Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Wichita in 2024
Last Updated: August 23rd 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, Wichita's tech scene is booming, offering lucrative opportunities in top tech roles like Software Engineer Lead ($118,000/year), Data Scientist ($121,525/year), and Cloud Solutions Architect ($120,000/year). Major companies and startups thrive here, benefiting from a low cost of living. The demand for roles like AI/ML Engineer, IT Director, and Blockchain Developer, along with cybersecurity experts, continues to rise, making Wichita a promising hub for tech professionals seeking competitive salaries and growth. Average tech salaries in Wichita are $72,500, providing a balanced lifestyle with strong savings potential.
Wichita's tech scene is blowing up in 2024, and it's the place to be if you want to get paid doing cool stuff with computers and all that jazzy tech! This city is ranked as one of the fastest-growing tech centers nationwide, thanks to major companies setting up shop here.
We're talking giants like NetApp, Curo Financial Technologies, and Koch Disruptive Technologies. Not to mention, Deloitte just opened their sick Smart Factory right here in Wichita, proving this place is the real deal when it comes to cutting-edge tech.
But it's not just the big dogs making moves – the startup scene is thriving too, with places like the e2e Accelerator and the Labor Party fostering fresh ideas and new talent.
Plus, thanks to Wichita State University's dope programs in fields like aerospace engineering and data analytics, there's a constant flow of skilled techies ready to take on the world.
And let's not forget the perks of living here – the cost of living is super chill compared to major cities, so your paycheck goes way further. With average tech salaries hitting around $72,500, you can live it up while still saving some serious cash.
If you're into tech and want to get paid, Wichita is seriously the move in 2024. Just check out these top-paying tech jobs in the city to see what I mean!
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Ranking the Top Tech Jobs
- Software Engineer Lead: The Peak of Tech Opportunities
- Data Scientist: An Analyst’s Dream Job
- Cloud Solutions Architect: Designing the Future
- Cybersecurity Manager: Guarding Digital Assets
- DevOps Engineer: Bridging Development and Operations
- AI/ML Engineer: Pioneers of Artificial Intelligence
- IT Director: Leading Tech Strategy and Management
- Blockchain Developer: The Rise of Decentralized Tech
- Full-Stack Developer: Jack of All Trades
- UI/UX Designer: Crafting User Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Embark on your path to a tech career in Wichita with a comprehensive guide to securing your first job.
Methodology for Ranking the Top Tech Jobs
(Up)We've got the scoop on the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs in Wichita for 2024, and let me tell you, the research was lit.
To make sure we're on point, we checked out all the legit sources, like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, PayScale, and even hit up the local job boards and tech forums to see what the buzz was about.
First, we scoped out the tech roles that are poppin' in Wichita and have mad growth potential, then cross-referenced the salary data to find out the average pay range in the city.
We're talking cold hard cash! But it's not just about the Benjamins – we also looked at job demand, growth potential, and what the community's saying to make sure these gigs are worth it.
Trust us, we did our homework, so you can count on this ranking to steer you towards the hottest tech careers in Wichita. As Charles Jones, a tech boss from our city, said,
"The key to building a robust tech scene is attracting top talent with competitive pay and growth opportunities."
And that's exactly what we're serving up, straight from the source.
So, if you're looking to level up your career game, check out these high-paying tech jobs and get ready to ball out in Wichita!
Software Engineer Lead: The Peak of Tech Opportunities
(Up)Wanna climb to the top of the tech career ladder in Wichita? Then becoming a Software Engineer Lead is your ultimate goal.
As the city's tech scene keeps booming in 2024, these coding wizards are in mad demand, raking in fat paychecks and scoring sick opportunities for career growth.
A Software Engineer Lead is all about steering complex software dev projects.
They oversee squads of software engineers, architects, and devs, making sure everyone's in sync and on track. With a sharp eye for technical perfection, they review code, implement best practices, and drive innovation like a boss.
The average salary for a Software Engineer Lead in Wichita as of August 2024 is a mind-blowing $118,000 per year.
But the journey to becoming a Software Engineer Lead is no walk in the park.
It's all about constant learning and leveling up your skills. As tech keeps evolving, these leaders gotta stay on top of the latest trends and technologies.
Many go for advanced certs or mentor under industry vets to sharpen their leadership and technical game. And as Wichita's tech ecosystem expands, career growth opportunities are off the charts, with Software Engineer Leads often moving up to high-level management roles like:
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Oversee technological direction and strategy.
- Vice President of Engineering: Manage engineering teams and drive innovation.
- Director of Software Development: Lead software projects and implementation.
These leadership gigs not only bring in bigger bucks but also give you the chance to shape a company's overall tech strategy and vision.
As Elizabeth Martinez, a seasoned Software Engineer Lead puts it,
"The beauty of this role is the perfect blend of technical skills and leadership. It's the gateway to driving innovation while nurturing the next gen of tech talent."
Data Scientist: An Analyst’s Dream Job
(Up)Being a Data Scientist in 2024 is the dream job for any analytics geek! Companies are going crazy for people who can make sense of all the data they're swimming in.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for Data Scientists are expected to grow by a massive 36% from 2021 to 2031, way more than most other gigs.
So, what does a Data Scientist actually do? Well, they collect and organize data from all kinds of sources, then use programming skills and machine learning algorithms to find hidden patterns and insights.
But it's not just about crunching numbers – they also have to be able to communicate their findings to non-techie people in a way that makes sense, like through data visualizations and presentations.
Being a Data Scientist means you get to solve real-world problems and work on cutting-edge projects while earning a competitive salary.
Let's talk about the paycheck, because that's the real draw, right? If you're a Data Scientist in Wichita in 2024, you could be raking in an average annual salary of $121,525 according to the research.
That's some serious cash, especially for a city like Wichita. Even entry-level Data Scientists are making between $87,000 to $143,000, which is nothing to sneeze at.
But it's not just about the money – being a Data Scientist means you get to work on cutting-edge projects and solve real-world problems using data.
You'll be collaborating with teams across the company, and your insights could lead to major breakthroughs or give your employer a competitive edge. It's a chance to be at the forefront of the data revolution and make a real impact.
Cloud Solutions Architect: Designing the Future
(Up)Cloud Solutions Architects are the tech ninjas designing and managing organizations' cloud setups, making sure they're scalable, secure, and cost-efficient.
In Wichita, these pros are in high demand, leading the charge as businesses go digital in 2024. Here's the inside scoop on their key roles:
- Cloud Architecture Design: Crafting the blueprint for cloud apps, infrastructure, and services that align with a company's needs and industry standards.
- Cloud Migration: Mapping out strategies to smoothly transition on-premises apps and data to the cloud, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless switch.
- Cloud Governance: Setting and enforcing policies, security controls, and compliance rules across cloud deployments, keeping everything in check.
- Cloud Optimization: Constantly fine-tuning cloud resource usage, costs, and performance, squeezing out every drop of efficiency and savings.
- Collaboration and Communication: Engaging with stakeholders, leading teams, and translating tech lingo to ensure everyone's on the same page.
With 75% of companies planning to go cloud by 2025, the demand for these cloud gurus is skyrocketing.
In Wichita, they're raking in an average of $120K per year, which is a serious payday! David Williams, a cloud computing expert, sums it up perfectly:
"Cloud Solutions Architects are the visionaries bridging business goals and cutting-edge cloud tech, giving companies the competitive edge they need to stay ahead of the game."
Cybersecurity Manager: Guarding Digital Assets
(Up)If you're looking for a kickass career in 2024, being a Cybersecurity Manager is where it's at! These professionals are the guardians of the digital realm, keeping all the sensitive data and systems safe from pesky hackers and cyber threats.
With Wichita becoming a major tech hub, their skills are in high demand.
As a Cybersecurity Manager, you'll be responsible for creating and executing stellar security strategies, ensuring your company stays compliant with industry regulations, and performing regular risk assessments to spot any weaknesses before they become problems.
You'll also lead a team of security analysts, oversee incident response plans, and work closely with executives to promote a culture of cyber-awareness throughout the organization.
As Andy Purdy, Chief Security Officer at Huawei Technologies USA, said, "Cybersecurity is no longer an option; it's a fundamental requirement for any organization that wants to survive and thrive in today's digital world."
In Wichita, the need for skilled Cybersecurity Managers is skyrocketing, with an average annual salary of $112,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's some serious cash, reflecting just how crucial their role is and the high level of expertise required. Key factors that can boost your earning potential include industry experience and certifications like CISSP, CISM, and CRISC, specialized knowledge in areas like cloud security, IoT security, and incident response, proven leadership abilities and strategic planning skills, and staying up-to-date with emerging cybersecurity trends and technologies.
As the tech industry in Wichita keeps growing, the demand for Cybersecurity Managers is only expected to rise, making it an incredibly attractive and rewarding career path for anyone passionate about protecting digital assets and ensuring the integrity of critical systems.
DevOps Engineer: Bridging Development and Operations
(Up)In this day and age, DevOps Engineers are the real MVPs, acting as the vital link between software devs and IT operations.
They basically handle the entire app lifecycle, from coding to deployment and maintenance. With businesses chasing faster releases and non-stop integration, the need for skilled DevOps pros in Wichita is through the roof!
A recent study by the Wichita Tech Council found that a whopping 73% of local tech firms plan to expand their DevOps crews by 2025.
It's no surprise, really, since DevOps Engineers streamline workflows, automate processes, and ensure seamless teamwork between devs and ops. They utilize a range of powerful tools like containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), infrastructure as code (Terraform, Ansible), and CI/CD pipelines to get stuff done.
In the Wichita scene, DevOps Engineer salaries are seriously competitive, reflecting the city's rising status as a tech hub.
Newcomers can expect to rake in an average of $75,000 annually, while experienced pros can command upwards of $120,000 per year. As Barbara Brown, CTO at a top software firm, puts it, "DevOps Engineers are the driving force behind our agile processes, enabling us to deliver top-quality software at lightning speed."
A DevOps Engineer's role involves automating deployment, implementing security measures, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating across teams to fine-tune workflows. With Wichita's tech industry set for massive growth, the demand for DevOps talent is only going to soar higher. Projections suggest that DevOps job openings in Wichita could surge by 27% by 2026, making it one of the hottest tech roles in the region.
AI/ML Engineer: Pioneers of Artificial Intelligence
(Up)The world of tech is going crazy with AI and Machine Learning, and the role of an AI/ML Engineer is totally lit right now.
These tech wizards are the ones making all the cool stuff happen, from self-driving cars to virtual assistants that can actually understand what you're saying.
Their job is all about building and training AI systems, making sure they can learn and improve over time.
To be an AI/ML Engineer in 2024, you gotta have some serious coding skills in languages like Python, R, and Java.
You also need to be a master of libraries and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
But it's not just about coding – you gotta understand the math and statistics behind all the algorithms too.
According to the experts, by 2024, AI and ML will be generating a mind-blowing $15.7 trillion for the global economy.
That's insane! It's expected to automate 25% of task hours across different industries, making everything more efficient. In healthcare, AI and ML are going to be game-changers, helping with things like advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and even discovering new drugs.
Here in Wichita, the demand for AI/ML Engineers is skyrocketing, and the average annual salary is a whopping $112,000 as of August 2024 (according to Glassdoor data).
These tech geniuses are playing a massive role in driving innovation within companies, and that's why they're getting paid the big bucks.
IT Director: Leading Tech Strategy and Management
(Up)In 2024, being an IT Director is like being the captain of the tech ship, steering the whole company's digital game plan.
These tech bosses are tasked with driving the org's tech vision, leading the charge in transforming the biz into a digital powerhouse, and making sure the tech ops align with the company's overall goals.
Here's a glimpse into the key responsibilities of an IT Director in Wichita:
- Tech Strategy and Roadmap: Crafting and executing a killer tech strategy that syncs up with the company's long-term ambitions, while spotting opportunities to innovate and grow the game.
- IT Budget and Resource Management: Calling the shots on the IT department's budget, allocating resources like a pro, and ensuring cost-effective solutions are implemented to drive operational excellence.
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management: Locking down robust cybersecurity measures, minimizing potential risks, and ensuring the company stays compliant with industry regulations and data privacy laws.
- Team Leadership and Talent Development: Building and leading a rockstar IT team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and attracting top tech talent to fuel the innovation engine.
In today's digital age, the strategic importance of IT leadership can't be overstated.
IT Directors are the MVPs driving digital transformation, optimizing business processes through tech, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the entire organization.
Their ability to bridge the gap between tech and business goals is a game-changer for companies looking to stay ahead of the competition.
According to the latest salary data, the average yearly pay for an IT Director in Wichita, Kansas, in 2024 is a sweet $135,000.
This figure reflects the high demand for skilled IT leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern tech and drive innovation within their organizations. As businesses continue to go all-in on digital transformation, the role of an IT Director will only become more crucial, making it one of the most sought-after and well-compensated tech gigs in Wichita.
Blockchain Developer: The Rise of Decentralized Tech
(Up)The blockchain revolution is in full swing, and Blockchain Developers are the ones calling the shots. In 2024, these tech bosses are building the future with decentralized applications that blow away traditional systems.
As a Blockchain Dev, you're basically an architectural mastermind, designing secure blockchain networks from the ground up.
You create smart contracts that automate processes without a middleman, and implement crazy cryptography to lock down transactions.
It's all about finding innovative ways to utilize this game-changing tech.
Major industries are going all-in on blockchain for its transparency and efficiency.
According to the experts, by 2024, nearly a third of manufactured products globally will be tracked on the blockchain, streamlining supply chains like never before.
Finance, healthcare, you name it – blockchain is the future.
In Wichita, the hype is real. Top companies are offering insane salaries averaging $112,000 per year to snag the best Blockchain Devs.
With opportunities like these job listings, it's a prime time to get in on the decentralized action.
The blockchain movement is just getting started, and Wichita is ready to ride the wave.
Full-Stack Developer: Jack of All Trades
(Up)In this crazy tech world of 2024, Full-Stack Developers are like the ultimate multi-taskers.
These coding wizards got skills on both the front-end and back-end, making them a hot commodity for companies looking to create dope websites and apps. We're talking about devs who can whip up slick user interfaces with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks while also handling the behind-the-scenes magic with server-side logic, APIs, and databases.
But it's no wonder! Full-Stack Devs also got their hands in the DevOps game, collaborating with cross-functional teams to make sure the whole development process runs smoothly.
It's like they're the glue holding everything together, ensuring that the design and functionality mesh seamlessly. With businesses going all-in on digital experiences, the demand for these versatile coders is through the roof.
According to job listings, top companies in Wichita are offering sick salaries, with the average Full-Stack Dev raking in around $92,500 per year as of 2024.
But it's not just about the money.
These coding ninjas get to flex their problem-solving muscles and constantly level up their skills. Michael Lee, a seasoned Full-Stack Dev at a major software company in Wichita, summed it up perfectly:
"The ability to seamlessly transition between front-end and back-end development is like a superpower. It lets us create mind-blowing user experiences while ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine under the hood."
So, if you're looking to level up your tech game and score a killer job in Wichita's booming tech scene, becoming a Full-Stack Developer might just be the move.
It's a chance to be a true Jack of All Trades in the digital realm, and trust me, that's a title worth chasing.
UI/UX Designer: Crafting User Experience
(Up)The digital realm is constantly evolving, and UI/UX design has become the key to crafting mind-blowing user experiences.
As we dive into 2024, creating seamless digital interactions is like the holy grail, especially in Wichita's booming tech scene. A UI/UX Designer's job is to make sure products and services hit that sweet spot between looking fire and being crazy functional.
These designers have a loaded plate, juggling tasks like:
- User Research: Diving deep to understand how users tick, what they dig, and where they struggle.
- Wireframing and Prototyping: Bringing design concepts to life with slick visual blueprints and interactive mockups.
- Visual Design: Cooking up captivating and intuitive interfaces that stay true to brand guidelines and design best practices.
- Usability Testing: Constantly tweaking designs based on user feedback and data-driven insights to nail that perfect experience.
In Wichita's buzzing tech hub, the demand for UI/UX wizards is skyrocketing.
Companies are realizing these designers are the MVPs when it comes to keeping customers stoked and products on point. According to the latest stats, the average yearly salary for a UI/UX Designer in Wichita is projected to hit $85,000 in 2024, reflecting how highly valued these pros are.
As businesses race to deliver unforgettable digital experiences, investing in top-notch UI/UX talent has become a game-changer.
"No product is an island. A product is more than the product. It is a cohesive, integrated set of experiences."
This quote nails the essence of UI/UX design, where every interaction shapes the overall user journey.
By putting users first, Wichita's tech companies are gearing up to create products and services that blow minds and build brand loyalty that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the top companies hiring for tech roles in Wichita in 2024?
Major companies such as NetApp, Curo Financial Technologies, and Koch Disruptive Technologies are setting up in Wichita in 2024, bolstering the local tech scene and offering many high-paying tech jobs.
What is the average salary for tech jobs in Wichita in 2024?
The average tech salary in Wichita for 2024 is approximately $72,500, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle due to the city's lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas.
Which tech role is considered the most lucrative in Wichita in 2024?
The role of Software Engineer Lead is highly lucrative in Wichita with an average annual salary of $118,000 in 2024. This role requires leading software development projects and teams while ensuring technical perfection.
What is the demand for AI/ML Engineers in Wichita?
AI/ML Engineers are in high demand in Wichita. As of 2024, they can expect to earn an average salary of $112,000, reflecting the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in various industries.
Why is the role of a Cybersecurity Manager important in Wichita's tech industry?
Cybersecurity Managers play a critical role in safeguarding digital assets as Wichita becomes a major tech hub. With an average salary of $112,000, these professionals design and implement security strategies to protect companies from cyber threats.
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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.