Highest paying IT jobs: 7 Different Jobs

Key takeaways

Some of the highest-paying IT jobs are those that require the most education and experience, such as vice president of technology or IT manager. 

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that 317,700 job openings will be available in the IT sector each year from 2024 to 2034 [1].

• High-paying IT jobs include executive positions, such as vice president of information technology and chief technology officer.

• You can find other high-paying roles in IT, including software architect, database manager, DevOps engineer, and data security analyst.

Explore the highest-paying IT jobs and their requirements to help you choose a role that’s suitable for your background, skills, and aspirations. To start building your IT skills, consider enrolling in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to perform day-to-day IT tasks in as little as three months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career credential to share on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Highest-paying IT jobs in the US and outlook

The US BLS projects information technology jobs to grow between 2024 and 2034, with an average of 317,700 job openings annually [1]. Whether you are looking for a job right now or starting to map out your career path, you’ll find many options for high-paying jobs in the IT sector. Credentials and experience are the two biggest factors that influence salary, but location, company, and industry also play a role in determining how much money you’re offered.

Where you sit in the organizational chart matters as well. Vice presidents and C-suite executives will make more money than an entry-level developer, and an IT architect will make more money than a consultant. Due to the amount that salaries fluctuate based on job title and responsibilities, the highest-paying IT jobs listed below are organized by category. You’ll find the median total pay for job titles in each category, along with basic education requirements.

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of January 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Did you know that all US industries have increased their use of AI [2]? Learn to apply AI in your field productively and responsibly by enrolling in Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate program.

1. IT vice presidents and C-suite executives

Vice presidents and chief officers are the highest-paid IT jobs in the United States. In most cases, these positions represent the top of the corporate ladder for IT professionals. Vice presidents of technology and chief technology officers are responsible for overseeing the organization's technology. This could include overseeing a department, designing and implementing procedures, monitoring performance, and coordinating with other departments in the company.

Median total IT professional salary

• Vice president of technology: $258,000

• Vice president of information technology: $218,000

• Chief technology officer: $326,000

Average education requirements

To become the vice president of technology or chief technology officer, you may need a bachelor’s degree. Some positions require a master’s degree in business administration or a doctorate in computer science. To reach this position, you’ll likely need several years of professional experience.

2. IT architects

IT architects design and develop systems to solve problems. Specializations of an IT architect can include the Internet of Things (IoT), data, networks, software, applications, and more. For example, a network architect is responsible for creating and maintaining computer networks, while an applications architect will create and deploy applications.

Median total IT professional salary

• Internet of Things architect: $128,000

• Data architect: $177,000

• Network architect: $169,000

• Software architect: $229,000

• Applications architect: $202,000

Average education requirements

Many IT architect roles require a bachelor’s degree. Additional requirements could include a master’s degree or some level of professional experience. Some employers may prefer candidates to have additional certifications, depending on what field the architect is working in.

3. IT managers and directors

IT managers and directors oversee the information technology program of a business and organization, including running an IT department and designing, implementing, and coordinating technology efforts. IT managers can be more generalized, or they can have specializations in areas like information security systems, databases, or specific IT programs.

Median total IT professional salary

• IT director: $165,000

• IT program manager: $177,000

• Innovation manager: $215,000

• Database manager: $106,000

Average education requirements

Sixty-four percent of IT managers have a bachelor's degree, 17 percent have an associate degree, and 12 percent have a master's degree [3]. This position could lead to a senior director or vice president role, with the potential to earn an even higher annual salary.

4. IT engineers

“IT engineer” is a catch-all term used to describe the many professionals who design, manage, or implement computer systems. Many different kinds of IT engineers exist, including blockchain engineers, software engineers, AI engineers, DevOps engineers, site reliability engineers, and more. Engineers can take on a lot of different specializations, which will affect their salary potential.

Median total IT professional salary

• Blockchain engineer: $150,000

• Software engineer: $148,000

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer: $140,000

• DevOps engineer: $143,000

• Site reliability engineer: $169,000

Read more: What Does a DevOps Engineer Do? A Career Guide

Average education requirements

The specific education requirements to become an IT engineer will vary depending on the type of engineer you plan to become. In some cases, a degree in computer science is required. In other cases, work experience or alternative credentials, such as certificates, can help you land an entry-level role.

5. IT consultants

The general definition of an IT consultant is a professional who advises a business or organization about technology. What exactly a consultant does in any business depends greatly on the role the company is trying to fill. Business technology consultants work with corporations to determine the best way to implement technology in business systems.

Median total IT professional salary

• Technical consultant: $120,000

• Business technology consultant: $150,000

Average education requirements

It’s possible to get a job as a tech consultant without a formal education, provided you have the skills required to do the job. A bachelor’s degree is one path to learning those skills. With experience, you may find opportunities to lead a staff and become a senior consultant.

6. IT analysts

IT analysts look at systems and data on behalf of companies and organizations and make recommendations on changes or identify risks and opportunities. You may pursue various job titles as an IT analyst, including data security analysts who look for ways to reduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Median total IT professional salary

• Computer systems analysts: $124,000

• Information security (InfoSec) analysts: $137,000

• Data security analyst: $120,000

• Information assurance analyst: $134,000

Average education requirements

Computer science analysts usually require a bachelor’s degree. Senior analyst positions can sometimes require a master’s degree, but may only require a certain level of experience. A senior-level position can sometimes lead to earning more money.

7. IT developers

IT developers build, deploy, maintain, update, and test various types of software, applications, and websites. Sometimes IT developers are called by their specializations, like software developers or mobile applications developers who are titled after the products they work on.

Other developers, like senior developers or full-stack developers, are titled on their level of skill or experience. A senior developer would be a professional with experience leading a team, while a full-stack developer is a professional with skills to create the front-end and back-end of a website.

Median total IT professional salary

• Software developers: $121,000

• Mobile applications developer: $126,000

• Senior web developer: $143,000 

• Full-stack developer: $119,000

Average education requirements

Developers typically need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent hands-on experience for entry-level positions. With a master’s degree, time, or additional experience, you may find opportunities to become a senior developer, which can sometimes mean earning a higher salary.

Discover no-fluff tips for your IT career

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn, where you can access career tips and learn about industry trends. You can also explore these resources to learn more about in-demand jobs in IT:

• Learn your terminology: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary 

• Stay on top of trends: How AI Is Transforming IT 

• Watch on YouTube: 7 High-Paying IT Skills You Need (Beginner Friendly) 

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