Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Santa Barbara in 2024
Last Updated: December 18th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, Santa Barbara's tech industry shines with high-paying jobs. Key players include Procore, Invoca, and LogicMonitor, with an average tech salary of $151,861. Top roles include Software Development Manager at Procore averaging $158,680 to $218,185, and Data Scientist at AppFolio earning $114,000 per year. Opportunities abound in AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture, making Santa Barbara a top "Techtopia" destination for tech careers.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Santa Barbara's tech industry is absolutely killing it! This coastal city is rapidly transforming into a major tech paradise, brimming with innovative startups and established giants.
By 2024, the tech sector is projected to generate nearly 10,000 new jobs across the region.
Check out these insane stats:
- Thriving tech companies: Santa Barbara is home to over 17 tech companies, including heavy-hitters like Procore, Invoca, and LogicMonitor. Learn more.
- High average tech salary: The average tech salary in Santa Barbara? A staggering $151,861, according to recent reports.
- Innovative startups: Cutting-edge startups like Kate Farms and Apeel Sciences are pioneering game-changing technologies in food science and sustainability.
With its unbeatable coastal lifestyle, world-class universities like UCSB fueling a talented workforce, and a flourishing ecosystem of innovative companies, Santa Barbara is undoubtedly the place to be for launching your dream tech career.
As the experts state, this city is rapidly emerging as a true "Techtopia" on the West Coast. Check out Nucamp's guide to the highest-paying tech roles in Santa Barbara to kickstart your journey today!
Table of Contents
- 1. Software Development Manager at Procore Technologies
- 2. Data Scientist at AppFolio, Inc.
- 3. Information Security Analyst at Sonos, Inc.
- 4. Cloud Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- 5. Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Curvature
- 6. Network Architect at LogicMonitor
- 7. Systems Software Developer at Invoca
- 8. DevOps Engineer at Impact
- 9. Mobile Applications Developer at Green Hills Software
- 10. Web Developer at FastSpring
- Methodology: How We Ranked the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs
- Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Software Development Manager at Procore Technologies
(Up)If you're looking to make serious moves in the tech world, check out this gig as a Manager, Software Engineering at Procore Technologies.
This Santa Barbara-based company is a major player in the construction management game, and they need someone to lead their team of engineers in building some seriously next-level software.
To land this role, you'll need a solid background in Computer Science or a related field, plus at least 4 years of experience leading a squad of coders and 7 years of hands-on coding experience.
They want someone who's an expert in identity and access management, delivering authentication and authorization solutions on a global scale. You'll also need to be a pro at working with complex SaaS platforms, agile methodologies, and all the latest tech tools like AWS, GoLang, Ruby, and PostgreSQL.
If you've got the skills, the pay is no joke - we're talking a base range of $158,680 to $218,185, plus bonuses.
And that's not even counting the sweet perks and benefits package Procore offers to help you grow and thrive. But it's not just about the money - you'll be part of a team that's building software that's literally constructing the world around us.
So, if you're ready to level up your career and make a real impact, get your resume polished and apply for this Manager, Software Engineering role at Procore.
It's a chance to work with some of the brightest minds in tech and tackle challenges that will push you to new heights. This opportunity is too important to pass up!
2. Data Scientist at AppFolio, Inc.
(Up)As a Data Scientist at AppFolio in Santa Barbara, you're about to be a total boss at turning raw data into game-changing insights! Your main gig will be collecting, processing, and analyzing complex datasets to uncover sweet patterns and trends that'll drive business growth.
Get ready to:
- Develop and implement killer machine learning models and statistical techniques that'll blow minds
- Dive deep into exploratory data analysis to spot opportunities and challenges like a pro
- Collaborate with teams across the company to transform business needs into data-driven solutions
- Present your mind-blowing findings and recommendations to stakeholders with kick-ass visualizations and reports
To crush this role, you'll need solid maths, stats, and coding skills in Python and R. Being a pro at data mining, machine learning, and big data tech like Hadoop and Spark is a must-have.
According to levels.fyi, the median total compensation for a Data Scientist at AppFolio in 2024 is a whopping $114,000 per year.
Not too shabby, right?
With the ever-growing demand for data-driven decision-making, the career path for Data Scientists at AppFolio is lit! As you rack up experience, you can level up to Senior Data Scientist, leading projects and mentoring the newbies.
Some Data Scientists may even transition to managerial roles like Data Science Manager or Director of Data Science, overseeing a team of analysts and setting the company's data strategy.
According to InterviewQuery, the job market for Data Scientists in Santa Barbara is booming, with a projected 25% growth by 2026.
3. Information Security Analyst at Sonos, Inc.
(Up)In this digital age, keeping companies safe from cyber threats is a top priority, and Information Security Analysts like those at Sonos are the ones leading the charge.
As a major tech player in Santa Barbara, Sonos knows the importance of having skilled analysts on board to protect sensitive data and systems from potential breaches.
To make the cut as an Information Security Analyst at Sonos, you need to bring some serious skills to the table, like being a coding whiz with languages like Python and Java, having a solid grasp of network security protocols, and being a pro with cybersecurity tools.
But it's not just about the technical know-how; analytical abilities to identify vulnerabilities and develop risk management strategies are equally crucial.
And don't forget about those impressive certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ – they'll definitely give you an edge.
With the demand for Information Security Analysts in Santa Barbara expected to skyrocket in 2024, landing one of these roles at Sonos could mean scoring a sweet salary ranging from $95,000 to $135,000 per year.
That's some serious cash, but it reflects the critical nature of the job and the specialized skills required to stay ahead of the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats.
As Sonos continues to innovate and expand its product line, the need for top-notch Information Security Analysts will only grow stronger.
A Sonos rep emphasized,
"Cybersecurity is a top priority for us, and we invest heavily in hiring and retaining the best talent to protect our systems and our customers' data."
With a promising job outlook and competitive salaries, pursuing a career as an Information Security Analyst at Sonos could be a smart move for tech-savvy individuals in Santa Barbara.
4. Cloud Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
(Up)If you're into snagging that AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification, you're on the right track to scoring a sweet gig as a Cloud Solutions Architect.
These tech wizards are in high demand, especially at Amazon's cloud computing powerhouse, AWS. They're the masterminds behind designing and building killer cloud architectures that keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently.
To rock this role, you gotta have a solid grasp of cloud computing fundamentals and know your way around AWS services like the back of your hand.
But it's not just about technical chops – problem-solving skills and communication game are crucial too.
You'll be tackling complex business requirements, identifying potential roadblocks, and designing scalable, cost-effective solutions that make clients go "Damn, that's lit!"
If you manage to land a Cloud Solutions Architect role at AWS in Santa Barbara, get ready to rake in some serious dough.
We're talking an average base salary of around $135,000 per year as of 2024, according to Glassdoor. But that's just the tip of the iceberg – with bonuses, stock options, and other perks, your total compensation could easily hit $180,000 or more.
Cloud computing is the future, and companies that don't get on board are gonna fall behind big time.
That's why AWS needs top-notch Cloud Solutions Architects to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the cloud.
5. Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Curvature
(Up)In this epic age of artificial intelligence (AI), the demand for skilled AI Engineers is skyrocketing, and Santa Barbara's Curvature is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to scoring lucrative opportunities in this cutting-edge field.
These tech wizards are all about developing mind-blowing machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and computer vision solutions that drive game-changing products and services.
To conquer the AI game at Curvature, you need to have a rock-solid grasp of mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Being a coding ninja in languages like Python, R, and Java, plus mastering libraries like TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch, is a huge deal.
But that's not all – you need to be a master at data structures, algorithms, and distributed computing principles too. Some key skills that will make you a total boss:
- Machine Learning Algorithms: Owning supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning techniques
- Data Mining and Preprocessing: Slaying data cleaning, feature engineering, and dimensionality reduction
- Model Deployment and Optimization: Deploying and optimizing AI models in production environments like a pro
According to the industry insiders, the average paycheck for an AI Engineer in Santa Barbara in 2024 is projected to be a mind-blowing $135,000 per year, with top performers raking in a whopping $170,000.
This insane cash flow reflects the crazy demand and specialized skills required in this field. But the perks don't stop there – Curvature is all about offering epic growth opportunities, with a focus on continuous learning and leveling up your skills.
As AI keeps disrupting industries left and right, those at the forefront of this revolution can expect a promising and rewarding career trajectory.
6. Network Architect at LogicMonitor
(Up)Network Architects are like the rockstars of the tech world, and at LogicMonitor, they're in high demand! These tech geniuses design and build complex networks that keep businesses running smoothly.
In Santa Barbara, the average pay for a Network Architect is a mind-blowing $117,000 per year!
So, what does a Network Architect do, exactly? Well, they're the masterminds behind creating killer network solutions that align with a company's goals.
They work closely with different teams to assess needs and develop scalable solutions that can handle anything thrown their way. These tech wizards also ensure networks are secure, perform at their best, and follow all the rules and regulations.
To land a sweet gig like this, you gotta have some serious skills.
We're talking expertise in networking tech like TCP/IP and routing protocols, plus programming languages like Python and Bash. But it's not just about the tech know-how – you need to be a problem-solving machine with strong analytical skills and awesome communication abilities to collaborate effectively with different teams.
At LogicMonitor, network monitoring is a top priority.
Their Network Architects are the MVPs who keep clients' networks running like a well-oiled machine. And according to Barbara Gonzalez, the VP of Engineering, they offer competitive salaries and a cool work environment for top talent.
If you've got what it takes to be a Network Architect, this could be your dream job in Santa Barbara!
7. Systems Software Developer at Invoca
(Up)There's this company called Invoca that's excelling in the conversation intelligence game. They've got this position, Staff Software Engineer, where you get to work on some seriously next-level tech.
We're talking machine learning, scalable web apps, responsive UIs, high-performance APIs, and massive data warehouses. Plus, you'll be building VoIP telephony systems that handle insane traffic.
To secure this role, you need to be a problem-solving professional with excellent communication skills and a strong sense of ownership.
They want you to mentor the junior devs, so you'll be striving to enhance your knowledge on the latest tools, practices, and processes.
And when it comes to technical skills, you should be an expert in Object-Oriented Programming, Test-Driven Development, Distributed Systems, and MVC design. They're also looking for SaaS experience and familiarity with Ruby, Rails, MySQL, PostgreSQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
However, it's not all work at Invoca.
They're offering an excellent benefits package with paid time off, health coverage, 401(k) with match, stock options, paid family leave, sabbaticals, and even a wellness subsidy.
Additionally, they're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can be your authentic self while coding. If you've got the skills, this could be your chance to advance your career and join a company that's making significant progress in the tech world.
8. DevOps Engineer at Impact
(Up)DevOps Engineers are the ones making sure all the code and systems run smoothly. At Impact, a major partnership platform in Santa Barbara, the DevOps Engineer plays a huge role in automating and connecting the development and operations teams.
They handle the continuous integration and delivery pipelines, infrastructure management, and bringing devs and ops together.
To be a killer DevOps Engineer at Impact in 2024, you need some serious skills.
Coding in Python, Ruby, or Go is a must, plus knowing tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for configuration management. You also need to be a master of containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, and know your way around cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Monitoring tools like Prometheus and Grafana, plus Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform or CloudFormation, will give you an edge.
Here's a rundown of the essential skills:
- Programming: Python, Ruby, Go - Central Skills for DevOps success.
- Configuration Management: Ansible, Puppet, Chef - Tools for efficient system configuration.
- Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes - Expert skills in container tasks.
- Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP - Master cloud services.
- Monitoring: Prometheus, Grafana - Tools for system analysis.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Terraform, CloudFormation - Code for infrastructure setup.
The pay for DevOps Engineers at Impact in 2024 is going to be insane.
According to the experts, you can expect to make between $110,000 and $140,000 per year on average in Santa Barbara. But if you're a total rockstar with advanced skills, you could easily earn over $160,000.
With Impact rapidly growing and focusing on automation, DevOps Engineers have a bright future.
There are tons of opportunities to level up your career, take on leadership roles, and work across different teams.
9. Mobile Applications Developer at Green Hills Software
(Up)If you're looking to make some serious moves in the tech world, becoming a Mobile Applications Developer at Green Hills Software in Santa Barbara is where it's at.
These peeps are all about pushing boundaries and creating mind-blowing mobile apps that power everything from self-driving cars to rocket ships and medical gadgets that save lives.
It's the kind of gig that'll keep your brain fired up and your skills sharp as a tack.
But they don't just let anyone through the door. Green Hills is on the hunt for devs who know their stuff inside and out.
We're talking:
- Solid Education: A solid Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or something equally technical
- Coding Proficiency: Coding chops in languages like C, C++, Java, Swift, or Kotlin
- Tool Expertise: Experience with mobile dev tools and frameworks like Xcode, Android Studio, and React Native
- Agile Familiarity: Familiarity with agile development and version control systems (hello, Git!)
- Problem-Solving Skills: Problem-solving skills that could put Sherlock Holmes to shame
If you can check those boxes, you're in for a wild ride.
According to the folks at Levels.fyi, Mobile App Devs in Santa Barbara are raking in an average of $127,000 to $146,000 annually, not including bonuses, equity, and sweet benefits.
And with Green Hills' reputation for being on the cutting edge, you can bet there'll be plenty of opportunities to level up your career and score some serious promotions down the line.
10. Web Developer at FastSpring
(Up)If you're looking to get into web dev, check this out - FastSpring is a super cool place to work as a web developer.
These guys are all about creating dope e-commerce solutions, and the web devs are like the rockstars making it happen. Their main gig is designing and coding websites and web apps to give users that smooth, slick experience we all crave.
From what I could find, typical web dev responsibilities at FastSpring include writing clean, optimized code in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. They team up with designers to bring visual concepts to life as interactive web pages.
Integrating data from back-end services and databases is also part of the drill, along with testing across different browsers and devices to ensure everything runs without a hitch.
To land one of these roles, you'll need some serious coding skills.
FastSpring values expertise in popular frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, as well as server-side languages like Node.js. Other must-haves are understanding web dev best practices, accessibility standards, version control with Git, and being able to thrive in an agile environment.
Strong problem-solving abilities are a major plus too.
Based on Glassdoor data, the average web developer salary in Santa Barbara is around $85K per year, which is pretty sweet. But the real kicker - as you gain more experience and level up your skills, you could be looking at Senior roles paying $100K or more annually. If you're a tech lead or development manager, that number can go up to $130K+. So the growth potential is definitely there if you're willing to put in the work.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs
(Up)To rank the top 10 best-paid tech jobs in Santa Barbara for 2024, we went all in with a solid game plan.
First off, we crunched the numbers from legit sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and tech industry reports to scope out the average pay for each role in the Santa Barbara scene.
Gotta keep it real, right?
But that's not all. We also kept a close eye on job growth projections for 2024, zeroing in on the tech hotspots and high-demand skills that Santa Barbara companies are thirsting for.
Positions with a promising future and a shortage of qualified pros? Yeah, those bad boys tend to pay top dollar. We're talking skills like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, coding wizardry, and problem-solving prowess that make employers go gaga.
To solidify our ranking, we hit up industry vets and tech pros, getting the inside scoop on what really moves the needle for tech salaries in Santa Barbara.
One seasoned recruiter dropped this truth bomb:
"Companies in Santa Barbara are increasingly willing to offer competitive salaries and attractive compensation packages to secure top tech talent, recognizing the value these professionals bring to their organizations."
At the end of the day, our methodology aimed to give you a full 360 on the best-paid tech gigs in Santa Barbara for 2024.
We're talking hard data, industry insights, and a keen eye for the skills that make companies shell out the big bucks.
If you're looking to level up your tech career and cash in, this ranking is your go-to guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average tech salary in Santa Barbara in 2024?
The average tech salary in Santa Barbara in 2024 is reported to be $151,861.
Which are some of the high-paying tech jobs in Santa Barbara in 2024?
Some of the high-paying tech jobs in Santa Barbara include Software Development Manager at Procore Technologies, Data Scientist at AppFolio, and Information Security Analyst at Sonos among others.
What is the salary range for an Information Security Analyst at Sonos?
The salary for an Information Security Analyst at Sonos ranges from $95,000 to $135,000 per year.
What requirements are common for top tech jobs in Santa Barbara?
Common requirements for top tech jobs include expertise in specific programming languages, strong problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of particular technologies or methodologies, relevant certifications, and experience in the respective field.
Why is Santa Barbara considered a growing tech hub?
Santa Barbara is emerging as a growing tech hub due to its thriving tech companies, innovative startups, world-class universities providing talent, and a burgeoning ecosystem of technological advancement.
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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.