Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in St Petersburg in 2025

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: January 3rd 2025

Skyline of St. Petersburg, Florida, with tech icons overlayed like cloud, AI, and cybersecurity symbols.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

In 2025, St. Petersburg offers lucrative tech job opportunities with salaries ranging from $95,000 to $175,000. High-demand roles include Cloud Architects, Machine Learning Engineers, and Data Scientists, with essential skills in AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Tech job growth is three times the national average, bolstering St. Pete as a thriving tech hub.

St. Petersburg's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now! The city just ranked No. 4 among mid-sized cities for economic growth, with tech jobs growing three times faster than the national average.

The Innovation District is becoming a hotspot for tech talent, with companies like CodeBoxx and Spontivly moving their headquarters here.

The St. Pete Innovation District is going all-in on emerging tech, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and data science.

Tech salaries are seriously competitive, ranging from $95,000 to $150,000 annually, with senior roles hitting $175,000. The city's investing heavily in digital infrastructure, and the startup scene is on fire with a 42% increase in density since 2020.

For anyone looking to break into tech, the most in-demand skills include cloud architecture, machine learning, and data science. Plus, with major players like Jabil and Raymond James expanding their tech operations here, the opportunities are basically endless.

The best part? The cost of living is way better than traditional tech hubs, meaning more of that salary stays in your pocket!

Table of Contents

  • Methodology for Ranking
  • Cloud Architect: Leading the Pack
  • Machine Learning Engineer: Building the Future
  • Data Scientist: The Data Wizards
  • Software Engineer: The Code Creators
  • Network Security Engineer: Guardians of the Network
  • Cybersecurity Engineer: Battling Cyber Threats
  • Information Security Analyst: Protecting Data's Integrity
  • DevOps Engineer: Innovating Operational Efficiency
  • Penetration Tester: Ethical Hackers
  • AI Research Scientist: Pioneering Artificial Intelligence
  • Conclusion: Navigating the Tech Landscape in St. Petersburg
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology for Ranking

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St. Petersburg's tech scene is seriously heating up, with projections showing a 13.4% increase in computer and math jobs by 2026.

Our ranking methodology combines real salary data with current market demands to give you the full picture. We pulled stats from major companies like TechData and Jabil, plus emerging players in cybersecurity and fintech, to show exactly what these roles pay and what they require.

The salary research is totally on point, showing an average of $87,980 for tech positions in St. Pete. What's really interesting is that 29.2% of local jobs are perfect for recent graduates, which is way higher than Orlando's 25.9%.

We're looking at everything from entry-level positions to senior roles, factoring in both base pay and total compensation packages.

The skills analysis gets real specific about what employers want right now.

According to recent surveys, 75% of companies are struggling to find skilled tech talent, especially in areas like cloud computing and AI. We're not just looking at technical skills though - our methodology considers soft skills too, since they're becoming super important for career growth.

Each role is ranked based on both current demand and future growth potential, giving you a clear picture of where the best opportunities are in St. Pete's expanding tech market.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Cloud Architect: Leading the Pack

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Cloud Architects are crushing it in St. Petersburg's tech scene, leading the charge in digital transformation. These tech pros don't just design cloud systems - they're the masterminds behind complete cloud computing strategies, from adoption plans to performance monitoring.

The role demands serious skills in major platforms like AWS and Azure, plus deep knowledge of networking and security protocols. What's really cool is how Cloud Architects get to work on cutting-edge projects, making sure everything from apps to data management flows smoothly.

The salary game is strong too - Cloud Architects are pulling in around $175,000 annually according to recent data.

That's not surprising when you consider they're handling complex infrastructure planning and security frameworks that keep businesses running.

The job market in St. Petersburg is absolutely on fire for these positions, with companies competing hard to snag top talent. Want to get in on this? You'll need solid tech skills, but also the ability to think strategically about business problems.

What makes this role extra interesting is how it combines technical expertise with business strategy.

Cloud Architects need to be super sharp with both code and communication, as they're often explaining complex tech concepts to different teams. They're also responsible for establishing architecture strategies and design approaches that help companies stay competitive.

With more businesses moving to the cloud every day, Cloud Architects are basically shaping the future of how companies operate in the digital world.

Machine Learning Engineer: Building the Future

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Machine Learning Engineers are revolutionizing tech, and I'm honestly excited about how this field is transforming everything around us. The essential skills for success include mastering statistical analysis, machine learning fundamentals, and model evaluation - it's intense but totally worth it.

By 2025, we're looking at machine learning becoming absolutely crucial for tasks from detecting cyber threats to improving customer experiences.

What's really cool is how machine learning is evolving to create collaborative workspaces where teams can work together on complex projects.

The tech stack you need to know includes Python for its awesome libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch, plus Java for building robust systems. Understanding DevOps and cloud platforms is also super important - you can't skip these if you want to stay competitive.

Speaking of staying competitive, industry leaders are focusing heavily on AI and machine learning integration for decision-making and operations.

In St. Petersburg, ML Engineers are making between $120,000 and $150,000 annually - pretty amazing for doing what you love! The opportunities are everywhere - from healthcare companies using ML for medical diagnosis to financial firms implementing fraud detection systems.

The best part? This field keeps evolving, so there's always something new to learn and master. If you're considering this career path, now's the perfect time to jump in and start building your skills.

The future of tech is being shaped by ML Engineers, and it's incredible to be part of this transformation.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Data Scientist: The Data Wizards

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In 2025, Data Scientists are absolutely crushing it when it comes to making smart business decisions through data-driven strategies that streamline processes and reduce waste.

These tech pros dive deep into massive datasets to uncover patterns that help companies level up their game. Companies using data science are seeing 15-25% increases in their bottom line! Data Scientists are basically the modern-day detectives of the tech world, using their skills to transform raw numbers into golden insights that make businesses smarter and more efficient.

With over 328 million terabytes of data generated daily, these professionals are essential for making sense of all this information.

The toolkit for Data Scientists keeps getting more interesting in 2025, with Python and R still running the show, but now there's way more emphasis on machine learning and AI integration.

Getting good at statistical analysis isn't just about crunching numbers anymore - it's about telling stories with data and making predictions that actually help businesses grow.

The real game-changer is how Data Scientists are using predictive modeling and data visualization to spot trends before they even happen.

This stuff is seriously next-level, helping companies stay ahead of the curve instead of just reacting to changes.

Looking at the money side, Data Scientists in St. Petersburg are totally winning.

The average salary has hit $135,000 yearly, and it keeps climbing as more companies realize they can't compete without solid data analysis. Plus, with the job market expected to grow 28% over the next decade, choosing this career path is basically a no-brainer for anyone interested in tech and analytics.

What makes it even better is that companies are actively competing for talent, offering sweet benefits packages and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects that actually make a difference.

Software Engineer: The Code Creators

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Software engineering in St. Petersburg is seriously taking off in 2025, with opportunities ranging from embedded software development to cloud computing.

The job market is packed with positions at major companies, and the skills needed are pretty straightforward - Java, Python, and C++ are the basics you need to master.

Companies like Spectrum are actively hiring interns and entry-level developers, offering hands-on experience with React, Node, and AWS, plus real project work that matters.

The average salary sits around $115,000, but experienced developers can easily pull in over $140,000, especially if they're strong in full-stack development.

St. Petersburg's tech scene is growing fast, and there's a real need for developers who can adapt quickly.

The Tampa Bay area is becoming a legit tech hub, with plenty of hybrid and on-site positions available.

The best part? You're not stuck in one industry - you can work in finance one year and switch to healthcare the next. The key is staying current with new technologies and being ready to learn.

For new grads and career changers, this means the opportunities are endless if you're willing to put in the work. Companies are especially hungry for developers who can handle both application development and system integration, making it a perfect time to jump into the field.

  • Job Market Packed: Positions are available at major companies in St. Petersburg, from software development to cloud computing.
  • Skills Required: Basic skills include Java, Python, and C++, which are essential for any software engineering role.
  • Internship Opportunities: Companies like Spectrum provide hands-on experience with React, Node, and AWS.
  • Salary Range: Average salaries start at $115,000, with potential to exceed $140,000 for experienced developers.
  • Need for Adaptable Developers: Demand is high for developers who can quickly adapt to new technologies.

"For new grads and career changers, the opportunities are endless if you're willing to put in the work." - Thomas Lee

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Network Security Engineer: Guardians of the Network

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Network Security Engineers are the tech heroes keeping our digital world safe, and their role is absolutely crucial in St. Petersburg's growing tech scene. These professionals are responsible for implementing security protocols and managing network infrastructure, which has become super important as cyber threats keep getting more sophisticated.

The job isn't just about putting up firewalls anymore - it's about staying ahead of hackers and protecting valuable data. According to recent data, cyberattacks increased by 62% between 2021 and 2022, making this role more critical than ever.

The average salary now hits $117,815, with room to grow based on skills and experience. Companies in St. Petersburg are offering amazing perks for skilled professionals, including training opportunities and performance bonuses.

Network Security Engineers need to master things like secure network design, threat detection, and incident response - basically becoming the ultimate digital defenders.

The field is constantly changing, which means there's always something new to learn and fresh challenges to tackle. If you're into problem-solving and want a career that actually makes a difference while earning serious money, this is definitely worth checking out.

Cybersecurity Engineer: Battling Cyber Threats

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In 2025, Cybersecurity Engineering has become one of the hottest career paths in St. Petersburg's tech scene. As a mid-level cybersecurity engineer, you can expect to work with cutting-edge tools while protecting critical systems from ever-evolving threats.

The field is super fast-paced - there are currently 111 active job listings in the St. Petersburg area alone, with companies like BayCare Health System and Abacode Cybersecurity actively hiring.

The role requires mastery of security tools like firewalls, IDS, and ATP solutions, plus certifications such as Security+, CEH, or CISSP. Working at companies like Verkada, you'll be part of teams building next-gen security tech that uses machine learning and computer vision to protect people and places.

The pay is seriously competitive - mid-level engineers earn around $125,000 annually, with experienced pros pulling in $150,000+. The best part? The field is growing like crazy, with a 31% projected growth rate over the next decade.

To crush it in this role, you'll need strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of security protocols, and the ability to think like both a defender and an attacker.

Companies are looking for people who can spot vulnerabilities before the bad guys do. The work is challenging but rewarding - you're literally protecting organizations from cyber threats while working with some seriously cool technology.

If you're into problem-solving and want to make a real difference while building an awesome career, cybersecurity engineering in St. Petersburg is definitely worth checking out.

Information Security Analyst: Protecting Data's Integrity

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Information Security Analysts are crushing it in St. Petersburg's tech scene, with job growth projected to hit 42% by 2032 according to CareerOneStop's latest data.

These digital guardians handle everything from designing security systems to hunting down cyber threats. A typical day involves running vulnerability assessments, managing security tools, and responding to incidents - basically playing defense against hackers 24/7.

According to Robert Half's current job listings, the most in-demand skills include mastery of SIEM systems, forensic analysis, and the ability to break down complex security concepts for non-tech people.

The compensation is seriously impressive - Information Security Analysts in Tampa-St. Petersburg are pulling in median wages of $50.23 per hour, with top performers making up to $79.13 hourly.

Beyond the technical stuff, major employers like Raymond James are looking for analysts who can tackle everything from identity management to network security operations.

What's really cool is that you can get started with just a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity, though most professionals keep leveling up with certifications like Security+ or CISSP. The field is perfect for problem-solvers who love staying ahead of the latest tech trends while playing a crucial role in protecting organizations from cyber threats.

DevOps Engineer: Innovating Operational Efficiency

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DevOps Engineers are revolutionizing tech operations in St. Petersburg for 2025, making software development faster and more reliable than ever. These tech pros are crushing it by accelerating delivery through streamlined processes and automation, cutting deployment times by 35% and boosting system performance.

The role combines coding expertise with operational knowledge, requiring skills in Python, Java, and other programming languages. DevOps Engineers are becoming the go-to people for making sure everything runs smoothly - from code deployment to system monitoring.

The market is seriously hot right now, with DevOps Engineers pulling in around $125,000 annually in St. Petersburg.

That's a major jump from 2023's $115,000 average, showing just how valuable these skills have become. Critical skills include coding, scripting, cloud expertise, and security knowledge, plus the ability to work well with different teams.

The latest trend shows that about 72% of local companies are investing heavily in DevOps practices, which means tons of opportunities for those ready to dive in.

The field keeps evolving.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is becoming super sophisticated, and there's a huge push toward automation and AI integration.

For anyone looking to break into tech, DevOps is definitely one of the most exciting paths to take. The key is staying curious and always being ready to learn new tools and technologies - that's what makes the difference between good and great in this field.

Penetration Tester: Ethical Hackers

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In the dynamic tech landscape of 2025, Penetration Testers are the digital defenders who find and fix security holes before malicious hackers can exploit them.

The demand is seriously impressive - cybersecurity standards are getting stricter, pushing companies to strengthen their defenses against evolving threats.

Cybercrime costs are expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025, making this role more crucial than ever.

The Palm Coast area, including St. Petersburg, is seeing a massive surge in demand, with security analyst positions projected to grow by 31%.

  • Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $93,700, while experienced pros can earn up to $160,000 annually.
  • Required Skills: The job requires a mix of technical skills, including network security expertise, incident response capabilities, and system administration knowledge.
  • Certifications: Employers look for certifications like CompTIA Security+ for beginners and CISSP for experienced professionals, boosting your salary by 10-15%.
  • Work Flexibility: About 76% of these roles offer flexible remote work options, perfect for maintaining work-life balance while protecting companies from cyber threats.

With more businesses moving their operations online and major companies in the area ramping up their security teams, there's never been a better time to jump into this field.

"The demand for cybersecurity professionals in the Palm Coast area, including St. Petersburg, continues to grow exponentially." - John Jones

AI Research Scientist: Pioneering Artificial Intelligence

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St. Petersburg's AI scene is absolutely blowing up right now! As an AI Research Scientist, you'll be right in the middle of groundbreaking tech developments.

The opportunities are massive, especially with major research grants flowing into Florida's tech sector.

What's super exciting is that St. Petersburg College just launched two new AI certificate programs to help people break into this field.

The tech landscape here is seriously next-level, with AI being used in everything from hurricane prediction to autonomous systems.

Want to make it as an AI Research Scientist? You'll need to be solid in machine learning algorithms and advanced math.

Here's what you should focus on:

  • Linear Algebra: This is your foundation for understanding how AI processes data.
  • Statistics: Essential for making sense of complex datasets.
  • Python Programming: The go-to language for building AI models.
  • Deep Learning: Get comfortable with TensorFlow and PyTorch - they're crucial.

The money's seriously good - we're talking $150,000 to $180,000 yearly in St. Petersburg.

The job market is growing fast too, with a 31% increase expected in the next five years. Between the new educational programs, research opportunities, and industry demand, there's never been a better time to jump into AI research.

Trust me, if you're into tech and want to shape the future, this is where it's at!

Conclusion: Navigating the Tech Landscape in St. Petersburg

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St. Petersburg's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! With over 200 tech companies contributing $5 billion in annual revenue, the opportunities are seriously next level.

Top roles like Software Engineers and Data Scientists are pulling in impressive salaries - we're talking $97K to $112K yearly.

The city's getting major attention from tech giants, with positions like Cloud Solutions Architects making up to $121.8K annually. Programming skills in Python and Java are absolutely essential for breaking into these roles.

Local companies like BayCare Health System and Raymond James Financial are leading the charge, with IT Directors earning up to $165K. The startup scene is on fire too, with over $400 million in venture capital funding last year alone.

If you're looking to get into tech, now's literally the perfect time - the job growth projections are insane, with some roles expecting 25% growth by 2026. Just make sure you're staying on top of the latest tech trends and continuously building your skills.

The competition is real, but so are the rewards!

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the highest paying tech jobs in St. Petersburg in 2025?

The highest paying tech jobs in St. Petersburg in 2025 include Cloud Architects with salaries around $175,000, Machine Learning Engineers earning between $120,000 and $150,000, and AI Research Scientists making between $150,000 and $180,000 annually.

Which industries are driving tech job growth in St. Petersburg?

Tech job growth in St. Petersburg is driven by industries such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Major companies like Jabil and Raymond James are expanding their tech operations, contributing significantly to this growth.

What skills are in demand for tech jobs in St. Petersburg?

In-demand skills for tech jobs in St. Petersburg include cloud architecture, machine learning, data science, and strong DevOps practices. Soft skills such as strategic thinking and communication are also becoming increasingly important.

How competitive are tech salaries in St. Petersburg compared to other tech hubs?

Tech salaries in St. Petersburg are competitive, ranging from $95,000 to $150,000 annually, with senior roles earning up to $175,000. This is coupled with a better cost of living compared to traditional tech hubs.

What is the projection for tech job growth in St. Petersburg?

Tech job growth in St. Petersburg is projected to continue at an impressive rate, with certain roles expecting growth of up to 31% over the next decade, fueled by investments in digital infrastructure and startups.

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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.