Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Lafayette in 2024

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 13th 2024

Lafayette tech industry 2024 showcasing high-paying jobs within emerging digital landscapes.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Lafayette, Louisiana, is an emerging tech hub with the tech industry expected to inject $2.7 billion into the economy by 2024. Key companies like CGI, Enquero, and Perficient drive demand for top talent. Top tech salaries include Software Engineers at $82,000; Data Scientists at $128,000; and Network Architects at $133,108, showcasing Lafayette's lucrative job market. With job growth predicted at 12.5%, the city's vibrant scene offers immense opportunities across AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, supported by local talent from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

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

If you're a recent grad looking to kick-start your tech career in 2024, Lafayette, Louisiana should be on your radar. This place is transforming into a major tech powerhouse, attracting innovative companies and top talent.

By next year, experts predict the tech industry will pump a staggering $2.7 billion into Louisiana's economy, and Lafayette is leading the charge:

  • Lafayette is ranked among the top 20 metros for tech talent, adding over 1,200 high-paying jobs since 2018. Key focus: tech talent ranking, job growth.
  • Tech giants like CGI, Enquero, and Perficient have set up shop here, hunting for skilled pros like you. Key focus: presence of tech giants, employment demand.
  • The University of Louisiana at Lafayette churns out over 600 tech graduates annually, fueling the local talent pool. Key focus: educational contribution, tech graduates.

As Gregg Gothreaux, President of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, puts it,

"With our low living costs and business-friendly environment, paired with an awesome quality of life, Lafayette offers the perfect spot for tech companies and their employees to thrive."

So, if you're ready to dive into the fast-paced, lucrative world of tech, this vibrant city should be your go-to destination in 2024.

Just check out our articles on top-paying tech jobs, in-demand roles, and companies to work for to get a head start.

Table of Contents

  • Methodology: How We Ranked the Top Tech Jobs
  • Software Engineer: Leading the Pack in Salaries
  • Data Scientist: High Demand, High Reward
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting Data Pays Well
  • Cloud Engineer: Navigating Lafayette's Digital Skies
  • DevOps Engineer: Bridging Development and Operations
  • AI/Machine Learning Engineer: Crafting Lafayette's Future
  • Web Developer: The Backbone of Digital Presence
  • UX/UI Designer: Designing the Future of User Experience
  • Network Architect: Building the Digital Infrastructure
  • Conclusion: Embracing Lafayette's Tech Opportunities
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology: How We Ranked the Top Tech Jobs

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To figure out the hottest tech gigs in Lafayette for '24, we dug deep into legit sources like the Bureau of Labor Stats, Louisiana Workforce Commission, and Lafayette Economic Development Authority.

We wanted the 411 on salaries, job growth, and opportunities that are embracing diversity and innovation.

The cash flow was a major factor.

But we also looked at companies fostering an inclusive vibe, 'cause studies show that leads to more innovation and revenue.

Plus, with tech jobs in Lafayette projected to surge by 12.5% (compared to the national 8.4%), we wanted roles with serious growth potential.

So, we evaluated the whole package: median salaries, job growth predictions, diversity initiatives, and skill demand for advancement.

Our ranking highlights the roles that hit all those marks, giving you a crystal-clear view of the best tech careers to pursue in Lafayette.

It's an insider's guide to landing a sweet gig that aligns with your ambitions and values.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Software Engineer: Leading the Pack in Salaries

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Software engineering is where it's at in Lafayette right now! The average total compensation for these code whizzes hit $82,000 in 2024, making it one of the highest-paid tech gigs in the area.

The salary range goes from $67,000 at the 25th percentile all the way up to a mind-blowing $130,000 for the top dogs! Safe to say, if you can sling code like a pro, Lafayette's got your back with some serious cash.

But it ain't just about the Benjamins.

To make it big as a junior software engineer in Lafayette, you gotta have that solid skill stack.

We're talking expertise in programming languages like Python, Java, and maybe even some C++. Plus, you better be up to speed with the latest dev methodologies like Agile and DevOps.

Knowing your way around frameworks like React and Angular is also a major flex.

Lafayette's tech scene is poppin' with companies like CGI, Waitr, and Perficient leading the charge in hiring top software talent.

But don't sleep on the startup game either – these up-and-comers are where you can really make your mark and work on some cutting-edge projects. And let's be real, who doesn't want to be part of the next big thing?

Once you've made your bones as a software engineer in Lafayette, you can level up and specialize in some seriously cool fields like AI, machine learning, or even cybersecurity.

Talk about future-proofing your career! As Lafayette's tech industry keeps growing, you can bet your bottom dollar that software engineers will be front and center, shaping the city's digital landscape and making a serious impact.

Data Scientist: High Demand, High Reward

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Data Scientists in Louisiana are making some serious bank - we're talking an average of $128,000 per year! That's a lotta cash for crunching those numbers and making sense of all that crazy data.

But it's not just about the Benjamins, it's about being on the cutting edge of tech, helping companies make smart moves based on real facts and figures.

To rock this gig, you gotta have some mad skills though.

We're talking knowing your way around programming languages like Python and R, getting cozy with machine learning algorithms, and being a whiz at data visualization.

It's all about turning those massive data dumps into something a CEO can actually understand.

And the best part? Companies in Lafayette are hungry for data scientists like never before.

We're talking big names like Frank's International, Waitr, and Enquero - they can't get enough of those sweet, sweet data-driven insights.

With a projected job growth of 22% by 2024, this is one career path that's hotter than a fresh bag of Taki's.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting Data Pays Well

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In this digital age, Cybersecurity Analysts are the superheroes protecting businesses from online villains.

These tech geniuses keep a watchful eye, spotting any shady activity and kicking hackers to the curb. With an average salary of around $92,000 in Lafayette for 2024, it's a sweet gig if you've got the skills to pay the bills.

To be a true Cybersecurity crusader, you need to be a master of:

  • Risk assessment: Sizing up risks and having a plan to shut them down
  • Security tools: Wielding security tools like firewalls and antivirus software like Thor's hammer
  • Ethical hacking: Ethical hacking – think of it as spying on the bad guys to beat them at their own game
  • Regulatory knowledge: Knowing all the rules and regulations backward and forward, so you can keep businesses out of hot water

In Lafayette, companies are going digital at warp speed, which means they need to stay one step ahead of the cyber crooks.

  1. Data protection: Locking down customer data tighter than Fort Knox
  2. Remote security: Securing remote workers' setups, so the office doesn't become a free-for-all
  3. Threat prevention: Blocking those pesky ransomware jerks and phishing scams from crashing the party
  4. Compliance: Keeping everything legit and following data privacy laws to a T

Big names like CGI, Enquero, and Perficient are on the hunt for Cybersecurity rockstars to protect their digital fortresses.

As Lafayette's tech scene keeps booming, these cyber guardians will be in hot demand, raking in some serious cash while keeping the bad guys at bay.

After all, as the wise Bruce Schneier said,

"Security is a process, not a product."

In Lafayette, Cybersecurity Analysts are the ones making sure that process is locked down tight.

Cloud Engineer: Navigating Lafayette's Digital Skies

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Lafayette's tech scene is buzzing with cloud engineer jobs, and it's no surprise why! These tech wizards are the ones making sure companies can take their biz to the cloud without any hiccups.

They handle everything from designing cloud systems to keeping them running smooth and secure. With businesses going all-in on cloud computing, having a skilled cloud engineer is crucial.

The average pay for a cloud engineer in Lafayette is projected to hit a whopping $112,000 by 2024! That's some serious cash for a gig that's in high demand.

Companies like CGI and others are on the hunt for cloud talent, and it's easy to see why.

By 2024, around 68% of businesses in Lafayette are expected to be running on cloud platforms. Industries like healthcare, finance, and tech are leading the charge, looking to take advantage of the cloud's agility, cost-efficiency, and scalability.

To stand out in this field, cloud engineers need to stack up on certifications that prove their mad skills. The ones that'll be hot in 2024 include:

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
    This certification shows an advanced level of proficiency in AWS platform architecture design.
  • Microsoft's Azure Solutions Architect Expert
    Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure.
  • Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
    Validates skills in designing and managing solutions on Google Cloud.
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
    Enhances skills in cloud security architecture, design, and operations.

With these certs under their belt, cloud engineers in Lafayette can show they've got the skills to tackle any cloud challenge that comes their way.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

DevOps Engineer: Bridging Development and Operations

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DevOps combines development and operations to increase software delivery speed and security. It's basically a philosophy that brings devs and ops teams together for efficiency.

With DevOps gaining traction, DevOps Engineers are in high demand, especially in tech hotspots like Lafayette, Louisiana.

PayScale projects the average DevOps Engineer salary in Lafayette for 2024 to be $92,314 per year, with top earners potentially raking in over $120,000 annually.

This competitive pay reflects the crucial role DevOps Engineers play in organizations adopting agile and cloud-native approaches. Companies in Lafayette actively seeking DevOps talent include CGI, Perficient, Enquero, Waitr, and Viemed Healthcare.

To crush it as a DevOps Engineer in 2024, you'll need to master skills like coding (Python, Go, Ruby), containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes), Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible, Puppet), Continuous Integration/Deployment pipelines, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and monitoring/logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack).

As Lafayette's tech scene evolves, the demand for DevOps Engineers will only intensify.

"DevOps is the future of software development," says Charles White, CEO of a leading local tech firm. "It enables us to deliver value to customers faster while maintaining high quality."

  • Coding skills are essential for DevOps Engineers; you'll need to know languages like Python and Ruby.
  • Containerization proficiency is important; tools like Docker and Kubernetes are crucial.
  • Understanding Infrastructure as Code will enhance your skills; Terraform and Ansible are key.
  • Continuous Integration/Deployment pipelines are vital for efficiency in releasing software.
  • Proficiency in cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, is highly valuable.
  • Utilizing monitoring/logging tools will help identify issues; use Prometheus and Grafana.

AI/Machine Learning Engineer: Crafting Lafayette's Future

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The world of tech in Lafayette is about to get lit with AI and machine learning taking over big time by 2024.

These cutting-edge technologies are gonna be the game-changers, and businesses are scrambling to get their hands on pros who can work their magic. If you're an AI/ML engineer, Richard Martinez is the place to be.

The average salary for this gig is expected to hit a whopping $112,000 annually, and companies are thirsting for skills like programming in Python, R, Java, and C++, mastering frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, and having a solid grip on data mining, visualization, and deep learning concepts.

Major players like CGI, Perficient, and Enquero are leading the charge, hunting for AI/ML talent to help them stay ahead of the game.

The future is all about computer vision, reinforcement learning, and ethical AI practices, so if you've got those skills locked down, you're golden. Lafayette is quickly becoming a tech hotspot, and AI/ML engineers are the ones crafting the solutions that will drive business growth and boost efficiency to the next level.

Web Developer: The Backbone of Digital Presence

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Lafayette's buzzing tech scene is where it's at for web developers looking to cash in big time in 2024. These code slayers are the masterminds behind killer online presences that keep audiences hooked.

The average annual paycheck for a web dev in Lafayette is projected to be a solid $80,000.

To crush it in this game, you gotta be a multi-talented badass, flexing skills across a wide range of essential technologies.

Here's what the top dogs in Lafayette will be hunting for in 2024:

  • HTML, CSS, and JavaScript - Mastery of front-end wizardry
  • React, Angular, Vue.js - Skill in front-end framework sorcery
  • Node.js, Python, Ruby - Expertise in back-end coding magic
  • Git - Command of version control mastery
  • Responsive design - Ensuring sites look crisp on any device
  • Agile development - Capable of staying nimble and adaptive

Companies across all sectors are wising up to the massive impact of a killer digital presence.

That's why Lafayette's top web dev firms like Gizmo Solutions, Fireant Studio, and Pixel Circus are gearing up for explosive growth in 2024.

As their client rosters expand, the demand for skilled web devs will skyrocket, opening up some seriously lucrative opportunities for those ready to shape Lafayette's digital future.

UX/UI Designer: Designing the Future of User Experience

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The UI/UX designer scene in Louisiana is remarkable right now! According to the latest data, the average salary for these tech wizards is a mind-blowing $124,200 per year or $59.71 per hour.

Entry-level positions are starting at a solid $100,625, but the real ballers with mad experience are raking in up to $164,270 annually. Talk about some serious cash flow!

The numbers are equally impressive if you're eyeing a gig as a UX designer specifically.

The average salary in Louisiana stands at $123,800 per year or $59.52 per hour. Entry-level roles kick off at $97,500, while the seasoned pros can score up to $163,600 annually.

It's like winning the tech job lottery!

Now, if you're looking to make some serious moves in the Lafayette scene, keep your eyes peeled for openings at top-notch companies like Frank's International.

These guys are at the forefront of cutting-edge web projects, and they're willing to pay the big bucks for top-tier UX/UI talent. Plus, you'll be part of a team that's shaping the future of digital experiences.

Talk about a win-win situation!

Network Architect: Building the Digital Infrastructure

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Lafayette's digital scene is getting hotter by the minute, and Network Architects are the ones calling the shots! These tech wizards are building the high-speed internet highways that keep businesses running smoothly.

The average paycheck for a Network Architect in Louisiana is a mind-blowing $133,108 per year! That's some serious cash to be raking in while you're just 20-something.

But being a Network Architect isn't just about the Benjamins, it's about shaping the future of tech.

These coding ninjas are the masterminds behind the complex networks that power everything from remote work to cloud computing. With companies going all-in on digital, having a rock-solid network setup is non-negotiable.

And who better to design and implement these intricate systems than the Network Architect crew?

To join their ranks in 2024, you'll need to bring your A-game.

We're talking a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, plus some serious skills in network protocols, security practices, and configuration tools like Cisco and Juniper.

But that's not all – you'll also need to be a coding MacGyver, ready to troubleshoot network issues on the fly and work seamlessly with cross-functional teams.

Oh, and certifications like CCNP or JNCIP? Those will give you a serious edge in the job market, making you a true network maverick.

Conclusion: Embracing Lafayette's Tech Opportunities

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Lafayette, the tech scene here is getting hotter than a Louisiana summer! With new companies adding jobs left and right, the opportunities for scoring a sweet tech gig are through the roof.

We're talking major money and the chance to be part of cutting-edge projects that could change the game.

Just check out these jaw-dropping salaries for top tech roles in 2024: Computer and info systems managers are raking in a whopping $169,510 on average, while software developers and network architects are netting six-figure incomes too.

Even entry-level positions like web developers and data scientists are scoring serious cash, with average salaries over $100K.

The best part? Lafayette is doubling down on becoming a prime tech hub.

Experts predict the local tech industry will explode by 18% in the next few years, creating a surge of new job openings.

Plus, with Purdue University cranking out top-notch talent and initiatives like the Opportunity Machine supporting startups, Lafayette is quickly becoming a breeding ground for innovation.

So if you're looking to level up your career and bank some serious cash, Lafayette is the place to be.

Whether you're a coding wizard, cybersecurity pro, or data ninja, there's a high-paying tech role with your name on it. Just remember to skill up with the right training from Nucamp, and you'll be set to conquer the tech world in Lafayette.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is Lafayette, Louisiana becoming a popular destination for tech jobs in 2024?

Lafayette is attracting innovative companies due to its low living costs, business-friendly environment, and rising tech scene. The area is predicted to add $2.7 billion to Louisiana's economy by 2024, creating numerous high-paying tech jobs.

Which companies are setting up operations in Lafayette and creating tech job opportunities?

Tech giants such as CGI, Enquero, and Perficient have established their presence in Lafayette, actively searching for skilled professionals in various tech fields.

What are the top tech jobs in Lafayette with high salary potential in 2024?

Top tech jobs in Lafayette for 2024 include Software Engineer ($82,000 average), Data Scientist ($128,000 average), Cybersecurity Analyst ($92,000 average), Cloud Engineer ($112,000 average), and DevOps Engineer ($92,314 average).

How are tech roles ranked in the Lafayette job market?

The ranking of tech roles in Lafayette considers factors such as salary potential, job growth predictions, and demand for skills. The evaluation includes data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana Workforce Commission, and Lafayette Economic Development Authority.

What skills are necessary for high-paying tech roles in Lafayette?

In-demand skills for high-paying tech roles in Lafayette include proficiency in coding languages (Python, Java), familiarity with frameworks (React, Angular), machine learning algorithms, cloud platforms, data visualization, risk assessment, and understanding of security protocols.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.