Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Virginia Beach
Last Updated: August 23rd 2024
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The top high-paying tech jobs in Virginia Beach include network architect ($124,000 annually) and software development manager ($117,500). Virginia Beach's tech industry has grown by over 25% in three years, with average tech salaries at $92,000, surpassing the national average of $72,000. The demand is driven by booming fields like cybersecurity, data science, and software development. Key factors for job ranking include average salary, growth potential, current openings, and skill requirements.
If you're looking to cash in on the tech scene, Virginia Beach is where it's at. This oceanside city has been transforming into a major tech hub, with companies from all over flocking here for the killer talent and unbeatable quality of life.
The demand for skilled techies is absolutely insane – job openings in fields like cybersecurity, data science, and software development have blown up by over 25% in just the past three years, according to the Virginia Beach Economic Development Authority.
The average tech salary in Virginia Beach is a mind-blowing $92,000 per year, way higher than the national average of $72,000 based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With paychecks like that, you can ball out in VB while still stashing away serious cash. So many of us are gunning for high-paying tech gigs here.
This blog is breaking down the top 10 highest-paying tech jobs in the 757, so buckle up and get ready to rake in some serious dough!
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Ranking High-Paying Tech Jobs
- Network Architect: Leading the Pay Scale
- Software Development Manager: The Tech Strategist
- Data Scientist: The Insight Provider
- Information Systems Manager: Overseeing IT Operations
- DevOps Engineer: Bridging the Gap
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting Digital Assets
- Cloud Engineer: Building Future-Proof Solutions
- Machine Learning Engineer: Innovating with AI
- UX Designer: Enhancing User Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Ranking High-Paying Tech Jobs
(Up)To figure out the hottest tech jobs that make serious cash in Virginia Beach, we looked at the real deal - hard numbers from places like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) right here, Glassdoor, PayScale, and what companies are actually posting.
We figured if a job paid at least $90K a year on average, that's a high-paying gig for this area.
Here's how we ranked the top 10:
- Evaluated BLS data on tech job salaries around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News.
- Compared average pay from Glassdoor and PayScale for the same roles.
- Reviewed actual job listings on LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter to see what skills companies want and what they're offering.
- Scored each job based on average yearly pay (40% weight), growth potential (30%), current openings (20%), and required skills/experience (10%).
- The 10 highest scoring jobs made the cut.
Just to give you an idea, here are the top 5 based on average annual salaries:
Rank | Tech Job | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|
1 | Network Architect | $124,000 |
2 | Software Development Manager | $117,500 |
3 | Data Scientist | $112,000 |
4 | Information Systems Manager | $109,800 |
5 | DevOps Engineer | $105,700 |
As Jessica Davis from Hampton Roads Tech said, "Tech salaries here are super competitive because companies are battling for top talent to drive growth in this booming tech scene.
The pay reflects the high quality of life too."
Network Architect: Leading the Pay Scale
(Up)In Virginia Beach's sizzling tech scene, all eyes are on network architects, the top dogs raking in some serious cash.
We're talking an average yearly haul of $133,572, with top earners scoring a whopping $179,365! These coding wizards are the masterminds behind the digital highways that keep businesses running smoothly.
As a network architect, your daily grind involves cooking up slick network setups that can handle whatever curveballs get thrown at them, now and in the future.
You're the one troubleshooting glitches and beefing up security protocols to keep the whole operation locked down tight.
Plus, you've gotta stay on top of the latest tech trends and figure out how to integrate them seamlessly.
To crush it in this gig, you'll need some serious skills under your belt.
We're talking expert-level knowledge of networking protocols, hardware, and software like TCP/IP, routing, switching, and firewalls. You'll also need to be a whiz with analysis tools like Visio, Packet Tracer, and Wireshark.
And let's not forget about those problem-solving chops – you'll be tackling some gnarly network issues, so you've gotta bring your A-game.
With Virginia Beach's booming cybersecurity, data center, and cloud computing industries, the demand for these networking superstars is only gonna keep soaring.
As Jessica Rodriguez, CEO of TechVABeach, puts it,
"Network architects are the masterminds behind the digital infrastructure that powers modern enterprises."
In other words, these folks are the real deal, and they're raking in the big bucks to prove it.
Software Development Manager: The Tech Strategist
(Up)In Virginia Beach's booming tech scene, software development managers are the real MVPs, crushing it with some serious paychecks.
As of August 2024, they're raking in an average $165,000 yearly according to the latest stats from Talent.com.
But these tech leaders are so much more than just code monkeys – they're the masterminds behind the entire software development process, from the initial concept to the final product launch.
Their day-to-day grind involves tasks like:
- Transforming business needs into technical blueprints
- Leading cross-functional teams of developers, analysts, and designers
- Planning project timelines and resource allocation
- Implementing agile methodologies and quality control processes
- Monitoring progress, identifying risks, and course-correcting when needed
As one of the most in-demand tech roles in Virginia Beach, these software masterminds have to be equal parts techie and strategic thinker.
They bridge that gap between business goals and technical capabilities, conducting the entire development process like a well-orchestrated symphony.
Effective planning and strategic vision are key for software development managers to navigate complex tech projects successfully.
They need to have serious analytical skills to evaluate project feasibility, assess technical debt, and identify potential roadblocks. Their ability to make strategic decisions ensures projects align with company objectives and deliver maximum value to users.
Data Scientist: The Insight Provider
(Up)Data scientists in Virginia Beach are raking in some serious cash these days! We're talking an average salary of $141,864 per year, according to the latest stats.
That's a pretty sweet deal for being the data geniuses who turn raw info into game-changing insights for businesses. These pros have some mad skills, like coding in Python, R, and SQL, plus a knack for crunching numbers and finding patterns that would make your head spin.
But hey, that's why they're worth every penny, right?
So, what do data scientists do exactly? Well, imagine you're a retail giant trying to predict what merch will fly off the shelves next season.
These data wizards can analyze past sales data, customer behaviors, and market trends to give you a heads-up on what's going to be hot.
Or maybe you're a healthcare provider looking to improve patient outcomes. Data scientists can dig into medical records, spot risk factors, and help tailor treatment plans.
Pretty cool, huh?
But being a data scientist isn't just about number-crunching. It's also about communicating those complex findings in a way that non-techies can understand.
That's why having solid people skills is key, along with that analytical mind. Landing a gig like this in Virginia Beach means you're part of a thriving tech scene, surrounded by innovative companies that get the value of data-driven decision-making.
If you're a math whiz with a love for coding and problem-solving, consider hopping on the data science train.
With the right skills and a little hustle, you could be scoring one of those coveted six-figure salaries in no time. Just be prepared to put in the work – these careers don't come easy, but the payoff can be pretty sweet.
Information Systems Manager: Overseeing IT Operations
(Up)If you're looking to rake in the big bucks in the tech scene around Virginia Beach, then being an Information Systems Manager is where it's at.
These pros are scoring an average annual paycheck of $142,500 in the area, which is pretty sick if you ask me. But it's not just about the money - they're running the show when it comes to keeping a company's entire IT infrastructure running smoothly.
From managing networks and servers to handling cloud services and ensuring top-notch security, these tech gurus have their hands full.
They're the ones calling the shots on implementing new tech to keep things efficient and secure. Plus, they're leading teams, analyzing data to spot areas for improvement, and making sure everything stays compliant with the rules.
Virginia Beach companies know that having a solid IT backbone is key to staying competitive, so they're willing to shell out the big bucks for talented Information Systems professionals.
With tech becoming more crucial in every industry, the demand for these roles is expected to skyrocket by 18% over the next five years. As one seasoned pro puts it,
"Effectively managing and securing an organization's IT infrastructure isn't just a necessity; it's a strategic advantage that can make or break a company's success in today's digital age."
DevOps Engineer: Bridging the Gap
(Up)Scoring one of the top-paid tech gigs in Virginia Beach in 2024 means snagging that sweet DevOps Engineer role.
We're talking some serious cash flow, with salaries ranging from $79,500 to a mind-blowing $145,000 per year according to the data we've dug up. That kind of income is straight-up insane for a job that's all about bridging the gap between dev and ops teams, am I right?
But you can't just stroll into this role without packing some serious skills.
These DevOps wizards need to be coding chameleons, fluent in languages like Python, Ruby, Java, and even shell scripting. They've gotta be cloud connoisseurs, with hands-on experience in AWS, Azure, GCP, and container tech like Docker.
Plus, they've got to be masters of infrastructure as code, wielding tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Puppet like they were born with them.
These DevOps superstars need to be CI/CD experts, navigating pipelines and tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and Azure DevOps with ease.
It's all about automating processes, streamlining workflows, and delivering value to customers at lightning speed. As one DevOps guru put it,
"DevOps is more than just tools and tech; it's a culture shift that lets teams work together seamlessly, delivering value to customers faster and more reliably."
So, if you've got the skills to pay the bills, this could be the high-paying tech job of your dreams in the vibrant Virginia Beach scene.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Protecting Digital Assets
(Up)In Virginia Beach, being a cybersecurity analyst is a total money move right now.
The average entry-level salary is around $115K as of August 2024, according to the latest intel. That's a pretty sweet deal, especially for fresh grads looking to break into the tech scene.
But it's not just about the cash - these cyber guardians play a vital role in protecting companies' digital assets from all the shady hackers and malware out there.
Their daily grind involves tasks like monitoring networks, assessing risks, and implementing security protocols to keep the bad guys at bay.
It's a high-pressure job, but also super rewarding for those who thrive on challenge and problem-solving. Plus, with cyber threats constantly evolving, these pros are always learning and staying ahead of the game.
The demand for cybersecurity talent in Virginia Beach is seriously on the rise.
According to the local experts at Nucamp Coding Bootcamp, job postings in this field have surged by 18% since 2020.
Companies are realizing that having a solid cybersecurity team is no longer just a nice-to-have, but an absolute must in today's digital landscape. If you're considering a career in tech, this could be your gateway to a stable, well-paid future.
Cloud Engineer: Building Future-Proof Solutions
(Up)Cloud engineers in Virginia Beach are where it's at! These tech savants are the masterminds behind building future-proof solutions for companies diving headfirst into the digital realm.
According to the latest stats, the average cloud engineer salary in Virginia Beach is a jaw-dropping $125,000 per year as of August 2024.
To crush it in this high-paying gig, you gotta be a pro at top cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
But that's not all – cloud architecture, cloud migration, and cloud automation skills are also a must-have. As more businesses embrace the cloud, the demand for experts who can seamlessly manage these services is skyrocketing.
A report by Gartner predicts that global spending on public cloud services will hit a mind-blowing $599.8 billion by 2024, up from $474.4 billion in 2022.
This surge is directly boosting the earning potential of cloud engineers, as companies are willing to shell out big bucks for top talent to stay ahead of the game.
In Virginia Beach, your salary as a cloud engineer is only going to keep rising alongside the industry's growth.
As tech legend William Harris said,
"The cloud is the new frontier, and those who can navigate it skillfully will be the architects of the digital age."
With cloud computing showing no signs of slowing down, a career as a cloud engineer in Virginia Beach offers not just a fat paycheck but also the chance to be at the forefront of game-changing tech that's reshaping businesses worldwide.
Top companies are seeking out these in-demand skills, so get ready to cash in!
Machine Learning Engineer: Innovating with AI
(Up)Let's talk about one of the hottest tech jobs out there - machine learning engineer.
These coding wizards are seriously raking in the big bucks, especially in Virginia Beach. We're talking an average annual salary of $156,303, according to the latest data from Talent.com.
That's some serious cash!
But it's not just about the money. To excel in this field, you need to be a true tech ninja. We're talking mad skills in computer science, math, and statistics.
You gotta be a coding master, fluent in languages like Python, R, Java, and C++. And don't even get started on the frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. It's like learning a whole new language, but way cooler.
And let's not forget about the cutting-edge stuff like deep learning, neural networks, and natural language processing.
These AI skills are in high demand, and you'll be at the forefront of developing mind-blowing technologies.
Imagine being the one who creates the next Siri or Alexa, but like, a million times smarter.
As a machine learning engineer, your job is to build and optimize these insane AI models that can make predictions, automate processes, and basically do things that would make your grandma's head spin.
You'll work closely with data scientists, like Michael Garcia, to wrangle massive datasets and turn them into something useful. And once you've created your AI masterpiece, you get to deploy it into production systems and watch it work its magic.
But the real thrill? Pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI. You'll be constantly researching and experimenting with the latest AI techniques, because let's be real, this field is evolving faster than you can say "machine learning." It's a never-ending quest for innovation, and that's what makes it so exciting.
With AI taking over the world, the demand for skilled machine learning engineers is only going to skyrocket.
So, if you're a tech-savvy, problem-solving, code-slinging machine, this could be your ticket to a high-paying, future-proof career that'll keep you on the cutting edge of technology.
UX Designer: Enhancing User Experience
(Up)If you're looking to make some serious cash in the tech world of Virginia Beach, then you gotta check out the UX designer gig.
These creative geniuses are raking in an average of $120,000 per year, and that's no joke! They're the masterminds behind creating digital products that are not only visually stunning but also super user-friendly.
Imagine being the one responsible for transforming complex ideas into intuitive interfaces that make people go, "Wow, this is so easy to use!"
Companies these days are realizing that user experience is everything, and that's why UX designers are in such high demand.
According to the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), businesses that invest in UX design see an insane 83% increase in product satisfaction and a whopping 58% boost in conversion rates.
Talk about a win-win!
So, what do these UX wizards actually do? Well, they start by doing some serious research, gathering insights on how people use products and what their pain points are.
Then, they create prototypes (like mini versions of the final product) to test and refine the user experience before developers even start coding. And you can bet they're constantly testing and tweaking to make sure the final product is as smooth as butter.
It's all about making sure people can interact with technology seamlessly, without any hiccups or frustrations.
With the tech industry in Virginia Beach booming, the demand for talented UX designers is only going to keep skyrocketing.
Landing one of these gigs means you'll be part of the team responsible for creating products that people actually enjoy using, and you'll be getting paid some serious dough while you're at it.
So, if you've got a creative mind and a passion for problem-solving, UX design might just be the career path for you in Virginia Beach's thriving tech scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the top high-paying tech jobs in Virginia Beach?
The top high-paying tech jobs in Virginia Beach include Network Architect, Software Development Manager, Data Scientist, Information Systems Manager, and DevOps Engineer, with average annual salaries ranging from $105,700 to $124,000.
How does the average tech salary in Virginia Beach compare to the national average?
The average tech salary in Virginia Beach is approximately $92,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average of $72,000.
What methodology was used to rank the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in Virginia Beach?
The ranking considered BLS data on salaries, average pay data from Glassdoor and PayScale, job listings from LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and scored based on average yearly pay, growth potential, current openings, and required skills/experience.
Why is there a high demand for tech jobs in Virginia Beach?
There is a high demand due to the influx of companies seeking skilled tech professionals in areas like cybersecurity, data science, and software development, driven by the region's talent pool and quality of life.
What skills are necessary for a Network Architect in Virginia Beach?
A Network Architect needs expert-level knowledge of networking protocols, hardware, and software such as TCP/IP, routing, switching, and firewalls, along with skills in analysis tools like Visio, Packet Tracer, and Wireshark.
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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.