If you’re looking for tech jobs that pay well, the good news is that the demand for skilled information technology (IT) professionals continues to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the IT field is projected to continue to grow much faster than the average (4%) for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.
Part of what makes the IT field so resilient is the number of specialties that require unique skills, experience, expertise, and even specific certifications or degrees. From software development and cybersecurity to data analysis and cloud computing, a skilled professional can find many opportunities for career advancement and high salaries.
Whether you’re a job seeker looking for placement or a company that wants to find the best talent, here’s what you need to know about the highest-paying tech jobs in 2025 and beyond.
TECH INDUSTRY HIRING AND SALARY TRENDS
Here are some of the trends that Alexander Technology Group says are shaping the demand for top-paying tech jobs.
AI AUTOMATION WILL MAKE ALL ROLES MORE EFFICIENT, BUT AT THE COST OF SOME POSITIONS
There’s a lot of hype and assumptions about the role AI will ultimately play in the tech industry—and for the larger economy—but there are three things almost everyone agrees on about how AI is impacting the tech job market:
- It will continue to automate mundane tasks across every industry
- It is likely to reduce the current number of entry-level, white collar jobs
- It will reshape the existing career ladder and open up broader opportunities
The first element is a fact: we’re already seeing an AI adoption rate of up to 40% for firms across different industries, with adoption levels rising rapidly at both the firm and individual levels. As AI improves in intelligence and reasoning, it becomes capable of taking on more complex tasks, even making progress toward achieving goals and acting autonomously.
Many firms and organizations have reduced entry-level tech positions because individuals are working more efficiently and some tasks are now fully automated. On the other hand, AI is creating more opportunities for skilled and specialized workers. As AI adoption becomes more widespread, tech workers with the right set of skills will be able to qualify for jobs in almost any industry and are no longer confined to just the realm of IT.
CONTRACT POSITIONS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS PERMANENT ONES
In general, many companies are rethinking their hiring strategies, favoring a balance of contract positions to balance out their long-term hires. This is especially true in tech and IT, as companies adopt more agile, project-based staffing models so they can scale faster, better manage risk, and tap into specialized skills on demand.
While there has been an increase in the number of long-term hires, the current risks of inflation, economic uncertainty, and global disruptions make companies reluctant to invest too heavily in permanent roles. Companies in tech greatly value talent that’s specialized, project-ready, and readily deployable—which is exactly what contract workers provide.
SALARY GROWTH HAS SLOWED, BUT SKILLED APPLICANTS ARE IN DEMAND
We’re well past the boom in salary growth of the post-pandemic years. Not only are companies looking for ways to reduce costs, they’re hesitant to overpay for talent, especially as the supply of tech candidates has steadily begun to outpace demand.
There’s a key split here, however, between entry-level and more specialized or advanced positions. One of the biggest problems companies are facing is that they’re not finding candidates with the right skill sets or experience. When they do find a qualified candidate, while they’ll be careful not to overpay, they will offer a competitive salary to ensure they won’t lose out to a competitor.
10 HIGHEST-PAYING IT AND TECH JOBS IN 2025-26
So, what are the high-paying jobs involving technology in the New England area? Here’s what we’re seeing for 2025 into 2026 for the best paid tech careers. All salaries are estimates, with actual salaries determined by circumstances such as location, company size, level of experience, and complexity of the work.
1. Software Engineering Manager
Salary Estimate: $187,500 – $287,000
Managers who can lead teams of software developers, oversee the software development lifecycle, ensure project delivery, and coordinate with stakeholders continue to be in demand. Software engineering managers are essential for companies to meet technical and business goals.
There’s a high demand for this role in enterprise tech firms and fast-growing startups, especially in the Boston metro area.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Relevant Skills: Team leadership, Agile methodologies, full-stack development, architecture design, budgeting
Suggested Certifications:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
2. Data Scientist
Salary Estimate: $211,000
This is a more specialized role, but demand is strong for skilled professionals. Research scientists often work in AI, quantum computing, or data systems design and conduct advanced research to develop new technologies or improve existing computing techniques.
Opportunities are concentrated in research labs, universities, and research and development-heavy firms in areas like Cambridge.
Recommended Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or related field
Relevant Skills: Algorithm design, statistical modeling, machine learning, data structures, advanced programming
Suggested Certifications:
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
- Certified Data Professional (CDP)
3. Cloud Architect
Salary Estimate: $160,000- $252,000
Skilled architects are needed to design and oversee cloud computing strategies, infrastructure, and services. Cloud architects ensure that cloud systems are scalable, secure, and cost-effective.
Cloud adoption continues to surge, especially in biotech, SaaS, and academia in New England.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Cloud Engineering
Skills: Cloud architecture, DevOps, Kubernetes, virtualization, automation, CI/CD
Suggested Certifications:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect
- Google Cloud Architect
4. Network Architect
Salary Estimate: $140,000- $195,000
There’s a steady but growing demand for architects who can design and implement enterprise network infrastructure. Network architects ensure the high performance, scalability, and security of networks across cloud and on-premise environments.
This role is especially valued in industries undergoing digital transformation, such as healthcare and logistics.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in Information Systems, Network Engineering, or Computer Science
Relevant Skills: Network design, routing and switching, firewall configuration, VoIP, cloud networking
Suggested Certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
- CompTIA Network+
5. Information Security / Cybersecurity Engineer
Salary Estimate: $140,000 – $225,000
There will always be a need for skilled professionals who can capably protect an organization’s systems and data from cyber threats. An information security or cybersecurity engineer will be responsible for developing and implementing security protocols, monitoring networks, and responding to security breaches.
The New England region, particularly Boston, has a growing need for cybersecurity in healthcare, higher ed, and fintech.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or Computer Science
Relevant Skills: Network security, firewalls, encryption, threat modeling, incident response
Suggested Certifications:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
6. AI / Machine Learning Engineer
Salary Estimate: $140,000- 190,000
Engineers who design, build, and implement AI models and machine learning algorithms are among the highest-paid and most in-demand IT professionals. They work with large datasets, optimize models for performance, and collaborate with data scientists and engineers to automate processes and analyze complex data.
Demand for this position is high across industries, especially healthcare, finance, and manufacturing in New England tech hubs like Boston and Cambridge.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field
Relevant Skills: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, data modeling, statistics, deep learning
Suggested Certifications:
- Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer
- AWS Machine Learning
- TensorFlow Developer Certificate
7. Product Manager
Salary Estimate: $125,000-$175,000
Tech fields need experienced product managers capable of defining the strategy, roadmap, and feature set for software or tech products. Tech product managers collaborate with engineering, marketing, and design experts to deliver user-centered solutions.
New England’s vibrant startup and health tech scenes are constantly recruiting product talent.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in Business, Computer Science, or Engineering; MBA often preferred
Skills: Market research, roadmap planning, Agile, data analytics, user experience (UX), stakeholder communication
Suggested Certifications:
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Pragmatic Institute
- The Association of International Product Marketing & Management
8. Technical Project Manager
Salary Estimate: $115,000 -$155,000
There’s also a demand for managers who are skilled in planning and overseeing tech projects, and are able to manage cross-functional teams, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery within scope and budget. Technical project managers are valued as the liaison between technical and non-technical teams.
There’s strong growth for this role, especially in IT consulting, financial services, and health tech industries across New England.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in IT, Business, Engineering, or related field
Relevant Skills: Project lifecycle management, risk management, Agile/Scrum, communication, budgeting
Suggested Certifications:
- PMP
- CSM
- Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)
9. Full-Stack Developer
Salary Estimate: $127,000 -$185,000
Full-stack developers are capable of building and maintaining both front-end and back-end systems for web or software applications. There’s a need for developers who are capable of collaborating with designers, DevOps, and product managers.
Most full-stack devs find employment at web-based startups, SaaS companies, and digital agencies across New England.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field
Relevant Skills: JavaScript, Python, React, Node.js, SQL, APIs, Git
Suggested Certifications:
- Meta Full Stack Developer
- AWS Certified Developer
10. Database Administrator
Salary Estimate: $115,00-150,000
10,000There are many organizations with a need to install, configure, and manage databases. Database administrators ensure data integrity, availability, and security while optimizing performance and troubleshooting issues.
There’s a strong demand for cloud and hybrid database management, especially in enterprise environments.
Recommended Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Database Administration, or Information Technology
Relevant Skills: Structured Query Language (SQL), backup and recovery, database tuning, cloud database management, security
Suggested Certifications:
- Oracle Certified Professional
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
TIPS FOR COMPETING FOR TECH ROLES
One of the major challenges facing both employers and job-seekers is finding the right fit. In today’s job environment, AI has made writing and sending job applications easier than ever. A flood of applications has made the hiring process more competitive for job-seekers and overwhelming for employers. Job-seekers who want to stand out in this sea of applicants and get noticed for the best-paying jobs in the IT industry should follow these recommendations:
- Do Your Job Research
The specialized nature of IT jobs means you need to line up your experience, education, and credentials just right. If you’re qualified as a product manager, you may not be able to transfer your skills over to the project management position. It’s essential to understand what employers are looking for so you can apply for positions you’re a good fit for, and see where you might need to fill in any gaps in your experience or skill set. - Acquire Relevant Education
Continue to invest in your education by pursuing degrees, certifications, or bootcamps that align with your chosen tech field. You’ll need to be able to highlight that you’ve mastered the technical skills relevant to your desired role. Continuous learning is key in this field, so stay on top of the latest developments in programming languages, cybersecurity tools, and data analysis techniques. - Sell Your Skills as Adaptable and Flexible
The tech industry evolves rapidly, which means the most important skills are the ones that allow you to be flexible and adaptable. Mastering a programming language or development framework can get you in the door, but earning the higher-level (and higher-paying) positions requires you to showcase your ability to problem solve, to learn new things, and to lead others. - Be Smart About Social Media
Making successful job connections on social media requires building relationships, not just a list of contacts. Make an effort to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and tailored to the type of roles you’re pursuing. Identify target companies, research their needs, and connect directly with professionals in those organizations by sending personalized connection requests and following up with meaningful messages. - Leverage Your Network
Speaking of relationships, you should try to stay in touch with peers, former colleagues, mentors, and industry groups. Attend professional events — virtually or in person — and keep your ear to the ground for industry trends. Too many professionals remain siloed in their current roles and miss out on opportunities simply because they’re not actively networking. Don’t let that be you. - Partner with a Recruiter
A good recruiter can help you handle all of the above by highlighting your strengths and presenting you directly to companies that align with your goals. The best opportunities often come to those already in a recruiter’s network, as they’ll be on top of industry trends and ensure you’ll be among the first to know about new opportunities.
When you work with a recruiter who understands the tech industry, you’re much more likely to get matched up with specialized positions that match your unique set of skills and experiences. At Alexander Technology Group, we’ve been matching talented tech professionals with leading local companies since 2007, and we’d love to help you in your job search, too. Send your resume to one of our recruiters to start the conversation.
And for employers, we’re also experienced in helping you cut through the noise to find your ideal candidate. Having a staffing partner like ATG can ensure you find qualified candidates sooner, so you can move the hiring process along more quickly. Contact us today and join the thousands of employers throughout Greater Boston and New England with whom we’ve placed top candidates.
FAQs
What are the current salary expectations for tech and IT professionals?
IT and tech positions for skilled professionals pay in the six figures, and especially in-demand or specialized positions can pay over $200,000. Contact us for more information about exact salary levels, as there is a lot of variation between different positions, and your exact salary will depend on your level of experience, the industry you’re working in, and your location.
Do all IT and tech jobs pay well?
Not all IT and tech jobs offer high salaries, but many do, especially roles that require specialized skills, experience, or advanced education. Entry-level positions may start lower, but the tech field offers strong opportunities for career growth and higher pay with upskilling and certifications.
What skills are required for the best-paying jobs in IT?
Top-paying IT jobs often require skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, data analytics, software development, and systems architecture. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are essential for higher-level and leadership positions. Certifications and hands-on experience are also key.
How much can I expect to earn as an IT or tech professional?
If you want to find out a more exact estimate for the salary you can expect, connect directly with one of our recruiters. After assessing your experience and qualifications, they’ll be able to give a more accurate range of what we would see in the market for your skill set.
