Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Lexington Fayette in 2025

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: January 3rd 2025

Top-paying tech jobs in Lexington Fayette, KY 2025.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

In 2025, Lexington Fayette's tech scene is thriving, with a notable 4.1% employment growth and a projection of 3.5 million STEM openings by 2025. Key tech jobs include Data Scientists earning $105,000-$112,000, Software Engineers at $80,000-$160,000, and Cloud Architects reaching $129,700-$201,572. AI/ML Engineers see salaries up to $227,422, with the region's affordable living enhancing career growth. With investments exceeding $500 million in tech and a strong focus on education, Lexington is a hub for high-paying tech opportunities.

The tech scene in Lexington Fayette is absolutely crushing it in 2025! According to recent economic data, the region saw a massive 4.1% employment growth last year, way above the usual average.

What's really exciting is how Kentucky's tech sector is set to fill about 3.5 million STEM openings by 2025.

The city's getting this incredible boost from major developments like The HILL, a new tech education hub opening in fall 2025, which is going to triple the number of students getting tech training.

Plus, the University of Kentucky's engineering program is aiming for 6,000 students by 2025, up from 3,900. Companies are loving Lexington's mix of affordable living costs and growing talent pool - we're talking average tech salaries hitting $92,670 for software engineers and climbing up to $129,700 for cloud architects.

The tech roles we'll explore next show just how much opportunity there is here, whether you're into coding, cybersecurity, or data science. The future's looking bright for anyone wanting to jump into Lexington's tech revolution!

Table of Contents

  • Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
  • 1. Data Scientist
  • 2. Software Engineer
  • 3. Cybersecurity Analyst
  • 4. Cloud Solutions Architect
  • 5. AI/ML Engineer
  • 6. IT Manager
  • 7. UX/UI Designer
  • 8. Network Architect
  • 9. DevOps Engineer
  • 10. Blockchain Developer
  • Conclusion: The Future of Tech Jobs in Lexington Fayette
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs

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Let me break down how we ranked these tech jobs in Lexington Fayette - it's actually pretty interesting. Based on recent salary research, tech jobs are seeing major growth with AI architects hitting over $200K in some cases.

When looking at local data, we analyzed everything from entry-level positions starting around $85K to senior roles reaching $140K+. The coolest part? According to Mondo's latest report, even IT Project Managers are making up to $210K annually.

What's really catching my attention is how cybersecurity experts are super hard to find, with salaries ranging from $130K to $200K - there's literally going to be millions of unfilled positions by next year.

The University of Kentucky and Nucamp are jumping on this opportunity, creating specialized programs to help fill these gaps.

Looking at the numbers, data scientists and cybersecurity analysts in Lexington Fayette are crushing it with 35-38% growth rates. Right now, the tech scene here is getting stronger because local education programs are matching exactly what companies need.

It's honestly amazing how many opportunities are opening up, especially with AI and cloud computing becoming such a big deal. The whole ranking system looks at current salaries, growth potential (which is huge right now), available education programs, and how well jobs align with where tech is heading.

With all the new companies moving into the area, these high-paying tech jobs are definitely here to stay.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

1. Data Scientist

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In 2025, Data Scientists in Lexington-Fayette are crushing it with salaries ranging from $105,000 to $112,000, and the most skilled professionals pulling in over $182,370.

As a Data Scientist in Lexington, you'll be working on everything from creating data input files to developing AI and machine learning solutions.

The field is seriously taking off, with a projected 36% increase in job opportunities from 2023 to 2033. Companies like IonQ and Cohere Health are offering amazing remote opportunities, complete with competitive benefits packages including 401(k) matching and company equity.

For entry-level positions, firms like Amazee Global Ventures are offering contracts starting at $60 per hour, with clear career progression paths all the way up to Data Scientist V roles paying up to $221,932.

The job requires solid skills in Python, R, and the ability to communicate complex data insights to stakeholders. With Lexington's growing tech scene and over 1,000 new tech positions being established, plus major investments exceeding $500 million, the opportunities are seriously expanding.

You don't just crunch numbers - you get to work on cutting-edge stuff like quantum computing, AI governance, and innovative healthcare solutions. Plus, the affordable cost of living in Lexington means your salary goes way further than in other tech hubs.

2. Software Engineer

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Being a software engineer in Lexington Fayette is one of the most exciting career paths in 2025. These professionals are truly the architects of our digital world, responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications across various industries.

The role offers a sweet deal - with entry-level positions starting at $80,000 and experienced engineers earning up to $160,000 annually. What makes Lexington stand out is how you can actually afford to live here while building your career, unlike some overpriced tech hubs.

You don't even need a computer science degree to break into the field. Many successful engineers start through coding bootcamps or self-study, making it a super accessible career option.

The tech scene here is seriously heating up, with companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation.

Software engineers are expected to automate everywhere possible, document everything, and optimize from day one.

Local tech startups are bringing fresh energy to the scene, while established companies are ramping up their digital transformation efforts. The University of Kentucky's tech programs are also stepping up their game, churning out graduates ready to tackle real-world challenges.

What's really cool is how the role keeps evolving - whether you're into front-end development, back-end systems, or full-stack engineering, there's always something new to learn and create.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

3. Cybersecurity Analyst

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The cybersecurity landscape in Lexington Fayette is seriously heating up in 2025. As businesses get more digital, cyber threats are getting way more sophisticated.

Recent market analysis shows a massive 33% increase in analyst positions, with the average salary hitting $92,640 - which is actually 6.7% above the national average.

What's really cool is that entry-level positions are starting around $100K, with experienced pros pulling in $140K+. Companies are investing heavily in protecting their digital assets, especially in cloud security and AI integration.

Lexington's pioneering move as the first US municipal government to fully transition to cloud operations has set the stage for massive growth in the cybersecurity sector.

Major employers like Lexmark, Link-Belt, and Valvoline are actively recruiting security experts. The demand is crazy high - there are over 3,500 job openings right now! Plus, if you've got certifications like CISSP or Security+, you're looking at a sweet 10-15% salary boost.

Local businesses are increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity measures, focusing on cloud security, IoT protection, and AI integration.

The Bluegrass Community and Technical College just got a $650,000 NSF grant and has been designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2028.

They're offering tuition-free credit hours through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which is perfect for anyone looking to break into the field. With remote work options growing and an expected 18% increase in job openings by the end of 2024, cybersecurity is definitely one of the hottest career paths in Lexington right now.

4. Cloud Solutions Architect

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As a Cloud Solutions Architect in Lexington Fayette, you're looking at one of the most exciting tech careers of 2025.

These professionals are the masterminds behind company cloud strategies, designing and managing infrastructure that keeps modern businesses running. The role combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, and the best part? The average salary in Lexington Fayette ranges from $129,700 to $201,572, making it one of the most financially rewarding tech positions in the region.

What makes this role really interesting is the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.

Microsoft and other major tech companies are actively hiring in Lexington, offering opportunities to work on innovative projects.

The job involves designing scalable solutions, ensuring security compliance, and optimizing cloud resources - basically, you're the person who makes sure everything in the cloud works smoothly and efficiently.

Want to get started? Here's what you need:

  • Relevant Education: A computer science degree or related field
  • Cloud Expertise: Cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
  • Professional Certifications: Key certifications like AWS Solutions Architect Professional or Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Security and Integration: Strong skills in cloud security and system integration

Lexington's tech scene is seriously growing, with companies investing over $500 million in new tech positions.

The city's reasonable living costs and short commutes make it an ideal spot for tech professionals. Plus, with remote work options becoming standard, you can often enjoy a flexible work environment while building your career in cloud architecture.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

5. AI/ML Engineer

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As an AI/ML Engineer in Lexington Fayette, you're looking at seriously impressive salary potential in 2025.

The numbers are wild - we're talking $118,450 to $150,420 for ML Engineers, with some roles hitting up to $227,422 for senior positions. The tech scene here is absolutely taking off, with a 4.1% growth rate that's beating the national average.

Lexington ranks as the 7th most affordable tech hub nationally, so your salary goes way further here. Top companies like IBM, Amazon, and Toyota are always on the lookout for talent who can handle machine learning and AI development.

The skill requirements are pretty intense - you need to know your way around Python, TensorFlow, and cloud platforms, plus have solid experience with large-scale data processing.

The University of Kentucky is investing heavily in tech education, dropping $410.6 million in research funding, including some next-level NASA partnerships.

The average commute is just 23 minutes, which means more time for coding and less time stuck in traffic. With 3,500 new tech positions expected and the new Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership opening up, Lexington's tech future is looking seriously bright for anyone ready to dive into AI and ML.

6. IT Manager

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Looking at the latest job market data, IT Managers in Lexington Fayette are seriously in demand right now. At the University of Kentucky's College of Dentistry, IT Managers earn between $52,021 and $85,800 annually, with responsibilities spanning web application development, SQL programming, and data reporting systems.

The role has evolved way beyond just keeping systems running - these pros are now driving innovation across organizations.

The coolest part about being an IT Manager here is the mix of technical and leadership skills needed.

According to recent job postings, you'll be handling everything from managing computing infrastructure to working with cutting-edge tools like Tableau and Epic.

What makes this role different from similar positions in other cities is the focus on healthcare tech and educational systems. Plus, most positions offer hybrid work arrangements, which is pretty sweet for work-life balance.

Check out the latest statistics on IT management roles - they're showing major growth in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

The University of Kentucky alone has multiple openings across different departments, from agriculture to veterinary science, proving how versatile this career path can be.

While the salary ranges might start lower than in bigger tech hubs, the lower cost of living in Lexington makes it a smart financial move. Plus, there's tons of room for growth, especially if you're into emerging tech like AI and machine learning.

7. UX/UI Designer

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The UX/UI design scene in Lexington is seriously taking off in 2025. According to recent salary data, UX/UI designers here are making around $80,000 annually, with entry-level positions starting at $77,500.

What's really cool is that experienced designers can push that up to $118,000. I've been checking out the latest trends, and UX design salaries nationwide are averaging $94,747, showing there's room for growth in our market.

The tech companies here are constantly looking for designers who can nail both the visual appeal and user experience aspects of digital products. Beyond the basic tools like Adobe XD and Figma, companies are looking for designers who get the whole user research thing and can work with developers.

What's exciting is that UI developers with coding skills can push their earnings even higher, averaging $103,258 nationally.

The University of Kentucky's design programs are helping build up local talent, and the hands-on experience they provide is exactly what employers want.

The best part? Most designers here genuinely love what they do, thanks to the mix of creative freedom and technical challenges.

The essential skills haven't changed much - you still need to know your way around visual design, prototyping, and user testing - but the opportunities keep growing.

With Lexington's tech scene expanding, it's honestly a great time to jump into UX/UI design.

8. Network Architect

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Network Architects are seriously crushing it in Lexington Fayette's tech scene right now. I've been looking into this role, and it's pretty amazing - they're the masterminds behind designing and managing complex computer networks that keep businesses running smoothly.

The best part? The median salary is hitting $126,900, with top performers making over $160K annually. According to recent job forecasts, there's going to be a 13.4% growth in Network Architect positions, adding nearly 24,000 new jobs by 2033.

That's honestly incredible job security! What's really cool is that the role is evolving with new trends like cloud-native architectures, AI automation, and edge computing.

To make it in this field, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or something similar, plus about 5-10 years of experience working your way up. The responsibilities are pretty intense - you're basically the person making sure everything from cloud infrastructure to security protocols works perfectly.

But what makes it worth it is how much impact you have - you're literally building the backbone of modern business operations. In Lexington specifically, companies are seriously investing in their network infrastructure, which means tons of opportunities for someone willing to learn and grow in this field.

The work involves a mix of technical skills and business strategy, so you're not just stuck coding all day - you get to be part of the bigger picture, working with different teams and solving real problems.

9. DevOps Engineer

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The role of a DevOps Engineer stands out as a game-changer in modern tech, combining development expertise with operational know-how to streamline software delivery.

In Lexington Fayette, DevOps positions have surged by 15% in early 2025, driven by an expanding tech scene that values automation and efficiency. The average salary of $120,000 reflects the high value placed on these professionals, who are crucial for maintaining competitive edge in software development and deployment.

DevOps engineers focus on automating repetitive tasks, managing CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring system reliability - skills that are absolutely essential in today's fast-paced tech environment.

What makes this role particularly exciting is the constant evolution of responsibilities and technologies.

DevOps engineers are now working with cutting-edge tools in cloud computing, containerization, and infrastructure as code.

Local companies are investing heavily in DevOps talent, offering amazing opportunities for career growth through training programs and certifications. The tech community in Lexington Fayette is super active, with regular meetups and workshops where DevOps professionals can network and share knowledge.

Whether you're into coding, automation, or system architecture, DevOps gives you the chance to work with all these aspects while making a real impact on how software gets built and deployed.

10. Blockchain Developer

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Blockchain development is seriously taking off in 2025, and it's not just about cryptocurrency anymore. Core blockchain developers work on creating robust protocols and security architectures, while blockchain software developers focus on building decentralized applications and smart contracts.

The average salary for blockchain developers in Lexington Fayette remains competitive at $115,000 annually, making it an attractive career choice with the region's reasonable living costs.

Major companies like Walmart, JPMorgan, and Gucci are actively adopting blockchain technologies, creating abundant opportunities across various sectors.

The skills needed to succeed include proficiency in programming languages like Solidity, Python, and JavaScript, plus a solid understanding of cryptography and distributed systems.

Success in this field requires mastering high-level programming languages and maintaining a strong grasp of security principles.

Local tech companies are actively recruiting blockchain talent, offering comprehensive benefits packages and remote work options. The city's tech community provides networking opportunities and mentorship programs, while local universities are expanding their blockchain curriculum to meet growing industry demands.

For those considering this career path, the combination of technical challenge, financial reward, and industry growth makes blockchain development an exciting choice in Lexington Fayette's evolving tech landscape.

Conclusion: The Future of Tech Jobs in Lexington Fayette

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The tech scene in Lexington Fayette is absolutely taking off! As a thriving tech hub with over 200 companies, the city's seeing major growth in employment opportunities.

The new HILL (Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership) opening in fall 2025 is going to be a game-changer, tripling the number of students getting tech education.

The average tech salary here is hitting $82,000, which is way above the city's overall average of $52,000. Plus, the cost of living is super reasonable - Kentucky ranks as the 7th lowest in the nation!

The job market's looking seriously promising, especially with companies like Crowe LLP, Helpware, and Sky Systemz expanding their operations.

They're not just offering jobs - they're creating entire career paths in fintech, AI, and cloud computing. What makes this even better is that Lexington's tech sector is contributing $2.4 billion to the local GDP, showing just how serious the industry is getting.

The city's also becoming a magnet for remote workers and startups, thanks to its amazing work-life balance and strong tech community.

Looking ahead, the future's bright with 3.5 million STEM openings expected by 2025.

Tech companies are particularly hungry for software developers, AI engineers, and data analysts. The University of Kentucky and local tech bootcamps are stepping up big time, making sure we've got the skills needed for these roles.

Whether you're into coding, cybersecurity, or AI, Lexington Fayette's becoming the perfect spot to launch a tech career. The combination of growing opportunities, solid salaries, and amazing quality of life is making our city impossible to ignore in the tech world.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are some of the top high-paying tech jobs in Lexington Fayette in 2025?

In 2025, some of the top high-paying tech jobs in Lexington Fayette include AI/ML Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, and Blockchain Developer, among others.

What is the average salary for a cloud architect in Lexington Fayette?

The average salary for a Cloud Solutions Architect in Lexington Fayette ranges from $129,700 to $201,572.

How is the tech job market growing in Lexington Fayette?

The tech job market in Lexington Fayette is experiencing significant growth, with employment in the sector having increased by 4.1% in the previous year and a projected demand for millions of STEM positions by 2025.

What educational opportunities are available to support the growing tech industry in Lexington Fayette?

The University of Kentucky and new tech hubs like the Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership are creating expanded programs to support tech education and fill the job gaps in the Lexington Fayette area.

Why is Lexington Fayette an attractive location for tech professionals?

Lexington Fayette offers a combination of growing job opportunities, competitive salaries, affordable living costs, and a strong educational infrastructure, making it an appealing location for tech professionals.

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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.