Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Winston Salem in 2025

In 2025, Winston Salem's tech scene is absolutely crushing it. The city has proven its ability to foster strong companies and create amazing opportunities for tech professionals.

According to recent data, local businesses are seriously ramping up their tech investments, with 68% increasing cybersecurity budgets and over half diving into AI and machine learning by 2025.

The average tech salary here is getting competitive - we're talking roles paying well above $100k annually. What makes this even better is Winston Salem's rank as the #2 Best City for Women in Tech, according to Magnify Money 2021.

The Innovation Quarter keeps attracting startups, while established companies are expanding their tech departments. Currently, the hottest jobs are in cloud computing (especially AWS), cybersecurity, and AI development.

The city's internet infrastructure is solid with 463.66 Mbps speeds, supporting remote work and digital innovation. Local tech companies are actively recruiting for positions in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity, making it an ideal time to jump into the tech industry here.

Finding the best-paying tech jobs in Winston Salem for 2025 took some serious research and data digging. According to recent industry analysis, tech roles are seeing major salary growth, with Data Scientists earning up to $142,479 with just 3-5 years of experience.

Our research combined salary data from multiple sources including BLS stats, regional economic reports, and real job postings from Winston Salem employers. Robert Half's 2025 Salary Guide shows tech salaries in our area are staying competitive with major tech hubs.

The process to identify these top-paying positions was pretty straightforward.

First, we looked at roles offering $120,000+ annually, which is honestly amazing for our area. Then, using verified market data, we focused on positions showing at least 10% annual growth in job listings.

We paid special attention to jobs requiring specific skills that local companies are desperately searching for - like cloud architecture expertise and advanced programming abilities.

Working directly with Winston Salem tech companies, we got the inside scoop on which positions they're willing to pay top dollar for.

Cloud Architects, Machine Learning Engineers, and Cybersecurity specialists came out on top, which makes total sense given how many healthcare and fintech companies we have here.

What really stands out is how our local tech scene keeps growing, creating opportunities that rival bigger cities while offering a way better cost of living. The key to landing these high-paying roles? Keep learning new skills and stay on top of the latest tech trends.

In 2025, Cloud Architects in Winston Salem are crushing it with their vital role in tech evolution.

These professionals design and manage cloud computing strategies while balancing security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. The surge in remote work has made their expertise even more crucial.

In Winston Salem's competitive market, Cloud Architects earn an impressive average of $128,418 annually, with senior positions reaching up to $167,000. The role demands serious technical skills, including mastery of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms, plus solid knowledge of infrastructure as code and containerization.

The career path is looking super promising, with 31 Cloud Architect positions currently open in the Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point area.

Major players like The Clearing House and CGS Federal are actively recruiting, offering competitive packages and growth opportunities. To stand out, candidates need cloud certifications - AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Azure Solutions Architect Expert are totally worth the investment.

Companies like Marsh & McLennan are offering base salaries ranging from $97,900 to $171,400 for senior positions, depending on experience and certifications.

The cloud scene in Winston Salem is growing fast, with businesses racing to modernize their infrastructure.

Cloud Architects here aren't just tech experts - they're strategic players who transform how companies operate. The role combines hands-on technical work with leadership opportunities, making it perfect for tech enthusiasts who want to make an impact while building a solid career.

With more companies adopting cloud-first strategies, the demand for skilled Cloud Architects is set to keep climbing through 2025 and beyond.

Machine Learning Engineers in Winston Salem are seriously changing the game right now. The job market is super active, with over 21,000 AI-related positions available in the Greensboro-Winston-Salem area.

Machine learning is transforming everything from healthcare apps to financial systems. The best part? The salary range of $120,000 to $160,000 annually makes it one of the most rewarding career paths in North Carolina.

Local employers are specifically looking for professionals who can handle Python programming and TensorFlow for building ML models, with over half of companies planning to invest in AI by 2025.

What's really cool is that North Carolina A&T just launched the first standalone B.S. in Artificial Intelligence program in NC, making it easier to get the right education locally.

To make it in this field, you need to be solid with data preprocessing, deep learning, and model deployment - it's not just about coding. The demand is growing fast, and companies are particularly interested in people who can translate complex AI concepts into practical solutions.

Getting certifications definitely helps, but what really counts is being able to build and deploy AI systems that actually work in the real world. The opportunities are massive, especially if you're ready to keep learning and adapting to new technologies as they emerge.

Data Science stands out as one of the most exciting career paths in Winston Salem's tech landscape. According to Motion Recruitment's latest report, employment in data science is expected to grow by 36% by 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing tech fields.

The role combines analytical skills with creative problem-solving, and the average salary for data scientists in the region now reaches $130,000 annually. Local institutions like Carolina University are adapting to this demand by offering specialized master's programs that prepare students for real-world data challenges.

The position requires expertise in data acquisition, cleaning, and visualization, plus the ability to work with machine learning algorithms. What makes this role particularly interesting in Winston Salem is the variety of industries hiring data scientists - from healthcare startups to established financial institutions.

Wake Forest University's career guide highlights that data scientists focus on trends and new solutions, working with multiple data sources to create predictive models.

The role differs from data analysts by requiring deeper expertise in machine learning and advanced programming skills. For anyone interested in this field, the key is to build a strong foundation in programming languages like Python and R, while developing expertise in statistical analysis and data visualization tools.

The best part? Companies in Winston Salem are actively seeking professionals who can turn complex data into clear, actionable insights, making this an ideal time to enter the field.

Software engineers in Winston Salem are the masterminds behind the digital transformation happening across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing in 2025. According to recent industry analysis, these professionals design, develop, and maintain applications that drive innovation across various sectors.

The role has evolved significantly, with major employers like Spectrum seeking engineers skilled in full-stack development, including C#, .NET Core, SQL, and Angular.

Entry-level salaries start from $80,000, with experienced engineers earning up to $160,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paying tech careers in the region.

The technical requirements have intensified in 2025, with companies prioritizing engineers who can handle complex software architectures and cloud platforms.

Local job postings emphasize the need for expertise in requirements gathering, design, development, and testing.

Beyond coding skills, employers value professionals who can collaborate effectively with project managers and UX designers. Key skills in demand include:

• Full-stack development capabilities: Mastering both front-end and back-end technologies is essential.
• Database design and management: Professionals need to efficiently structure and maintain databases.
• Cloud computing expertise: Understanding and working with cloud services is crucial.
• System architecture planning: Ability to design complex systems is a valuable skill.

Success in this field requires constant learning and adaptation.

With the rapid pace of technological change, software engineers need to stay current with emerging tools and methodologies. Many local companies now offer hybrid work arrangements, reflecting the modern approach to software development where collaboration happens both in-person and virtually.

Network Security Engineers in Winston Salem are the digital guardians of 2025, protecting organizations from an ever-growing array of cyber threats. These professionals are responsible for configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs to maintain data security.

Their role has evolved significantly, with duties now including designing comprehensive security systems and conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Key responsibilities include monitoring network activity, implementing security protocols, and responding quickly to security incidents.

With the tech landscape becoming more complex, these professionals need to stay current with emerging threats and cybersecurity trends. The position typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology, along with certifications like CISSP or CISM. In Winston Salem's growing tech sector, Network Security Engineers earn competitive salaries averaging $130,000 annually, reflecting the critical nature of their work.

To succeed in this field, professionals must master network protocols, encryption technologies, and cloud security platforms. As more companies in Winston Salem, like mPATH Health and other leading tech firms, expand their digital operations, the demand for skilled Network Security Engineers continues to grow.

The role combines technical expertise with problem-solving skills, making it an exciting career choice for those interested in protecting digital assets and fighting cybercrime.

Let me break down what it's really like being a Cybersecurity Engineer in Winston Salem right now.

The base salary starts around $114,343 and can reach up to $141,155, with the average hitting $127,580. If you stick with it and reach senior level, salaries can jump to $158,000 or higher.

The field is absolutely blowing up, especially in finance and healthcare sectors where security is critical. I've noticed that getting certifications like CISSP or CEH can boost your earnings by 10-20% - totally worth the effort.

What's really interesting is that cybersecurity engineers are seeing salary ranges reaching $137,611 and beyond in 2025, especially if you specialize in areas like cloud security or IoT protection.

The best part? Companies like BB&T Bank and Hanesbrands are actively hiring, and they're looking for fresh talent who can tackle next-gen security challenges.

If you're thinking about getting into tech, cybersecurity is seriously one of the smartest moves you can make right now. The field keeps growing, the work is challenging in a good way, and the pay just keeps getting better.

Looking to secure your future in tech? The Information Security Analyst role in Winston Salem is seriously taking off in 2025. These digital guardians are crucial for protecting company networks and data, and the opportunities are absolutely booming.

According to Spectrum's latest job postings, the role involves continuous monitoring of security alerts, managing incident response, and staying ahead of emerging threats.

The average salary is hitting $102,000 annually in North Carolina, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the region. A quick browse through LinkedIn's job listings shows major players like Volvo Group and Cone Health actively hiring in the area, with some positions offering hybrid work options.

Want to get started? Check out the NC Careers occupation profile for a detailed roadmap of required skills.

You'll need to master things like intrusion detection systems, risk management, and encryption solutions. The coolest part? The field is constantly evolving with new tech like AI-based threat detection and cloud security.

Beyond the technical stuff, employers are looking for people who can think strategically and adapt quickly to new challenges. Whether you're into coding, network architecture, or threat analysis, this role offers tons of growth potential and the chance to make a real impact in the tech world.

Keep up with certifications like CISSP, and you'll be set for an awesome career protecting digital assets from cyber threats.

In 2025, DevOps Engineers are becoming the tech rockstars of Winston Salem's software development scene. Major companies like Spectrum are actively recruiting DevOps talent, offering competitive salaries ranging from $80,000 to $147,000 annually.

The role combines development and operations expertise, with professionals focusing on process automation and application performance optimization. Recent data from Winston Salem's tech sector shows that DevOps Engineers are in serious demand, with over 240 positions currently available in the region.

• Innovation emphasis: DevOps Engineers get to work with cutting-edge tools while solving complex problems. Leading tech companies in Winston Salem are specifically looking for DevOps professionals who can handle everything from monitoring plans to deployment strategies.
• Skill requirements: The position requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in cloud computing, and the ability to collaborate across teams. Companies are particularly interested in candidates with STEM degrees and practical experience in automation tools.
• Starting point: For those starting out, internship programs offer hands-on experience with real-world projects and mentorship opportunities. The role's focus on continuous improvement and optimization makes it perfect for tech enthusiasts who love staying ahead of industry trends while making a real impact on how software is developed and deployed.

As a vulnerability analyst and penetration tester, you get to be the ultimate digital detective, hunting down security weaknesses before the bad guys find them.

The role is seriously in demand right now, with the national average salary hitting $116,327, while North Carolina pen testers earn around $109,577. Most positions require a bachelor's degree - about 71% of jobs ask for one - and 3-5 years of experience is pretty standard.

Network and vulnerability assessments are crucial for keeping Winston-Salem businesses safe, identifying potential weaknesses before they become major problems.

Working with companies like Creative IT and Piedmont Technical Experts, pen testers use advanced tools to simulate cyberattacks and strengthen defenses.

The coolest part about being a pen tester is getting to use some seriously powerful tools.

We're talking Metasploit, Kali Linux, and Burp Suite - the real deal when it comes to finding system vulnerabilities. What's really interesting is that vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are actually two different things - assessments focus on finding weaknesses, while pen testing actively tries to exploit them.

The job market is growing fast, especially with major employers like Marriott International and Deloitte actively hiring in North Carolina. Plus, you get to learn new skills constantly as cyber threats keep evolving.

The best part? You're basically getting paid to think like a hacker while helping protect important data.

With Python skills boosting your salary potential and ethical hacking becoming more crucial every day, it's definitely worth checking out this career path. Companies are super serious about cybersecurity now, and they're willing to pay top dollar for professionals who can keep their systems safe.

Whether you're interested in working for big tech companies or local businesses in Winston-Salem, there's plenty of opportunity to make your mark in this field.

The AI Research Scientist role in Winston Salem is seriously taking off in 2025. According to recent salary data, these tech innovators are earning an average of $171,967 annually, with experienced professionals pulling in up to $186,246.

What's even better? The cost of living in Winston Salem is 6.4% lower than the national average, making those earnings stretch even further. Job opportunities are booming with over 900 positions available in the region, and major players like Google, Meta, and OpenAI are offering competitive packages ranging from $295K to $440K for top talent.

The role requires serious skills in machine learning, data mining, and programming, plus you'll need to be comfortable with Python, R, and C++. While most positions require a Ph.D., entry-level researchers can still command impressive starting salaries around $167,264.

The field is exploding with opportunities in ethical AI, healthcare tech, and autonomous systems.

• AI Research Scientist growth is leading Winston Salem's tech scene, fueled by high salaries and booming job opportunities.
• The cost of living advantage in Winston Salem allows tech earnings to stretch further, enticing professionals to the area.
• Top companies like Google and Meta are investing in the region, offering competitive packages and expanding opportunities.

If you're thinking about diving into AI research, Winston Salem's growing tech scene, combined with its lower living costs, makes it an awesome place to kickstart your career.

Plus, with companies like Accenture expanding their presence in North Carolina, the future looks pretty bright for aspiring AI researchers.

The tech scene in Winston Salem is seriously picking up speed as we head into 2025. According to recent industry analysis, tech jobs are growing at double the rate of other sectors, with average salaries hitting $110,000 - way above the national average.

The most exciting part? Nearly 300 software engineer positions are opening up per company. What's really cool is that industry forecasts predict tech jobs will jump from 6 million to 7.1 million by 2034, with AI and cloud computing leading the charge.

Local companies are putting serious focus on upskilling their teams - about 48% are investing in training current employees rather than just hiring new ones. The hottest skills right now? Python, AWS, and JavaScript are absolute must-haves.

If you're thinking about diving into tech, cloud architects and cybersecurity analysts are seeing massive demand, with some positions offering up to $150,000 for experienced pros.

Winston Salem's tech community is growing fast, especially in biotech and digital health, making it a perfect spot for anyone looking to start their tech career.

The best part is that living costs here are way lower than Silicon Valley or NYC, so you can actually save some of that tech salary!