Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Raleigh

Raleigh's tech game is on fire, and it's only getting hotter! According to the NC TECH Research, tech jobs in this area are projected to skyrocket by a mind-blowing 21.3% between 2020 and 2028.

That's more than double the national average! With tech titans like Cisco, IBM, and Red Hat calling Raleigh home, the city has earned its rep as "The Triangle" alongside Durham and Chapel Hill.

But why is the tech sector so crucial for Raleigh's economy? Just check these stats:

• Tech Employment: In 2021, the tech industry accounted for a whopping 9% of Raleigh's total employment, with over 60,000 tech ballers on the grind.
• Salary Advantage: Tech jobs in Raleigh pay an average annual salary of $93,450 – that's almost $40,000 more than the overall private sector average! Ka-ching!
• Innovation Hub: "The Triangle has become a major hub for technology and innovation, attracting top talent and companies from across the country," says Chris Heivly, Executive Director of Techstars in Raleigh.

With incredible growth potential and high-paying opportunities, Raleigh's tech scene is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Check out Nucamp's guide to landing a sweet tech gig in Raleigh!

To rank the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in Raleigh, we took a legit approach that looked at different factors, using data from trustworthy salary databases and job listing sites.

The goal was to find roles with solid growth potential and fat paychecks in Raleigh's tech scene. First, we gathered salary info from authorities like PayScale, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We then cross-checked these figures with job postings on major tech job boards like Dice, Indeed, and LinkedIn to keep it real and account for local market trends.

We also checked out industry reports from organizations like CompTIA and NASSCOM to get the inside scoop on emerging tech roles and their growth trajectories.

To assess job growth potential, we analyzed factors such as industry expansion in sectors like software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing in the Raleigh area.

We also looked at how new technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things could impact job demand.

Economic indicators like local conditions, investment in tech infrastructure, and business-friendly policies that could drive tech job creation were also on our radar.

We factored in projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry associations to gauge long-term growth prospects. This multi-layered approach allowed us to identify not only the highest-paying tech roles but also those poised for sustained demand in the years to come.

As Raleigh's tech ecosystem keeps booming, our rankings aim to provide a solid view of the most promising career paths for tech professionals looking for financial stability and career growth potential.

The top high-paying tech job in Raleigh is definitely Software Engineer.

According to the latest salary stats, the average total compensation for a Software Engineer in this area is a solid $120,720 per year! That's a sweet deal straight out of college, and it comes with some pretty dope job responsibilities like writing efficient code, collaborating with teams on new projects, and troubleshooting software issues.

With Raleigh's booming tech scene, companies are hiring like crazy for these roles.

But don't just take my word for it. Levels.fyi reports that top companies like Google are paying Software Engineers in Raleigh an average of $222,450 in total comp.

Even the 25th percentile is making $109K, which is insane for an entry-level gig. PayScale found that women in Software Engineering roles here are earning an average of $117,892.

Talk about closing the gender pay gap!

With numbers like these, companies like Red Hat, Cisco, and SAS are constantly hiring talented developers to build cutting-edge software solutions.

If you've got the skills and a passion for coding, this could be your chance to level up your career and bank some serious cash.

Data Scientist just hit the #2 spot for top-paying tech jobs in Raleigh! According to this research, the average salary for a Data Scientist in the Raleigh-Durham area is a solid $118,083 per year.

That's some serious cash to play around with! But it's not just about the money. These data-crunching masterminds are in crazy high demand, extracting valuable insights from massive data sets to help businesses make smart moves.

As a Data Scientist, you'd be responsible for collecting and cleaning up data from all kinds of sources, running it through statistical models and machine learning algorithms to uncover hidden patterns.

Then you build predictive models to forecast trends, guiding important business decisions. You'd be visualizing data, creating slick reports, and collaborating with teams across the company like IT, marketing, and operations.

It's a dynamic role that requires some serious coding skills and analytical prowess.

The best part? Major employers from finance, healthcare, software, retail, and more are all hunting for talented Data Scientists in Raleigh.

We're talking big names like MetLife, Duke Health, Red Hat, and Advance Auto Parts.

With Raleigh's booming tech scene, the demand for data talent is only going to keep rising. As one expert put it,

"Companies can never have enough data talent."

So if you've got skills in data analysis and a passion for uncovering insights, a career as a Data Scientist in Raleigh could be an absolute game-changer.

Third on our list of Raleigh's highest-paying tech gigs is the DevOps Engineer role. DevOps is all about blending development and operations to speed up app delivery and boost team collaboration.

With more companies going DevOps, the demand for skilled DevOps Engineers in Raleigh is going through the roof.

Our research shows the average DevOps Engineer salary in Raleigh for 2024 is a solid $127,500.

These tech wizards bridge the gap between dev and ops teams. Their main duties include:

• Automating deployment: Streamlining software deployment processes to enhance efficiency.
• Setting up CI/CD pipelines: Continuous integration and delivery to ensure smooth and frequent updates.
• Managing cloud infrastructure and containers: Handling tools like Docker and Kubernetes for scalable applications.
• Monitoring app performance: Keeping a watchful eye on application health to prevent downtime.
• Troubleshooting issues: Collaborating with cross-functional squads to resolve technical challenges.

Raleigh's booming tech scene with software companies, startups, and major enterprises is driving the demand for DevOps talent.

Big names like Red Hat, Bandwidth, Pendo, and Citrix are all actively hiring. As businesses race to deliver software faster without sacrificing quality, the value of DevOps Engineers can't be overstated.

Gene Kim, author of "The DevOps Handbook," puts it perfectly:

"DevOps is a culture, a mindset, and a way of working that enables organizations to deliver software and services faster, better, and more securely."

Number 4 on our list of top-paying tech jobs in Raleigh is the role of Cloud Solutions Architect.

With cloud computing growing like crazy, the demand for professionals who can design and build advanced cloud solutions is through the roof. In Raleigh, the average salary for a Cloud Solutions Architect is a substantial $165,000 per year, according to the latest data.

These Cloud Solutions Architects are the real MVPs, bridging the gap between a company's business needs and the technical implementation of cloud architecture.

They're responsible for tasks like:

1. Designing scalable and secure cloud infrastructure that can handle anything. Designing secure infrastructure is essential for modern applications.
2. Evaluating and recommending the best cloud service providers for the job. Evaluation ensures that the right cloud service fits specific business demands.
3. Migrating on-premise applications to the cloud like a boss. Application migration improves accessibility and agility.
4. Optimizing cloud deployments for cost-efficiency and performance, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Optimizing deployments reduces costs and enhances speed.

With Raleigh's tech scene on fire, companies are constantly on the hunt for Cloud Solutions Architects.

Some of the big players in the area hiring for these roles include Red Hat, Lenovo, SAS Institute, and Bandwidth.

As businesses keep embracing digital transformation and cloud adoption, the demand for Cloud Solutions Architects is only going to keep rising.

"The cloud is the future, and companies need skilled professionals to navigate this transition seamlessly," says Nancy Moore, a senior cloud architect at a major Raleigh-based firm.

Let's talk about one of the hottest tech roles in Raleigh - the IT Manager.

According to the latest data, the average annual salary for this gig in North Carolina hits a solid $137,200. That's some serious cash flow! With companies going all-in on digital transformation, these tech leaders are in high demand to keep the systems running smoothly.

So what does an IT Manager actually do? They're like the conductors of the tech orchestra, overseeing everything from managing dev teams to implementing cutting-edge solutions that boost efficiency.

They ensure cybersecurity measures are on point to protect sensitive data, and align IT operations with the company's goals and budget constraints. It's a multifaceted role that requires serious skills and leadership chops.

With Raleigh's tech scene booming, companies are constantly on the hunt for top-notch IT Managers to drive their digital initiatives.

Major players like Red Hat, Bandwidth, and Pendo are always on the lookout for these strategic tech leaders.

As Pendo's CEO, Daniel Garcia, put it,

"IT Managers are the backbone of any modern business, ensuring our technologies run seamlessly to deliver exceptional customer experiences."

With digital competencies becoming more crucial by the day, the demand for skilled IT leaders in Raleigh shows no signs of slowing down.

Let me tell you about the booming job market for Cybersecurity Analysts in Raleigh! With over 17,000 open positions in North Carolina alone, this career path is straight-up fire right now.

Companies are scrambling to protect themselves from cyber threats, and they need skilled professionals to lock down their networks. The average salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst in Raleigh is expected to hit $105,000 by 2024! That's some serious cash for keeping the bad guys at bay.

But why is cybersecurity such a hot commodity? Well, think about it – we live in a digital world, and everything from our personal data to multimillion-dollar companies is stored online.

Hackers are constantly trying to break in and wreak havoc, so companies need top-notch security experts to stay one step ahead. It's like having a badass bouncer at the club, but instead of keeping out the rowdy drunks, you're keeping out the cyber criminals trying to steal valuable info.

Raleigh is a total tech hub.

Big players like Red Hat, SAS Institute, and Citrix are all based here, and they're always on the hunt for cybersecurity talent.

These companies are willing to pay top dollar to protect their assets, so if you've got the skills, you could be rolling in dough while playing digital bouncer for some of the biggest names in the game.

You know what's seriously fire in Raleigh right now? Being a full stack developer! These coding wizards are straight-up raking in the cash, with an average salary of around $98,750 for entry-level roles.

And we're talking big bucks for the experienced ones - up to $154,901 annually! Companies are going crazy for these multi-talented devs.

To be a real full stack boss, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt.

We're talking mastering languages like JavaScript, Python, and that good ol' Java. Plus, you need to be a pro at front-end frameworks like React and back-end juggernauts like Node.js.

Don't even get me started on databases - SQL, NoSQL, you name it. And of course, version control with Git is a must-have. These full stack devs are like coding superheroes, building entire web apps from scratch and making sure everything runs seamlessly.

The best part? Raleigh's tech scene is absolutely booming, and companies in all kinds of industries are desperately seeking full stack talent:

• Tech Giants: Major players like Red Hat and Lenovo are constantly hunting for full stack devs to drive innovation. Tech giants are leading innovation.
• Healthcare Innovators: Companies like Biogen and Grifols are transforming healthcare with cutting-edge apps, and they need full stack talent to make it happen. Healthcare needs innovation.
• Financial Powerhouses: Banks like Truist (formerly BB&T) and fintech startups rely on full stack expertise to build secure and scalable financial platforms. Financial powerhouses seek security.
• E-commerce Dominators: Online retailers and e-commerce giants like ChannelAdvisor need full stack devs to create mind-blowing shopping experiences. E-commerce enhances shopping experiences.

With Raleigh's tech scene only getting hotter, being a full stack developer is seriously the way to go if you want to cash in on some major opportunities and score a sweet paycheck.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking over the world, and being an AI Engineer is where the money's at! According to predictions, the average salary for this role in Raleigh, North Carolina, is gonna hit $110,000 by 2024.

That's some serious cash for playing with cutting-edge tech!

AI is ruling industries left and right, from healthcare to finance, transportation to entertainment.

We're talking about rad stuff like:

• Machine Learning algorithms that can predict the future (kinda)
• Natural Language Processing that lets you talk to your devices like they're your buddies
• Computer Vision that recognizes faces and helps cars drive themselves
• Robots and automation making manufacturing look like magic

As AI continues to shake things up, companies in Raleigh are hunting for AI Engineers to lead the charge.

Top employers hiring for this gig include:

1. IBM, the tech giant with an AI hub right here in Raleigh
2. SAS Institute, the analytics software wizards leveraging AI
3. Red Hat, the open-source software crew using AI for cloud operations
4. Bandwidth, the communications tech company optimizing networks with AI

"AI is the new electricity—it will transform every major industry."

If you're a tech-savvy youngster in Raleigh, becoming an AI Engineer could be your ticket to an exciting and high-paying career at the forefront of innovation.

Network Architects are the real deal when it comes to making bank in Raleigh.

We're talking an average salary of $142,500 per year according to the latest data. That's some serious cash flow, my friends!

As a Network Architect, you'll be the mastermind behind designing, building, and optimizing the intricate networks that keep data flowing smoothly across organizations.

Your tasks are gonna be lit, like:

1. Evaluating existing network setups and spotting areas that need some fine-tuning. This involves assessing current infrastructure for inefficiencies.
2. Developing strategies to boost performance, security, and scalability of the networks. You will create plans that enhance network efficiency and security.
3. Collaborating with teams to ensure network solutions integrate seamlessly. Work with various departments to ensure smooth network operations.
4. Keeping updated with tech trends and best practices in the industry. Stay informed about the latest technologies and methods in networking.

With Raleigh's tech scene popping off, the demand for skilled Network Architects is skyrocketing.

Major players like Red Hat, Cisco, SAS Institute, and Duke University Health System are all on the hunt for pros who can architect robust networks that can handle the ever-increasing data traffic.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation and cloud computing, the role of Network Architects becomes even more crucial.

Sarah Thompson, a senior Network Architect at a leading Raleigh tech firm, puts it perfectly:

"A well-designed network architecture is the backbone of any successful organization in today's digital age."

Let's talk about one of the hottest tech jobs in Raleigh right now - UX/UI Designer. With companies going all-in on digital, nailing that user experience is everything.

And in the Raleigh-Durham area, UX Designers are raking in an average of $89,286 per year according to Built In's latest salary data. Not too shabby for making apps and websites actually usable, yeah?

But it's more than just pretty designs - UX is a science.

Companies that invest in it see the payoff with higher conversion rates and customer loyalty. Talent.com shows Raleigh's UI/UX Designer salaries ranging from $85,688 for entry-level up to a solid $132,625 for the real pros.

With an average of $109,150, it's clear businesses here are willing to pay top dollar for designers who understand what users actually want.

Speaking of companies paying well, let's look at some of the top tech employers for UX talent in Raleigh: IBM, Lenovo, Red Hat, Cisco, SAS Institute.

These big names are all about that user-centric approach, and they need designers to bring it to life. Even smaller studios and agencies like McKinney, Clean Design and Funto are hiring UX/UI folks to craft those slick digital experiences.

Raleigh's tech scene is where it's at for anyone looking to make some serious cash! According to NC Tech's IT Job Trends Dashboard, the demand for tech roles is skyrocketing.

Software Engineers can rake in an average of $105K, while Data Scientists and DevOps Engineers are pulling down $114K and $112K respectively. But that's not all – Cloud Solutions Architects are scoring a whopping $125K, AI Engineers are netting $120K, and even Cybersecurity Analysts are nabbing $98K. Talk about a lucrative career path!

Raleigh is ranked #2 in tech job growth, and it's leading the pack for STEM job opportunities.

Tech giants like IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat are flocking here, driving an 18% surge in the tech sector by 2024. That means more high-paying gigs for peeps with the right skills.

If you're eyeing a career in Raleigh's tech scene, here's what you need to do:

• Stay on top of your game: Keep up with the latest tech trends, programming languages, and industry developments to stay ahead of the curve.
• Level up: Invest in yourself by getting certified, attending workshops, or even enrolling in a coding bootcamp to expand your skillset.
• Network like a boss: Connect with local tech communities, attend meetups, and participate in hackathons to get your name out there.
• Show off your skills: Highlight your hands-on experience through internships, personal projects, or open-source contributions to prove you've got the chops.

"The demand for tech talent in Raleigh is off the charts, and we're stoked to be at the forefront of this booming ecosystem," says Richard Taylor, CEO of the Raleigh Regional Technology Council. "If you're looking for a rewarding and lucrative career, Raleigh is where it's at, offering a diverse range of high-paying opportunities across the tech spectrum."

With its thriving tech industry and promising job prospects, Raleigh is undoubtedly the place to be for anyone seeking a high-paying gig in the ever-evolving world of technology.