Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Wilmington in 2024
Last Updated: December 21st 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a booming hub for tech jobs with a projected industry impact reaching $2.7 billion. The city's tech earnings average $85,000 annually, increasing by 10% since 2022. Over 15,000 jobs have been added since 2020. Positions in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity are highly sought, with salaries between $85K and $145K. Key employers include NextGlass, Live Oak Bank, and nCino. Wilmington is ranked #3 by CompTIA for tech jobs, promising competitive salaries, affordable living, and notable growth, projected at 22% by 2026.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
If you're a 20-something looking to get into the tech game, Wilmington, North Carolina, is where it's at in 2024. The city's tech scene is straight-up blowing up with high-paying job opportunities.
According to the latest reports, the tech industry's impact in Wilmington is expected to hit a mind-blowing $2.7 billion this year, up from $1.9 billion just two years ago.
Major players like Apiture digital banking have been expanding their operations here, drawn by the city's chill vibes and affordable living costs.
Since 2020, over 15,000 new tech jobs have been created in the region.
And the average tech salary in Wilmington? A cool $85,000 per year, which is a 10% increase from 2022. Wilmington's tech companies are ranked among the highest-paying in the state.
Plus, the city was named #3 in the "Best Cities for Tech Jobs" by CompTIA in 2024, proving it's a prime spot for anyone looking to level up their career. If you're ready to join the tech revolution while enjoying a sweet coastal lifestyle, Wilmington is definitely worth checking out.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Selecting the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs
- Software Engineering Manager at NextGlass
- Data Scientist at Live Oak Bank
- Systems Architect at nCino
- DevOps Engineer at Apiture
- Product Manager at Wells Fargo Tech Hub
- AI/ML Engineer at CastleBranch
- Cloud Solutions Architect at Verizon
- Cybersecurity Analyst at Corning
- Full-Stack Developer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
- Conclusion: Navigating the Tech Job Market in Wilmington
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Selecting the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs
(Up)When it comes to finding the top 10 highest-paying tech jobs in Wilmington for 2024, we did our research and left no stone unturned.
We wanted to make sure the list was legit and reflected the real deal in the local job market.
First things first, we checked out all the reliable sources – the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, PayScale, and even got our hands on some regional reports from the local government and tech advocacy groups.
By combining data from these sources, we got a clear picture of the salary game and the hottest job opportunities in Wilmington's booming tech scene.
Now, let's talk money.
We all know that top tech talent gets paid the big bucks.
As Daniel Brown, Senior Tech Recruiter at TekSystems Wilmington, put it, "In today's competitive job market, employers understand the value of skilled professionals, and salaries reflect this reality." So, we dug deep into factors that affect earning potential, like years of experience, certifications, expertise in cutting-edge technologies, and leadership roles.
But it's not just about the money.
We also looked at job demand to see which roles were in high demand by Wilmington's leading tech companies. This helped us identify not only the career paths with plenty of opportunities but also the skills and expertise that local employers value most.
Skills like cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and full-stack development were definitely in the spotlight, and they played a big part in our final selection of the top 10 positions.
Software Engineering Manager at NextGlass
(Up)Being a Software Engineering Manager at NextGlass in 2024 is gonna be lit! You'll be leading the crew that's developing dope software solutions for the wine and beverage industry, which is blowing up right now.
With an average salary of $145,000 in Wilmington, NC, this role is a total score for experienced tech leaders like yourself.
Your main gig will involve:
- Running the show for a team of skilled coders, helping them level up their skills and creating a tight-knit crew.
- Mapping out project plans, prioritizing tasks, and making sure top-notch software products are delivered on time.
- Teaming up with squads like product managers and UX designers to ensure the development vibes with the company's goals.
- Implementing agile methods and continuous integration/deployment practices to streamline the software development process.
To crush it in this role, NextGlass wants you to have a solid tech background and serious management experience.
The ideal candidate should:
- Have a bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Bring 5+ years of leading engineering teams and delivering successful projects like a boss.
- Be a pro in modern programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, or C++) and know their way around cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
- Have killer communication and problem-solving skills, able to break down complex tech concepts into action plans.
- Live and breathe agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban, and deeply understand software development best practices.
With Wilmington's tech scene blowing up, the Software Engineering Manager role at NextGlass is a sweet opportunity to shape the future of the wine and beverage industry while raking in some serious cash.
"The wine industry is prime for innovation, and NextGlass is leading the charge. We're looking for top-notch engineering leaders who can take our cutting-edge software to the next level," says Mary Martin, the CTO of NextGlass.
Data Scientist at Live Oak Bank
(Up)If you're looking to make some serious cash while diving into the world of data, check this out. Live Oak Bank in Wilmington is where it's at for Data Scientists in 2024.
We're talking a fat paycheck ranging from $90,000 to $140,000 annually, straight up ballin'!
As a Data Scientist there, you'll be the one calling the shots when it comes to crunching numbers and making sense of all that complex data.
You'll be developing mind-blowing machine learning models that uncover insights like a boss. Plus, you'll get to team up with other brilliant minds across different departments, turning business needs into data-driven solutions that'll blow their minds.
You'll also be diving deep into data mining, exploration, and analysis to spot patterns and trends that others can't even fathom.
And let's not forget about building those slick data pipelines and architectures that streamline the whole data processing game. It's a chance to kickstart your career and make a real impact.
To rock this role, you'll need to bring your A-game with skills like Python, R, SQL, machine learning techniques (supervised, unsupervised, deep learning, NLP, you name it), data visualization wizardry, and a solid grasp of statistical modeling.
If you've got that covered, Live Oak Bank is where you need to be.
According to the job review legends at Glassdoor, the average Data Scientist salary at Live Oak Bank in Wilmington was a whopping $112,000 in 2024.
That's some serious dough, and it just goes to show how much this bank values its data science talent. As one of the current Data Scientists there put it,
"Working at Live Oak Bank allows me to apply cutting-edge data science techniques to real-world financial challenges, while being part of a dynamic and innovative culture."
Now, that's what I call living the dream!
Systems Architect at nCino
(Up)Alright, so you wanna know the inside scoop on being a Systems Architect at nCino in 2024? This gig is fire! We're talking a fat salary ranging from $120,000 to $160,000 annually in Wilmington.
Not too shabby, eh?
Your main mission will be to design and build enterprise-level solutions that power nCino's cutting-edge banking platform. You'll be working with cross-functional squads to translate business needs into technical specs and overseeing the entire development cycle from start to finish.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Architecting scalable and secure systems, making sure they play nice with other components
- Keeping an eye out for the latest tech trends and recommending new tools to adopt
- Setting the standards for coding, development processes, and quality assurance
- Mentoring the dev teams and providing technical leadership
To snag this sweet gig, nCino typically looks for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, plus at least 5 years of experience in systems architecture and design.
You'll need to be a pro at cloud computing, microservices, and containerization tech like Docker and Kubernetes. Coding skills in Java, Python, or C# are a must, and you should be well-versed in agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
As a Systems Architect at nCino, you'll have the chance to shape the future of the banking industry while working with cutting-edge technologies.
Elizabeth Brown, VP of Engineering at nCino, said,
"At nCino, we're constantly innovating to provide our customers with the best possible solutions. Our Systems Architects play a crucial role in driving this innovation and ensuring our platform's scalability and security."
So, if you're down to be a part of something big and make a real impact, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Check out the job listings for nCino in Wilmington and see for yourself.
This is one chance you won't want to miss.
DevOps Engineer at Apiture
(Up)Alright, let's talk about being a DevOps Engineer at Apiture - it's pretty dope! As one of the leading digital banking providers, Apiture is all about empowering financial institutions with cutting-edge tech solutions.
And you'd be right at the heart of it, driving the company's digital transformation and making software delivery a breeze.
With an average salary of $115,000 in 2024 (according to Glassdoor), this gig offers a sweet compensation package for those with the right skills.
But it's not just about the money. You'd be automating deployment processes, implementing robust CI/CD pipelines, and optimizing app performance – basically, being a coding ninja!
To slay this role, you'll need to master tools like Kubernetes, Docker, and Jenkins.
You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, identify bottlenecks, and foster a DevOps culture within the org. It's all about streamlining processes and ensuring seamless collaboration between development and operations teams.
Apiture is looking for DevOps rock stars with skills like:
- Programming languages like Python, Bash, or Go: Knowing these helps automate tasks efficiently.
- Containerization tech (Docker, Kubernetes): These skills ensure seamless deployment processes.
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP): Leveraging these platforms for scalable solutions is essential.
- Configuration management tools (Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet): These tools manage resources effectively.
- Monitoring and logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK Stack): Keeping systems healthy and logs in check is vital.
According to the DevOps Institute,
Organizations that have successfully adopted DevOps practices enjoy a 60% higher software deployment frequency and a 50% reduction in change failure rate.
With Apiture leading the charge in digital banking innovation, landing a DevOps Engineer role here could be your ticket to a killer career in Wilmington's thriving tech scene.
If automation, collaboration, and continuous improvement get you hyped, this could be your dream gig!
Product Manager at Wells Fargo Tech Hub
(Up)Wells Fargo is straight-up killing it in the tech game, and their Lead Digital Product Manager role is where it's at.
These folks are raking in some serious cash, with salaries ranging from $96,600 to $206,100 annually. Talk about a sweet gig!
As a Lead Product Manager, you'll be leading the charge on developing mind-blowing digital products and services.
You'll be collaborating with cross-functional squads, defining product visions, and making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
It's a ton of responsibility, but the rewards are insane.
To land this role, you'll need some serious skills and experience.
We're talking 5+ years in digital product management, knowledge of API architecture, and a knack for Agile practices. But hey, if you've got what it takes, Wells Fargo is ready to shower you with benefits like health insurance, 401(k) plans, and even tuition reimbursement.
It's clear that Wells Fargo values diversity and inclusion, so if you've got the chops, they want to hear from you.
With opportunities like this, it's no wonder Wilmington's tech scene is booming. So, what are you waiting for? Start polishing up that resume and get ready to join the ranks of the tech elite!
AI/ML Engineer at CastleBranch
(Up)The AI/ML Engineer role at CastleBranch in Wilmington is seriously hot right now.
These tech ninjas are the ones developing insane machine learning models that can solve problems like it's nothing. At CastleBranch, you'd be designing AI solutions, analyzing massive data sets, and working with teams to integrate this cutting-edge tech into their systems.
They're constantly fine-tuning and optimizing these models to keep things running smooth.
With AI/ML skills being so in-demand, CastleBranch is offering a pretty sweet salary range of $166,000 on average for this role in 2024.
But to land this gig, you gotta have some serious coding chops. We're talking Python, R, major frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, plus a solid grasp of stats and modeling techniques.
It's not just about the technical side though, you need to be a problem-solving mastermind with critical thinking skills and know your way around data visualization tools.
As Linda Thomas, CTO of CastleBranch, puts it, "Our AI/ML Engineers are at the forefront of innovation, crafting intelligent solutions that drive our company's growth and push the boundaries of what's possible." These are the big brains shaping the future of tech, and if you can hack it, the opportunities are limitless.
Cloud Solutions Architect at Verizon
(Up)In 2024, the demand for Cloud Solutions Architects is off the charts, with companies rushing to the cloud like kids to the latest video game release. Bank of America is leading the charge, seeking sharp minds to architect their cloud game plan.
As a Cloud Solutions Architect there, you'll be a key player, designing and delivering secure cloud solutions that keep the bank running smooth.
The average cloud architect salary in 2024 is a mind-blowing $128,418 per year, with senior pros raking in up to $167,000! These tech gurus are responsible for conducting in-depth analyses, designing scalable solutions, and ensuring reliability and resilience.
They're the masterminds behind cloud adoption, migration strategies, security implementations, and systems integration.
To be a true cloud connoisseur, you need to be fluent in cloud computing technologies, architectural design, infrastructure as code, networking, security protocols, and more.
Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect are like badges of honor in the cloud realm.
You need to be multilingual, with skills in Python, Java, and C# under your belt.
Cybersecurity Analyst at Corning
(Up)The cybersecurity game at Corning is seriously on fleek. As a Cybersecurity Analyst in Wilmington, you're looking at an average salary of $92,500 per year as of August 2024.
That's some serious cash! But it's not just about the money – you'll be the digital bodyguard, protecting Corning's sensitive data from those pesky cyber threats.
Your main gig will involve monitoring network activity like a hawk, sniffing out any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts.
You'll be conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, basically hacking your way into the system to find and fix any security loopholes. It's like a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but you're the cat, and the mouse is any potential cyber threat.
But that's not all – you'll also be developing and implementing top-notch cybersecurity policies and procedures, ensuring that Corning stays compliant with all the industry regulations and data privacy laws.
It's like being the security bouncer, but for digital information instead of a club.
And when the inevitable security incident does occur? You'll be the one investigating it, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective measures to prevent it from happening again.
It's like being a digital detective, solving cyber crimes and keeping the bad guys at bay.
To slay this role, you'll need to be a certified cybersecurity badass.
Corning values certifications like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
These certifications are like street cred for the cybersecurity world, proving that you're not just some wannabe hacker, but a true master of your craft.
So, if you're looking to level up your career and become a digital guardian, protecting Corning's assets and keeping the cyber threats at bay, then this Cybersecurity Analyst role is definitely worth checking out.
Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility – and a whole lot of cash, too!
Full-Stack Developer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
(Up)GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is where it's at if you're a full-stack developer looking to make some serious cash in Wilmington.
We're talking an average of $112,000 in 2024, which is straight-up insane! But it's not just about the money. This gig gives you a chance to work on some next-level projects that are shaping the future of nuclear energy.
Designing and developing cutting-edge electrical systems for nuclear plants? That's some real-deal sci-fi stuff right there!
As a full-stack dev at GE Hitachi, you'll be rocking it with the latest tech on both the front-end and back-end.
We're talking React, Angular, Node.js, Python, and everything in between. But it's not just about slinging code. You'll also be working with cross-functional teams to turn business requirements into sleek, efficient solutions.
And don't even get me started on the DevOps game – you'll be implementing best practices for testing, deployment, and all that jazz to keep things running smooth.
It's like being a part of a well-oiled machine, but with way more fun and way less grease.
Of course, to land this sweet gig, you gotta have the skills to pay the bills.
We're talking a solid grasp of front-end frameworks like React and Angular, back-end languages like Node.js and Python, and a whole lot more. Git, Agile, cloud computing, DevOps – you name it, you gotta know it.
But don't sweat it. If you're willing to put in the work and keep learning, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Conclusion: Navigating the Tech Job Market in Wilmington
(Up)Wilmington is where it's at for tech jobs in 2024! Our list of the top 10 highest-paying tech gigs in the city has salaries ranging from $85K to $145K per year.
We're talking about roles like Network Architects at NextGlass and Cloud Solutions Architects at Apiture digital banking, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
With its prime location, Wilmington is a hub for startups and tech giants like Corning and Wells Fargo.
Cybersecurity, AI/ML, fintech, and cloud computing are booming industries actively seeking talent to drive digital transformation. According to the Wilmington Regional Economic Development Corporation, the region's tech sector is projected to grow by 22% by 2026, outpacing the national average.
If you're eyeing a tech career in Wilmington, here's the lowdown:
- Competitive Salaries: The average tech salary in Wilmington is $92K, 12% higher than the national average.
- Affordable Living: Wilmington's low cost of living means you can maximize your earnings.
- Skill Development: Local universities and coding bootcamps like Nucamp offer programs to upskill in emerging technologies, keeping you ahead of the game.
- Work-Life Balance: With its coastal charm and outdoor activities, Wilmington provides an ideal environment for balancing work and play.
To stand out in Wilmington's tech job market, focus on developing in-demand skills like cloud architecture, cybersecurity, AI/ML, and full-stack development.
Stay up-to-date with industry certifications relevant to your desired role. As Wilmington's tech scene continues to thrive, strategic skill development and networking will be key to unlocking your full potential in this dynamic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average tech salary in Wilmington in 2024?
The average tech salary in Wilmington in 2024 is $85,000 per year, which represents a 10% increase from 2022.
Which tech job roles are among the highest paying in Wilmington?
Some of the highest paying tech roles in Wilmington include Software Engineering Manager at NextGlass, with an average salary of $145,000, and Data Scientist at Live Oak Bank, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $140,000 annually.
What is the projected economic impact of the tech industry in Wilmington in 2024?
The tech industry's economic impact in Wilmington is projected to reach $2.7 billion in 2024, up significantly from $1.9 billion two years ago.
Why is Wilmington considered a prime spot for tech careers in 2024?
Wilmington is considered a prime spot for tech careers due to its rapidly growing tech scene, competitive salaries, low cost of living, and recognition as the #3 city for tech jobs by CompTIA in 2024.
What in-demand skills should tech professionals focus on to succeed in Wilmington's job market?
Tech professionals should focus on developing in-demand skills such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, and full-stack development to succeed in Wilmington’s thriving tech job market.
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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.