25 Highest-Paying Tech & IT Jobs in the USA
Dec 26, 2025Tech careers in the United States now offer some of the strongest pay growth across any profession. Companies compete for leaders who can build large systems, protect sensitive information, and turn complex technology into business results. As cloud platforms expand, automation increases, and advanced computing enters daily operations, organizations invest heavily in proven experts. Pay rises faster for roles that demand years of experience, deep technical judgment, and the ability to guide teams through high-impact decisions.
This guide breaks down the highest-paying tech and IT jobs in the USA across leadership, engineering, data, security, and advanced computing specialties. Each role includes salary ranges, job responsibilities, required years of experience, and in-demand skills. Professionals or students can use this list to understand where the strongest compensation aligns with long-term career growth and responsibility.
Executive and Leadership Roles
1. Technology Officer (CTO)
Average Base Salary: $190,000 to $240,000 per year
Job Summary
A Chief Technology Officer sets the technical direction for an organization.
The CTO decides which technologies support business goals and oversees engineering teams.
This role connects executive leadership with technical execution.
Qualifications
Bachelor's or master's degree in CS (computer science) or information systems
Ten or more years of experience in software or IT leadership roles
6–8 years in senior leadership roles, such as engineering director or VP of engineering
Proven experience managing large engineering teams
Relevant Skills
Enterprise system architecture
Software development leadership
Budget planning and vendor selection
Cloud platforms and enterprise tools
This role suits professionals who want strategic responsibility and long-term influence.
2. Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Average Salary: $180,000 to $230,000 per year
Job Summary
A Chief Information Officer manages internal IT systems and services.
This role ensures employees and departments use secure and reliable tools.
The CIO aligns technology operations with organizational needs.
Qualifications
Degree in information technology, computer science, or business
Extensive experience of 10–15 years leading IT department roles such as IT Director or Senior IT Manager
Experience managing enterprise software environments
Relevant Skills
IT Infrastructure Management
Enterprise Software Systems
Cyber Risk Awareness
Vendor Management
Note: IBM's annual data breach report shows the average cost of a U.S. breach exceeds $9 million, driving executive-level investment in security leadership.
3. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Average Base Salary: $185,000 to $235,000 per year
Job Summary
A Chief Information Security Officer leads cybersecurity efforts.
This role protects systems, networks, and sensitive information.
The CISO reports risks directly to executive leadership.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems
A master's degree in cybersecurity or risk management is preferred.
10–14 years of security experience
5–7 years in senior security roles, such as Security Director or Security Manager
Experience with regulatory standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001
Relevant Skills
Security Architecture
Threat Response
Identity Management
Cloud Security
This role fits professionals focused on organizational protection.
4. Head of Data and Analytics
Average Base Salary: $170,000 to $220,000 per year
Job Summary
The Head of Data and Analytics leads how data gets collected, stored, and analyzed.
This role manages analytics teams, data engineers, and reporting processes.
They define standards for data quality, governance, and access.
It connects technical teams with leadership needs.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, or computer science
Master's degree in analytics or data science preferred
8-12 years of data or analytics experience
4-6 years in leadership roles such as Analytics Manager or Data Lead
Experience managing data teams and reporting systems
Relevant Skills
Python
SQL
Data Modeling
Analytics Platforms
Note: McKinsey reports that organizations using advanced analytics improve operating margins by up to 60% compared to competitors.
Software and Engineering Roles
5. Principal Software Engineer
Average Base Salary: $165,000 to $210,000 per year
Job Summary
A principal software engineer leads complex technical initiatives across teams.
This role designs large systems that support performance, reliability, and growth.
They review architecture decisions and resolve high-risk technical issues.
This role guides senior engineers and influences coding standards and best practices.
This position works closely with engineering managers and product leaders.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering
10-15 years of professional software development experience
5 or more years working on large-scale production systems
Experience leading technical design without direct people
Relevant Skills
System Architecture
Advanced Programming
Performance Optimization
Technical Mentorship
6. Staff Software Engineer
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $195,000 per year
Job Summary
A Staff Software Engineer builds and maintains critical application components.
This role contributes to system design and code quality across teams.
They handle complex features and production issues.
The position collaborates with product and infrastructure teams.
This role supports technical decision-making at the team level.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or any other related field
8–12 years of software development experience
Experience delivering features for large applications
Strong background in code review and system design.
Relevant Skills
Backend Development
API Design
Code Quality Practices
Collaboration
7. Backend Software Engineer
Average Base Salary: $130,000 to $170,000 per year
Job Summary
A backend software engineer builds server-side systems that power applications.
This role manages business logic, databases, and service communication.
They ensure systems handle high traffic and large data volumes.
The role supports frontend teams by providing stable APIs.
This position also addresses performance and security concerns.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
4–8 years of backend development experience
Experience working with databases and APIs
Exposure to cloud-based environments
Relevant Skills
Python or Java
SQL
API Development
Cloud Services
8. Full Stack Software Engineer
Average Base Salary: $135,000 to $175,000 per year
Statista reports that cloud-based application usage in the U.S. continues to rise yearly, increasing demand for backend and full-stack specialists.
Job Summary
A full-stack software engineer builds both frontend and backend components.
This role develops user interfaces and server-side logic.
They ensure features work correctly from browser to database.
The role collaborates closely with designers and backend teams.
This position supports rapid feature development and maintenance.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering
5–9 years of full-stack development experience
Experience working with web frameworks and APIs
Knowledge of modern frontend tools
Relevant Skills
JavaScript
Frontend Frameworks
Backend Languages
Database Management
9. Mobile Application Architect
Average Base Salary: $155,000 to $200,000 per year
Pew Research Center reports that over 85% of U.S. adults use smartphones daily, increasing demand for scalable mobile platforms.
Job Summary
A mobile application architect designs mobile application structures.
This role defines how mobile apps communicate with backend services.
They set standards for performance, security, and scalability.
This position reviews code and guides mobile development teams.
This role ensures consistency across iOS and Android platforms.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or mobile development
8-12 years of mobile application experience
4 or more years in senior mobile development roles
Experience designing large mobile systems
Relevant Skills
iOS Development:
Android Development
Mobile Architecture
API Integration
Data and Machine Learning Roles
LinkedIn workforce reports show data and modeling roles among the fastest-growing technical jobs in the U.S.
10. Principal Machine Learning Engineer
Average Base Salary: $165,000 to $215,000 per year
Job Summary
A principal machine learning engineer designs and owns advanced learning systems.
This role builds models that support forecasting, recommendation systems, and automation.
They translate business problems into mathematical and statistical solutions.
The role reviews model performance and improves reliability over time.
This position guides senior engineers and influences long-term technical decisions.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or mathematics
Master's degree in data science or machine learning preferred
10 to 15 years of experience in software or data roles
5 or more years of building production machine learning systems
Relevant Skills
Python
Machine Learning Algorithms
Model Deployment
Distributed Computing
11. Data Science Manager
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $195,000 per year
Job Summary
A data science manager leads teams responsible for analytical solutions.
This role defines project goals and assigns work across data scientists.
They ensure models meet accuracy and business requirements.
The position reviews results and communicates findings to leadership.
This role balances technical execution with team management.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, or computer science
Master's degree preferred
8-12 years of data science experience
3-15 years managing analytical teams
Relevant Skills
Statistical Modeling
Python and R
Project Leadership
Business Communication
12. Applied Scientist
Average Base Salary: $145,000 to $190,000 per year
Job Summary
An applied scientist develops models based on research methods.
This role tests algorithms and adapts them for business use.
They run experiments and measure model accuracy.
The position works closely with engineering teams to deploy solutions.
This role supports innovation through applying research.
Qualifications
Master's or PhD in computer science, statistics, or applied mathematics
6–10 years of experience in applied research or modeling
Experience publishing or implementing research outcomes.
Relevant Skills
Mathematical Modeling
Python
Experiment Design
Data Analysis
13. Data Engineer
Average Base Salary: $135,000 to $175,000 per year
Job Summary
A data engineer designs systems that collect and store data.
This role builds pipelines that move data between platforms.
They ensure data accuracy, availability, and performance.
The position supports analysis and data scientists
This role focuses on system reliability rather than modeling.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems
5-9 years of data engineering experience
Experience working with large databases and pipelines
Relevant Skills
SQL
Python
Data Warehousing
Cloud Platforms
14. Quantitative Analyst
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $200,000 per year
Major financial institutions now rely on quantitative models for pricing, risk evaluation, and portfolio management, increasing demand for advanced statistical expertise.
Job Summary
A quantitative analyst builds mathematical models for decision support.
This role analyzes market behavior, risk, and performance patterns.
They develop formulas that support pricing and forecasting.
The position works closely with trading or risk teams.
This role focuses on precision and validation.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in mathematics, finance, or statistics
Master's or PhD preferred
6-12 years of quantitative analysis experience
Background in financial or risk modeling
Relevant Skills
Statistical Analysis
Python
SQL
Time-Series Modeling
Cybersecurity Roles
The FBI Internet Crime Report shows cybercrime losses in the U.S. reach billions annually, pushing companies to invest heavily in security teams.
15. Security Architect
Average Base Salary: $160,000 to $210,000 per year
Job Summary
A security Architect designs enterprise-level security structures. These roles define how systems manage access, encryption, and monitoring.
They evaluate technical risks during system design and deployment.
The role reviews application and infrastructure plans before release.
This position sets long-term security standards for engineering teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems
Master's degree preferred
10-14 years of security experience
4-6 years in senior security design or architecture roles
Experience securing enterprise and cloud-based systems
Relevant Skills
Security Architecture Design
Risk Assessment
Network Security
Encryption Standards
16. Cybersecurity Engineering Manager
Average Base Salary: $155,000 to $200,000 per year
Job Summary
A cybersecurity engineering manager leads security engineering teams.
This role assigns work related to detection, response, and system protection.
They ensure security tools operate correctly across environments.
The position coordinates responses during security incidents
This role balances technical execution with team oversight.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science
8–12 years of security engineering experience
3–5 years in technical leadership or management roles
Experience managing enterprise security platforms
Relevant Skills
Security Operations
Incident Management
Team Leadership
Tool Integration
17. Penetration Tester
Average Base Salary: $125,000 to $165,000 per year
Job Summary
A penetration tester simulates cyberattacks on systems.
This role tests applications, networks, and infrastructure for weaknesses.
They document vulnerabilities and explain risk levels.
The position works with engineering teams to fix security gaps.
This role supports continuous security improvements.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or information technology
4–8 years of penetration testing experience
Experience in testing web applications and networks
Knowledge of common attachment methods
Relevant Skills
Vulnerability Testing
Scripting
Network Analysis
Reporting
18. Cloud Security Engineer
Average Base Salary: $145,000 to $190,000 per year
Job Summary
A Cloud Security Engineer secures cloud-based systems and services.
This role reviews cloud configurations and access policies.
They implement security controls for workloads and storage.
The position monitors cloud activity for suspicious behavior.
This role works closely with infrastructure and development teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science
6–10 years of security experience
3 or more years securing cloud environments
Experience with major cloud platforms
Relevant Skills
Cloud Platform Security
Access Control Management
Monitoring Tools
Configuration Review
19. Identity and Access Management Lead
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $195,000 per year
Job Summary
An Identity and Access Management Lead oversees user authentication systems.
This role defines how users receive and maintain access.
They manage identity platforms across applications and services.
The position ensures access follows security and compliance rules.
This role supports audits and access reviews.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in information security or computer science
8–12 years of identity or security experience
4–6 years leading IAM programs
Experience with enterprise identity platforms
Relevant Skills
Identity Governance
Authentication Systems
Access Reviews
Directory Services
Read Also: Top 20 Highest-Paid Cybersecurity Jobs
Emerging Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing Roles
Large U.S. companies are now embedding generative systems into customer support, marketing, and internal tools, creating a demand for specialized oversight roles.
20. AI Prompt Engineer
Average Base Salary: $120,000 to $170,000 per year
Job Summary
An AI Prompt Engineer crafts and refines prompts to get accurate and efficient outputs from AI systems.
This role improves AI performance by experimenting with instructions, context, and data formatting.
They support teams using tools like generative AI for customer support, content generation, and data insights.
Prompt engineers work closely with product managers and developers to tailor AI behavior for specific business needs.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
3–5 years of experience working with generative AI tools
Experience in scripting or automation
Relevant Skills
Prompt Design
Large Language Models
Evaluation Metrics
21. AI Product Manager
Average Base Salary: $140,000 to $190,000 per year
Job Summary
An AI product manager defines product strategy for features powered by AI.
This role works with engineering, design, and business teams to translate market needs into technical solutions.
They evaluate AI capabilities and set priorities for AI integration in products.
The position is to assess user feedback and measure performance impacts to improve future releases.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field
5–8 years of product management experience
Experience with AI-augmented product development
Relevant Skills
AI Strategy
Stakeholder Collaboration
User Experience Insight
22. MLOps Engineer
Organizations report that model failures in production cost significant engineering time, increasing demand for roles that manage deployment and monitoring.
Average Base Salary: $130,000 to $185,000 per year
Job Summary
An MLOps engineer builds and maintains infrastructure for machine learning models.
This role automates training, deployment, testing, and monitoring of models.
They ensure models perform consistently and meet security and compliance standards.
The position blends operations engineering with machine learning knowledge.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
4–7 years of software or DevOps experience
Experience with cloud deployment and CI/CD pipelines
Relevant Skills
CI/CD Pipelines
Monitoring Tools
Kubernetes/Docker
23. Generative AI Ethics Specialist
Average Base Salary: $120,000 to $160,000 per year
Job Summary
A generative AI ethics specialist defines policies for responsible AI use.
This role evaluates bias, fairness, and transparency in AI systems.
They develop guidelines and compliance checks that help teams meet organizational and legal standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in ethics, policy, law, or a related technical field
3–6 years of experience with AI governance or compliance
Familiarity with legal and ethical aspects of AI systems
Relevant Skills
Bias Evaluation
Policy Frameworks
Regulatory Awareness
24. AI Solutions Architect
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $210,000 per year
Job Summary
An AI Solutions Architect designs how AI technologies integrate with enterprise systems.
This role defines technical standards and selects appropriate AI tools.
They plan data flow, infrastructure, and security for AI solutions.
This position ensures performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in deployments.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering
8–12 years of systems architecture experience
Experience with cloud platforms and AI frameworks
Relevant Skills
Enterprise Integrations
Cloud Architecture
Security Planning
Specialized and Emerging Tech Roles
25. Robotics Software Engineer
Manufacturing and logistics companies across the U.S. continue investing in automation to reduce labor shortages and improve consistency.
Average Base Salary: $140,000 to $185,000 per year
Job Summary
A robotics software engineer develops software for robotic systems.
This role programs motion control, sensor integration, and system coordination.
They test robotic behavior in simulated and physical environments.
The position works with hardware engineers to align software with mechanical design.
This role supports industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in robotics, computer science, or engineering
5–10 years of robotics or control system experience
Experience working with sensors and embedded platforms
Background in automation or mechanical systems
Relevant Skills
Robot Operating System (ROS)
C++ or Python
Sensor Integration
Control Systems
Read Also: Python String Formatting: Available Tools and Their Features
26. Embedded Systems Architect
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $200,000 per year
Job Summary
An Embedded Systems Architect designs software for hardware-based systems.
This role defines system architecture for devices such as medical equipment and vehicles.
They manage constraints related to memory, power, and performance.
The position reviews firmware designs and development standards.
This role ensures reliability across long product lifecycles.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering
8–14 years of embedded systems experience
4–16 years in architecture or senior engineering roles
Experience designing hardware-software interfaces
Relevant Skills
Embedded C/C++
Firmware Design
Hardware Interfaces
System Optimization
27. Computer Vision Engineer
Healthcare imaging, autonomous systems, and security monitoring increasingly rely on visual data processing.
Average Base Salary: $150,000 to $205,000 per year
Job Summary
A computer vision engineer develops systems that analyze visual data.
This role builds models for image recognition, object detection, and tracking.
They train and evaluate algorithms using large datasets.
The position integrates vision models into production applications.
This role supports areas such as autonomous systems, healthcare imaging, and security.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering
Master's degree preferred
6–10 years of experience in vision or machine learning roles
Experience working with image or video datasets
Relevant Skills
Python
Deep Learning Frameworks
Image Processing
Model Optimization
Conclusion
High-paying tech roles do not appear overnight. People grow into them through years of problem-solving, late fixes, system failures, and lessons learned the hard way. Behind every title on this list sits someone who earned trust by taking responsibility when systems broke, deadlines tightened, or risks increased. Salary grows as confidence grows.
If you are a student, these roles show what long-term effort can lead to. If you already work in tech, they offer direction for your next move. Growth happens step by step, not all at once. Choose skills that age well. Build systems you feel proud of. Work with people who challenge you. Over time, opportunity follows preparation, and the numbers begin to reflect the value you bring.
