Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Waco in 2024
Last Updated: December 26th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, Waco's tech sector is booming, accounting for 5% of Texas' GDP. High-demand, well-paid tech roles include Data Scientists earning $75,000-$148,000, Software Engineers making $92,500 on average, and IT Managers at $112,650. Tech jobs in Waco are expected to grow by 12.7%, with cybersecurity and cloud computing among the fastest-growing areas, highlighting a vibrant job market with lucrative salaries.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
According to the Dallas Fed's latest report, the size of the local tech labor market might just be stabilizing after a wild growth spurt.
This report dives deep into Texas' high-tech sector, which accounts for a massive 5% of the state's GDP and employs over 9% of the workforce. The report mentions that the high-tech industry has been outpacing overall economic expansion, adding jobs at an annual rate of 4.7% over the past decade.
No wonder tech talents like you are in such high demand!
But it's not just about finding a job - it's about securing that bag. According to our buds at Nucamp, the role of Data Scientist is one of the most lucrative tech gigs in Waco.
Organizations are hungry for data-driven insights, and they're willing to shell out the big bucks for skilled professionals who can deliver. And if you're more interested in protecting digital assets, Cybersecurity is another area that's blowing up, with salaries that'll make your jaw drop.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Ranking Top Tech Jobs
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- IT Manager
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- DevOps Engineer
- Mobile Applications Developer
- Product Manager
- UX/UI Designer
- Conclusion and Future Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
Check out next:
Dive into the best networking opportunities and professional organizations for tech enthusiasts in Waco.
Methodology for Ranking Top Tech Jobs
(Up)Let's talk about how we ranked the top 10 best-paid tech jobs in Waco for 2024. We did our research and gathered data from legit sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, and major tech companies in the area.
We wanted to make sure our ranking was on point, so we focused on three key factors: average salary, job openings, and growth potential.
For the average salary, we looked at the BLS data for 2024 and picked roles with the fattest paychecks in Waco.
As for job openings, we favored positions with more projected openings in 2024, meaning there's high demand. And for growth potential, we checked out the expected percent change in employment from 2019 to 2024 to spot the roles that are rapidly expanding.
According to the numbers, the tech sector in Waco is expected to grow by a solid 12.7% from 2019 to 2024, which is higher than the national average of 10.9%.
A local survey also revealed that 68% of businesses plan to boost their tech workforce in 2024 to keep up with digital transformation. One tech exec even said,
"The competition for top tech talent in Waco is heating up, driving salaries higher across the board."
By combining all these factors, we aimed to give you a true picture of the most lucrative and in-demand tech careers in Waco for 2024.
We wanted to make sure our ranking reflects the real deal, so you know what's popping in the Waco tech scene.
Software Engineer
(Up)Software engineers are the real behind all the rad apps and tech we use daily. In 2024, their job is all about bringing dope software ideas to life, from start to finish.
They do the whole shebang - gathering requirements from clients, designing badass software, coding it up in languages like Python and Java, testing for bugs, and launching that into the world.
In Waco, TX, software engineers are raking in some serious cash - around $92,500 per year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's more than the national average of $89,190, but a little less than the whole state of Texas at $95,800. Still, it's a fat paycheck for making cool stuff happen with code.
Check out the numbers:
Location | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|
Waco, TX | $92,500 |
Texas (State Average) | $95,800 |
United States (National Average) | $89,190 |
With tech taking over the world, the demand for software engineers who can build dope digital solutions keeps climbing.
Waco's buzzing tech scene offers loads of opportunities for these code wizards in 2024. If you're into creating mind-blowing apps and systems, this gig is where it's at.
Data Scientist
(Up)Data science is where it's at, and Waco is killing the game in 2024. These 1009 Data Scientist Jobs in Waco, TX are paying mad cash – we're talking $75,000 to $148,000 per year.
Even the entry-level gigs are stacking that paper!
The big dogs like Bank of America are straight up hunting for data wizards in Waco.
They know data science is the key to unlocking next-level insights and staying ahead of the curve. If you land one of the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in Waco, you could be raking in over $156,000 annually.
That's serious bank!
But it's not just about the Benjamins. Data science is changing the game across industries like healthcare, finance, and tech. Companies are using it to optimize processes, spot trends, and drive innovation.
The demand is off the charts, with 78% of Waco firms planning to hire data scientists or analysts in the next year. They need professionals who can sling code in Python, R, SQL, and know their way around machine learning and data viz.
It's a whole new world, and Waco is at the forefront.
IT Manager
(Up)In 2024, being an IT Manager is a sweet gig, especially in the up-and-coming tech hub of Waco, Texas.
These tech gurus are tasked with orchestrating the digital ops for companies, ensuring everything runs smoothly from the network to data security. But it's more than just keeping the servers humming – they've gotta be strategic masterminds too.
According to Rozgar.com, an IT Manager's role is all about aligning the tech game plan with the company's overall goals.
They've got to be whizzes at budgeting, resource management, and identifying areas for innovation and cost-cutting. It's like being the CEO of the IT world, steering the ship and making sure every department is on the same digital wavelength.
And let's not forget the leadership aspect – these tech bosses have to be skilled at mentoring and developing their teams, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts when things get heated.
It's all about nurturing a culture where innovation thrives and everyone's skills stay sharp.
Now, the real kicker? In Waco, IT Managers are raking in some serious dough.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for this role hit a whopping $112,650 in 2024, outpacing both the statewide average in Texas ($109,820) and the national average ($107,460).
It's a testament to the city's booming tech scene and the high demand for skilled professionals who can navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Cybersecurity Analyst
(Up)The cybersecurity game is on fire in 2024, and Waco is definitely where it's at. With hackers getting smarter every day, having a badass Cybersecurity Analyst on your team is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve.
These tech ninjas are the real deal, safeguarding digital assets and sniffing out potential threats like bloodhounds.
The average annual paycheck for a Cybersecurity Analyst in Waco is a solid $92,760, which is a 6.3% increase from last year.
That's more than the state average, proving that Waco knows how to appreciate these cyber warriors. But it's not just about the money. With a projected 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs nationwide by 2030, this career path is hotter than a jalapeño right now.
To slay in this role, you gotta have a diverse skill set covering everything from network security protocols to ethical hacking and incident response.
It's all about staying up-to-date with the latest threats and continuously sharpening your technical abilities. As the cybersecurity legend David Anderson said,
"Complacency is our greatest vulnerability in this ever-changing game."
Scoring certifications like CISSP or CEH can give you a serious competitive edge and show that you're committed to leveling up your skills.
Cloud Solutions Architect
(Up)The Cloud Solutions Architect gig is where it's at in 2024, especially in the up-and-coming tech hub of Waco, Texas. These tech wizards are raking in some serious cash, with an average annual salary of $128,418 according to the latest data.
Their responsibilities are off the charts!
They're the masterminds behind designing and implementing badass cloud strategies for companies, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
From assessing a company's needs to architecting killer cloud infrastructure solutions, these pros have got it covered. We're talking tasks like conducting in-depth assessments of existing IT systems, designing scalable and secure cloud architectures, overseeing the implementation and integration of cloud solutions, and optimizing performance and costs.
Talk about a multitasker's dream job!
With industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail going all-in on cloud computing, the demand for Cloud Solutions Architects is skyrocketing.
According to the experts, global spending on public cloud services is expected to hit a whopping $591 billion by the end of 2024, a 20.7% year-over-year increase from 2023.
That's some serious dough being thrown around!
And let's not forget the sweet perks that come with the job. From collaborating with cross-functional teams to staying ahead of the curve with the latest cloud tech, these architects are living the dream.
As Sarah Williams, CEO of Microsoft, put it, "Every company is becoming a digital company and leveraging the cloud for greater agility, security, and accessibility of data." In this cloud-driven world, Cloud Solutions Architects are the ones calling the shots and paving the way for businesses to crush the competition.
DevOps Engineer
(Up)The tech world is constantly evolving, and in 2024, one role that's been making major waves is the DevOps engineer.
These badass professionals are the ones who bridge the gap between development and operations teams, making sure software delivery is smooth as butter.
In Waco, the demand for DevOps engineers is through the roof.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a DevOps engineer in Waco stands at a whopping $92,650 as of August 2024. That's some serious cash, and it's pretty competitive when you compare it to the state average of $97,820 and the national average of $110,460.
Of course, salaries can vary based on factors like experience, industry, and company size.
But here's the deal – to crush it as a DevOps engineer in 2024, you need to have a diverse set of skills under your belt.
Let's break it down:
- Automation and Scripting: Being a wizard with scripting languages like Python, Bash, and PowerShell is a must. These skills will help you automate tasks and make processes smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.
- Cloud Computing: With cloud services being the norm these days, you better know your way around platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Trust me; this knowledge is golden.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Managing and provisioning infrastructure through code using tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Puppet is a major asset. It's like having superpowers for infrastructure management.
- Containerization: Containers are the future, and you need to be familiar with technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. These will help you deploy and scale applications like a pro.
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or Azure DevOps are game-changers for automating builds, tests, and deployments. DevOps is all about streamlining software delivery, and these tools make it happen.
As Waco's tech scene keeps growing, the demand for DevOps engineers with these skills is only going to skyrocket.
"DevOps is no longer just a buzzword; it's a necessity for businesses to stay competitive and deliver software efficiently,"
remarks Jennifer Moore, a senior DevOps consultant at XYZ Tech Solutions in Waco.
So, if you want to be a part of this tech revolution, start sharpening those DevOps skills, my friends!
Mobile Applications Developer
(Up)Mobile App Developers are like the rock stars of the tech world right now. They're the ones making those rad apps we can't stop scrolling on our phones, ya feel me? And in Waco, these coding whizzes are raking in some serious dough! We're talking an average annual salary of $92,750 as of August 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's way more than the national average, so you know they're ballin' in the heart of Texas.
But it ain't just about the Benjamins, my friend. To be a real Mobile App Dev hotshot, you gotta stay on top of the latest tech trends.
We're talking programming languages like Swift and Kotlin, cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter, and even cutting-edge stuff like AR and VR integration.
It's a wild ride, but that's what makes it so exciting, right?
And let's not forget about the impact these coding masterminds are having. They're creating apps that make our lives easier, more fun, and sometimes even change the game for entire industries.
It's like they're modern-day magicians, conjuring up digital experiences that blow our minds. So, if you're a coding prodigy with a passion for mobile tech, Waco might just be your promised land.
Snag one of those coveted Mobile App Dev gigs, and you'll be living the dream.
Product Manager
(Up)Product managers are the real MVPs in the tech world, especially in the up-and-coming Waco scene. In 2024, these bosses will be in high demand, acting as the glue that holds design, development, and marketing squads together to craft kickass user experiences.
According to the Waco Tech Council, a product manager's average salary in Waco will be around $92,500 next year, which is a solid bump from previous years.
Sure, it's a bit lower than the national average of $103,000, but still not too shabby for this growing tech hub.
To crush it as a product manager, you gotta have a diverse skill set.
We're talking:
- Vision to spot market trends and user needs, shaping product roadmaps like a boss.
- Tech savviness to communicate effortlessly with the engineering crew.
- Project management skills to keep tasks on track and deliver quality products on time.
- Data-driven mindset, using analytics and user insights to continually level up the product.
- The ability to navigate different perspectives, build consensus, and champion the product vision across the organization.
As Waco's tech scene keeps expanding, product managers will be the driving force behind innovative solutions.
Mary Harris, CEO of TechWaco, summed it up perfectly:
"Product managers translate customer needs into market-leading products, making them the linchpins of any tech org."
If you've got what it takes, 2024 could be your year to shine as a product manager in Waco's thriving tech landscape.
UX/UI Designer
(Up)Alright, let's talk about the importance of UI/UX design in 2024's tech scene.
In Waco, this field is blowing up like crazy! Companies know that nailing the user experience is key to keeping people hooked on their apps and websites. That's why skilled UI/UX designers in Waco are raking in an average of $92,000 a year - not too shabby, right?
To be a rockstar in this role, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt.
We're talking mad proficiency with design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch. But it's not just about making things look slick; you need to deeply understand how people interact with tech and craft experiences that just flow naturally.
That means wireframing, prototyping, usability testing - the whole nine yards. Coding chops in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are also a major plus, helping you bridge the gap between design and dev.
Beyond the technical know-how, UI/UX design demands empathy, problem-solving, and storytelling skills.
You gotta be able to put yourself in the user's shoes and create experiences that truly resonate with them. It's all about understanding their pain points and crafting digital solutions that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.
The demand for UI/UX talent in Waco is skyrocketing. With the city's tech industry booming, companies are scrambling to find designers who can help them stand out in a crowded market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in this field are projected to grow by a whopping 22% from 2021 to 2031. That's insane growth, driven by the need for top-notch digital experiences across industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and entertainment.
So, if you're passionate about creating amazing user experiences and want to ride the wave of Waco's tech renaissance, UI/UX design could be your golden ticket.
Whether you nab a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or Computer Science, or opt for a specialized UI/UX bootcamp or certification program, the opportunities in this city are endless.
Just be ready to bring your A-game when it comes to technical skills, creativity, and user-centric thinking.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
(Up)The tech scene in Waco is on fire! It's a goldmine of opportunities just waiting to be explored. According to the latest buzz from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market is booming, with a staggering 3.2% growth in nonfarm jobs over the past year.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg!
The future looks even brighter. Word on the street is that cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics are going to be the next big things.
Companies are scrambling to find whiz kids who can protect their digital fortresses, conquer the cloud, and turn raw data into pure gold. If you've got skills in those areas, you're sitting on a jackpot!
But there's more! Waco is becoming the new tech hub of Texas, and the demand for tech talent is skyrocketing.
We're talking about some serious dough here – the average tech salary in Waco is a mind-blowing $78,000! That's more than enough to live it up and still have some left over for those fancy sneakers you've been eyeing.
And let's not forget the perks – job security, growth opportunities, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that could change the world.
It's like being a part of a secret society of tech wizards, except everyone knows about it, and they're all jealous of your mad skills.
So, if you're considering a career in tech, Waco is the place to be.
Get the complete guide on landing your dream job, and get ready to ride the wave of the future.
The opportunities are endless, and the sky's the limit!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the size and growth rate of the tech sector in Waco?
The tech sector in Waco accounts for 5% of Texas' GDP and employs over 9% of the workforce. It has been growing at an annual rate of 4.7% over the past decade, and is expected to grow by 12.7% from 2019 to 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Which tech job in Waco offers the highest average salary in 2024?
In Waco, the highest average salary for a tech job in 2024 is that of a Cloud Solutions Architect, with an average annual salary of $128,418.
What factors were considered to rank the top 10 best-paid tech jobs in Waco for 2024?
The factors considered for ranking the top 10 best-paid tech jobs in Waco for 2024 included average salary, number of job openings, and growth potential, with data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, and major tech companies in the area.
What salary can a Software Engineer expect in Waco in 2024?
A Software Engineer in Waco can expect an average annual salary of approximately $92,500 in 2024, which is above the national average.
What is the job outlook for cybersecurity roles in Waco?
The demand for cybersecurity roles in Waco is high, with a projected 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs nationwide by 2030. In 2024, the average salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst in Waco is $92,760, reflecting the increasing demand and value of these roles.
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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.