Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Raleigh in 2025
Last Updated: December 17th 2024
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Raleigh's tech scene is booming in 2025, with an average tech salary of $118,933, a 3.2% increase from last year. Major companies like IBM and Cisco, along with 150 startups, are driving job growth in areas like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. With tech jobs growing 21.3% and a lower cost of living, Raleigh is an attractive destination for tech professionals looking for high-paying jobs in a dynamic environment.
Raleigh is seriously crushing it as a tech hub in 2025, and I'm excited to share what makes it so amazing! The city is predicted to become the East Coast's second-biggest tech center, and the numbers back it up.
Tech professionals here are living their best lives with salaries averaging $118,933 per year - that's a solid 3.2% increase from last year! What makes it even better is that Raleigh offers way lower living costs than Silicon Valley, meaning you keep more of what you earn.
The Research Triangle is packed with opportunities at major players like IBM, Epic Games, and Cisco, plus there are about 150 promising startups if you're into that scene.
The population keeps growing with tech talent, especially people in their 20s and 30s moving here from expensive cities like NYC and Boston.
Whether you're into software engineering, data science, or cybersecurity, Raleigh's tech scene is absolutely on fire. Companies are actively recruiting right now, and this article will show you exactly which roles are paying the big bucks in 2025!
Table of Contents
- Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Paid Tech Jobs
- Spotlight on Software Engineers
- Rise of Data Scientists
- In Demand: Cybersecurity Analysts
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineers
- DevOps Engineers Leading the Charge
- Network and System Administrators
- Digital Marketing Specialists in Tech
- User Experience (UX) Designers
- Conclusion: Raleigh as a Promising Tech Destination
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Paid Tech Jobs
(Up)Looking at the best-paid tech jobs in Raleigh for 2025, I analyzed multiple factors to create rankings that actually matter to people starting their careers. Recent data shows Software Engineers earning an average of $120,720, while Data Scientists make around $118,083, confirming Raleigh's status as a legit tech destination.
The research gets really interesting when you see that IT professionals in Research Triangle Park earn a median salary of $94,211, which is pretty solid considering the lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs.
What's even better is that tech salaries are expected to climb even higher, with Cloud Architects potentially earning over $200,000 by 2025.
The methodology looks at current job postings, salary data from major employers like IBM and Red Hat, and growth projections from reliable sources. With tech employment making up 9% of Raleigh's total jobs and over 60,000 positions in the field, the numbers definitely back up the hype about career opportunities here.
Tech salaries in Raleigh average $93,450 annually, which is almost $40,000 more than other private sector jobs - that's a serious advantage for anyone looking to start their tech career.
The research also shows a projected job growth rate of 21.3% between 2020 and 2028, which is more than double the national average, making Raleigh an awesome place to build a long-term career in tech.
Spotlight on Software Engineers
(Up)The incredible software engineering scene in Raleigh right now! CompTIA projects 3,000 new tech positions by 2025, and software engineers are leading the pack.
The best part? The salary game is seriously competitive - mid-level engineers are pulling in around $98,000 annually, which goes way further here than in other tech hubs.
Compared to places like DC, you're looking at $16,000 in annual savings while living in a city that's way more affordable.
Major players like IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent, and they're not just offering good money - they're working on some genuinely cool projects.
The Research Triangle Park is absolutely buzzing with over 300 tech companies, and the average software engineer salary keeps trending upward, hitting $101,170 in recent reports.
What makes this even better is the mix of established tech giants and innovative startups, giving engineers tons of options for building their careers. Whether you're into cloud computing, AI, or full-stack development, Raleigh's tech scene has opportunities for everyone.
The city's becoming a serious contender against other tech hubs, and the community here is super welcoming to new developers. Companies are especially hungry for skills in Python, Java, and JavaScript, so if you're strong in any of these, you're going to find plenty of doors open.
Rise of Data Scientists
(Up)Data science is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with organizations everywhere jumping on board to boost their competitive edge. According to recent industry forecasts, we're looking at a mind-blowing 180 zettabytes of data being generated by 2026.
That's insane! The field keeps evolving with AI integration, quantum computing, and deep learning making everything faster and smarter. Salary prospects are pretty sweet too, with data scientists in scientific research pulling in around $126,430 annually, while AI engineers are banking even more at $135,000 on average.
By 2025, the data science field is expected to employ 16 million professionals, making it one of the most promising career paths out there.
The role isn't just about crunching numbers anymore - it's about using cutting-edge tech to solve real problems and make better decisions. Companies are scrambling to hire people who can handle both the technical side and communicate insights effectively.
Plus, with the rise of AI and machine learning, the work is getting more exciting every day. If you're into tech and love solving puzzles, data science is definitely worth checking out - just make sure to keep learning because this field moves super fast!
In Demand: Cybersecurity Analysts
(Up)The cybersecurity scene in Raleigh is absolutely exploding right now! Current projections show a massive 15% growth in cybersecurity jobs across the region, with entry-level positions starting around $88,000.
The demand is mind-blowing - North Carolina has over 20,000 open cyber roles with competitive salaries averaging $98,000.
Major players like IBM, Credit Suisse, and Epic Games are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent. What's really cool is that there are literally two jobs available for every qualified candidate - talk about having your pick of opportunities! The field is perfect for tech-savvy people who love solving puzzles and staying ahead of cyber threats.
Companies are especially keen on finding analysts who know their way around cloud security and AI integration. Plus, with the rise of remote work, there's flexibility in where you can work from.
If you're thinking about jumping into cybersecurity, now's definitely the time - especially with the global shortage of professionals expected to hit 3.5 million by 2025.
Local tech firms are offering sweet benefits packages and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. Just make sure to get solid training in programming, network technologies, and cloud services to stand out from the crowd!
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineers
(Up)The AI and Machine Learning engineering scene in Raleigh is seriously heating up in 2025! According to recent industry data, software developers and programmers make up 72% of new tech talent jobs, with AI specialists being particularly sought after.
What's incredible is that employers are offering competitive salaries ranging from $98,863 to $141,118 annually for data scientists and ML engineers, making it a seriously attractive career path.
Major players like IBM, SAS, and Cisco are actively recruiting, but what's really cool is that non-tech companies are now hiring more tech talent than traditional tech firms.
The role of AI/ML engineers has evolved beyond just coding.
Modern ML engineers need to master everything from data preprocessing and model development to deployment and maintenance.
We're talking about creating systems that can understand language, recognize patterns, and make predictions that actually work in the real world. The best part? Companies are investing heavily in fresh talent, with many offering dedicated mentorship programs and continuous learning opportunities.
The future looks incredibly bright for anyone jumping into AI/ML in Raleigh.
Latest hiring trends show massive demand for full-stack ML roles, data engineers, and MLOps specialists.
Plus, with Raleigh's lower living costs compared to tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, you can actually afford to live comfortably while working on cutting-edge tech.
Whether you're into neural networks, computer vision, or natural language processing, Raleigh's tech scene has something exciting to offer.
DevOps Engineers Leading the Charge
(Up)As a DevOps Engineer in Raleigh in 2025, you're seriously in for an exciting career path. CompTIA projects around 3,000 new tech jobs in Raleigh by 2025, with DevOps roles taking center stage.
These professionals are crushing it with salaries ranging from $69.5 to $78.31 per hour on contract positions, while full-time roles at major companies can hit $114,000+ annually.
Companies are looking for DevOps engineers who can handle secure deployment automation, cloud environments, and data analytics tools like Grafana and PowerBI. It's not just about coding anymore - DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations, using tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes to make everything run smoothly.
The best part? You don't need decades of experience - many roles ask for 3-5 years of relevant experience, making it totally achievable for newcomers who focus on building the right skills.
Major players like IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat are always on the lookout for fresh talent, and with the rise of remote work options, you can score a sweet gig while enjoying Raleigh's amazing lifestyle.
If you're into coding and problem-solving, DevOps is definitely where it's at for 2025 and beyond.
Network and System Administrators
(Up)Raleigh's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with population growth hitting 11.4% and tech opportunities expanding faster than ever.
The surge in cloud computing and data center development has created an incredible environment for Network and System Administrators. Data center construction in the Raleigh area just jumped 15 times higher than previous records.
That's massive! This expansion is creating tons of high-paying jobs, with the median tech salary hitting $110,000, and top performers earning over $150,000 annually.
The best part? The cost of living here is still way better than in places like NYC or San Francisco.
Looking at the infrastructure growth, it's mind-blowing to see how much is happening.
The new American Tower data center is just one example of the mega-projects underway, set to open in early 2025.
This facility alone will add significant capacity to Raleigh's tech infrastructure, creating even more opportunities for skilled admins. With nearly 90% of new data center space already pre-leased, companies are clearly betting big on Raleigh's tech future.
For anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career, the timing couldn't be better - especially with giants like IBM, Cisco, and Epic Games constantly on the lookout for fresh talent.
What makes this role especially exciting is how it's evolving with AI and edge computing.
Network and System Administrators aren't just managing servers anymore; they're orchestrating complex cloud environments and handling cutting-edge AI infrastructure.
The demand is real - companies are desperate for people who can handle these hybrid environments, and they're willing to pay top dollar for the right skills. With Raleigh's tech scene showing zero signs of slowing down, this career path is seriously worth considering.
Digital Marketing Specialists in Tech
(Up)Digital Marketing Specialists are absolutely crushing it in Raleigh's tech scene right now. Top companies are offering competitive salaries between $60,000 to $90,000 for professionals who can handle everything from SEO to social media campaigns.
The role has totally transformed - it's not just about posting content anymore. We're talking full-stack marketing pros who need to master analytics, automation, and AI-driven strategies to stay ahead of the game.
What's super interesting is how companies in Raleigh are actively searching for entry-level talent who can bring fresh perspectives to their marketing teams.
The responsibilities are pretty intense - from managing multiple Google Business profiles to running PPC campaigns and creating content that actually converts.
It's wild how much the role has evolved, especially with all the new tech tools we're using.
One of the coolest things about being a Digital Marketing Specialist in Raleigh is the growth potential.
The tech job market here is expected to grow by 9.5% by the end of 2024, which is way above the national average of 6.5%.
Companies like IBM, Cisco, and Red Hat are constantly looking for marketing talent who can speak their language and translate complex tech concepts into engaging content.
Plus, with remote work options becoming standard, there's more flexibility than ever in how and where we work. The future's looking pretty bright for anyone wanting to jump into digital marketing in Raleigh's tech scene.
User Experience (UX) Designers
(Up)In Raleigh's expanding tech scene, UX Designers are shaping how users interact with products, creating wireframes, storyboards, and site maps that make digital experiences feel natural and engaging.
The role has evolved beyond just making things look good - it's about solving real problems for users while supporting business goals. Major companies like Deloitte are actively recruiting senior UX talent, offering competitive packages that typically range from $95,000 to $204,000 annually, depending on experience and expertise.
User Experience has become the backbone of product development, especially in sectors like healthcare, fintech, and education technology.
The position requires a mix of technical skills in tools like Axure RP, Balsamiq, and Sketch, plus soft skills like storytelling and problem-solving. What makes this role particularly exciting is the chance to work with diverse teams - from developers to business analysts - while creating products that actually make a difference.
For aspiring designers, Raleigh offers numerous opportunities with both established companies and startups, many offering remote work options and comprehensive benefits packages.
The city's lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs, combined with competitive salaries, makes it an attractive destination for UX professionals looking to build their careers while maintaining a great quality of life.
Conclusion: Raleigh as a Promising Tech Destination
(Up)Raleigh is seriously making waves in the tech world for 2025! Major tech companies like IBM, Red Hat, and Epic Games have already set up shop here, making it a real powerhouse for career opportunities.
The numbers are looking amazing - tech workers are pulling in an average of $106,900 annually, which is pretty sweet considering the cost of living is way lower than other tech hubs.
What's really cool is that compared to places like Washington DC, where you'd spend around $5,200 monthly just to live, Raleigh only costs about $2,743 - that's serious savings!
The city's getting tons of attention from tech companies because of its talent pool.
Over the past five years, Raleigh-Durham added 11,400 tech jobs, showing an 18% jump, which is just incredible! Plus, almost half of the residents here have at least a bachelor's degree, putting us at #7 nationally for educated workforce.
The startup scene is absolutely buzzing too, with over 150 promising startups calling this place home.
Looking ahead, CompTIA predicts about 3,000 new tech jobs by 2025, with huge demand in cybersecurity, data science, and software development.
The Research Triangle Park is basically a playground for tech innovation, contributing billions to the state economy. Between the amazing job opportunities, affordable living costs, and genuinely cool tech community, Raleigh's definitely the place to be for anyone looking to crush it in tech.
We're literally becoming the East Coast's second-biggest tech hub!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average tech salary in Raleigh in 2025?
In 2025, tech professionals in Raleigh have an average salary of $118,933 per year, which marks a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
Which companies in Raleigh are hiring tech professionals in 2025?
Major companies like IBM, Epic Games, Cisco, and Red Hat, as well as about 150 startups, are actively hiring tech professionals in Raleigh in 2025.
What are the top paying tech roles in Raleigh for 2025?
Some of the top paying tech roles in Raleigh for 2025 include Cloud Architects, AI and Machine Learning Engineers, and Cybersecurity Analysts with salaries reaching over $200,000 for certain roles.
How is the cost of living in Raleigh compared to other tech hubs?
The cost of living in Raleigh is significantly lower compared to other major tech hubs like NYC and San Francisco, making it an attractive destination for tech professionals.
What factors contribute to Raleigh’s demand for tech jobs?
Raleigh’s demand for tech jobs is driven by its growing reputation as a tech hub, the presence of major companies and startups, affordable living costs, and a high projected job growth rate of 21.3% from 2020 to 2028.
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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.