Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in McKinney in 2025
Last Updated: January 3rd 2025
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McKinney is emerging as a tech hub in 2025, boasting over 5,000 tech jobs and a $350 million payroll. Key high-paying careers include Cloud Architects ($150K-$190K), Machine Learning Engineers ($130K-$180K), and Data Scientists ($120K-$150K). With a projected 25% job growth by 2027, major companies like Raytheon offer competitive salaries and benefits, combined with a lower cost of living compared to other tech cities. McKinney's focus on AI and tech education makes it an ideal destination for tech professionals seeking career opportunities without the high expenses of larger tech hubs.
McKinney's tech scene in 2025 is absolutely crushing it! With over 5,000 tech jobs and a massive $350 million payroll, the city's future looks incredibly bright.
The tech sector's making waves with a projected 25% growth by 2027, and companies are seriously investing in AI and innovation. Thanks to major players like Raytheon and Cytracom expanding their operations, the average tech salary sits at $92,370, which goes way further here than in other tech hubs.
Tech workers here earn about $43.51 per hour, way above the state average, plus 36% of positions offer remote work options.
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation is stepping up big time, offering up to $500K to support AI startups, aiming to make the city Texas's AI hub.
For tech professionals looking to level up their careers, McKinney's got everything: competitive salaries, actual work-life balance, and tons of opportunities in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
It's basically the perfect spot for anyone wanting to jump into tech without the crazy expenses of bigger cities.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
- Cloud Architect: Leading the Way
- Data Scientist: The Power of Data
- Machine Learning Engineer: Shaping AI
- Software Engineer: The Creation Core
- Network Security Engineer: Safeguarding Connections
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Defending Digital Frontiers
- DevOps Engineer: Balancing Development and Operations
- Information Security Analyst: Protecting Information Assets
- Penetration Tester: The Ethical Hacker
- AI Research Scientist: Innovating Tomorrow
- Conclusion: Thriving in McKinney’s Tech Landscape
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Discover the burgeoning tech industry in McKinney, Texas, and how it sets the stage for 2025 job prospects.
Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
(Up)The tech job scene in McKinney is seriously heating up! McKinney's tech industry is projected to grow 25% by 2027, with annual payroll hitting $350 million and economic output reaching $1.2 billion.
Cloud Architects are leading the pack salary-wise, earning between $150K-190K annually, while Machine Learning Engineers aren't far behind with salaries up to $211K. About 87% of managers are actively looking for people with AI skills, but only 12% of IT professionals actually have AI experience.
That's creating some amazing opportunities for anyone ready to level up their tech game. The competition for talent is intense, especially since automation is expected to impact about 30% of current work hours by 2030.
Companies like Raytheon Technologies, L3Harris, and Fujitsu America are offering competitive packages that include flexible schedules and comprehensive benefits.
For job seekers, the key skills in demand are Python, JavaScript, cloud technologies (especially AWS and Azure), and machine learning. The best part? McKinney's cost of living is way more affordable than other major tech hubs, so your salary goes further here.
Data Scientists can expect to earn between $120K-140K, while Cybersecurity Engineers start at $117K and can reach up to $325K with experience.
Cloud Architect: Leading the Way
(Up)Cloud Architects are crushing it in McKinney's tech scene this year, leading the pack with impressive salaries ranging from $150,000 to $190,798. These tech wizards are the masterminds behind complex cloud infrastructure designs, handling everything from security protocols to system scalability.
The role demands expertise in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms, plus solid skills in Kubernetes and Docker. McKinney's becoming Texas's new AI hub, with tech companies investing heavily in cloud infrastructure and creating tons of opportunities.
The annual tech payroll in McKinney has hit $350 million, with the sector generating $1.2 billion in economic output.
Major players like Raytheon Technologies and Fujitsu America are actively recruiting Cloud Architects, offering sweet benefits packages including flexible schedules and comprehensive health coverage.
The growth projection is insane - we're looking at a 25% increase in tech jobs by 2027. The role even more attractive is that companies are offering remote work options and competitive contract rates, sometimes hitting $72-73 per hour for cloud engineering positions.
McKinney's lower living costs compared to other tech hubs mean you keep more of that cash in your pocket. If you're into building cutting-edge cloud solutions and want to be part of a growing tech scene, becoming a Cloud Architect in McKinney is definitely the move.
The combination of high pay, incredible growth potential, and the chance to work with advanced tech makes this career path totally worth it.
Data Scientist: The Power of Data
(Up)Data Scientists are crushing it in McKinney's tech scene, with an incredible 25% job growth projected by 2027.
The role has become super essential as companies are all about making smart, data-backed decisions. Working as a Data Scientist here means getting to play with cutting-edge tech while earning some serious money - we're talking salaries up to $150,000 for experienced pros.
Major companies in McKinney are actively hiring right now, looking for people who know their way around Python, SQL, and machine learning.
The skills you need aren't just about coding though.
Companies want Data Scientists who can handle everything from crunching numbers to explaining complex findings to leadership teams. The career pathway is super clear - start with solid programming basics, add some serious statistics knowledge, and get good at telling stories with data.
The cool thing about McKinney's tech scene is that it's growing fast but still has a lower cost of living than bigger tech hubs, so your salary goes way further here.
Plus, with the city aiming to become Texas's AI hub, the opportunities for Data Scientists are just going to keep getting better. If you're thinking about jumping into this field, now's literally the perfect time - the demand is huge, the pay is awesome, and the work is genuinely exciting.
Machine Learning Engineer: Shaping AI
(Up)Machine Learning Engineers in McKinney are seriously crushing it in 2025, with the field becoming one of the most sought-after tech roles in the area.
The numbers are pretty wild - these professionals are pulling in salaries between $130,000 to $180,000 annually, making it an awesome career choice for tech-savvy minds.
What's really cool is that 87% of managers are actively seeking AI skills, and the job market is projected to grow 25% by 2027.
McKinney's tech scene is totally different from what it used to be, with major companies like Raytheon and Cytracom expanding their AI operations here. The daily life of a Machine Learning Engineer involves building smart systems that can think and learn on their own - it's literally creating the future! If you're into this field, you need to be sharp with Python, have solid statistical knowledge, and know your way around complex algorithms.
The best part? Companies are actively hiring for these positions right now, with opportunities in everything from healthcare tech to financial services.
McKinney's lower cost of living compared to bigger tech hubs means your salary goes further here. Plus, you get to work on cutting-edge stuff like deepfake detection and enterprise AI integration, which is pretty mind-blowing.
The city's tech community is growing fast, and there's this amazing vibe of innovation everywhere. For anyone looking to jump into Machine Learning, McKinney in 2025 is basically perfect - you get the exciting career growth of a major tech hub without the crazy expensive lifestyle.
Software Engineer: The Creation Core
(Up)Software engineers are seriously shaping McKinney's tech scene in 2025, bringing fresh innovation and real economic impact. The average tech salary hits $92,370, with software development managers pulling in up to $165,000.
They're not just coding - they're building smart city systems and creating fintech solutions that are changing how people handle their money. The best part? McKinney's cost of living is way more reasonable than other tech hubs, making it perfect for professionals who want both career growth and a comfortable lifestyle.
The numbers are pretty impressive - software engineers in McKinney are earning around $127,000 in total compensation, with top companies like Amazon offering packages up to $223,000.
That's seriously competitive! What makes McKinney stand out is this perfect mix of high-paying opportunities and affordable living costs. Plus, there's a huge focus on keeping skills fresh - almost half of all tech employees are updating their skills to keep up with AI and automation changes.
The demand for software talent is real, especially for those with programming skills in Python, JavaScript, and Java.
Companies are actively looking for developers who can handle everything from cloud computing to AI integration. McKinney's tech scene is growing fast - we're talking about a 25% job growth prediction by 2027.
Whether you're into full-stack development, DevOps, or AI, there's room to grow and make an impact in this evolving tech hub.
Network Security Engineer: Safeguarding Connections
(Up)Network security engineers are crushing it in McKinney's tech scene, with salaries ranging from $122,136 to $136,276, and experienced pros making well over $150K. As a network security specialist, you're basically the guardian of company networks, implementing cutting-edge security measures and keeping cyber threats at bay.
These roles are seriously taking off - the latest data shows network security positions in McKinney are part of a larger tech boom, with the sector expecting a 25% growth by 2027.
If you're into problem-solving and tech, this field is perfect since you'll work with everything from firewalls to intrusion detection systems. The coolest part? You get to collaborate with other IT pros while using the latest security tools.
McKinney's network security engineers are in high demand at major companies like Raytheon and L3Harris, where they're essential for protecting sensitive data.
The role requires solid technical skills, including network protocols and device configuration, plus the ability to spot and fix issues before they become problems.
With competitive salaries averaging $78,000 even at entry-level positions, and the potential to earn way more as you gain experience, it's definitely worth checking out.
Plus, you get sweet perks like flexible schedules and comprehensive benefits packages.
Cybersecurity Engineer: Defending Digital Frontiers
(Up)Cybersecurity engineering is seriously hot right now in McKinney's tech scene. According to recent market analysis, entry-level positions start at $65K, with experienced pros making up to $137K annually.
The role goes beyond just setting up firewalls - these engineers are crushing it with vulnerability assessments, threat detection, and incident response protocols.
Top cybersecurity engineers can earn up to $325K with experience, especially if they're skilled in ethical hacking and cloud security.
Major employers like JPMorgan Chase and Capital One are constantly looking for talent, with over 200 positions currently open in McKinney. The global impact is mind-blowing - cybercrime costs are expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025, making this career choice seriously important.
Most companies want people with CompTIA Security+ certification, and there are flexible work arrangements with hybrid options available.
The coolest part? You don't always need a college degree - skills and certifications can often get you in the door. With AI becoming a huge part of cybersecurity (47% of companies are focusing on it), there are tons of new opportunities opening up.
If you're into problem-solving and want to make a real impact while earning good money, this field is absolutely worth checking out.
DevOps Engineer: Balancing Development and Operations
(Up)DevOps Engineering is totally crushing it in McKinney's tech scene right now. AWS DevOps engineers can earn up to $130,770 annually, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the area.
The role combines development and operations, focusing on automation, cloud management, and creating efficient software deployment pipelines. McKinney's tech sector is expanding rapidly, with over 5,000 tech jobs and a massive $350 million payroll that's expected to grow 25% by 2027.
DevOps Engineers are essential to this growth, working with tools like AWS, Azure, and various CI/CD platforms.
The skills needed are pretty intense but worth it.
DevOps Engineers need to master infrastructure as code, microservices architecture, and monitoring systems. Cloud computing and DevOps skills are seeing huge investments from companies, with end-user spending on cloud expected to hit $723.4 billion.
53% of local tech companies are embracing hybrid work models, giving DevOps Engineers flexibility in how they work.
For anyone interested in jumping into DevOps, McKinney offers tons of opportunities through major employers like Raytheon and Cytracom.
The key is to stay current with the latest tools and practices while building strong communication skills. Many companies are actively recruiting DevOps talent to improve their deployment speeds and system reliability, making it an awesome time to get into this field.
Information Security Analyst: Protecting Information Assets
(Up)The role of Information Security Analyst is seriously taking off in McKinney's tech scene, and I've got the latest scoop on why it's such a hot career choice right now.
According to recent market research, salaries are ranging from $66K to $137K, with major players like JPMorgan Chase and Capital One actively recruiting.
Entry-level positions are starting at $65K, making it an awesome opportunity for newcomers to the field. With cybersecurity roles expected to surge by 33% in McKinney, companies are desperately seeking professionals who can handle security analysis, ethical hacking, and cloud security engineering.
The demand is real - we're looking at about 3.5 million unfilled positions across the US by 2025! Local employers like Zephon and NCT are specifically searching for people with solid problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Plus, industry reports show the global cybersecurity market is heading toward $271.90 billion by 2029.
The best part is you don't always need a traditional degree - employers are more interested in your actual skills and certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP. With annual cybercrime costs expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025, it's pretty clear why these roles are becoming so crucial.
Working as an Information Security Analyst in McKinney isn't just about getting a sweet paycheck - it's about being part of something important and having real job security in an industry that's only getting bigger.
Penetration Tester: The Ethical Hacker
(Up)As a Penetration Tester in McKinney, Texas, you get to be the ultimate digital detective while earning serious money. Entry-level positions start around $76,042, but with experience, you can level up to $133,759 or more.
Dallas-area pentesters are pulling in average salaries of $89,510, with top performers hitting six figures.
The job market is absolutely exploding - we're looking at about 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2025, which means massive opportunities for growth.
McKinney's tech scene is particularly hot, with cybersecurity jobs expected to grow 12% by 2024, beating the national average of 9%.
What makes this role so amazing is that you're basically paid to think like a hacker while protecting companies from cyber threats. The work involves running simulated attacks, finding system weaknesses, and helping businesses stay ahead of real threats.
With global cybercrime costs expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025, companies are willing to pay top dollar for skilled pentesters. The best part is you don't need decades of experience to start - many professionals begin with some basic certifications and practical skills, then build their expertise through hands-on experience.
Plus, most positions offer sweet perks like remote work options, performance bonuses, and plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and advance your career.
AI Research Scientist: Innovating Tomorrow
(Up)As an AI Research Scientist in McKinney, you're looking at some seriously impressive career potential in 2025. According to recent market analysis, this role is among the highest-paying tech positions, with salaries reaching up to $165,000 annually.
The fantastic part is that McKinney's lower cost of living compared to major tech hubs means your money goes further here. AI Research Scientists focus on creating breakthrough machine learning algorithms, developing neural networks, and pushing the boundaries of what AI can do.
The work is super challenging but totally worth it - industry projections show that 87% of managers are actively seeking professionals with AI expertise, making job security pretty solid.
What's really cool is that many companies now offer additional perks like remote work options and impressive signing bonuses. If you're interested in this field, it's worth noting that entry-level positions start around $97,500, with experienced professionals earning significantly more.
The role requires strong programming skills in Python and machine learning frameworks, plus the ability to think creatively about solving complex problems. While the educational requirements typically include an advanced degree, many professionals are now entering the field through specialized AI bootcamps combined with practical experience.
Companies in McKinney are especially interested in AI researchers who can apply their skills to real-world business challenges, making this career path both financially rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
Conclusion: Thriving in McKinney’s Tech Landscape
(Up)McKinney's tech scene is absolutely taking off in 2025! With over 5,000 tech jobs and a massive $350 million payroll, the city is seriously transforming into a tech powerhouse.
Latest projections show a 25% growth by 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in Texas.
Major companies like Raytheon and Cytracom are expanding here, creating tons of opportunities in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. The salaries are impressive - AI roles are averaging around $120K, while experienced cloud architects and cybersecurity experts are pulling in $140K+.
The job market is super hot, especially if you're into software development, data science, or cybersecurity.
Companies are seriously investing in tech talent, with 87% of managers actively looking for people with AI skills. What makes McKinney extra special is how it balances great career opportunities with actually affordable living costs.
Plus, companies like Cytracom are planning to double their staff by the end of 2025, which means even more opportunities are coming.
The tech community here is really forward-thinking, with 53% of companies offering hybrid work models and 67% being cool with remote work.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your career, McKinney's tech scene offers everything from entry-level positions to senior roles, backed by a strong network of tech companies and startup accelerators.
The city's commitment to tech education and innovation makes it perfect for anyone wanting to grow their career while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the projected growth rate for tech jobs in McKinney by 2027?
The tech sector in McKinney is projected to grow by 25% by 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in Texas.
What is the average tech salary in McKinney as of 2025?
The average tech salary in McKinney is $92,370, which offers more purchasing power compared to larger tech hubs due to the city's lower cost of living.
Which tech job roles in McKinney offer the highest salaries?
High-paying tech job roles in McKinney include Cloud Architects with salaries ranging from $150,000 to $190,798, and Machine Learning Engineers earning between $130,000 to $180,000 annually.
What are the key skills in demand for tech jobs in McKinney?
Key skills in demand include expertise in Python, JavaScript, cloud technologies (especially AWS and Azure), machine learning, and cybersecurity.
What opportunities exist for remote work in McKinney's tech sector?
Approximately 36% of tech positions in McKinney offer remote work options, providing flexibility for tech professionals.
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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.