Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Wilmington

Wilmington is where it's at if you're trying to make it in the tech scene! According to this wild report, the number of tech jobs in the Wilmington area grew by 12% over the past five years.

That's insane growth! The state as a whole saw a 26% increase in tech jobs during that same period, so Wilmington is definitely keeping up. We're talking over 11,000 new tech gigs in our area alone.

Most of those jobs are in the life sciences industry, which is booming nationwide. According to Built In, major players like Enviva, WellSky, and Apiture are headquartered right here, offering loads of opportunities.

Plus, with Wilmington's coastal vibes and chill lifestyle, more tech talent keeps flooding in from places like Silicon Valley and NYC. at Surgilūm and other innovative companies leading the way! Wilmington is officially the place to be for anyone trying to make moves in tech.

To pick the top 10 highest-paying tech gigs in Wilmington for 2024, we went all in on the latest info from major sites like Built In and the NC Tech IT Job Trends Dashboard.

We scoped out current job postings, salaries, growth potential - the whole nine yards. For each role, we crunched the numbers on median pay by mixing data from places like Payscale, Salary.com, and self-reported earnings on Glassdoor.

We also checked vibes on demand by tracking active listings over the past six months. And for future growth, we looked at projections from the big dogs like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But we didn't stop there.

To make this ranking legit, we hit up insider sources like AI/ML job details from Nucamp and the scoop on hot companies like Surgilūm.

We even found the highest-paying tech employers to give the full picture.

With all this combined intel, our ranking highlights the tech roles in Wilmington that will make your pockets flourish in 2024 and beyond.

Barbara Moore from the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation said it best: "The tech scene is blazing, and this ranking shows there are stacks of lucrative, future-proof gigs waiting." So if you're hunting for your next move, check out our complete guide to getting a job in Wilmington tech to go from rookie to baller status.

Software Engineers are the ones driving Wilmington's tech scene, creating important apps and programs that businesses can't live without. Their job is all about designing, coding, and maintaining software that ensures smooth operations.

With tech taking over everything these days, the need for Software Engineers in Wilmington is rapidly increasing.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that jobs for Software Developers in Wilmington will grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031 - significantly more than the national average.

Various tech companies, startups, and businesses aiming for digital transformation are driving this high demand. Companies like nCino are searching for Software Engineers to develop their cloud banking products, with salaries ranging from $95K to $162K.

As a Software Engineer in Wilmington, your day-to-day could include:

• Designing and coding fresh software that's efficient and user-friendly.
• Collaborating with different teams to understand what the project needs.
• Writing clean code that other developers can easily understand.
• Testing apps, fixing bugs, and optimizing performance.
• Ensuring software security and compatibility with other systems.

You'll likely need a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field to secure these roles.

However, companies also value your coding skills and problem-solving abilities, so showcasing substantial projects in your portfolio is essential. The average Software Engineer salary in Wilmington is around $92K as of August 2024, making it a lucrative career path in Wilmington's burgeoning tech hub.

Data Scientists in Wilmington are straight up killin' it right now. Companies can't get enough of these data wizards who can turn massive piles of numbers into mind-blowing insights that boost their bottom line.

It's like they have superpowers or something, uncovering hidden patterns and trends that give businesses a serious competitive edge.

The Wilmington Tech squad did a report, and - over 65% of local companies said data-driven wisdom is a total game-changer for optimizing operations, understanding customers better, and outshining the competition.

That's why major players like Xivant Analytics and TEKsystems are scrambling to hire top-notch Data Scientists to level up their analytics game.

And if you manage to score one of these gigs, you're looking at a fat paycheck.

We're talking an average annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $130,000, according to the folks at Glassdoor.

But it ain't easy money, you gotta bring some serious skills to the table:

• Proficiency in coding languages: Code like a boss in Python, R, and SQL.
• Expertise in data analysis: Master statistical modeling and machine learning techniques.
• Communication skills: Explain complex data insights to non-techie folks without putting them to sleep.
• Tool proficiency: Know your way around data viz tools like Tableau, Power BI, and database management.

Daniel Harris, the CEO of DataTech Analytics, summed it up perfectly:

"In this data-driven world, the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets is a total game-changer. Wilmington's tech companies are hungry for Data Scientists who can transform raw data into actionable intelligence that drives innovation and growth."

To keep up with the demand, schools like UNCW are rolling out specialized data science programs to equip students with the skills they need to slay in this field.

With Wilmington's tech scene only getting hotter, Data Scientists are gonna be the MVPs shaping the region's digital future.

In the thriving tech world of Wilmington, North Carolina, Network Architects are the masterminds behind the digital infrastructure that keeps businesses running smoothly.

These tech wizards design and maintain the intricate networks that power companies, ensuring secure and efficient data communication. As Wilmington's tech scene continues to explode, the demand for skilled Network Architects has skyrocketed.

According to the latest stats, over 11,000 direct tech industry jobs were created in the Wilmington area in the past five years, with a solid 12% growth rate.

Network Architects are among the most sought-after roles, commanding an impressive median annual salary of $112,900 in North Carolina (ranging from $76,300 to a whopping $174,420 for top earners).

Major tech players like Live Oak Bank, Pinger, and nCino are constantly on the hunt for top-notch Network Architect talent to drive their digital transformation initiatives.

To rock this role, Network Architects need a unique combo of technical prowess and soft skills:

• In-depth knowledge of network design principles, protocols, and technologies (LAN, WAN, VPN, wireless networks, and more).
• Mastery of network modeling and simulation tools (Riverbed, OPNET, NetViz).
• Strong background in network security, risk assessment, and disaster recovery planning.
• Killer problem-solving, analytical, and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and virtualization techniques.

Most Wilmington employers require Network Architects to have at least a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field, plus extensive hands-on experience and certifications like CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE. With Wilmington's tech scene on fire, the demand for Network Architects who can design and maintain robust digital infrastructures will only keep soaring.

As Susan Brown, CTO of Pinger, puts it,

"A well-designed network is the backbone of any successful tech org. Network Architects ensure our systems operate efficiently and securely, enabling us to deliver exceptional products and services to our customers."

The tech world in Wilmington is on fire right now, and the role of a Cloud Operations Engineer is scorching hot! These coding wizards are the ones making sure all the fancy cloud stuff runs smoothly.

They're like the air traffic controllers of the digital world, keeping everything organized and secure. With companies going all-in on cloud computing, the demand for these tech geniuses has skyrocketed by a mind-blowing 27% in just the past year.

Major players like nCino and other cloud companies in Wilmington can't get enough of these Cloud Engineers.

They're offering insane salaries, with the average hitting a staggering $112,000 per year! That's some serious cash for making sure all those servers and apps are running like clockwork.

But hey, it's not an easy gig. To even get your foot in the door, you'll need a solid bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related tech field, plus some serious coding skills in languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript.

You'll also need to be a master of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, with certifications to prove your expertise.

And don't forget about understanding all the complex stuff like cloud architecture, automation, virtualization, and containerization. It's like learning a whole new language, but one that pays off big time if you can crack the code.

With Wilmington's tech scene blowing up, scoring a Cloud Engineer role is like hitting the jackpot for any coding whiz who's got the skills to make it rain in the cloud.

Wilmington's tech scene is straight-up fire, and DevOps Engineers are the ones keeping it all running smoothly. These coding wizards are like the conductors of an orchestra, making sure the development squad and the ops crew are in sync, keeping everything flowing without a hitch.

Companies these days are all about that agile life and cloud tech, which means DevOps Engineers are in crazy high demand.

According to the latest reports, Wilmington is ranked among the top 5 cities in North Carolina for open DevOps roles, with an expected 18% job growth in the next three years.

These gigs ain't no joke.

DevOps Engineers in Wilmington are responsible for automating software delivery, setting up continuous integration and deployment pipelines, and making sure the dev and ops teams are always on the same page.

They're masters of tools like Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It's like they're coding ninjas with a knack for keeping everything running like a well-oiled machine.

Now, let's talk about the real deal – the cash money.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor, the average salary for a DevOps Engineer in Wilmington is a whopping $112,000 per year. But that's just an average.

Your earnings can vary depending on your skills, experience, and the industry you're in. As one seasoned DevOps pro put it, "DevOps is more than just a job title; it's a whole culture shift that emphasizes teamwork, automation, and constantly striving to be better."

To make it big in the DevOps game in Wilmington, you gotta have a solid skillset.

We're talking coding languages like Python, Ruby, or Go, experience with configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, and a solid grasp of containerization tech like Docker and Kubernetes.

Oh, and let's not forget about cloud computing platforms – AWS, Azure, and GCP are a must-know. Plus, you gotta be a team player with mad communication and problem-solving skills.

With tech giants and startups flocking to Wilmington, the demand for DevOps Engineers who can streamline software delivery and foster a culture of automation is only going to keep rising.

So, if you're a coding whiz with a passion for keeping things running smoothly, this could be your golden ticket to a killer career and some serious cash flow.

Let's talk about this Information Security Analyst gig in Wilmington! These tech ninjas are the real deal when it comes to protecting digital assets.

With all the cyber threats lurking around, businesses and organizations need these pros to keep their sensitive data and systems locked down tight. The demand for these security specialists is crazy high, with a projected 28% job growth by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's some serious job security right there!

So, what do these InfoSec wizards do exactly? They're like digital bodyguards, constantly monitoring networks and systems for any sketchy activity or potential breaches.

They assess risks, implement robust security measures, develop policies and protocols to keep everything secure, and investigate any incidents that pop up. And you know they've gotta stay on top of the latest cybersecurity trends and threats – it's a never-ending battle against the bad guys.

To be a true InfoSec boss, you gotta have mad skills.

We're talking expertise in programming languages, network security protocols, and even ethical hacking techniques.

Certifications like CISSP, CEH, and GSEC are like badges of honor in this field, and they'll seriously boost your career prospects. And let's not forget about the sweet paychecks – we're talking an average annual salary of $98,760 as of 2024 in Wilmington, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

But if you're a seasoned pro with advanced certs and specialized skills, you could be raking in anywhere from $112,000 to $148,000 per year! That's some serious cash to protect the digital world.

Let's talk about the Product Manager gig - the role that's absolutely crushing it in Wilmington's tech scene.

These pros are the masterminds behind the success of all those killer apps and products we can't get enough of.

Their main duties? Defining the product vision, getting insights straight from the users, prioritizing features, and overseeing the entire lifecycle of the product.

According to the Product Management Association, a whopping 92% of Wilmington's startups say having a Product Manager on board is crucial for aligning business goals with what customers actually want.

Now, let's talk about the bread - the average salary for a Product Manager in Wilmington is a sweet $98,000 per year, based on Glassdoor data.

That's some serious cash, reflecting just how vital these roles are for driving innovation and revenue growth. To land one of these coveted gigs, most companies in Wilmington are looking for candidates with a bachelor's degree in a technical or business field (a master's puts you ahead), mad analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret data and market trends, top-notch communication abilities to manage stakeholders, and hands-on experience with methodologies like Agile and Lean.

According to the Wilmington Tech Council's latest report, "Product Managers with a track record of launching successful products are in extremely high demand, often receiving multiple job offers." That's some fierce competition, highlighting just how crucial these roles are in shaping Wilmington's tech landscape. With the city's startup scene projected to grow by a massive 27% over the next three years, the opportunities for ambitious Product Managers are absolutely off the charts.

The UX/UI design scene in Wilmington is absolutely poppin' right now! These creative pros are the ones making sure our apps and websites are on point, both visually and user-friendly.

Companies around here can't get enough of them, with job openings increasing by like 28% in just the past year alone!

UX/UI Designers are basically the bridge between aesthetics and functionality, crafting digital experiences that are smooth as butter.

They get into the minds of users, do all kinds of research, and come up with designs that not only look fresh but are also super intuitive and easy to navigate.

Their impact is felt across different industries, from healthcare to finance, e-commerce to entertainment.

The average annual salary for a UX/UI Designer in Wilmington is a solid $85,000! But that can vary based on factors like experience, how dope your portfolio is, and the specific company or industry you're in.

To land one of these gigs, you'll need a portfolio that showcases your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

As Michael Williams, a seasoned UX/UI Designer at a top Wilmington tech firm, puts it:

"A compelling portfolio is the key to unlocking opportunities in this field. It should demonstrate your creative prowess, user-centric approach, and the ability to transform complex challenges into intuitive and visually stunning solutions."

While a bachelor's degree in a related field like graphic design, human-computer interaction, or computer science is often preferred, plenty of successful UX/UI Designers have taken alternative routes, such as bootcamps or self-study programs.

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices is crucial, as the industry is constantly evolving. Some major trends impacting Wilmington's tech scene right now include a focus on accessibility and inclusive design, integrating AI and machine learning for personalized experiences, seamless omnichannel experiences across devices, and the adoption of design systems and component-based architecture.

The Business Intelligence Analyst gig in Wilmington is where it's at if you want to rake in some serious cash.

These brainiacs are the key to turning raw data into game-changing strategies for companies. According to the stats, they're pocketing an average of $75K to $110K in 2024, which is a pretty sweet deal.

So, what do these BI whizzes actually do? They're like data detectives, digging through complex info from all sorts of sources and using their analytical superpowers to uncover hidden gems that can boost a business's growth.

We're talking about building slick dashboards, conducting market research that'd make a spy jealous, and creating reports that'll blow the minds of top execs.

But it's not just about crunching numbers.

To rock this role, you gotta have some serious skills under your belt. We're talking proficiency in data mining tools like Tableau or Power BI, the ability to solve problems like a boss, and the gift of gab to explain complex data to the non-techies.

Oh, and don't forget about mastering SQL and database management – those are must-haves.

According to the local Chamber of Commerce, over 60% of businesses in the area are planning to beef up their BI teams within the next couple of years.

These analysts are like the bridges connecting data to real-world solutions, and companies can't get enough of 'em. So, if you've got the skills and the passion for data, this could be your chance to cash in and make a serious impact in the corporate world.

AI is totally taking over in Wilmington's tech scene, and AI Engineers at CastleBranch are leading the charge.

These pros create the smart algorithms that make machines think like us humans. They use cutting-edge tools like machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning to develop AI systems that can learn, reason, and make data-backed decisions all on their own.

AI Engineers aren't just coding geniuses; they also team up with different departments to integrate AI solutions into existing products and systems.

And their skills? Off the charts! They gotta know expert-level programming abilities in Python, R, and Java. They gotta know machine learning algorithms and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch inside out.

Plus, mastering data mining, statistics, probability - you name it, they've studied it. But it's not just about the tech know-how; innovators at Surgilūm need to explain complex AI concepts to non-tech people too.

With such an insane skillset, the pay is mind-blowing! According to the latest reports, AI Engineers in Wilmington rake in an average of $125,000 annually.

And for the real pros? We're talking salaries up to $180,000 at major tech employers.

As more and more companies hop on the AI train, the demand (and pay!) for these tech wizards is only going up.

Sarah Hernandez, CEO of a top AI consulting firm, summed it up perfectly:

"AI is changing everything, and Wilmington is leading the revolution. Our city's incredible AI Engineers are behind game-changing innovations in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and more. They're putting Wilmington on the map as an AI powerhouse."

Interested in pursuing a career in AI? Check out Nucamp's guide to landing a tech job in Wilmington for the inside scoop!