Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in St Louis in 2025
Last Updated: December 19th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2025, St. Louis is rapidly becoming a tech hub with impressive job growth and competitive salaries. Cloud Architects in the area can earn up to $225,000, while Machine Learning Engineers and Data Scientists enjoy substantial paychecks as well. Major sectors are growing at rates between 18% and 32%, buoyed by companies like Boeing and Mastercard. The low cost of living amplifies the allure of tech salaries, with a citywide tech job growth rate at 16% since 2021. Opportunities abound in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI, cementing St. Louis as a prime destination for tech professionals.
St. Louis is straight-up crushing it in tech for 2025! The city's tech scene is growing faster than most of its neighbors, with a massive 10.5% surge in tech jobs from 2017 to 2022.
The salary game is looking sweet - tech professionals are pulling in around $110,000 yearly, with some roles like Cloud Architects hitting up to $225,000. St. Louis just landed in the top 10 U.S. cities for overall job growth, adding 31,000 new jobs across industries. Major players like Boeing and Mastercard are here, plus tons of startups making moves in cybersecurity, AI, and data science, with these sectors seeing growth rates between 18% and 32%.
The best part? Living costs here are way lower than Silicon Valley, so your tech salary goes further. Whether you're into coding, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, St. Louis's tech scene is packed with opportunities. Keep reading to find out which tech roles are paying the big bucks and how to land one of these sweet gigs.
Table of Contents
- Methodology Behind the Rankings
- 1. Cloud Architect
- 2. Machine Learning Engineer
- 3. Data Scientist
- 4. Network Security Engineer
- 5. Cybersecurity Engineer
- 6. Software Development Manager
- 7. Cloud Solutions Architect
- 8. DevOps Engineer
- 9. Computer and Information Systems Manager
- 10. Blockchain Developer
- Conclusion: Pathways to a High-Paying Tech Career in St. Louis
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology Behind the Rankings
(Up)The tech scene in St. Louis is seriously heating up, and I'm excited to break down how we ranked these high-paying jobs for 2025. Recent market analysis shows tech salaries are reaching new heights, with Cloud Architects pulling in up to $175,000 annually.
The methodology considers real employment data, growth patterns, and salary trends across different tech sectors. What's really cool is that St. Louis is seeing a tech job growth rate of 16% since 2021, way above what anyone expected.
The numbers don't lie - tech roles like Software Engineers are commanding salaries between $90,000 to $198,000, while Data Engineers can earn up to $191,000.
These figures aren't just random - they're based on solid data from industry surveys, employment reports, and real job postings. The rankings also factor in the explosion of remote work opportunities, which has totally changed how companies compete for talent.
Looking at specific skills in demand, AI and cloud computing expertise are absolute gold right now.
Only 12% of IT pros have solid AI experience, which explains why these specialists are getting such sweet offers. The study also shows that companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity and data infrastructure, creating tons of opportunities for people with these skills.
What makes this analysis different is that it combines both traditional employment metrics and emerging tech trends to give you the real picture of where the money is in tech.
1. Cloud Architect
(Up)As a Cloud Architect in St. Louis for 2025, you're basically the mastermind behind an organization's entire cloud strategy. These professionals design, plan, and manage cloud infrastructure, making sure everything runs smoothly and securely.
The average salary is looking sweet at $200,471 annually, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the region. What's cool is that the role isn't just about technical stuff - you get to be creative while solving real business problems.
According to recent data, 82% of Cloud Architects report being extremely satisfied with their careers, which isn't surprising given how much impact they have.
The job requires solid skills in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, plus you need to know your way around programming languages and security protocols.
But honestly, what makes this role super interesting is how you're constantly working with cutting-edge tech like serverless computing and AI integration.
Plus, you're not stuck in a corner coding all day - you're actually out there talking to different teams, making big decisions, and shaping how companies use technology.
St. Louis companies are investing heavily in cloud solutions, which means more opportunities and higher salaries for people in this field.
The role keeps evolving with new technologies, so you're always learning something fresh.
Whether you're designing new cloud architectures, optimizing costs, or making sure everything stays secure, each day brings different challenges. It's perfect for anyone who loves tech but also wants to have a strategic impact on how businesses operate.
With the projected growth in cloud adoption, getting into this field now means you're setting yourself up for an awesome career path with tons of growth potential.
2. Machine Learning Engineer
(Up)Machine Learning Engineering is seriously taking off in St. Louis! These tech professionals are the masterminds behind building artificial intelligence systems and designing self-running software that makes predictive models work automatically.
The role requires solid programming skills, particularly in Python and Java, plus a deep understanding of statistics and algorithms. What makes this job super interesting is that Machine Learning Engineers get to design and run comprehensive tests to evaluate how well their models perform, making sure they're reliable and robust.
The money is pretty sweet too - Machine Learning Engineers in St. Louis are looking at earning around $135,000 annually by 2025. What's really cool is that they get to work on everything from image classification to speech recognition and market forecasting.
The best part? The job market is absolutely booming, with a projected 30% growth in opportunities by 2025. Local companies are all about getting ahead with smart tech, and they need ML Engineers to make it happen.
For anyone interested in breaking into this field, you'll want to focus on:
- Master Python: Get really good at Python and machine learning frameworks.
- Handle Big Data: Learn how to work with big datasets.
- Deploy Models: Understand how to build and deploy ML models.
- Solve Problems: Develop strong problem-solving skills.
The competition might be intense, but the opportunities are everywhere.
St. Louis companies are actively seeking talent who can help them leverage AI and machine learning to stay competitive. It's definitely one of the most exciting career paths in tech right now!
3. Data Scientist
(Up)Data Scientists in St. Louis are crushing it with salaries ranging from $110,000 to $141,000, with an average of $118,714 in the current market. According to recent salary data, Missouri's data scientists can earn up to $175,500 with experience, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers.
The essential toolkit for success includes mastery of Python fundamentals, data manipulation, and visualization skills using libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn.
Cities like Rolla and Warrensburg are offering competitive salaries around $177,886, even higher than the St. Louis average.
Data Scientists work across healthcare, finance, and retail, using their skills in machine learning and predictive modeling to solve real-world problems. The role requires strong analytical abilities and practical experience with tools like pandas and NumPy for handling large datasets.
Companies are especially keen on candidates who can translate complex data into clear insights for business decisions. With the growing emphasis on AI and machine learning, the demand for Data Scientists continues to rise, particularly in St. Louis's expanding tech scene. Major employers look for professionals who can work with both structured and unstructured data, implement ML algorithms, and create impactful visualizations.
The combination of technical expertise and business acumen makes this role particularly valuable, with opportunities for substantial salary growth as experience increases.
4. Network Security Engineer
(Up)Network Security Engineers in St. Louis are at the forefront of defending organizations against cyber threats in 2025. These tech professionals handle everything from designing security architectures to conducting vulnerability assessments across organizational IT systems.
The role demands a mix of offensive and defensive security tactics, with engineers typically managing Palo Alto Firewalls, Fortigates, and F5 Load Balancers. Starting salaries are looking pretty sweet, ranging from $50 to $75 per hour for contract positions, with full-time roles offering even more competitive packages.
Want to break into this field? You'll need to get comfortable with the OSI model and gain hands-on experience with corporate firewalls.
Companies like Centene are offering internships where you can learn to analyze incidents, troubleshoot security issues, and automate operational tasks.
The cool thing is many positions are offering remote work options, making it easier to maintain work-life balance while protecting company assets.
As a Network Security Engineer, you'll be responsible for maintaining security platforms, responding to incidents, and working with cross-functional teams.
The job requires strong analytical skills and the ability to think fast under pressure. Major employers in St. Louis are actively recruiting for these positions, offering comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and professional development opportunities.
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, the demand for Network Security Engineers continues to grow, making it one of the most stable and rewarding career paths in tech.
5. Cybersecurity Engineer
(Up)Being a Cybersecurity Engineer is seriously important in 2025, where data breaches are costing companies an average of $4.88M - that's wild! These tech pros design and build security systems that protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
The coolest part? In St. Louis, they're making around $120,000 annually, with top performers hitting $165,920. Getting into this field usually requires a computer science degree, but what's really going to set you apart are certifications like CISSP and CEH, plus hands-on experience with security tools and coding languages like Python and Java.
What makes this job even more exciting is how cybersecurity trends are constantly evolving.
Zero-trust security is becoming huge, and AI is changing the game in threat detection. According to recent data, there's going to be a massive 35% job growth through 2031, which is way faster than most other careers.
St. Louis companies are desperately looking for security talent, especially since human error causes 88% of data breaches - that's where we come in to save the day!
The skills that'll make you stand out include network security, ethical hacking, and understanding emerging threats like AI-powered attacks.
Companies aren't just looking for tech skills though - they want problem solvers who can think fast under pressure and communicate well with teams. As more businesses move their operations online and IoT devices multiply, the demand for Cybersecurity Engineers is only getting stronger.
If you're interested in both protecting systems and making great money, this career path is absolutely worth checking out.
6. Software Development Manager
(Up)In St. Louis's tech scene, Software Development Managers are absolutely crushing it with an average salary of $157,650 per year as of December 2024.
These managers are like the conductors of a tech orchestra, making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. What makes this role super interesting is how it combines both hands-on tech knowledge and people skills.
Team leads drive projects forward by guiding developers through technical challenges and making key strategic decisions that keep everyone moving in the right direction.
They're not just sitting in meetings all day - they're actively involved in shaping how products come to life.
The skills needed to rock this role are pretty intense.
You've got to master:
- Project Management: Mastering Agile and Scrum like a pro.
- Technical Skills: Speaking the language of code and architecture.
- Communication: Getting everyone on the same page, from developers to executives.
- Problem Solving: Finding quick fixes and smart solutions.
- Leadership: Building up your team and keeping them motivated.
Software engineering managers are becoming super crucial in driving innovation and keeping companies competitive.
If you're thinking about career growth, this role is seriously worth considering. The demand isn't slowing down, especially in St. Louis where tech companies are popping up left and right.
Plus, with that six-figure salary potential, it's definitely a sweet spot for anyone looking to level up their tech career.
7. Cloud Solutions Architect
(Up)A Cloud Solutions Architect creates and designs enterprise-level cloud platforms that align with business goals. While people often mix up Cloud Solutions Architects and Cloud Architects, they're actually different roles.
Solutions Architects focus on specific business applications, while Cloud Architects handle broader infrastructure planning. The career outlook is exciting - Solutions Architects in Columbia, MO are earning around $165,000 annually, with experienced professionals making up to $197,517.
That's way more than previous projections suggested! The best part? Entry-level positions start at $140,000, making this an amazing career choice for new tech graduates.
To succeed in this role, you need solid skills in major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, plus a strong grip on network security.
Cloud Solutions Architects handle everything from performance optimization to disaster recovery planning, and they're constantly adapting to new tech trends.
What makes this role extra interesting is how it combines technical expertise with business strategy - you're not just building systems, you're shaping how companies use technology to grow.
The tech scene in Missouri is absolutely booming right now.
Companies are investing heavily in cloud technology, which means they desperately need people who can design and implement these systems. With remote work becoming more common, Solutions Architects have tons of flexibility in where and how they work.
If you're into problem-solving and want a tech career that lets you be both creative and strategic, this is definitely a path worth considering.
8. DevOps Engineer
(Up)DevOps Engineers in St. Louis are becoming the tech industry's ultimate problem-solvers in 2025. As a bridge between development and operations teams, they're responsible for making sure software flows smoothly from creation to deployment.
The role has evolved beyond just managing pipelines - now it's about creating entire automated ecosystems. Using tools like Docker, Jenkins, and Kubernetes, DevOps Engineers are seriously changing how companies deliver software.
The best part? The average salary in St. Louis hits around $120,000 annually, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the area.
What makes DevOps Engineers stand out is their mix of technical and soft skills.
They need to be masters at automation and project management, while also being great at working with different teams.
The toolbox is pretty full - from cloud platforms like AWS and Azure to monitoring tools like Prometheus and Grafana. The role has gotten even more interesting with the rise of DevSecOps, where security is built into everything from day one.
Looking ahead, the field is getting super competitive.
By 2025, observability skills will be crucial, covering everything from metrics to logs and traces.
Companies are investing heavily in DevOps training, recognizing it's not just a role but a complete transformation in how software is built and deployed. The demand is real - with a projected 40% increase in continuous delivery adoption, getting into DevOps now means catching the perfect wave of opportunity in St. Louis's tech scene.
9. Computer and Information Systems Manager
(Up)Computer and Information Systems Managers are seriously crushing it in St. Louis's tech scene. These professionals don't just manage IT teams - they're the masterminds behind implementing and securing all IT systems, applications, and software that keep organizations running smoothly.
According to the latest data, they're pulling in impressive salaries - the median annual pay hits $164,070, with top performers reaching well over $200K. The job growth is projected at 15% through 2032, which is way faster than most other careers.
The role requires a mix of technical expertise and leadership skills - you'll need to stay current with cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging tech while managing teams and projects.
A bachelor's degree is essential, but many professionals are leveling up with master's degrees to stand out. You get to be the bridge between tech and business - planning, coordinating, and directing all computer-related activities in your organization.
St. Louis companies are especially hungry for managers who can modernize systems, optimize costs, and keep data secure. If you're analytical, tech-savvy, and good with people, this could be your perfect career move.
The best part is you're not stuck in one industry - whether it's healthcare, finance, or tech startups, these skills are in demand everywhere.
10. Blockchain Developer
(Up)Being a Blockchain Developer is seriously taking off in St. Louis, and I'm not surprised - it's one of the most exciting positions in tech right now. The latest developer roadmap shows the demand for blockchain solutions has grown massively, making it a perfect time to get into this field.
In St. Louis, blockchain developers are looking at an average salary of $135,000 annually in 2025, which is pretty sweet for fresh graduates like me. What's really cool is that according to Messari's analysis, we're seeing a huge shift toward decentralization and user-focused innovation, especially in DeFi protocols.
The field is way bigger than just crypto - major companies across industries are jumping into blockchain for everything from supply chain management to healthcare data security.
To make it in this field, you need to know your way around Solidity, JavaScript, and Python, plus have a solid grasp of smart contracts and cryptography. What's getting me excited is how blockchain is revolutionizing different sectors - healthcare providers are using it for secure patient records, real estate companies are streamlining property transactions, and even retail giants are implementing blockchain for better inventory tracking.
With projects like Ethereum and Solana continuing to innovate and scale, the opportunities are just getting started. If you're into problem-solving and want to be part of something that's literally changing how business works, blockchain development is definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion: Pathways to a High-Paying Tech Career in St. Louis
(Up)St. Louis is absolutely crushing it in the tech scene! By 2025, we're looking at a tech job market that's seriously flexing with over 45,000 tech positions waiting to be filled.
The city's not playing around - tech salaries are hitting an average of $98,000, which is straight fire for those of us starting our careers. The cost of living here is 56% lower than San Francisco, so your money goes way further.
What's super cool is how easy it is to break into tech here.
Nucamp's coding bootcamps are literally changing the game - you can learn Full Stack development in 22 weeks or get into cybersecurity in just 15 weeks, with payments starting at only $458 for some programs.
Plus, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is dropping $1.7 billion on their new facility, bringing thousands of tech jobs.
Whether you're into AI, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, St. Louis is serving up opportunities left and right. The tech scene here isn't just growing - it's exploding, and there's never been a better time to get in on the action!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the top tech jobs in St. Louis for 2025?
The top tech jobs in St. Louis for 2025 include Cloud Architect, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Network Security Engineer, and Cybersecurity Engineer. These roles command high salaries and are in significant demand due to the growing tech scene in the city.
What is the average salary for tech professionals in St. Louis in 2025?
Tech professionals in St. Louis can expect to earn an average salary of around $110,000 annually, with some roles such as Cloud Architects earning up to $225,000.
How does the cost of living in St. Louis compare to other tech hubs like Silicon Valley?
The cost of living in St. Louis is significantly lower than tech hubs like Silicon Valley, enabling tech professionals to stretch their salaries further while enjoying a high quality of life.
What industries are contributing to tech job growth in St. Louis?
St. Louis has seen tech job growth across various industries including aerospace, finance, and healthcare. Major companies like Boeing and Mastercard, alongside numerous startups, are driving this expansion.
What educational paths are recommended for pursuing high-paying tech jobs in St. Louis?
Prospective candidates are encouraged to focus on relevant skills and certifications. Programs like Nucamp's coding bootcamps offer training in fields such as full stack development and cybersecurity, which can help individuals break into the tech industry quickly and affordably.
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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.