Comprehensive List of the Highest Paying IT Jobs 

The IT industry has continued to evolve and saw a huge leap in importance in 2020. With a pandemic raging across the world, we saw companies expanding their IT departments to combat a changing landscape. This has opened the door to tremendous opportunities and driven an industry that was already in high demand even further. So you are probably wondering about the highest paying IT jobs in the industry.  

In 2019, the average amount earned for computer-related jobs was over $87,000. That was over $40,000 more than the average of other industries. We don’t have the 2020 numbers yet, but that gap is expected to be even higher. It makes sense though because IT departments are essential for all businesses in all industries. Even doctors, surgeons, and other premium jobs are highly reliant on technology.  

Top Paying IT Job #1: Data Scientist 

Data science comprises the highest paying jobs in technology, clocking in at a whopping $150,000! This industry continues to grow in demand every year and there simply are not enough data scientists to keep up. So what is it that makes this the highest paying IT job? 

Information is extremely valuable for businesses. They will pay a premium for it. Today, there is a ton of information shared online through social media engagement, research, case studies, and surveys. Top companies have discovered just how much value all of this data has for their business. Data scientists develop systems that will mine through this information and provide reports to a business. This is known as data analytics.  

Data scientists are expected to possess the following skills: 

• The ability to comprehend complex data sets and create models. 

• Coding for Python, R, SAS and other analytical tools. 
• Analysis of a business’s processes and ability to provide solutions unique to that company. 
• Understanding of machine learning algorithms. 

Top Paying IT Job #2: Internet of Things Architect 

With the emergence of technologically-driven homes and businesses, Internet of Things (IoT) has taken over the world. Technology is connected in ways we had never imagined and someone has to design these systems. That’s where an IoT systems architect comes into play.  

For example, a company might design a new lamp that they want to be compatible with Amazon Echo. So they would use an IoT architect to design the system that would be installed into the lamp to make it compatible, as well as relevant updates.  

The skillset required to be an IoT Architect is as follows: 

• Strong computer programming skills. 
• Machine learning knowledge and a deep understanding of it. 
• Hardware design knowledge. 

Top Paying IT Job #3: Data Engineer 

Data engineers work with data scientists to develop powerful mining and analytical systems. Think about the tremendous volume of data that users around the world generate on the internet every day. This information is valuable enough that it has carved a place in the budgets of 97% of businesses worldwide. So it should come as no surprise that companies are looking for experts who can develop systems to gather all of this data.  

Since data engineers are expected to develop and deploy highly technical data applications, they will need the following skills: 

• Expansive programming skills. 
• Superb communication skills since they have to work closely with departments to determine their data needs. 

• The ability to visualize data. 
• Experience in Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL.  

Top Paying IT Job #4: Artificial Intelligence Engineer 

AI engineers are becoming quite attractive as the sheer volume of data is beginning to overwhelm businesses. Machine learning is used to filter through all of the data received by businesses and only pull that which is deemed relevant. There’s just no way to do this manually since there is so much data available.  

AI Architects are expected to have the following skillset: 

• Have a firm grasp of programming skills for Python, R, and Torch systems.  
• A deep understanding of how TensorFlow works. 
• Artificial Intelligence skills and understanding that goes above and beyond ones and zeros. AI Architects are expected to know the link between machine learning and data analysis.  

Top Paying IT Job #5: Cloud Architect 

Everything has started moving to the cloud today so it’s no surprise that architects of these high-tech systems is one of the highest paid computer jobs. This position within a company is responsible for planning, creating, and launching company-wide cloud systems.  

In addition to the implementation of these systems, cloud architects are expected to set up security systems for them as well.  

Here are a few of the skills that are expected from a cloud architect: 

• A deep understanding of cloud and its application on networks.  
• Extensive knowledge of Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Google cloud platforms. Also needs to possess the ability to learn new systems quickly as they are created.  
• Superb communication skills because cloud architects must be able to connect with every part of a company. 

Top Paying IT Job #6: Blockchain Experts 

There are a number of different applications that can be used with blockchain technology and all of these require unique positions in a company. Pretty much everything we’ve listed thus far is compatible with this unique technology so it’s no surprise that experts are in demand.  

Blockchain experts specialize in the design and implementation of blockchain systems. Although this is sixth on the list right now, the demand for blockchain experts is expected to increase over the next couple of years. This is a billion-dollar industry!  

Blockchain experts should have the following skills: 

• A deep understanding of various blockchain technologies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. 

• Understand security protocol stacks and crypto libraries.  

Top Paying IT Job #7: IT Product Manager 

Product managers develop parameters for product launches that stretch from development to launch. In most cases, these products are limited to consumer-side. They are also expected to lead teams in a variety of departments to ensure that these products have everything they need.  

As a result, product managers are expected to have the following skills: 

• Leadership skills and the ability to lead a team. 

• The ability to understand the concept of Product Lifecycle Management.  
• Customer-driven skills that include the ability to listen and understand a target market.  
• The ability to expertly use tools like PivotalTracker, JIRA, and Asana. 

Top Paying IT Job #8: Software Architect 

Software architects provide many of the same functions as a project manager but they work specifically with software design. They decide on everything from concept to launch. An important role of a software architect is to review customer interactions and data to understand features that they want.  

Software architects are required to possess the following skills: 

• Deep understanding of data modeling and analytical data. 
• Superb programming skills and knowledge in software architecture. 

Final Thoughts on Highest Paying IT Jobs 

This blog post has shown you 8 of the highest paying IT jobs but there are a lot of opportunities in this industry. Cybersecurity and digital marketing are two high-demand fields that fell just short of this list but they are amazing jobs too. The goal is to make sure that the job you choose matches your personality and skillset. Don’t end up in a job you hate because your values don’t match.  

Finally, never stop learning. This is an industry that’s always in a constant state of flux so you’ll need to ensure that your skillset stays up-to-date.