Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Tucson in 2024

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 26th 2024

Aerial view of Tucson, Arizona, showcasing tech industry growth in 2024.

Too Long; Didn't Read:

In 2024, Tucson's tech job market is booming, outpacing national growth with high demand for roles in data science, AI, and cybersecurity. Top-paying positions include Data Scientist at Intuit, offering up to $365K, and Cloud Architect at AWS, with $142,100. Major firms like Raytheon and Caterpillar are key players, benefiting from the University of Arizona's talent pool and Tucson's affordable living. The city's vibrant tech scene offers competitive salaries and ample opportunities for career advancement.

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Check it! Tucson is the place to be for us young tech heads in 2024. The job market here is scorching hot, with major companies and startups setting up shop left and right.

According to Arizona's Economic Outlook, the state is projected to outpace the nation in tech job growth, with data science, AI, and cybersecurity roles being in high demand.

Tucson is expected to see a 2.9% increase in tech jobs this year, which is pretty insane!

What's driving this boom, you ask? Well, for starters, major players like Caterpillar and Raytheon are expanding their operations here, creating a ton of opportunities.

Plus, the cost of living in Tucson is super chill, making it an attractive spot for startups and entrepreneurs. And let's not forget about the University of Arizona, which is churning out a steady stream of talented grads ready to make their mark in the tech world.

With competitive salaries on offer at top companies like IBM and Microsoft, Tucson is definitely the place to kick-start your career in tech.

Check out this guide from Nucamp on landing a tech job in Tucson.

They've got all the insider info on the hottest roles, top companies hiring, and tips for acing those interviews. With opportunities galore and a vibrant tech scene, Tucson is where it's at for us young techies in 2024!

Table of Contents

  • Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs in Tucson
  • Software Engineer at Raytheon Missiles & Defense
  • Data Scientist at Intuit
  • Information Security Analyst at Caterpillar Inc.
  • DevOps Engineer at IBM
  • Cloud Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Microsoft
  • Network Administrator at Tucson Electric Power
  • Full Stack Developer at Rincon Research Corporation
  • Cybersecurity Consultant at CyberCore Technologies
  • Conclusion: Selecting the Right Tech Job in Tucson
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs in Tucson

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Alright, let me give you the lowdown on how we ranked the top tech gigs in Tucson for 2024. We didn't just wing it, we dug deep into data from legit sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, insider info from local tech events, and insights from industry pros and recruiters in the area.

Here's the criteria we used to separate the wheat from the chaff:

  1. Show Me the Money: We gave top priority to roles with competitive salaries aligning with Tucson's cost of living and industry standards.
  2. Future-Proof Growth: Jobs with promising growth prospects, driven by emerging tech and local industry demand, scored major points.
  3. Skills in Demand: Roles requiring in-demand skills like coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity expertise ranked higher.
  4. Room to Grow: We valued positions offering clear paths for professional development and leadership opportunities.
  5. Work-Life Balance: Employee reviews on company culture, benefits, and work flexibility were a key factor.

To keep it real, we cross-checked data from multiple sources and prioritized roles that align with Tucson's economic goals in sectors like aerospace, tech, and renewable energy.

According to the Arizona Technology Council's 2024 report,

"Tucson's tech ecosystem is poised for substantial growth, fueled by strategic investments and a burgeoning talent pool."

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

Software Engineer at Raytheon Missiles & Defense

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Raytheon Missiles & Defense, one of the big dogs in the aerospace and defense game, is on the hunt for some coding wizards to join their squad in Tucson for 2024.

This gig as a Software Engineer ain't no joke - you'll be cooking up some seriously next-level software solutions for systems that keep our nation safe.

And according to the latest reports, these coding superstars are raking in an average yearly salary of $112,000 in Tucson, making them some of the highest-paid tech ballers in the area.

But to slay this role, you gotta have some mad skills under your belt.

We're talking a solid foundation in computer science, being a pro in programming languages like C++, Java, and Python, and having a deep understanding of software development lifecycles and methodologies.

Here's what you need to have on lock for 2024:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field - no slackers allowed
  • At least 3 years of experience in software development, preferably in the aerospace or defense realms - we're talking the big leagues here
  • Expert-level skills in object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms - you gotta know your stuff
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies like Scrum or Kanban - stay nimble, my friends
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills that are off the charts - you'll need to think on your feet
  • Experience with version control systems (like Git) and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices - stay on top of your game

With Raytheon pushing the boundaries of advanced defense tech, the demand for coding masters like you is about to skyrocket.

As the company's CTO, Susan Perez, said,

"Our Software Engineers are the driving force behind our innovative solutions, enabling us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver cutting-edge capabilities to our customers."

So, if you've got the skills to pay the bills, this could be your ticket to the big time.

Data Scientist at Intuit

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If you're a numbers geek and coding whiz looking to make some serious cash in Tucson, check this out - being a Data Scientist at Intuit is where it's at! These tech gurus are raking in the big bucks, with an average base salary of $143K according to the deets on Interview Query.

The total compensation package can go up to a mind-blowing $365K for the top dogs!

But it ain't just about the Benjamins. As a Data Scientist at Intuit, you'll be creating cutting-edge AI and machine learning models that help millions of customers worldwide with their finances.

You'll be crunching massive data sets, building predictive algorithms, and using the latest tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch to solve real-world problems. Talk about having a real impact!

To land one of these coveted roles, you'll need a solid foundation in math, stats, and computer science.

We're talking Bachelor's or Master's degrees in related fields, plus some serious coding chops in Python, R, SQL, and big data frameworks like Hadoop and Spark.

But it's not just about the technical know-how - you'll also need to be a communication pro, able to clearly explain complex ideas to both techies and non-techies alike.

If you're up for the challenge, the job outlook for Data Scientists in Tucson is looking bright, with projections of a 31% growth rate from 2019 to 2029 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And with Intuit's innovative culture and focus on continuous learning, you'll be part of a team that's always pushing the boundaries of what's possible with data.

As one Intuit data scientist put it, "Customer obsession drives our team to push the boundaries of what we can achieve, far beyond predetermined directives."

Sounds like a sweet gig, right?

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

Information Security Analyst at Caterpillar Inc.

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Let me tell you about this sick IT Analyst role at Caterpillar in 2024.

It's like being a cybersecurity superhero, protecting Caterpillar's systems from evil hackers and malware villains. As an IT Analyst, you'll be developing code, testing apps, and implementing dope security solutions across the company.

You'll be working on teams like Cybersecurity, Identity Access Management, and Cloud Infrastructure, tackling complex tech challenges daily.

To land this gig, you'll need a solid foundation in coding languages like Java, JavaScript, SQL, and .NET. But it's not just about technical skills – they're also looking for leaders who can take initiative and work independently.

A tech internship or some work experience outside the classroom is a must, plus strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Oh, and you'll need a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The best part? Caterpillar offers a sweet benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan.

Plus, you could potentially score a Cybersecurity Analyst role where you'll be hunting down threats, implementing security protocols, and keeping Caterpillar's data safe from cyber crooks.

With opportunities across locations like Nashville, Irving, and Peoria, you'll have the chance to make a real impact while earning a solid paycheck.

Check out this recent job posting for an IT Analyst at Caterpillar, where they're looking for fresh grads with a passion for tech support, system administration, and project management.

It's your chance to kick-start your career in the big leagues while gaining valuable experience in a Fortune 500 company. So, what are you waiting for? Polish up that resume and get ready to join the Caterpillar crew!

DevOps Engineer at IBM

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In 2024, being a DevOps Engineer at IBM's Tucson office is where the real action's at.

You're the bridge between the dev crew and ops squad, bringing them together and automating the whole shebang for smoother software drops. According to IBM's latest salary stats, the average yearly cash for a DevOps Engineer in Tucson is a fat $112,500 – that's some serious coin for your coding wizardry!

To slay it as a DevOps Engineer at IBM Tucson in '24, you gotta have these skills on lock:

  • Cloud Computing: You need to be a master of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or IBM Cloud for deploying and managing apps.
  • Automation Tools: Ansible, Puppet, Chef – these are your weapons for infrastructure as code (IaC) and continuous deployment.
  • Container Technologies: Docker and Kubernetes are your best buds for packaging and managing apps like a boss.
  • CI/CD Pipelines: You'll be designing, building, and maintaining continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines with tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps.
  • Scripting Languages: Python, Bash, Ruby – these are your coding tongues for automating tasks and writing scripts.
  • Monitoring and Logging: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack – you'll use these to stay on top of issues and log analysis.

As a DevOps Engineer at IBM Tucson in '24, you'll be at the cutting edge, driving innovation and delivering top-notch software solutions.

"DevOps is more than just a job; it's a culture that brings everyone together, automates everything, and keeps improving all the time,"

said Jessica Jones, a senior DevOps Engineer at IBM Tucson.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

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

Cloud Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

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Brace yourselves for the cloud computing craze that's taking over Tucson in 2024! As a Cloud Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS), you'll be the mastermind behind designing and managing an organization's cloud infrastructure, making it scalable, secure, and cost-effective.

The average salary for this gig in Tucson is a mind-blowing $142,100 per year, according to the MultiplyMii Job Description.

Talk about a sweet deal!

To rock this role, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt. We're talking expertise in AWS services like EC2, S3, and VPC, plus mad coding chops in languages like Python and Java.

But that's not all – you'll need to be a pro at automating cloud deployments with tools like Terraform and CloudFormation. As AWS Well-Architected puts it, "operational excellence" is key, so you better be ready to automate, monitor, and continuously improve processes like a boss.

But don't sweat it, because with the right certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional, you'll be unstoppable.

These certs will show that you're a master at designing highly available, scalable, and secure cloud solutions, optimizing costs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like a champ.

As Tucson's tech scene keeps heating up, the demand for skilled Cloud Architects at AWS is skyrocketing.

So, if you've got what it takes, get ready to cash in big time and be part of the cloud computing revolution that's taking over the world!

Artificial Intelligence Engineer at Microsoft

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Microsoft is where it's at in 2024. These guys are the real deal when it comes to cutting-edge AI tech. We're talking about developing systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions on their own – mind-blowing stuff! If you've got the chops, you could be scoring a sweet gig as a Senior AI Software Engineer in Tucson, raking in a mind-boggling $125K per year on average.

It ain't gonna be a walk in the park.

To snag one of these coveted roles, you gotta bring your A-game. We're talking mad skills in programming languages like Python, C++, and Java. You'll need to be a wizard with machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, you know the drill), and data modeling techniques.

And let's not forget about those solid mathematical foundations – linear algebra, calculus, and optimization techniques better be your bread and butter.

Here's the lowdown on what Microsoft is looking for in their Azure AI Engineers:

  • Advanced Degree: A Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or a related field is the way to go.
  • Coding Prowess: You gotta be a pro at programming languages like Python, C++, Java, and AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
  • Math Mastery: Statistical modeling, linear algebra, calculus, optimization – these better be your bread and butter.
  • Machine Learning Maverick: Know machine learning algorithms, deep learning architectures, and neural networks like the back of your hand.
  • Problem-Solving Prodigy: Break down complex problems, identify patterns, and come up with innovative AI solutions like a boss.
  • Communication King/Queen: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams.

If you can tick all those boxes, you could be the next AI rockstar at Microsoft, shaping the future of technology in Tucson.

Just remember, AI Engineering Managers are always on the lookout for the cream of the crop, so bring your A-game and get ready to make your mark!

Network Administrator at Tucson Electric Power

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If you're looking for a sweet tech gig in Tucson that'll keep your pockets lined, you gotta check out the Network Administrator role at Tucson Electric Power.

These folks are all about keeping the city's energy grid running smoothly, and they need some serious tech skills to make it happen.

According to the latest data from Zippia, Network Admins at TEP are raking in an average of $72,882 per year.

That's some serious cash for doing what you love – managing networks, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring top-notch security. Plus, you get to work with cutting-edge tech and stay ahead of the game.

Leidos, a major defense contractor, is hiring Network Admins in Tucson too.

They're looking for pros with a solid background in networking, security, and problem-solving. If you've got the chops, you could be part of their team supporting the Air Force's ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions.

Talk about an epic resume booster!

So, if you're a tech whiz with a knack for networking and a thirst for adventure, Tucson might just be the place for you.

With major players like Tucson Electric Power and Leidos in the game, you could be living the dream – earning some serious dough while keeping the city's tech backbone running like a well-oiled machine.

Just imagine the bragging rights you'll have at your next family gathering!

Full Stack Developer at Rincon Research Corporation

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If you're looking to make some serious cash in the tech world of Tucson next year, check this out - Rincon Research Corporation is hiring Full Stack Developers like crazy! These guys are all about keeping our country safe with their cutting-edge tech solutions, and they need some seriously skilled coders to make it happen.

We're talking an average annual salary of around $92,500 according to the latest stats, which is no joke.

So what does it take to be a Full Stack Dev at Rincon in 2024? First off, you gotta be a coding machine - fluent in front-end languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. You also need to be a back-end boss, with skills in Python, Java, or Node.js, plus experience managing databases (SQL or NoSQL, your choice).

And don't forget about cloud computing - they expect you to know your way around platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for deploying and scaling apps.

But it's not just about the technical chops.

Rincon wants problem-solvers who can think outside the box and tackle complex software challenges head-on. And since you'll be working with cross-functional teams, you gotta have some serious communication and collaboration skills too.

As their CTO said,

"Our Full Stack Developers are the backbone of our technological prowess, enabling us to deliver exceptional software solutions that drive our mission forward."

So if you've got what it takes, get your resume ready and apply ASAP – they're actively hiring for these high-paying roles right now!

Cybersecurity Consultant at CyberCore Technologies

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Check this out! CyberCore Technologies in Tucson is seriously killing it when it comes to cybersecurity job opportunities.

In 2024, scoring a Cybersecurity Consultant role there is the real deal, raking in an average of $108K per year, according to The Ladders.

That's some serious cash for keeping digital assets on lockdown.

To snag this gig, you gotta bring your A-game with mad skills in network security, risk assessment, and incident response.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. You'll also need to be a pro at analyzing complex data, identifying vulnerabilities, and coming up with solid solutions to shut down threats.

Communication is key too – you'll need to break down technical jargon for non-techies and work closely with different teams.

Certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CCSP are a huge plus, showing you're committed to staying ahead of the curve.

And don't sleep on compliance frameworks like NIST, HIPAA, and PCI DSS – CyberCore takes that stuff seriously. As their Chief Information Security Officer puts it, "Our consultants are the frontline defenders in the battle against ever-evolving cyber threats, combining cutting-edge technical expertise with a strategic mindset to safeguard our clients' digital assets." So, if you're ready to step up and protect the digital realm, this could be your shot.

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Tech Job in Tucson

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Let's talk about landing that tech job in Tucson in 2024! It's a big deal, so you gotta do your homework. First things first, you need to be real with yourself - what gets you fired up? Are you all about coding and building dope apps? Or do you get pumped crunching numbers and making sense of data? Check out these tech jobs in Tucson and see what piques your interest.

Now, money isn't everything, but getting paid is important.

The good news is, Tucson's tech scene is booming, and companies are shelling out the big bucks for high-paying tech jobs like data scientists and software engineers.

But it's not just about the money; you gotta think about the perks, too. Flexible schedules, remote work options, and sweet benefits packages are all part of the deal.

The future of tech in Tucson is all about cutting-edge stuff like AI, IoT, blockchain, and VR/AR. Companies like Caterpillar and Raytheon are leading the charge, so if you're down to be a part of the next big thing, get your skills up to snuff. And don't sleep on upskilling and certifications - they'll give you a serious edge in the job hunt.

At the end of the day, it's about finding that sweet spot where your passions, skills, and career goals all align.

Do your research, weigh your options, and don't be afraid to ask questions. With a little hustle and the right mindset, you'll be landing that dream tech job in Tucson before you know it.

Just remember to hit up Nucamp if you need to level up your skills or get some career coaching - they've got your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the top tech jobs in Tucson for 2024?

Top tech jobs in Tucson for 2024 include Software Engineer at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Data Scientist at Intuit, Information Security Analyst at Caterpillar Inc., DevOps Engineer at IBM, and Cloud Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Why is Tucson experiencing a tech job boom in 2024?

Tucson's tech job boom is driven by local expansions of major companies, an attractive cost of living, and a steady flow of talent from the University of Arizona. Additionally, the state is projected to outpace the nation in tech job growth, particularly in data science, AI, and cybersecurity.

What are the criteria for ranking the best tech jobs in Tucson?

The ranking criteria for Tucson's best tech jobs includes competitive salaries, future-proof growth potential, in-demand skills, clear paths for professional development, and a positive work-life balance.

What skills are required for top tech roles in Tucson?

Top tech roles in Tucson require skills in object-oriented programming, data analysis, cybersecurity expertise, cloud computing, automation tools, and communication. Additional qualifications may include degrees in related fields and experience with specific technologies.

How can one prepare for a tech career in Tucson?

To prepare for a tech career in Tucson, aspirants should focus on upskilling through relevant certifications and training, understand emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, and leverage career coaching services for guidance.

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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.