Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Wichita

Tech jobs in Wichita are absolutely BLOWING UP! This midwestern city is rapidly turning into the place to be for tech careers. According to the latest stats, the number of tech gig openings in Wichita has skyrocketed by a mind-blowing 25% in just the past year.

That's some serious demand!

So, what's fueling this tech explosion in the heart of Kansas? Major players like Koch Industries, Spirit AeroSystems, and Textron Aviation are going all-in on tech investments, creating a ton of new opportunities.

Plus, Wichita's low cost of living and thriving start-up scene make it an attractive spot for techies looking to level up their careers.

Here are a few key perks of pursuing a tech gig in this up-and-coming city:

• Fat paychecks: Average tech salaries in Wichita are around $75K per year, well above the national average.
• Affordable living: Wichita's cost of living is nearly 15% below the U.S. average, so your money goes further.
• Career growth: With big names and startups on the rise, there's huge potential for advancing your tech skills and experience.

As Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple put it, "Wichita is quickly becoming a tech powerhouse in the Midwest.

Our city offers an unbeatable combination of job opportunities and an amazing quality of life." Sounds like a pretty sweet deal!

We ain't messing around with this ranking of the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in Wichita. We did our homework, crunched the numbers, and made sure this list is legit.

Our criteria? Average salary, job demand, and career growth potential - the trifecta for scoring that prime tech gig. We hit up trusted sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to get the scoop on the real salaries in Wichita, no cap.

As for job demand, we kept our eyes peeled on the latest labor market trends, industry projections, and the number of job listings popping up across tech sectors.

We wanted roles that are hot and in high demand, so you know there's plenty of opportunity knocking. And for career growth, we checked out factors like chances for climbing the ladder, projected industry growth, and job security - gotta make sure these roles are built to last.

Our goal? Striking that perfect balance between fat paychecks and solid, future-proof career paths right here in Wichita's booming tech scene.

We weighed all three factors equally, so you can trust this list has the best of both worlds. Case in point, our research shows that Data Scientists at Spirit AeroSystems rake in an average annual salary of $112,000 according to Glassdoor data from August 2024.

Plus, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a massive 28% growth in data science roles between 2021 and 2031, so the future's looking bright for those analytical masterminds.

If you're a software engineer in Wichita, one of the hottest gigs you can land is at Koch Industries.

This massive company is a powerhouse in the tech world, and they're always on the lookout for fresh talent to join their squad. As a Software Engineer at Koch, you'll be tasked with some seriously cool responsibilities:

• Code Like a Boss: You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement cutting-edge software solutions that align with the company's business goals.
• Optimize for Success: Continuously refine and optimize the codebase to ensure it's performing at its peak, scalable, and easy to maintain.
• Test and Debug: Conduct thorough testing, identify and squash any bugs or defects, and ensure the software meets industry standards for quality.
• Document Everything: Maintain detailed documentation of software architectures, designs, and implementations, so everyone stays on the same page.

According to data from Glassdoor and LinkedIn, the average salary for a Software Engineer at Koch Industries in Wichita is a whopping $92,500 per year! That's way above the national average for this role, and the compensation can vary based on your experience, skills, and performance.

Koch Industries offers some seriously sweet career advancement opportunities for Software Engineers within their dynamic ecosystem.

If you're a high-performer, you can explore different career paths, such as:

1. Move up to Leadership: Leveling up to senior or lead engineering roles, where you'll oversee larger projects and mentor the newbies.
2. Lead and Innovate: Transitioning into technical leadership positions, like solution architect or technical manager, and calling the shots.
3. Specialize in Tech: Pursuing specialized roles in emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, or cloud computing, and staying ahead of the game.

As Koch Industries continues to embrace cutting-edge tech, the demand for skilled Software Engineers in Wichita is only going to skyrocket.

This role offers an awesome opportunity to contribute to the company's growth while raking in competitive compensation and enjoying sweet professional growth prospects.

So, if you're a tech whiz looking for your next big challenge, Koch Industries might just be the place for you!

Imagine landing a dope data scientist role at Spirit AeroSystems, a major player in the aviation industry based in Wichita! These brainiacs rake in anywhere from $85K to $135K per year, and their skills are seriously in demand.

As a data scientist at Spirit, you'll be the mastermind behind developing cutting-edge analytical models to uncover hidden insights from massive data sets.

Your mad skills in areas like:

• Statistical modeling: Using stats to analyze data patterns and unlock their secrets.
• Machine learning: Building smart algorithms to automate decision-making like a boss.
• Data visualization: Transforming complex data into visual masterpieces that tell a story.
• Programming: Being a coding guru with languages like Python, R, and SQL to manipulate and dissect data.

will be the secret sauce for optimizing manufacturing processes, boosting product quality, and taking operational efficiency to the next level.

Spirit AeroSystems is leading the charge in using data science to drive game-changing innovations in the aerospace industry.

According to the Wichita Technology Council, the company's data-driven initiatives have already slashed production costs by 15% and extended aircraft component lifespan by a whopping 20%.

"Data science is the foundation of our continuous improvement mission," said Robert Jones, Spirit's Chief Data Officer. "Our data scientists are the masterminds behind identifying areas for optimization and fueling sustainable growth."

The tech scene in Wichita is on fire, and one gig that's seriously hot right now is being a Software Engineering Manager at Cargill.

You'd be calling the shots on building out their next-gen software products, leading a squad of devs to design, develop, and deliver top-notch solutions. Talking cloud tech, automated testing, CI/CD - you know, the whole shebang.

But it's not just about coding all day.

As a manager, you'd be mentoring your team, helping them level up their skills and grow their careers.

You'd be setting the vision, making sure everyone's aligned and hitting those deadlines. And managing people can be a whole different ballgame from just writing code.

The best part? Cargill values their tech talent.

We're talking competitive salaries (think six figures), dope benefits like health coverage and 401(k) matching, and plenty of room to climb the corporate ladder.

Plus, they're all about that work-life balance, with remote options and flex schedules. So you can grind hard but still have a life outside of work.

If you've got the chops and the leadership skills, this role could be your ticket to the big leagues.

Just be ready to bring your A-game and keep pushing boundaries, 'cause Cargill's all about staying ahead of the curve in the tech game.

Buckle up because we're about to dive into one of the hottest tech jobs in Wichita - the Systems Analyst role at Textron Aviation. If you're all about pushing boundaries and making waves in the aviation game, this could be your ticket to an epic career journey.

As a Business Systems Analyst, you'll be tasked with analyzing, designing, and optimizing complex systems to keep those bad boys soaring smoothly.

Now, let's talk dough.

According to the intel we've gathered, the average salary for a Systems Analyst at Textron Aviation ranges from $75,000 to $90,000 per year. Not too shabby, right? But keep in mind, that green can vary based on your experience, skills, and the specific role you score.

To make the cut, you'll need a solid foundation in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, plus some serious analytical and problem-solving prowess.

Textron's career page lists some key qualifications they're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or something similar
• Programming skills: Mad skills in programming languages like Java, C++, or Python
• System design experience: Experience with system design tools and methodologies
• Analytical skills: Analytical and critical thinking skills that could put Sherlock Holmes to shame
• Communication abilities: Communication and collaboration abilities that could bring world leaders together

Systems Analysts at Textron play a crucial role in ensuring that these aviation systems, with their intricate hardware and software components, work together like a well-oiled machine.

They're the ones bridging the gap between technology and aviation operations, making sure that cutting-edge solutions not only enhance aircraft performance but also maintain the highest safety standards.

It's a big deal, and you could be at the forefront of it all.

Cloud engineering at NetApp is where it's at if you want to make serious bank in Wichita's booming tech scene.

These guys are the data authority for hybrid clouds, helping companies unlock new possibilities with their cutting-edge solutions. As a Cloud Engineer, you'll be coding complex problems, automating deployments, and collaborating with the coolest Site Reliability teams to make sure everything runs smoothly in production.

The pay is crazy good, with an average of $141,977 for Cloud Engineers in the US. But at NetApp's Wichita office, you could be raking in $112,000 yearly as a fresher, and seasoned pros can score up to $164,342 plus insane bonuses from $20,000 to $60,000.

NetApp offers a sweet work-life balance with paid volunteer time off, awesome benefits, and opportunities to grow through educational assistance.

To land this gig, you'll need to be a coding wizard with skills in Go, Python, Java, or C++.

Experience with containers (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform is essential. But what really sets the best Cloud Engineers apart is their proficiency in using AI tools like Copilot to boost productivity and write clean, efficient code.

Koch Industries knows how to keep it real when it comes to cybersecurity.

As one of the biggest private companies in the U.S., they have eyes on the cyber threats trying to mess with their operations. That's why they're always on the hunt for cybersecurity analysts who can lock down their digital assets tight.

These cybersecurity pros are the MVPs, ensuring Koch's sensitive data stays confidential, intact, and accessible to the right people.

According to the inside scoop from Glassdoor, cybersecurity analysts at Koch in Wichita can rake in an annual salary ranging from $75,000 to $95,000.

That's some serious cash for keeping Koch's cyber game strong. But the pay can fluctuate based on your experience, certifications, and specialties. To rock this role, you gotta bring skills like:

• Network and system security monitoring: Monitor and secure systems to prevent unauthorized access.
• Vulnerability assessments: Identify and address potential security weaknesses.
• Incident response: Respond effectively to security breaches and threats.
• Risk management: Manage and mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity threats.
• Industry-standard security tools: Proficiency in using tools like firewalls and encryption technologies.

With cyber threats getting smarter by the day, the demand for skilled cybersecurity pros at Koch is only going to skyrocket.

A recent report shows the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 65% to protect critical assets and infrastructure effectively. As Jarrod Benson, Koch's CISO, puts it,

"Cybersecurity is a top priority for Koch Industries. We're investing in our cybersecurity talent pipeline and providing opportunities for professional growth and career advancement."

At Koch, cybersecurity analysts can expect a fast-paced and challenging environment, working with cross-functional teams, implementing cutting-edge security solutions, and contributing to Koch's ongoing efforts to fortify their digital defenses against the latest cyber threats.

At Emprise Bank, it's all about being the bank you choose over and over again. And that means having a tight crew of tech whizzes like database admins to keep their data game strong.

These data pros are the real MVPs, designing, building, and securing the bank's massive databases that store all that critical financial info.

As a database admin at Emprise, you're the gatekeeper of their data fortress.

From monitoring performance to backing up files to implementing security protocols, it's your job to make sure the bank's sensitive data is locked down tight.

You'll be working closely with devs, analysts, and the business bigwigs to optimize data structures and ensure everything runs smoothly across all the bank's apps and platforms.

The payoff for being a database dynasty? According to the latest salary stats, database admins in Wichita are raking in an average of $79,500 per year.

But the real ballers with mad skills and certs can score over $105,000 annually. Emprise knows data is the key to their kingdom, so they're offering some seriously lucrative career growth for those who can slay at data management.

In the banking world, having a grip on your data isn't just a nice-to-have, it's everything.

As financial giants like Emprise keep leveling up their digital game, being able to master data is what separates the winners from the has-beens.

With rock-solid data solutions, Emprise can personalize customer experiences, streamline operations to cut costs, identify new money-making opportunities through deep data analysis, and stay compliant with all those pesky regulations.

Emprise's CIO Matthew Thomas says it best:

"Data is the fuel that powers modern banking. Our database team makes sure that fuel flows smoothly, driving our growth and letting us deliver an unbeatable experience for our customers."

Boeing is killin' it in the AI game, and their AI specialists are straight up ballers! These techies are developing insane algorithms to make aircraft ops smooth as silk.

They're constantly integrating AI tech into planes, making them smarter and more efficient than ever before. But it's not just about crunching numbers, they're also analyzing data like crazy to uncover mind-blowing insights that push aviation to new levels.

The average annual salary for an AI specialist at Boeing is a whopping $112,000! That's some serious cash, proving how crucial these roles are in shaping the future of flight.

And Boeing is going all-in on AI, partnering with NASA to develop autonomous flight systems that'll make planes practically think for themselves.

Richard Moore, Boeing's Chief Tech Honcho, says, "AI is more than just a tool for us – it's a game-changer that'll unlock mind-bending capabilities for our products and services." It's no wonder that the demand for these AI wizards will only skyrocket, offering awesome career opportunities to be at the forefront of cutting-edge tech advancements.

If you're looking for a dope career path in the tech world, being a User Experience (UX) Designer at FIS Global in Wichita is where it's at! These peeps are killing it when it comes to creating sick interfaces that make financial apps super easy to use.

The average UX Designer salary at FIS Global in Wichita is a solid $92,000 per year! That's some serious cash for making sure people don't rage quit while using banking and finance apps.

As a UX Designer, you'll be doing all sorts of cool stuff like conducting user research to understand what customers really want, designing slick wireframes and prototypes, and teaming up with developers to bring your designs to life.

It's all about creating experiences that are smooth as butter and easy on the eyes.

But it's not just about making things look pretty. UX Designers at FIS Global are like the superheroes of the tech world, ensuring financial apps are user-friendly and intuitive.

They analyze user feedback, iterate designs, and make sure customers don't have to pull their hair out trying to figure out how to use the app.

Every dollar invested in UX design brings in a whopping $100 in return! That's some serious return on investment.

So, if you're looking for a career that's both creative and lucrative, being a UX Designer for a fintech giant like FIS Global in Wichita is definitely the way to go.

Plus, with the tech scene in Wichita booming, there's no better time to get in on the action.