be the wizard behind the company's digital veins, designing and maintaining the networks that keep their data flowing smoothly across systems and devices.

It's a pretty job, with responsibilities like:

• Network Design and Architecture: Crafting network architectures that align with the company's game plan, factoring in crucial elements like security, scalability, and peak performance.
• Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Keeping a watchful eye on network performance, swiftly identifying and squashing issues, and ensuring critical operations stay online without a hitch.
• Security and Compliance: Implementing robust security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and access controls to protect the network from cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Network Engineer in Knoxville could rake in around $72,810 in 2024 on average.

Not too shabby, right? But the pay can vary based on factors like experience, certifications, and the specific company.

Network engineers are the unsung heroes keeping business operations running smoothly, especially for companies like Pilot Flying J that heavily rely on seamless communication and data exchange across multiple locations.

A well-designed and maintained network infrastructure is crucial for enabling efficient logistics, inventory management, and top-notch customer service, ultimately contributing to the company's success and growth.

As John Thomas, CIO at Pilot Flying J, puts it, "Network engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring our IT systems function optimally, allowing us to provide exceptional service to our customers and streamline our operations."

Nowadays, companies are all about that data life, and Bush Brothers & Company is no exception. The Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst role is where it's at if you want to be a part of the data revolution.

In Knoxville, these BI wizards at places like Bush Brothers are in high demand for their skills in turning raw data into insights that actually make sense.

According to the good folks at Glassdoor, the average BI Analyst in Knoxville rakes in around $75,000 per year.

But the real ballers in this field can make over $100,000 annually, which just shows how much companies value these data pros. At Bush Brothers, a major player in the baked beans and canned food game, BI Analysts are key players in roles like:

• Sales and marketing data analysis: Analyzing sales and marketing data to spot trends and new opportunities.
• Data visualization tools creation: Creating slick data visualization tools and dashboards for the bosses to make informed decisions.
• Department collaboration: Teaming up with different departments to optimize business processes.
• Cost and efficiency improvements: Identifying areas where they can cut costs and boost efficiency.

With the insane amount of data businesses are dealing with these days, having a solid BI game is crucial.

As Rita Sallam from Gartner puts it,

"Organizations need modern analytics and BI platforms to uncover insights from data and drive data-driven decision making."

BI Analysts are the ones making that happen, turning numbers into narratives that help businesses grow and achieve their goals.

It's a big deal at Bush Brothers, and companies everywhere are realizing how valuable these data whizzes truly are.

The DevOps Engineer role at Discovery, Inc. in Knoxville is where it's at if you're looking to level up your career game.

DevOps is the coolest combo of development and operations, and these engineers are the real MVPs of the software world, keeping everything running smooth like butter.

Here's the deal: DevOps Engineers are absolute bosses at building and maintaining those sweet CI/CD pipelines, automating the software delivery process so it flows seamlessly.

They're also masters of infrastructure as code (IaC), managing cloud resources with surgical precision. And let's not forget about monitoring app performance and system health – these guys are like the guardians of the digital realm, always on the lookout for any hiccups.

DevOps Engineers are the ultimate team players, facilitating collaboration between development, operations, and QA squads.

They're like the glue that holds it all together, ensuring everyone's on the same page and nothing falls through the cracks. And let's be real, security is no joke, so they make sure everything is locked down tighter than Fort Knox.

Now, the real question: how much can you bank as a DevOps Engineer in Knoxville? We're talking an average base salary of around $97,000 in 2024, according to the good folks at Glassdoor.

Not too shabby, right? Of course, your actual pay could vary depending on your experience, skills, and the company you roll with.

Bottom line, if you want to be part of the cutting-edge of software development, DevOps Engineering is where it's at.

These tech wizards are in high demand, and with their expertise in automation, cloud computing, and agile methodologies, they're essential for companies to stay ahead of the game.

So, if you've got what it takes, Knoxville's DevOps scene might just be your ticket to the big leagues.

Knoxville's tech job market is absolutely killing it! The city is becoming a total hotspot for all things tech, and the opportunities are only going to keep growing.

According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the demand for tech pros in Knoxville is projected to skyrocket by a whopping 18% between 2020 and 2024, which is way higher than the national average.

This surge is fueled by Knoxville's thriving industries like healthcare, energy, and manufacturing, all of which are leaning hard into cutting-edge tech solutions.

As Knoxville's tech scene continues to level up, several trends are shaping the future of tech careers in the region:

1. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand to lock down critical infrastructure and protect against cyber threats. The rise in cyber threats has made cybersecurity a top priority.
2. Cloud computing is being adopted like crazy, creating a need for cloud architects, engineers, and developers. Businesses are leveraging cloud solutions for scalability and efficiency.
3. Companies are all about data-driven decision-making, opening up opportunities for data scientists, business intelligence analysts, and machine learning experts. Data is the new oil, fueling strategic business decisions.
4. The Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city initiatives are on the rise, requiring skilled professionals in embedded systems, networking, and software development. IoT is transforming everyday devices into smarter, more efficient tools.

According to the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, the average salary for tech jobs in the region is a hefty $72,500, which is significantly higher than the national average.

It's remarkable that Knoxville also has a lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs, so you can live life to the fullest without breaking the bank.

With its thriving tech ecosystem, competitive salaries, and affordable living costs, Knoxville is an absolute goldmine for anyone looking to start a career in tech.

As the demand for skilled tech professionals continues to skyrocket, those who invest in developing relevant skills and expertise will be in prime position to capitalize on the endless opportunities Knoxville has to offer.

As Sarah Moore, Executive Director of the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, puts it,

"Knoxville is quickly becoming a tech powerhouse, offering a unique blend of established industries and innovative startups. For those seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in technology, Knoxville should be at the top of their list."