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

The tech scene in Rochester is absolutely crushing it in 2025! The city's tech sector now makes up over 15% of the workforce and generates a massive $2.4 billion annually.

Software Developers are earning between $29.59 to $61.09 per hour, while Information Security Analysts pull in $39.08 to $59.92 hourly.

The future's looking even better with Mayo Clinic dropping $5 billion on a tech-heavy expansion, bringing AI and digital innovations to their campus.

What's really exciting is that Minnesota's tech sector employs over 380,000 people and contributes $31 billion to the economy annually.

Companies are prioritizing certifications over degrees now, and there's tons of flexibility with remote work options. The job market's especially hot in healthcare tech, AI, and cybersecurity, with Rochester's tech employment growth rate hitting 3.6% - the highest in Minnesota! Whether you're into coding, data analysis, or cybersecurity, Rochester's got opportunities across the board, with entry-level salaries ranging from $75,000 to $95,000.

Plus, with Mayo's expansion creating even more tech jobs, it's seriously the perfect time to jump into Rochester's tech scene.

Our ranking methodology for Rochester's top-paying tech jobs in 2025 combines three key factors: salary data, job market growth, and local tech presence. We pulled salary information from trusted sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and found impressive numbers across various roles, with Cybersecurity Engineers starting at $121,500 and AI specialists earning between $120K-$200K. The job market analysis looks super promising - Rochester ranks as the #10 up-and-coming tech talent market in North America, with major growth in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity positions.

The tech company landscape here is seriously expanding.

Rochester's getting a $40 million federal tech hub investment for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor, which is huge for job creation. Companies like CloudCheckr are adding 400 new jobs, while Mastodon Design and Calero Software are bringing hundreds more.

It's worth noting that RIT's computer science program ranks #64 nationally, with their co-op program connecting students to over 3,000 employers.

The data shows tech professionals here can expect competitive salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, with specialists in cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and software engineering being particularly in demand.

This combination of growing opportunities and strong educational backing makes Rochester's tech scene particularly attractive for career growth.

Cloud Architects are leading Rochester's tech salary rankings in 2025, with earnings ranging from $128,418 to $167,000 annually.

This role involves creating and managing cloud computing strategies that help companies scale their operations while keeping costs in check. The job requires solid knowledge of major platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, plus expertise in things like automation and security.

What makes this role so valuable in Rochester? Cloud Architects help companies understand and build cloud computing systems that streamline their operations and cut costs.

Rochester's expanding tech scene, especially with companies like Dover Corporation and BroadComm setting up shop here, has created huge demand for cloud expertise.

These companies need someone who can turn their big ideas into real-world cloud solutions while keeping everything secure and running smoothly.

The role's high earning potential makes total sense when you look at what's required.

Cloud Architects need deep knowledge of cloud platforms, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay current with constantly evolving technology.

Plus, with an 82% job satisfaction rate, it's clear this role offers more than just a good paycheck. As more Rochester businesses move to cloud-based operations, Cloud Architects become even more essential, making this career path super promising for anyone interested in shaping the future of tech in our city.

As someone working at BroadComm recently told me, "If you want to be at the heart of digital transformation in Rochester, becoming a Cloud Architect is your best bet. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate."

Machine Learning Engineers in Rochester are crushing it in 2025, playing a crucial role in transforming how businesses operate through AI technology. As a Machine Learning Engineer, you'll be building AI systems that learn from data, creating algorithms that power everything from predictive analytics to automation solutions.

The work involves collaborating with data scientists to frame business problems, building data pipelines, and maintaining models that keep getting smarter over time.

With companies like Dover Corporation and BroadComm expanding their AI initiatives, the opportunities are seriously exciting.

The money is pretty amazing too.

Rochester's tech scene is offering Machine Learning Engineers salaries ranging from $121,000 to $193,000, with senior positions pulling in up to $200,000.

What's really cool is that according to industry reports, the demand for AI and machine learning skills is expected to grow 71% through 2025. Companies are competing hard for talent, often throwing in sweet perks like flexible work arrangements and career development opportunities.

The path to becoming a Machine Learning Engineer is pretty straightforward - you need solid programming skills in Python and other languages, plus a strong foundation in math and stats.

Most employers look for experience with machine learning frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow, and knowledge of big data technologies.

The best part? You can start building these skills right now through online courses, bootcamps, and hands-on projects. With Rochester ranking as the #10 up-and-coming tech talent market in North America, the future looks incredibly bright for anyone jumping into this field.

Data Scientists are crushing it in Rochester, Minnesota, where major employers like Mayo Clinic and IBM are actively recruiting talent.

These pros aren't just number crunchers - they're tech wizards who transform complex data into game-changing insights. Their daily grind includes everything from data mining to creating predictive models that help businesses make smarter decisions.

The work is seriously cool because you get to use cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and statistical methods to uncover hidden patterns in massive datasets.

Data Scientists in Rochester are absolutely killing it with an average salary of $160,617, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers around.

What makes this role even more interesting is that typical duties include developing technical visions, managing projects, and making sure complex analyses turn into actionable recommendations.

At places like Mayo Clinic's Center for Digital Health, Data Scientists work on everything from descriptive analytics to forecasting, making real impacts on healthcare outcomes.

• Data Collection and Processing: Gathering data from various sources, cleaning it, and turning it into a usable format.
• Model Building: Designing and developing advanced predictive or descriptive models.
• Data Visualization: Presenting complex data findings in a visual and easy-to-understand manner.
• Communicating Insights: Collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement data-driven solutions.

The job market is seriously hot right now, with a projected 19% growth through 2025.

Companies are scrambling to hire people who can turn their data into valuable insights. It's not just about crunching numbers - you need to be creative, analytical, and ready to solve complex problems.

Whether you're fresh out of college or looking to level up your career, Data Science is definitely where the action is at in Rochester's tech scene.

Software Engineers are in serious demand right now in Rochester's tech scene, with starting salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000.

We're not just writing code - we're building the future across healthcare, finance, and AI platforms. The role has evolved beyond basic programming; modern Software Engineers create innovative solutions that impact customers, clients, and employees daily.

Whether it's developing AI algorithms, crafting secure financial platforms, or building healthcare applications, we're at the center of it all. The tech scene here is growing fast, with major players like Paychex and L3Harris actively recruiting.

What's really cool is that companies are especially seeking engineers with data security expertise, offering competitive packages that include stock options and comprehensive benefits.

The job requires solid programming skills in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, plus the ability to work with cloud platforms and handle end-to-end project ownership.

With Rochester's tech hub status growing, especially in semiconductors and AI, Software Engineers are essential in driving innovation and creating solutions that matter.

Regular coding challenges, collaboration with global teams, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects make this role perfect for anyone passionate about technology and problem-solving.

As a Network Security Engineer, you're basically the digital guardian who designs, implements, and maintains the security systems that keep organizations safe from cyber threats.

The role has gotten super important in 2025, with companies dealing with more sophisticated attacks than ever before. Network Security Engineers in Rochester are earning around $148,821 annually, which is pretty sweet considering the national average is about $117,815.

What makes this career path even more interesting is that security engineers handle complex infrastructure to protect everything from endpoints to identities across borderless network perimeters.

I'm genuinely excited about how incident response planning has become crucial in this field.

The job involves way more than just setting up firewalls - you're constantly analyzing threats, running simulated attacks to test system weaknesses, and developing smart solutions to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

The coolest part is getting to work with cutting-edge tools like Wireshark for penetration testing and PacketFence for network monitoring. Plus, you get to be the person who actually makes a difference in protecting sensitive data and keeping organizations running smoothly.

What's really awesome about this career is that you can start with a bachelor's degree in computer science or IT, and there are tons of certification paths to level up your skills.

Companies are definitely willing to invest in their security teams because, let's be real, the cost of a security breach is way higher than preventing one. With the way technology is advancing and more businesses moving their operations online, this field is only going to get more important - and probably more lucrative too.

The role of Cybersecurity Engineers has become absolutely crucial in protecting organizations from digital threats. Here in Rochester, Minnesota, these tech professionals are earning competitive salaries averaging $136,276, with opportunities for growth as cyber attacks now occur every 39 seconds.

The responsibilities of these digital guardians include penetration testing, implementing security measures, and responding to security incidents. They're basically the first line of defense against hackers and cybercriminals.

• Security assessments and code audits
• Installing and configuring security systems and firewalls
• Developing emergency protocols for data breaches
• Leading incident response across teams

The demand is seriously intense - cybercrime is projected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, pushing companies to invest heavily in protection.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an incredible 35% job growth through 2031, which is way faster than most other careers. Getting started typically requires a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science, plus key certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. The best part? Entry-level positions in Rochester start at $60,000, with experienced professionals earning well into six figures.

If you're into problem-solving and want to make a real difference in tech, this field is definitely worth checking out. The opportunities are everywhere, from healthcare at Mayo Clinic to tech giants like IBM, making Rochester an awesome place to launch a cybersecurity career.

DevOps Engineers are completely transforming how software gets built and deployed in 2025. These tech pros are the ultimate problem-solvers, managing the entire IT infrastructure while coordinating between development and operations teams to keep everything running smoothly.

They're masters at using automation tools and building CI/CD pipelines that make software releases happen super fast without messing up the quality. What makes them really stand out is their ability to handle complex cloud architectures and integrate security at every stage of development.

The average DevOps Engineer salary in Rochester hits $141,164 in 2025, which honestly makes sense given how much value they bring.

They're not just tech workers - they're efficiency wizards who execute and supervise automation tools and processes to streamline everything about software deployment and operations.

Local companies are seeing huge wins with DevOps practices:

• 25% faster software releases, getting products out there way quicker
• 30% less spending on IT and development, thanks to smart automation
• 20% better product quality, because of constant testing and improvements

With more businesses moving to cloud platforms, DevOps Engineers are absolutely essential for keeping systems running at their best.

They're the ones making sure companies can focus on creating cool new features instead of getting stuck dealing with technical problems. The need for DevOps talent in Rochester is just going to keep growing - these skills are basically gold in today's tech world, and companies know it.

As a fresh grad looking into tech careers in Rochester, I'm excited about the booming cybersecurity job market, which currently has over 6,500 positions available in Minnesota.

Information Security Analysts are seriously in demand, with entry-level salaries starting between $60,000 to $100,000. The work is super interesting - you get to be like a digital guardian, protecting organizations from cyber threats that happen every 39 seconds.

Daily responsibilities include hunting for system vulnerabilities, maintaining network security, and implementing data governance protocols.

The cool thing is you're not just sitting behind a screen all day - you're actively collaborating with different teams and explaining complex security issues to non-technical people.

What makes this career even better? The salary range in Minnesota goes from $48.53 to $70.19 per hour, and with the lower cost of living in Rochester compared to bigger cities, that money goes pretty far.

The field is growing fast too - there's a predicted 33% growth through 2031, which means tons of opportunities for career advancement. Major employers like Mayo Clinic and IBM are always looking for security talent, and with remote work becoming more common, you've got flexibility in how and where you work.

If you're into problem-solving and want to make a real impact while earning good money, this is definitely a career worth checking out.

As a Penetration Tester in Rochester's tech scene, you get to be the ultimate digital detective, finding security flaws before the bad guys do.

The role pays pretty well too, with salaries averaging $121,943 annually, plus bonuses that can push it higher. What makes this job awesome is that you're basically a professional hacker - but on the good side.

The demand is seriously growing, especially since companies keep getting hit with cyber attacks, and someone needs to stop them. I've seen that Rochester's becoming a major tech hub, ranking #10 for up-and-coming tech talent markets in North America.

When you're working as a pen tester, your days are packed with running tests on applications and networks, checking physical security measures, and writing reports about what you find.

It's not just about using fancy tools - you need to think creatively and stay ahead of new hacking methods. The best part is you can work in-house for a company, join a security firm, or even go freelance if that's more your style.

Looking at the job market, it's clear why penetration testing is such a hot career right now.

Companies are literally competing for people with these skills, offering sick benefits and opportunities to work remotely. Plus, you get to learn constantly since cyber threats are always evolving.

With the tech industry expected to grow from 6 million to 7.1 million jobs by 2034, and cybersecurity specialists being in such high demand, getting into this field now is basically setting yourself up for a solid future.

As an AI Research Scientist in Rochester, you'll be at the forefront of tech innovation, focusing on developing cutting-edge AI technologies.

The position involves designing algorithms, conducting experiments, and working with cross-functional teams to create practical AI solutions. What makes this role exciting is the chance to work on next-gen applications like large language models, neural networks, and advanced content generation systems.

The average salary stands at $131,809 in Rochester for 2025, reflecting the high value placed on AI expertise. Machine learning tools like PyTorch and TensorFlow are essential skills, along with strong programming abilities in Python.

The most successful AI researchers are those who can identify research challenges, develop prototype solutions, and communicate findings effectively through publications and presentations.

The role requires staying current with rapid technological changes while collaborating on high-impact projects that shape the future of AI applications in healthcare, business, and urban development.

For anyone interested in this field, focusing on building a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and statistical modeling is crucial. The opportunities in Rochester are expanding, especially with increasing partnerships between tech companies and local institutions like Mayo Clinic.

The tech scene in Rochester is seriously taking off in 2025, with Minnesota's tech sector making up 12.4% of total employment and contributing $31 billion annually to the state's economy.

The top-paying roles - Cloud Architect ($201,572), Machine Learning Engineer ($165,999), and Data Scientist ($160,617) - show just how much companies value tech talent.

The city's commitment to tech innovation is clear, especially in healthcare and AI integration. What's really interesting is how AI is becoming both the tool and the solution in many workplaces, creating new opportunities for those who can master these technologies.

Getting into tech here is totally achievable with the right approach.

Local educational programs are constantly updating to match industry needs, with a big focus on practical skills. You've got to stay on top of networking opportunities through meetups and professional events - that's where the real opportunities happen.

Recent data shows 85% of tech jobs are landed through connections, which is huge! Companies here are specifically looking for people who can code, analyze data, and think critically about complex problems.

The best part about Rochester's tech scene is how it welcomes fresh perspectives.

Whether you're into cybersecurity, AI, or data science, there's room to grow. The industry's growing fast, with projections showing a 6.3% job growth rate by 2030.

What makes someone successful here isn't just technical skills - it's being ready to learn new things and connect with others in the field. If you're passionate about tech and ready to put in the work, Rochester's got your back with tons of opportunities and resources to help you succeed.