Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Sacramento in 2025

Sacramento's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! The tech sector is contributing nearly $1 trillion to California's economy, and Sacramento's getting a serious piece of that action.

As someone just starting my career, I'm stoked to see that California's creating an average of 16,500 new jobs monthly, with tech leading the charge.

While the local job market has its challenges, healthcare and government sectors are showing solid growth, creating perfect conditions for tech innovation.

The average tech salary here is pushing past $150,000 for roles like Cloud Architect, Data Scientist, and Machine Learning Engineer - that's literally life-changing money! Plus, with construction starts projected at $8.9 billion and major investments in infrastructure, Sacramento's transforming into a legit tech hub.

Companies are investing heavily in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, making it an amazing time to jump into the tech scene. For anyone looking to start their tech career, Sacramento's offering opportunities that used to only exist in Silicon Valley, but with way better cost of living.

The future's looking seriously bright for tech professionals here!

The methodology behind ranking Sacramento's top-paying tech jobs for 2025 combines real-world data with future-focused analysis. According to Mondo's latest salary research, tech compensation ranges have expanded significantly, with Software Engineers now earning between $90,000 to $198,000 annually.

We analyzed these figures alongside local market conditions to create accurate projections for Sacramento.

Our research pulls data from multiple sources, including current job market analyses and industry forecasts.

NextSource's recent report shows tech positions command median salaries more than double the national average, with specialized roles exceeding $120,000 annually.

The tech sector's projected 14% growth rate through 2032 significantly outpaces the 3% average for all occupations, making these roles particularly attractive for career longevity.

We're seeing major shifts in what employers value most.

Mercer's IT compensation data reveals that companies are increasing starting salaries, especially in cybersecurity (55% increase), cloud computing (51% increase), and AI/machine learning (46% increase).

These numbers aren't just stats - they represent real opportunities for tech professionals in Sacramento. The focus on emerging technologies like AI and cloud services is creating a surge in demand for specialized skills, pushing salaries higher than ever before.

For instance, AI Architects are now among the highest-paid non-executive roles, with experienced pros earning over $200,000 annually. This data-driven approach ensures our rankings reflect both current market realities and future growth potential in Sacramento's dynamic tech landscape.

Cloud Architects in Sacramento are crushing it in 2025, with salaries reaching up to $166,639 per year, making it the most rewarding tech career path in the region.

What makes this role so valuable? Cloud Architects are the masterminds behind the digital infrastructure that powers modern businesses, handling everything from system design to security implementation.

Strong problem-solving abilities and expert-level troubleshooting skills are absolute must-haves for tackling complex technical challenges in cloud environments.

The coolest part? Entry-level positions start around $127,880, with plenty of room to grow as you gain experience and certifications.

The role requires staying on top of multiple cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, plus mastering infrastructure automation tools and security protocols.

Companies in Sacramento are competing hard for Cloud Architects who can handle the pressure of designing scalable solutions while keeping data secure and systems running smoothly.

If you're thinking about diving into this field, focus on building a solid foundation in networking, coding, and security - these skills are your ticket to commanding top dollar in the tech industry.

With more businesses moving their operations to the cloud, the demand for skilled Cloud Architects isn't slowing down anytime soon, making it the perfect time to start building your career in this direction.

Data Scientists in Sacramento are crushing it with salaries ranging from $110,000 to $130,000, making it one of the hottest tech careers in 2025.

The role is perfect for analytical minds who love turning complex data into clear insights. 68% of data scientists say they're satisfied with their pay, especially considering California's living costs.

Looking at the bigger picture, some data scientists in Sacramento-area companies like Intel and HP are pulling in even higher numbers, with experienced professionals reaching upwards of $154,760 annually.

The toolset hasn't changed much - Python, R, and SQL are still essential, along with Tableau and Power BI for making data look amazing. But machine learning and AI are becoming bigger parts of the job.

The demand for Data Scientists in Sacramento keeps growing as more companies realize they need data experts to stay competitive.

It's not just tech companies either - healthcare, finance, and retail are all jumping on the data science train. What makes this role so important is how it combines technical skills with problem-solving to help businesses make smarter decisions.

For anyone interested in tech and analytics, becoming a Data Scientist is honestly one of the best career moves right now.

The impact of Data Science goes beyond just numbers and charts.

We're talking about helping companies predict what customers want before they even know they want it, making processes super efficient, and coming up with solutions that actually work in the real world.

For those just starting out, there's a clear path: learn the tools, get some hands-on experience with real data, and stay current with new tech developments. Sacramento's growing tech scene means there are plenty of opportunities to make your mark.

Whether you're into solving complex problems or creating visual stories with data, this field offers both creative freedom and serious earning potential.

Machine Learning Engineers are making serious waves in Sacramento's tech scene, with salaries hitting new heights in 2025. Based on current market data, experienced ML engineers can earn between $133,076 to $181,346, putting them among the top earners in tech.

Their role goes way beyond just coding - these engineers are literally building the future through artificial intelligence. According to industry experts, they're responsible for creating algorithms that make machines smarter, preparing massive datasets, and training models that can make real-world predictions.

The daily work of ML engineers involves data preprocessing, model training, and deployment of AI solutions into production environments.

They need to master tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch, plus stay sharp with Python and R programming. California's tech market particularly values ML engineers who can handle complex projects in healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, offering competitive compensation packages that often include significant bonuses and stock options.

What makes this role especially exciting is how it's constantly evolving.

ML engineers are working on everything from improving recommendation systems to developing cutting-edge computer vision applications. They collaborate with data scientists and software engineers to build solutions that can process vast amounts of information and make smart decisions.

The best part? The field is still growing, with new frameworks and tools coming out all the time, making it perfect for tech enthusiasts who love staying ahead of the curve.

Network Security Engineers in Sacramento are seriously crushing it right now! These digital guardians are making an impressive average of $141,872 annually, with experienced pros pulling in up to $165,673.

The job is fast-paced and challenging - you're basically the superhero of the network, protecting everything from hackers and cyber threats. Core responsibilities include analyzing network logs for suspicious activity, setting up firewalls, and running security tests to make sure everything's locked down tight.

Network security is getting more complex by the day, and companies are willing to pay top dollar for skilled professionals who can handle it. The best part? Security engineers with clearance can earn even more, with salaries reaching up to $214,335 in Sacramento.

Looking for a career that pays well and keeps you on the cutting edge? Software engineering in Sacramento offers an average salary of $110,000, with experienced professionals earning up to $125,000.

The real excitement comes from the growth potential - experienced engineers in California can earn over $178,000 with 10+ years of experience.

Even new grads are starting at around $112,000 in California, making it an awesome career choice right out of college.

Software engineers are seriously essential in Sacramento's growing tech scene, creating everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems. The field is incredibly dynamic - one day you might be coding a sleek new app, the next you're developing AI solutions.

Companies are constantly looking for talented developers who can work with Python for AI projects, JavaScript for web development, Java for enterprise systems, Go for cloud services, and Kotlin for Android apps.

The best part? The skills you learn stay relevant as technology evolves, and there's always something new to master. Whether you're into creating innovative solutions for startups or building robust systems for established companies, Sacramento's tech industry has plenty of opportunities.

As more businesses embrace digital transformation, the demand for software engineers keeps growing, making it a solid career choice for anyone interested in tech.

Looking to make serious money in tech? Cybersecurity engineering is absolutely crushing it right now.

In Sacramento, these digital defenders are pulling in between $121,787 to $181,810 annually, with experienced professionals averaging $142,815.

Senior positions are hitting up to $285,938 in California. These numbers aren't just random - they reflect the intense demand for experts who can protect against the scary 41% increase in ransomware attacks from last year.

What makes this role extra interesting is how varied it is - one day you're setting up firewalls and intrusion detection systems, the next you're doing penetration testing or responding to security incidents.

• Technical skills: The most successful engineers are crushing it with a mix of technical skills like Python programming and network architecture, plus solid problem-solving abilities.
• Earning potential: Want to level up your earning potential? Senior positions in California are offering massive paydays, especially if you stack certifications like CISSP or CySA+.

The best part? Companies are throwing in sweet perks like flexible work options and annual bonuses up to 15% of base salary.

With healthcare breaches costing companies over $10.1 million per incident, organizations are willing to pay top dollar for qualified cybersecurity engineers.

The field is projected to grow 35% through 2031, making it one of the most stable and lucrative tech careers out there.

As a penetration tester in Sacramento, you can expect to earn around $91,000 starting out, with the potential to make over $200,000 as you gain experience and certifications.

The role is super hands-on, requiring skills in Python, PowerShell, and network protocols. The tools we use are seriously next-level - things like Nmap for network scanning, Metasploit for testing exploits, and Wireshark for analyzing network traffic in real-time.

But it's not just about the tech stuff - successful penetration testers also need strong communication skills to explain complex security issues to non-technical stakeholders.

The best part? Companies are offering sweet perks like remote work options, performance bonuses, and ongoing training opportunities. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated every day, our role in protecting digital assets is more important than ever.

If you're into problem-solving and staying ahead of cybercriminals, this career path offers both exciting challenges and serious earning potential.

As the tech scene in Sacramento continues to evolve, AI Research Scientists are making waves with impressive salaries reaching up to $214,411 annually for senior positions.

AI is revolutionizing scientific discovery, with companies like Insilico Medicine using AI to speed up drug discovery from five years to just two years.

The average AI professional in California can expect to earn around $157,540 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $109,326.

AI Research Scientists are crushing it across different industries, creating new molecules for medicine, improving autonomous systems, and developing cutting-edge financial models.

Their work involves complex machine learning algorithms that are transforming everything from healthcare diagnostics to self-driving cars. Their work involves teaching machines to think and solve problems in ways we never imagined possible.

To make it in this field, you need to be seriously skilled in Python and R, plus know your way around TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Cloud computing and big data skills are absolutely essential too, since you're dealing with massive amounts of data and heavy computational tasks. The field is getting more competitive, but that's pushing salaries higher, especially in tech hubs like Sacramento.

What's really awesome is how AI Research Scientists get to work with all kinds of experts - from doctors to engineers to business leaders.

It's not just about writing code anymore; it's about being able to explain complex AI concepts to people who might not know the technical stuff. This mix of technical skills and communication abilities is what makes AI Research Scientists so valuable in today's tech landscape.

Working as a DevOps Engineer in Sacramento is seriously rewarding right now, with salaries ranging from $73,000 to $125,000 for entry-level positions.

The career path is incredibly promising - experienced professionals with 10-14 years in the field can earn around $129,097, and that's just the base salary! What makes this role even better is that entry-level DevOps Engineers typically start at $80,351 annually, making it a solid choice for recent grads.

The job involves managing code releases, analyzing data, and providing technical support - basically keeping everything running smoothly between development and operations teams.

Sacramento's tech scene is growing fast, and companies are actively looking for people who can handle both the technical challenges and team collaboration aspects of DevOps.

The projected job growth is 17% through 2033, which is way higher than most other careers. With the rise of cloud computing and automated deployment processes, DevOps Engineers are becoming essential to every tech company's success.

For anyone interested in tech and problem-solving, this career path offers both stability and exciting growth opportunities in Sacramento's expanding tech market.

Information Security Analysts in Sacramento are absolutely crushing it with earnings, pulling in an average of $130,988 annually as of 2025. That's seriously impressive, especially considering their crucial role in protecting company data through security policies and risk assessments.

These tech pros are in constant demand, working to block suspicious activity and shield sensitive information from cyber threats. The coolest part? The salary range gets even better with experience, reaching up to $169,510 for senior positions.

Plus, working at major tech companies like Google can bump total compensation to $216K when you factor in bonuses and stock options.

Beyond the money, these analysts get to work with cutting-edge security tools, run penetration tests, and basically act as digital guardians. They need solid technical skills in programming languages like Python and JavaScript, plus the ability to think fast when security incidents pop up.

With remote work becoming the norm and cyber threats getting more sophisticated, Information Security Analysts are becoming even more essential. The job market in Sacramento is hot right now, offering competitive salaries, awesome benefits, and real opportunities to make an impact in the tech world.

Sacramento's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now, and the numbers prove it! The region now hosts over 530 tech companies, with construction starts projected to hit $8.9 billion in 2024.

Tech salaries are super competitive - Cloud Architects are making around $153,500 annually, Data Scientists pull in $140,600, and Machine Learning Engineers earn about $146,000.

Sacramento's becoming a legit secondary tech hub with way lower living costs than the Bay Area.

The city's actually going through a major transformation with green tech creating thousands of new jobs in everything from electric vehicle battery production to sustainable building tech.

Plus, the California Mobility Center is offering free training programs to help people break into these emerging fields. For anyone looking to start their tech career or level up their game, Sacramento's got some serious advantages - affordable housing, a growing startup scene, and tons of opportunities in both established and cutting-edge sectors.

The city's pushing hard on innovation, especially in areas like agricultural technology and clean energy, which means there's room for everyone from entry-level developers to seasoned tech veterans to make their mark.