Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Topeka in 2025
Last Updated: January 3rd 2025
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2025, Topeka's tech scene is thriving with an 8% annual growth rate since 2022, making tech jobs 20% of local employment. Top roles like Cloud Architects earn $138,550, with others like Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers exceeding $160,000. Tech professionals enjoy competitive salaries, quick advancements, and innovative work in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Salaries range from $80,000 to $210,000, highlighting Topeka as a hotspot for tech careers.
The tech scene in Topeka is absolutely crushing it in 2025! With an 8% annual growth rate since 2022, the city's becoming a serious player in the tech world.
The Washburn Tech Manufacturing Institute opening up, adding even more opportunities to the mix.
The job market is seriously heating up, with tech roles making up over 20% of local jobs. Cloud architects here are pulling in around $135,000 a year. The latest business expansions are creating about 250 new tech jobs, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000.
What's really cool is the new $13M Downtown Innovation Campus that's expected to create even more opportunities.
Tech professionals here are getting competitive salaries (15% higher than last year!), quick career advancement (senior roles in under 3 years), and chances to work with cutting-edge tech in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI. If you're looking to start a tech career, Topeka's definitely the place to be right now!
Table of Contents
- Methodology: Ranking the Best Paid Tech Jobs
- Cloud Architect: Leading the Salary Chart
- Exploring High Earnings as a Network Security Engineer
- The Data Scientist: Turning Data into Dollars
- Machine Learning Engineer: Bridging AI and Innovation
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Defender of Digital Assets
- Software Engineer: Building the Future, Code by Code
- Penetration Tester: The Ethical Hacker's High Pay
- AI Research Scientist: Innovating With Intelligence
- DevOps Engineer: Enhancing Efficiency and Earnings
- Information Security Analyst: Monitoring with Expertise
- Conclusion: Navigating Tech Job Prospects in Topeka
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology: Ranking the Best Paid Tech Jobs
(Up)In ranking the best-paid tech jobs for 2025, our research goes deep into what makes these careers worth pursuing. According to recent industry analysis, Cloud Architects are leading the pack with salaries reaching up to $201,572, while Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers follow closely behind, both clearing $160,000 annually.
The methodology takes into account real salary data, market demand, and the impact these roles have on business growth.
What's really interesting is how different tech roles are evolving in 2025.
Software Engineers can now expect to make between $90,000 to $198,000, while IT Project Managers might earn up to $210,000. These numbers aren't just random - they're based on actual market data and reflect the growing importance of tech expertise in every industry.
Skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are especially valuable, with some positions offering serious earning potential.
Recent reports show that companies are actually struggling to find enough qualified people for these roles.
There's a predicted shortage of 85 million tech professionals by 2030, which means those with the right skills are in an awesome position to negotiate better salaries.
Our rankings consider not just the base pay, but also factor in the growth potential, training opportunities, and how much impact you can make in each role. It's pretty clear that investing in tech skills now could seriously pay off in the future.
Cloud Architect: Leading the Salary Chart
(Up)Cloud Architects are crushing it in Topeka's tech scene, with seriously impressive salaries that make this career path super attractive. According to recent salary data, Cloud Architects in Topeka are earning around $138,550 annually, with experienced professionals pulling in up to $178,574.
The role is even more exciting when you look at specialized positions - Principal Cloud Architects can make between $104,094 and $127,603.
What makes this job so awesome is the mix of technical challenges and real impact on businesses. These pros are responsible for building and maintaining the digital infrastructure that keeps companies running smoothly.
Looking at industry trends, Cloud Architects are among the top 3 highest-paid tech roles in Topeka, showing incredible growth potential.
The position requires staying current with the latest cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, plus having solid security knowledge to protect against cyber threats.
What's really cool is how this role lets you shape the future of companies while earning a competitive salary. Cloud Architects are basically the architects of the digital world, making sure everything runs smoothly and securely in the cloud.
For someone starting in tech, this career path offers both financial stability and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
Exploring High Earnings as a Network Security Engineer
(Up)As a Network Security Engineer in Topeka, you'll find yourself right at the center of the tech world's most crucial battleground - protecting digital assets from cyber threats.
The job market is seriously hot right now, with an impressive average salary of $137,654 in Topeka, according to recent data. I've discovered that network security engineers are responsible for everything from designing and implementing security systems to troubleshooting complex network issues.
The work is super challenging but totally worth it - you get to be the person who keeps hackers at bay and protects sensitive company data. What makes this role even more interesting is that daily responsibilities include configuring firewalls, managing VPNs, and monitoring security systems for any suspicious activity.
The field is constantly evolving, which means you're always learning something new. Companies desperately seek professionals who can handle these responsibilities, making it a perfect career choice for anyone interested in tech and cybersecurity.
Plus, with the rise in remote work options, you've got flexibility in where and how you work. The role requires a mix of technical skills like programming and network architecture, along with soft skills like problem-solving and communication - basically, you need to be both tech-savvy and good with people.
With cyber threats becoming sophisticated every day, this career path offers both job security and the chance to make a real impact in the tech world.
The Data Scientist: Turning Data into Dollars
(Up)The data scientist role in Topeka is seriously taking off in 2025, with entry-level positions starting at $108,030 and experienced professionals earning up to $156,657 annually.
I've been researching this career path, and it's wild how much the field has grown. The essential skills needed include programming languages like Python and R, machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, and data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI. Even with just 1-2 years of experience, you can hit salaries around $265,492, which is honestly mind-blowing.
Data scientists in Topeka spend their days turning massive amounts of data into actionable insights.
The role combines technical skills with creative problem-solving - you're basically a detective who uses data to solve business mysteries. Key responsibilities include cleaning and organizing data, building predictive models, and creating visualizations that make complex information easy to understand.
You'll need solid math skills, especially in statistics and probability, plus the ability to communicate your findings clearly to people who might not speak tech.
What makes this career path even better is the flexibility - many companies offer remote work options, and there's always something new to learn as technology evolves.
The demand for data scientists keeps growing as more companies realize they need data-driven decision-making to stay competitive. If you're interested in both tech and solving real-world problems, this field offers incredible opportunities for growth and innovation.
Machine Learning Engineer: Bridging AI and Innovation
(Up)Machine Learning Engineers in Topeka are totally crushing it in 2025, leading the charge in AI innovation with seriously competitive salaries averaging $150,186, with top performers pulling in up to $236,539.
As machine learning specialists, they're the ones building and fine-tuning the algorithms that make AI systems work smarter, not harder.
It's mind-blowing how they get to shape the future by creating models that help machines think and learn on their own.
The coolest part about being a Machine Learning Engineer is how they blend different skills together.
They're not just coding - they're like tech artists who paint with data. Every day, they're hands-on with Python and TensorFlow, training models and solving real-world problems.
The field is super fast-paced, and they're constantly learning new tools and techniques. Working with massive datasets and turning them into something meaningful? That's literally what gets them excited to jump out of bed in the morning!
Here in Topeka, companies are scrambling to level up their AI game, and that's where they come in.
According to recent industry reports, the demand for ML Engineers is skyrocketing because they're the ones who can translate complex AI concepts into practical business solutions.
Whether it's building recommendation systems for shopping apps or creating algorithms for self-driving cars, they're the bridge between wild sci-fi ideas and actual working tech.
For anyone thinking about jumping into this field - trust me, it's an awesome time to start!
Cybersecurity Engineer: Defender of Digital Assets
(Up)As a Cybersecurity Engineer in Topeka, Kansas in 2025, you're basically a digital guardian in a world where cyber threats are getting super creative.
The numbers are wild - cybercrime is expected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, which is why companies in Topeka are going all-in on security. The pay is seriously amazing, with Cybersecurity Engineers in Topeka making around $135,000 annually.
That's definitely something to get excited about!
Think of Cybersecurity Engineers as the ultimate tech defenders - we're the ones making sure your data stays safe and systems keep running smoothly.
According to the Kansas Information Security Office, there's been a 68% increase in cyber incidents since 2022, making our job more important than ever.
We handle everything from setting up fortress-like network defenses to jumping into action when threats pop up. It's honestly never boring - one day you're strengthening firewalls, the next you're tracking down suspicious activity.
What makes this career path even better? The opportunities are endless, with an expected 3.5 million unfilled positions globally by the end of 2025.
Plus, Kansas is investing heavily in cybersecurity training and development programs, making it easier to level up your skills. Whether you're into ethical hacking, cloud security, or AI-driven defense systems, there's always something new to learn and master.
For real, if you want a career that combines problem-solving, constant learning, and making a genuine impact while earning serious money, cybersecurity engineering in Topeka is where it's at.
Software Engineer: Building the Future, Code by Code
(Up)As a software engineer in Topeka's 2025 tech scene, you get to create amazing technology that makes a real difference. According to recent industry data, software engineers can focus on different specializations like front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, with median annual salaries reaching $132,270.
The field is growing fast - the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% growth from 2023 to 2033, which is seriously impressive. Entry-level positions and internships are available all over Topeka, giving new developers a chance to break into the industry.
Plus, many companies offer flexible work arrangements and remote options, which is perfect for maintaining work-life balance. The path to becoming a software engineer requires mastering key programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, along with popular frameworks like React and Angular.
But it's not just about coding - you need to be good at solving problems and working with teams. The best part is that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to create something that could change how people live and work.
Whether you're building web applications, developing AI solutions, or creating mobile apps, you're literally shaping the future of technology in Topeka.
Penetration Tester: The Ethical Hacker's High Pay
(Up)As a penetration tester in Topeka's growing tech scene, you get to be the ultimate digital detective, simulating cyberattacks to find system vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.
The role has become super important in 2025, with companies desperately seeking experts who can protect their digital assets. The average salary is hitting around $121,943 annually, with the potential for additional pay averaging $12,014 - pretty sweet for doing what basically amounts to professional hacking! Want to break into this field? A career as a pen tester typically takes 1-4 years of experience in IT and security, but you don't necessarily need a formal degree if you've got the right skills and certifications.
Speaking of skills, you'll need to master programming languages like Python and Bash, get comfortable with network protocols, and become best friends with tools like Metasploit and Nmap.
The CEH certification bootcamp in Topeka offers intensive training for $3,250, which is totally worth it considering the career prospects.
The coolest part? You can often work remotely, and the job outlook is incredible, with a projected 32% growth rate through 2032.
The work itself is seriously engaging - you'll spend your days trying to outsmart security systems, writing detailed reports about what you find, and helping companies strengthen their defenses.
Major players like Google, Microsoft, and various government agencies are constantly hiring, and Topeka's tech scene is becoming more competitive with these national trends.
With cyber threats getting more sophisticated every day, penetration testing isn't just another tech job - it's a crucial role that keeps our digital world safe while offering serious career growth potential.
AI Research Scientist: Innovating With Intelligence
(Up)As a research scientist in AI, you'll be shaping the future of tech in Topeka this 2025.
These professionals are creating next-level AI systems that do everything from predicting trends to automating complex tasks. The salary range is pretty sweet - according to recent salary data, AI Research Scientists are earning between $120,949 to $150,794 annually, with experienced professionals making even more.
The job involves developing machine learning models, working with natural language processing, and building AI frameworks that actually make a difference. If you're into coding Python and R, and love working with tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch, this could be your perfect career match.
The demand for talent is huge right now, and companies are looking for scientists who can handle complex AI technologies while staying current with new developments.
It's not just about coding in isolation - you'll be collaborating with other tech professionals to solve real problems using data-driven solutions. The best part? Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate.
Whether you're improving machine learning algorithms or developing new AI applications, you're directly contributing to technological progress. For anyone interested in combining cutting-edge tech work with solid career growth in Topeka, becoming an AI Research Scientist is genuinely one of the most exciting paths you can take.
DevOps Engineer: Enhancing Efficiency and Earnings
(Up)In Topeka's tech scene, DevOps Engineers are crushing it in 2025, combining technical skills with automation magic to speed up software delivery.
According to the latest data, these tech pros in Topeka earn an impressive $153,984 on average, with top performers pulling in up to $173,113 annually.
Their main focus is automating code deployment and managing server infrastructure to keep everything running smoothly. The role demands serious skills in CI/CD pipelines, with tools like Jenkins and GitLab being must-haves.
What's super exciting is that the entry-level positions start around $82K, making it an awesome career choice for those just starting out.
DevOps Engineers are the ultimate tech bridge-builders, connecting development teams with operations to create this amazing workflow that gets software out faster and better than ever.
The field has seen crazy growth in Topeka, with over 2,500 new tech roles added last year. The best part? DevOps Engineers are at the center of it all, making sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
Key skills that make DevOps Engineers essential include:
- Expert-level cloud platform knowledge (AWS, Azure, GCP): Understanding the cloud platforms profoundly is essential.
- Infrastructure as code mastery with tools like Terraform: Experience with tools for managing infrastructure is crucial.
- Strong security mindset for protecting deployments: Ensuring security is a central aspect of the role.
DevOps is revolutionizing how companies handle their tech operations.
These professionals aren't just writing code - they're reshaping how entire organizations work with technology. With such high demand and amazing salary potential, DevOps Engineering ranks among Topeka's most lucrative tech careers for 2025.
Information Security Analyst: Monitoring with Expertise
(Up)As a fresh Information Security Analyst in Topeka in 2025, you're stepping into one of tech's most exciting careers. The role has transformed into something way bigger than just monitoring networks - it's about being the digital guardian of an organization's future.
According to current job listings, security analysts in Kansas are commanding salaries between $65,000 to $75,000 for entry-level positions, with experienced professionals earning well over $100,000.
The Kansas Information Security Office is actively pushing the field forward, offering real-world training in everything from operational technology to ethical hacking.
If you're into problem-solving and protecting digital assets, this is your moment.
The best part? The field is evolving super fast. We're not just dealing with basic network security anymore - we're talking AI integration, cloud security, and advanced threat detection.
Entry-level positions in Topeka are looking for people with skills in cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, and information security frameworks like ISO27001 and NIST CSF. You'll be working with cutting-edge tech while making a real difference in protecting people's data.
The opportunities are seriously growing, especially with remote work options becoming standard.
Companies are constantly updating their security infrastructure, and they need sharp minds to stay ahead of threats. Whether you're into ethical hacking, risk analysis, or security architecture, there's a path for you.
Plus, with regular training events and certifications available right here in Kansas, you can level up your skills while building your career. Keep your tech skills current, stay curious about new security trends, and you'll be set for an amazing career in cybersecurity.
Conclusion: Navigating Tech Job Prospects in Topeka
(Up)Topeka's tech scene is seriously taking off in 2025, and the opportunities are looking better than ever. According to recent data, the city has experienced a remarkable 15% growth in tech jobs, way above the national average.
The highest-paying positions are crushing it, with Cloud Solutions Architects leading the pack at $132,225 annually.
What's really cool is that the tech job market has added over 2,500 new positions, creating tons of opportunities for people like me who are just starting out.
The money is definitely there if you've got the right skills.
Multi-Agent Systems and Hybrid Computing are becoming super important, especially in fields like robotics and autonomous vehicles.
The World Economic Forum says 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025, which means there's never been a better time to jump into tech. For anyone interested in data, Data Scientists are pulling in around $160,617 on average, with some positions offering even more for those with the right experience.
The best part about Topeka's tech scene is how it's growing while keeping the cost of living way lower than major tech hubs.
Whether you're into AI, cybersecurity, or full-stack development, there's room to grow and make serious money. Just make sure to stay on top of the latest tech trends and keep building your skills - that's what employers are really looking for in 2025.
The future's looking bright for tech in Topeka, and I'm honestly excited to be part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the growth rate of the tech industry in Topeka by 2025?
The tech industry in Topeka has experienced an 8% annual growth rate since 2022. In 2025, tech roles make up over 20% of local jobs, indicating significant growth and opportunity in the sector.
Which tech job is the highest paid in Topeka in 2025?
Cloud Architects are among the highest-paid tech roles in Topeka, with salaries reaching up to $201,572 annually. This role leads the salary chart due to its technical demands and impact on businesses.
What is the average salary for Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers in Topeka?
Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers have average salaries that clear $160,000 annually in Topeka, making these some of the more lucrative roles in the tech industry.
What are the prospects for Cybersecurity Engineers in Topeka?
Cybersecurity Engineers in Topeka earn around $135,000 annually and are crucial for protecting digital assets from sophisticated cyber threats. The demand for these professionals is high due to increasing cybercrime.
Are there emerging opportunities for tech jobs in Topeka?
Yes, with a predicted shortage of 85 million tech professionals by 2030, those with skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are in a strong position to negotiate better salaries. Topeka is seeing growing opportunities in its tech job market, adding about 250 new tech jobs with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000.
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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.