Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Raleigh in 2025

The tech scene in Raleigh is absolutely crushing it in 2025! As projected to become the second-largest tech hub on the East Coast, Raleigh's growth is seriously impressive.

The city added over 11,400 tech jobs in just five years - that's an 18% jump! Average tech salaries are hitting $118,933 annually, with a solid 3.2% increase from last year.

The cost of living is way more manageable than other tech hubs, with apartment rents averaging $1,527 monthly.

Major players like Apple, Epic Games, and Cisco are expanding here, creating tons of opportunities for new grads and career changers. The Research Triangle Park is buzzing with innovation, and companies like Google, Meta, and Apple are actively growing their presence.

CompTIA projects another 3,000 new tech jobs by the end of 2025, especially in cybersecurity and data science. With nearly half the residents holding bachelor's degrees and an incredibly diverse tech workforce, Raleigh isn't just another tech city - it's becoming THE place to launch a tech career.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about landing these high-paying tech roles.

Let me break down how we ranked these awesome tech jobs in Raleigh for 2025 - it's pretty interesting stuff! According to recent industry research, AI Architects are leading the pack with salaries hitting over $200k, which definitely influenced our rankings.

We looked at three main things: how much money you can make, how many companies are hiring, and how important the job is to the tech world. The salary info came from comparing national stats with what's happening right here in Raleigh.

Our research pulls data from everywhere that matters.

Mondo's 2025 Salary Guide shows IT Project Managers making between $73k-$210k, while Data Engineers can earn up to $191k - these stats helped shape our rankings.

We also checked out what local tech giants are paying and what skills they're looking for. It's wild how some roles, especially in AI and cloud computing, are offering such competitive salaries because there's such a talent shortage.

The most exciting part? The latest tech job outlook shows that roles in AI, cloud security, and data science are absolutely crushing it salary-wise.

We're talking six figures for most positions, with some senior roles pushing way higher. This isn't just about base pay either - we factored in the whole package, including how these jobs are evolving with new tech.

If you're thinking about getting into tech in Raleigh, focusing on these high-demand areas could seriously pay off. The city's tech scene is growing like crazy, and companies are ready to pay top dollar for the right skills.

In 2025, being a Software Development Engineer (SDE) at IBM in Raleigh isn't just another tech job - it's where real innovation happens. As IBM's engineering team shows, SDEs work on projects that actually make a difference, from cloud computing to open-source development.

The salary range is seriously competitive, starting at $90,000 and going up to $142,000 annually, depending on your experience and skills. What's cool is that IBM's development roles let you dive into everything from design and coding to testing and support.

They're big on using the latest tech, and you get to work with stuff like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Entry-level developers at IBM aren't just code monkeys - they're treated like real contributors from day one.

You need to know your way around languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript, plus have some basic understanding of operating systems. But it's not all about technical stuff - they want people who can think on their feet and work well in teams. IBM hooks you up with some sweet perks too, like healthcare, 401(k), and tons of vacation time (120 hours!).

Plus, they've got this AI-driven learning platform where you can level up your skills whenever you want. The company's really pushing for innovation in AI and cloud tech, so there's always something new to learn and work on. If you're into creating tech that actually matters while working with a team that pushes you to grow, this is definitely the move.

Working as a Data Scientist at SAS Institute is seriously exciting - we're talking about transforming massive amounts of data into game-changing insights.

The role combines statistical skills, programming expertise, and industry knowledge to solve complex problems. According to current data, data scientists at SAS typically earn between $118,000 to $125,000 annually in Raleigh, making it one of the most rewarding career paths for tech enthusiasts.

The best part? You get to work with both SAS and open-source tools to create solutions that actually matter.

The SAS Certified Data Scientist path is getting a major upgrade in June 2025, showing how the field keeps evolving.

The certification includes essential skills like data curation, advanced programming, and AI/machine learning. What's awesome is that data scientists here aren't just crunching numbers - they're working on projects that protect wildlife, improve healthcare, and help lift people out of poverty.

In Raleigh's growing tech scene, these roles are becoming increasingly important as companies realize they need people who can turn their data into real business value.

Want to kickstart your career? SAS's Early Career Program offers amazing opportunities for fresh graduates.

You'll get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech while working alongside industry experts. Recent grads say the training is incredible, and you'll learn everything from coding to software development.

Plus, SAS's work culture encourages curiosity and innovation, which is perfect when you're starting your career. The company's commitment to work-life balance and focus on emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning makes it an ideal place to grow professionally.

As a Cloud Architect at Cisco Systems in Raleigh, you're stepping into one of tech's most exciting roles.

The position combines creative problem-solving with cutting-edge technology, as architects design and implement cloud solutions that help businesses work smarter.

Recent data shows the global cloud services market hit $602.31 billion in 2023, with a massive 21.2% growth rate expected through 2030. At Cisco's Raleigh campus, cloud architects are right in the middle of this growth, working with both public and private cloud infrastructures to create solutions that actually make a difference.

The financial rewards are seriously impressive - cloud architects at Cisco can earn between $165,000 to $171,660 annually, depending on experience level.

The role requires solid technical skills, but what's really cool is how it lets you shape the future of business technology. According to current job listings, Cisco is actively seeking cloud architects who can handle both technical challenges and business strategy.

Key requirements include expertise in major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, programming skills in languages like Python or Java, and the ability to work with diverse teams across the company.

The best part? The role offers amazing flexibility with hybrid work options and opportunities to work on projects that impact millions of users worldwide.

The cybersecurity landscape is experiencing major changes in 2025, with industry experts predicting tectonic shifts in how we protect digital assets.

At Red Hat in Raleigh, cybersecurity experts are leading this transformation, earning competitive salaries averaging $145,000 annually. The role has become increasingly critical as cybercrime revenues now exceed $8 trillion globally, with threats becoming more sophisticated through AI adoption.

To succeed in this field, professionals need to master core competencies that align with emerging trends.

• AI Integration: Understanding AI-driven security tools and threat detection
• Zero-Trust Architecture: Implementing continuous verification protocols
• Cloud Security: Managing distributed system protection
• Incident Response: Handling breaches and threat mitigation
• Compliance: Staying current with evolving regulatory requirements

Red Hat prioritizes candidates with CISSP and CEH certifications, but the game is changing.

According to Forbes, the zero-trust security market is set to triple to $95.22 billion by 2030, creating massive opportunities for security professionals.

With human error causing 88% of data breaches, there's a huge focus on developing people-centric security solutions. The role combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, making it perfect for those who love solving complex problems while making a real impact on digital safety.

In Raleigh's tech scene, this career path isn't just about defense - it's about shaping the future of digital security.

Epic Games is seriously transforming the tech scene in Raleigh with its focus on machine learning. As a Machine Learning Ops Engineer, you'll be right in the middle of building high-performance systems that power content moderation and security across their massive gaming platforms.

The role combines coding skills with real-world problem-solving, working with a team of 15+ engineers to deploy ML models that actually make a difference.

The average salary range hits between $120,000 to $150,000 annually, making it one of the best-paying tech jobs in Raleigh.

What makes this role extra exciting is how Epic approaches machine learning.

Their Technical Director positions are shaping the future of gaming through advanced analytics and ML services.

The job market is growing fast - we're talking about a 21% annual growth rate in Raleigh alone. To get in, you need solid Python skills, experience with tools like PyTorch and TensorRT, and a good grasp of how to scale ML systems.

The cool part? You're not just writing code - you're building features that millions of players will experience.

The best thing about working at Epic? They're all about pushing boundaries.

Their research and development team is constantly working on new algorithms and prototypes, which means you'll always be learning something new.

Whether you're optimizing AI models or developing new machine learning solutions, you're actually helping shape how people play and interact with games. It's not just about having the skills - it's about being part of a team that's literally changing how games work.

Plus, with Epic's presence in Raleigh growing, there's never been a better time to jump into machine learning engineering.

As a DevOps Engineer at Lenovo in Raleigh, you'll be right in the middle of transforming how software gets built and deployed. According to recent industry data, DevOps roles are set to grow 17% between 2023 and 2033, way faster than most other jobs.

At Lenovo, DevOps Engineers handle everything from building continuous integration pipelines to managing cloud infrastructure, with base salaries ranging from $108K to $162K depending on experience.

The role involves collaborating with development teams to ensure smooth deployments and providing technical guidance to team members.

The tech stack at Lenovo is seriously impressive.

You'll work with tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes, plus get hands-on experience with major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. The position requires skills in infrastructure automation, monitoring, and maintaining high availability for cloud solutions.

What's really cool is that for entry-level positions, you can start with just 6 months of relevant experience if you've got solid knowledge of cloud platforms and automation tools.

The role demands both technical skills and people skills.

You'll need to know your way around:

• Infrastructure as Code tools like Terraform and Ansible
• Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes
• Scripting languages like Python or Bash
• Observability tools like DataDog

Working at Lenovo means joining a global tech company that's really focused on innovation and growth.

With their presence in 180 markets and a constant push for digital transformation, it's an awesome place to build a career in tech. Plus, being in Raleigh puts you right in one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country.

The role of an AI Research Scientist at Cognizant is taking off in Raleigh's tech scene. At Cognizant's AI Labs, researchers are pushing boundaries in evolutionary AI, multi-agent systems, and large language models.

The position isn't just about coding - it's about creating AI that makes a real difference. Scientists here tackle everything from decision-making AI to trustworthy AI systems, with starting salaries ranging between $140,000-$180,000 annually.

A typical day involves designing experiments, developing new algorithms, and working on innovative projects in evolutionary optimization.

What's cool is that Cognizant's team isn't just building AI - they're shaping its future, having scored the Best Pathway to Impact Award at NeurIPS 2023.

The role requires a PhD in Computer Science or related field, plus solid experience with AI and machine learning.

But what really matters is the passion for creating AI that benefits society. The position involves publishing research papers and advising AI engineers on practical applications.

The perks are pretty sweet too - comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and stock purchase plans. With Raleigh's tech scene growing fast, and Cognizant's commitment to AI innovation, this role is perfect for someone who wants to be at the forefront of AI development while making a real impact on how technology shapes our future.

The role of a Product Manager at Bandwidth Inc. in Raleigh is seriously exciting and can boost company profits by up to 34%. As Bandwidth's current job listings show, Product Managers handle everything from API development to customer experience optimization.

Their main focus? Creating amazing products that users actually want to use. Product managers work as the central connection point between engineering, marketing, sales, and customer support teams, making sure everyone's on the same page.

They're like the conductors of a tech orchestra, keeping all the different sections in harmony. The compensation is pretty sweet too - Bandwidth Inc. offers competitive salaries that match Raleigh's growing reputation as a tech hub.

What's really cool about this role is that it lets you direct the whole product journey, from coming up with new ideas to launching features that customers love.

You need to be sharp with data analysis, awesome at communication, and quick at solving problems. The role involves running market research, defining what features to build next, and making sure the product stays competitive.

Plus, you get to work with cutting-edge tech while helping shape the future of telecommunications. At Bandwidth, product managers get real perks too, including full medical coverage, four weeks of PTO right from the start, and something called "Mahalo moments" for life's big events.

It's definitely an ideal position for someone who loves both tech and leadership.

Network engineers at Qualcomm Raleigh are at the forefront of building tomorrow's digital infrastructure. Their role has evolved beyond just maintaining networks - they're now key architects of digital transformation, handling everything from cloud networks to cutting-edge IoT systems.

I'm particularly excited about how they're shaping the future of 5G technology and creating solutions that connect millions of devices worldwide.

The salary potential is seriously impressive - network engineers at Qualcomm are earning between $105,000 to $122,000 annually, with experienced professionals pushing past $160,000.

According to recent industry analysis, these roles combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving, making them super attractive for tech enthusiasts like me who love solving complex challenges.

If you're looking to break into this field, you'll need to get comfortable with network architecture, security protocols, and automation tools.

The most successful candidates typically have skills in:

• Network automation and Python scripting
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Security implementation and threat prevention
• Software-defined networking (SDN)

Based on current market trends, the demand for network engineers in Raleigh is set to increase by 12% through 2025.

This growth, combined with Qualcomm's expanding 5G initiatives, makes it an incredible time to join the field. Whether you're fresh out of college or transitioning from another tech role, network engineering offers a clear path to make a real impact while building a rewarding career in one of tech's most dynamic sectors.

The tech field is buzzing with opportunities for UX/UI Designers! UX design has become an excellent gateway into tech careers, combining creativity with problem-solving in ways that actually matter.

At Fidelity Investments, UX/UI Designers are making bank - the average total compensation hits $139,000 annually, including a $104,000 base salary plus a $35,000 bonus.

That's way above the national average! The role involves creating amazing user experiences across websites, apps, and software that people use every day.

To crush it in this field, you need to master design tools like Adobe XD and Figma, get really good at understanding what users want, and be able to work smoothly with different teams.

The coolest part? The field keeps evolving with new tech like AR/VR, so there's always something fresh to learn. Right now, companies are all about creating mobile-first designs and immersive experiences that keep users coming back for more.

Plus, with 92% of Fidelity's UX/UI designers receiving annual bonuses and 85% loving their benefits, it's clear why this role is drawing so many young professionals to Raleigh's growing tech scene.

Raleigh is seriously making waves as a tech powerhouse in 2025, and I'm here for it! The city's tech scene is expected to add another 3,000 jobs this year, with average salaries hitting $122,240.

Companies like IBM, Cisco, and Epic Games are creating this amazing ecosystem where both entry-level and experienced pros can thrive. What's really cool is that 70% of tech hires are actually junior developers, making it perfect for people just starting their careers.

The best part? The cost of living is about 5% below the national average, so your salary goes way further here. With over 500 startups and major players investing heavily (like Apple dropping $1 billion into the area), there's no shortage of opportunities.

Raleigh is on track to become the East Coast's second-biggest tech hub, and the energy here is unreal.

Whether you're into AI, cybersecurity, or software development, there's a spot for you in this growing tech community. Plus, with three major universities nearby pumping out talent, the networking opportunities are endless.

Trust me, if you're looking to start or level up your tech career, Raleigh is where it's happening!