The past year was rough for the tech industry, with several companies reporting layoffs and the looming threat of a recession. But despite the bumpy year, demand for technology skills remains strong, with the US tech unemployment rate dropping to 1.5% as of January. For technologists with the right skills and expertise, the demand for talent remains and businesses continue to invest in technical skills such as data analytics, security, and cloud.

Companies can’t ignore digital transformation as technology continues to dominate nearly every aspect of business and daily-life. There’s an ever-growing need for technical pros who can handle the rapid pace of technology, ensuring businesses keep up with industry standards, compliance regulations, and emerging or disruptive technologies.

And according to the latest 2023 Dice Tech Salary Report, you don’t need to reach for an executive career in IT to earn a six-figure salary. The demand for specialized skills has boosted salaries in cybersecurity, data, engineering, development, and program management. Here are the top 10 IT occupations with the highest average salaries, according to Dice.

1.    IT management

It’s no surprise that IT executive positions earn some of the highest average salaries, with Dice reporting an average yearly salary of $164,814 in 2022 — an 8.4% increase from 2021. Those working in IT management, including the roles of CIO, CTO, VP, and IT Director, hold high-level positions that oversee an entire company’s technology infrastructure. The CIO typically ranks the highest in an IT department, responsible for managing the organization’s IT strategy, resources, operations, and overall goals. Meanwhile, the CTO focuses on technology research and development efforts, often working closely with the CIO to develop a strong IT strategy. The vice president of IT is responsible for overseeing specific aspects of the organization’s IT operations, whether it’s infrastructure, security, data management, or applications. Finally, the director of IT is tasked with managing specific teams or departments within IT operations, often including development teams and help desk support.

Average salary: US$164,814

Increase since 2021: 8.4%

2. Solutions architect

Solutions architects are responsible for building, developing, and implementing systems architecture within an organization, ensuring that they meet business or customer needs. They’re also charged with assessing a business’ current system architecture, and identifying solutions to improve, change, and modernize it. It’s a role that typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, software engineering, computer science, or a related field. Relevant skills include Java, JavaScript, organizational and leadership skills, technical knowledge, project management, and architecture design.

Average salary: US$155,934

Increase from 2021: n/a

3. Principal software engineer

As a senior-level technical role, a principal software engineer is responsible for leading a team of engineers and ensuring that the team builds and implements high-quality, scalable software, while following best practices. It’s a role that not only requires technical skills, but also leadership and communication skills as well to work across departments and to manage teams of engineers. These leaders are responsible for reviewing code written by other engineers, designing architecture for complex software systems, identifying the right technology for business needs, and staying on top of the latest industry trends.

Average salary: US$153,354

Increase from 2021: n/a

4. Systems architect

A systems architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of IT infrastructure such as hardware, software, and networks. They’re required to work closely with upper management, executives, and key stakeholders to identify business needs and requirements. Systems architects are responsible for identifying technical solutions that align with the business goals and budget. Relevant skills for a systems architect include risk management, performance optimization, security, leadership, and a strong knowledge of complex computer systems.

Average salary: US$151,364

Increase from 2021: 2.3%

5. Cybersecurity engineer/architect

The roles of cybersecurity engineer or architect require much of the same knowledge, expertise, and skills. However, engineers are responsible for building and maintaining cybersecurity infrastructure, while architects are responsible for designing cybersecurity systems. These IT pros work closely with developers to ensure security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems are included in software, systems, networks, and applications. Cybersecurity engineers and architects may also be responsible for responding to security incidents, data breaches, cyberattacks, and other potential security risks that businesses face. Average salary: US$145,512

Increase from 2021: 7.7%

6. Cloud architect/engineer

The roles of cloud architect and engineer share a lot of similarities, with the architects responsible for designing cloud systems, while the engineers are responsible for building and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Cloud architect skills include an understanding of cloud technologies and architectural principles, knowledge of how to scale cloud applications at cost, and the ability to collaborate and communicate with others in the organization. Both roles require a knowledge of cloud services, such as Amazon Web Services, as well as experience with ITSM, I&O, governance, automation, and vendor management.

Average salary: US$145,416

Increase from 2021: 3.4%

7. Program analyst/manager

A program analyst or manager is tasked with developing and overseeing IT projects to ensure that they stay on task and on budget. The role requires identifying resource requirements, creating and defining project objectives, establishing necessary timelines, and determining potential risks. Program analysts and managers need skills such as data management, analytical and organizational skills, strong communication skills, and proficiency in statistics and mathematics.

Average salary: US$139,683

Increase from 2021: 12.9%

8. Product manager

The role of product manager is vital for businesses, ensuring that the products and services they launch are up to customer standards and align with business needs and industry trends. Product managers need to gather customer requirements, create a product roadmap, conduct market research, collaborate with relevant teams across the organization, identify the key features that need to be prioritized, and keep track of how the products perform after launch. Product managers are becoming increasingly crucial as more businesses shift to product-based IT models, resulting in the big salary gains for the role in recent years.

Average salary: US$139,100

Increase from 2021: 15.6%

9. DevOps engineer

DevOps engineers are tasked with managing IT infrastructure, identifying requirements, overseeing software testing, and monitoring performance of software and services after they are deployed. The role requires a strong focus on automation, especially around software development processes, and ensuring continuous integration and delivery pipelines are implemented to support development teams. It’s a multifaceted role that was created to bridge the gap between development and operations. Relevant skills for a DevOps engineer include coding and scripting skills, security, analytics, automation, data management, and IT operations skills.

Average salary: US$136,017

Increase from 2021: 14.1%

10. MIS manager

A management information systems (MIS) manager is responsible for overseeing an organization’s IT strategy and systems and identifying new technology and tools that can help the organization meet its business and operational goals. MIS managers are tasked managing a team of IT professionals and planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining the business’ IT systems and ensuring that they remain scalable, secure, efficient, and reliable. This role requires knowledge of IT security, data privacy, encryption, compliance, and the ability to manage budgets, identify the most cost-effective solutions, and maintain systems with troubleshooting and updates.

Average salary: US$132,094

Increase from 2021: 10.8%

Careers, IT Jobs, Salaries

IBM reported net income  of $2.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022 and year-on-year increases in revenue across all three of its business segments.

That’s an increase in net income of 9% compared to the total reported for the corresponding quarter of 2021, or 17% comparing only continuing operations: IBM spun off most its infrastructure management division as a new business, Kyndryl, in November 2021, and sold some assets of its Watson Health business in January 2022.

On a conference call with analysts to discuss the results, CFO Jim Kavanaugh alluded vaguely to this leaving IBM with some stranded costs in its business, saying, “We expect to address these remaining stranded costs early in the year and anticipate a charge of about $300 million in the first quarter.”

Later that day, in an interview with Bloomberg, Kavanaugh explained that eliminating those stranded costs — staff left with nothing to do following the asset disposals —  would result in IBM cutting about 3,900 jobs, or 1.5% of its workforce. An IBM representative said the company had “nothing further to add.”

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said on the call with analysts that the company’s fourth quarter and full year results demonstrate the successful execution of its hybrid cloud and AI strategy.

He noted that IBM was continuing to invest in large language and foundation models — the technologies behind tools like ChatGPT — and is infusing these capabilities across the company’s AI portfolio. In addition, Krishna said that business with strategic partners, including SAP, Microsoft and AWS, had generated over $1 billion in revenue for the year.

“I’m confident in our ability to leverage hybrid cloud and AI to help clients turn business challenges into opportunities,” he said.

Growth across all lines of business

Krishna told analysts that IBM had delivered strong revenue growth across its business, with results “broad-based” across its software, consulting, and infrastructure segments as well as across geographies.

Software sales for the fourth quarter rose 2.8% from a year earlier, to $7.3 billion, while infrastructure sales rose 1.6% to of $4.5B.

Consulting revenue also grew, but by just 0.5%, to $4.8 billion. If it continues at that rate, it will fall behind the market: Gartner forecast that global spending on consulting will grow 6.7% this year to $264.9 billion.

IBM’s software segment was boosted by sales of its hybrid platform and solutions, up 5%, while automation, data and AI, and security all contributed growth of 4%; transaction processing revenue was down by 3%. Revenue generated by Red Hat accounted for the biggest area of growth in this segment, up 10% from a year earlier.

The biggest driver in the infrastructure segment was the zSystems line of mainframe computers, up 16% after the z16 model became generally available in May. However, distributed infrastructure revenue remained flat and infrastructure support was down by 8% year on year.

Kavanaugh said on the conference call that he hopes to squeeze another $200 million profit from the infrastructure segment in 2023 by extending the period over which it amortizes the cost of its IT assets. “Due to advances in technology, we are making an accounting change to extend the useful life of our server and networking equipment,” he said. “Given this is a change to the depreciation, there’s no benefit to cash.”

IT Consulting Services, Multi Cloud

The ongoing tight IT job market has companies doing whatever they can to attract top tech talent. For some that means getting a head start in filling this year’s most in-demand roles, which range from data-focused to security-related positions, according to Robert Half Technology’s 2023 IT salary report. The survey also reveals the average salaries for each role based on experience.

Recruiting in the tech industry remains strong, according to the report. Of those surveyed, 56% said they planned to hire for new roles in the coming year and 39% said they planned to hire for vacated roles. But 86% of technology managers also said that it’s challenging to find skilled professionals in software and applications development, technology process automation, and cloud architecture and operations. Companies will have to be more competitive than ever to land the right talent in these high-demand areas.

While many factors will impact the starting salary for any given role, including competition, location, corporate culture, and budgets, there are certain things you can look for to make sure you land the talent you want. Here are 10 jobs expected to be in high demand for 2023, the skills and experience you should look for when hiring, and the average salary you’ll want to pay to stay competitive in the marketplace.

The 10 most in-demand tech jobs for 2023

Job

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile
Cloud engineer $102,500 $122,750 $143,750 Database developer$105,000 $127,250 $144,250 DevOps engineer $108,250 $133,750 $157,500 Front-end developer$81,250 $98,500 $117,250 Help desk and desktop support professional $38,250 (tier 1); $44,750 (tier 2); $54,250 (tier 3) $46,250 (tier 1); $54,500 (tier 2); $65,750 (tier 3) $51,500 (tier 1); $61,000 (tier 2); $77,750 (tier 3) Network administrator $82,500 $101,000 $118,500 Network security engineer $112,500 $135,750 $158,750 Software developer $103,250 $126,500 $148,000 Software engineer $106,500 $127,000 $149,750Systems security manager $134,250 $164,250 $194,250 25th percentile: new to the type of role, still acquiring relevant skills50th percentile: average experience, has most of the necessary skills75th percentile: above average experience, has all needed skills

Cloud engineer

Cloud engineers are responsible for overseeing an organization’s cloud-based systems, developing and implementing cloud applications, and migrating existing applications to the cloud. These candidates should have experience debugging cloud stacks, securing apps in the cloud, and creating cloud-based solutions. Cloud engineers should have experience troubleshooting, analytical skills, and knowledge of SysOps, Azure, AWS, GCP, and CI/CD systems. The role also requires soft skills such as strong communication, collaboration, and client management skills. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and at least three years of experience in cloud computing. Keep an eye out for candidates with certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Google Cloud Professional, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals.

Skills and experience to look for:

Experience identifying and implementing optimal cloud solutionsKnowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCPProgramming skills in languages such as Python, Java, and RUnderstanding of DevOps, APIs, and web services

Database developer

Database developers are responsible for developing and maintaining new servers, identifying business needs to better understand technology requirements, and troubleshooting servers. These candidates will be skilled at troubleshooting databases, understanding best practices, and identifying front-end user requirements. Database developers should have experience with NoSQL databases, Oracle Database, big data infrastructure, and big data engines such as Hadoop. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and three or more years of experience as a database developer or related field.

Skills and experience to look for:

Ability to design database systems based on user requirementsAbility to write SQL codeExperience managing, developing, and maintaining new serversKnowledge of NoSQL databases, Oracle Database, big data infrastructure, Hadoop or other big data engines, the .NET framework, HTML, and JavaScript and PHP

DevOps engineer

DevOps engineers develop and improve IT systems and work as a go-between for development teams to ensure a flow between coding and engineering. This role is vital for improving and maintaining IT and cloud infrastructure, ultimately boosting productivity in the business. DevOps engineers must be able to deploy automated applications, maintain applications, and identify the potential risks and benefits of new software and systems. The role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field as well as experience with automation, deploying infrastructure, and developing services on cloud platforms such as AWS. Certifications to look for include the Docker Certified Associate (DCA), Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, and Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.

Skills and experience to look for:

Knowledge of coding languages, including C++, Java, Perl, Python, and RubyUnderstanding of agile software development methodologiesAbility to implement and work with IT automation tools such as Ansible, Chef, Puppet, and SaltStackAnalytical, problem solving, and collaboration skills

Front-end developer

Front end developers are responsible for coding, designing, maintaining, and editing applications on web and mobile. This role requires the ability to build web and mobile applications with a focus on user experience, functionality, and usability. It requires a strong ability for complex project management and to juggle design requirements while ensuring the final product is scalable, maintainable, and efficient. Front-end developers write and analyze code, debug applications, and have a strong understanding of databases and networks. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field and experience with multiple programming languages.

Skills and experience to look for:

Skills and experience with tools such as CSS, Sass, JavaScript, and jQueryAbility to create and manage web and mobile applicationsDeep knowledge of coding and website functionalityCreative thinking and communication skills

Help desk, tiers 2 and 3

For customer-facing businesses, the help desk is an important part of running an efficient business. As the first line of defense for customer service and troubleshooting, help desk workers need to have the right technical and soft skills for the job. Robert Half Technology breaks out the role of help desk technician into three tiers, given that the job description and requirements can vary significantly based on the business.

Skills and experience to look for:

Tier 1: Entry-level positions that require less than two years of experience, an associate degree, or coursework at a technical schoolTier 2: Experienced positions that require two to four years of experience, a two-year or bachelor’s degree, and relevant work experienceTier 3: Skilled positions that require four or more years of experience in a help desk setting, bachelor’s degree in a related field, and professional certifications

Network and computer systems administrator

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for handling the daily operations of computer networks in the enterprise. These IT pros typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and should be knowledgeable in LAN/WAN protocol, software, and hardware. This position involves a lot of time spent troubleshooting, and network and computer systems administrators typically need to be on call in case of an emergency or failure. What you look for in experience will depend on how extensive your network needs are, but there are certain skills and certifications that can help you find the most qualified workers.

Skills and experience to look for:

Troubleshooting and communication skillsAnalytic and diagnostic skillsA willingness to be on call after hoursProfessional certifications

Network security engineer

Network security engineers are tasked with deploying and maintaining corporate WAN, LAN, and server architecture. These IT pros help steer the organization on the right path with network security by enforcing corporate network security policies, ensuring overall compliance, and managing external security audits and recommendations. The role requires implementing and administering network security hardware and software, identifying security policies and communicating them to the organization, and have an eye on emerging trends in network security technologies. The role typically requires a four-year college degree in a technology field — you’ll also want to keep an eye out for candidates with security-related certifications. Candidates should have at least five years of experience with installing, monitoring, and maintaining network security solutions.

Skills and experience to look for:

Analytical skills to evaluate network security needsAbility to design, integrate, and install hardware and softwareKnowledge of how to maintain firewalls, risk detection systems, and other security systemsExperience testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting network security systems

Software developer

Software developers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, testing, and maintaining software systems. The job requires coding, designing, and building applications, websites, or mobile apps, working with multiple programming languages such as C#, C++, HTML, Java, Microsoft .NET, and SQL Server. Developers need to be able to understand client requirements and provide recommendations for improving web, software, and mobile applications to ensure they meet user needs.

Skills and experience to look for:

Knowledge of multiple programming languagesAnalytical and technical skillsStrong communication skillsBachelor’s degree in computer scienceTwo-year associate degree with certifications, bootcamps, and prior work experience

Software engineer

Software engineers are responsible for designing and creating software programs and applications to suit business needs. It’s a role that requires cross-collaboration and communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team environment. Software engineers are tasked with producing quality source code that is well-documented and organized, and they work closely with quality assurance to ensure software is properly tested. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline.

Skills and experience to look for:

Programming languages, including C#, C++, and JavaExperience with the .NET FrameworkAbility to collaborate across teams to test hardware and software integrationCreate documentation for software specifications

Systems security manager

A systems security manager is responsible for managing and leading a team of security administrators, analysts, and other IT professionals with the goal of overseeing the company’s overall IT security. The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in information systems and five or more years of experience with systems and network security; management experience may be required as well. When hiring for this role, look for candidates who hole Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and CompTIA Security+ certifications.
Skills and experience to look for:

Leadership and training skillsExperience with complex contracts and complianceExperience identifying and predicting security threatsAbility to manage security audits and to respond to network or system intrusions
Careers, IT Jobs, IT Leadership, Staff Management

Businesses must prioritise fostering an inclusive company culture in order to improve the professional experiences of young tech workers from underrepresented groups, according to Wiley Edge’s second annual ‘Diversity in Tech’ report.

The report is based on a survey that asked UK respondents about their perceptions of the technology industry, to establish what is currently being done to actively improve diversity in tech teams, and where more work is still required.

The report comprises responses from 2,000 18-to-24 year-olds—44% of whom were already working in tech roles—and 200 senior business leaders in key industries, including financial services, insurance and pharmaceuticals.  to establish what is currently being done to actively improve diversity in their tech teams, and where more work is still required.

When asked to describe their experience of the industry so far, 50% of respondents rated it as either ‘entirely positive’ or ‘mostly positive’, with 30% having mixed experiences and 11% describing their time in the tech industry so far as ‘mostly negative’.

Uninteresting and difficult work were cited by 10% and 13% of respondents, respectively, as factoring into their negative experience. For those who have had a more positive experience, 28% said they have enjoyed the work, with the same figure having found the work interesting. Twenty percent of those surveyed said that they like their company’s culture, while another 20% said they have felt welcomed by their colleagues.

However, one of the key takeaways from the survey was that the benefits of pursuing a career in technology remains low amongst 18–24-year-olds. Of those surveyed for the report, only 26% of respondents who are not currently working in tech said that they believe it offers excellent career opportunities, while 29% said that they think that it offers a wide range of career choices, and 24% believe tech careers are likely to be among the most futureproof.

What is driving the racial and gender talent gap?

The survey shows there is still a lot more work to be done to hire and retain diverse talent.

In comments published alongside the report, Tom Seymour, senior director of HR at Wiley Edge, said that while it’s great that half of young tech workers have enjoyed their time in the industry so far, it’s concerning that a significant proportion have encountered some challenges.

“Our findings seem to indicate that it’s not the nature of the work itself that is an issue for most unhappy young tech employees,” he said. “Instead, the research suggests that many businesses are still struggling to establish an inclusive, welcoming environment which is having a negative impact on the wellbeing of their tech teams.”

Nearly half of the young tech workers polled, 48%, have felt uncomfortable in a job because of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or neurodevelopmental condition.

The report also found that women were 22% less likely to say they have felt welcomed by their colleagues than men, and 22% less likely to say they like their company’s culture. They were also 45% more likely to say they had not had enough personal support.

Eleven percent of those surveyed said that they believe the tech industry is too male dominated, rising to 19% of women.

With regards to ethnic minority employees, white respondents were more likely to say they liked their company’s culture than any other ethnic group, 23% compared to an average of 20%, respectively. Black African respondents were the most likely to say they do not feel welcomed by their colleagues, to say that they actively do not like their company’s culture, and were also the most likely to highlight the issue of a lack of role models.

In addition to creating a potentially hostile company culture, the less diverse an organisation, the bigger the gender and ethnicity pay gaps at that organisation will be, the research suggests.

However, the survey found that only 31% of UK business leaders believe they have a gender pay gap problem, despite the latest ONS data showing that about 78% of reporting employers are paying their male employees a higher median hourly wage.

And while employment rates have been rising across all ethnic groups across the last two decades, a 2021 report by PwC found that white British people earn more on average than people from almost all other ethnic groups.

Furthermore, the report found that while only 25% of businesses admitted to having a race and ethnicity pay gap problem, more than a quarter (26%) of businesses are still failing to collect data on the demographic composition of their workforce.

What should businesses be doing better?

The lack of diversity in the technology industry is not a new talking point and while recent statistics show that the dial is moving the right direction, reports such as that from Wiley Edge show there is still more that needs to be done.

The report found employers are not unaware of  diversity and inclusion issues, with 87% of businesses acknowledging the continued lack of diversity in their tech teams. According to the survey, 42% of those polled have noticed a lack of gender diversity, 44% a lack of ethnic diversity, 35% a lack of neurodiversity, and 35% a lack of socio-economic diversity.

Having a diverse workforce is not something that will happen without organisations taking active steps to reduce bias and address some of the long-standing issues that have become pervasive in the tech industry, according to the report. But when it comes to improving the hiring process and developing a more diverse talent pipeline, only 40% of businesses surveyed currently invest in anti-bias training for hiring managers, while 61% of respondents do not use deliberately neutral job descriptions. Even fewer businesses, 32% of those surveyed, currently anonymise CVs and only 38% said that they request diverse shortlists from recruiters.

However, there has been some progress. Only 4% said that they have no anti-bias hiring practices in place at all, compared with 9% in 2021, and of those that do, 88% have noticed an improvement to some extent.

Diversity and Inclusion, Hiring

The manufacturing industry is experiencing its “fourth industrial revolution,” with manufacturers focused on leveraging IT to stay competitive and meet the demand for digital services that can enhance their physical wares. Sensors, AI, and robotics are key Manufacturing 4.0 technologies that fueled data strategies aimed at identifying inefficiencies, streamlining processes, and improving the ability to forecast and predict industry trends.

Because of this, IT professionals are in high demand in the manufacturing industry — even more so as supply chain issues persist and manufacturers consider bringing more of their operations back onshore. Demand has increased so much that IT job postings in manufacturing doubled between May 2021 and 2022, according to Dice.com, with increased demand for skills such as agile development, Python, software development, automation, C++, SQL, and Java, among others.

If you’re an IT pro looking to break into the manufacturing industry, or a manufacturing IT leader wanting to know where hiring will be the most competitive, here are nine of the most in-demand tech jobs in manufacturing, according to data from Dice.

Software engineer

The demand for software in manufacturing has only increased, as nearly every piece of equipment or hardware is now connected to the internet in some form — and this has also increased the demand for software engineers. In this role, you’ll be expected to design, code, debug, improve, and maintain software to support the organization. You may be put to work on automation, modernization, equipment installation, equipment support, or designing software to meet business needs. Software design and implementation can sometimes take years, depending on what’s being developed, so it’s a pivotal role for ensuring a company stays on track and on budget with digital transformation.

The average salary for a financial software engineer is $119,593 per year, with a reported salary range of $88,000 to $177,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Principal software engineer

Principal software engineers are typically responsible for managing large-scale, high-level projects that may require larger teams or longer lead times, and it’s one of the highest levels software engineers can reach. In this role, you’ll need to manage and oversee the technical aspects of the organization’s biggest projects and initiatives. Duties vary depending on the type of manufacturing, but these tech pros are often tasked with implementing plans developed by software architects and managing a team of engineers to code and script software. It’s a technical role that also requires a level of soft skills such as leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

The average salary for a principal software engineer is $169,453 per year, with a reported salary range of $128,000 to $235,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Systems engineer

Systems engineers are responsible for focusing solely on the systems and infrastructure in an organization and identifying areas for improvement, designing new solutions, and advising the company on the best hardware or software to meet a client’s requirements. You’ll be tasked with ensuring that the systems in an organization are always available, reliable, and well-maintained, as well as troubleshooting any problems or issues that arise. In manufacturing, systems engineers are typically expected to focus on process flows, identifying issues in development processes, developing management control systems, implement quality control procedures, and working directly with clients to better understand requirements and needs.

The average salary for a systems engineer is $110,245 per year, with a reported salary range of $82,000 to $158,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Principal systems engineer

Principal systems engineer is a high-level engineering role for designing and implementing complex computer systems across a variety of teams. These tech pros work closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and other tech professionals to ensure that the company’s products are up to industry standards and address customer needs. It’s the highest level for a systems engineer and you’ll typically act as a supervisor, overseeing the day-to-day operations and performance of servers, storage, and network infrastructures. You’ll also be responsible for managing building, patching, testing, and deployment of systems and platforms, ensuring that they meet clients’ needs

The average salary for a principal systems engineer is $169,453 per year, with a reported salary range of $128,000 to $235,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Embedded software engineer

Embedded software engineers are responsible for designing and developing software for embedded devices and systems. They are typically expected to work on systems and software designed for specific tasks. Depending on the role, you may also be expected to work on the entire system that the embedded software functions within, in order to test it to see whether it works properly. But overall, it’s a role that requires a very narrow focus and designing software solutions to meet unique or specific needs in the organization.

The average salary for an embedded software engineer is $114,884 per year, with a reported salary range of $88,000 to $166,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Data scientist

Data scientists are critical in manufacturing because they help businesses collect, manage, and store relevant data for customers, clients, products, and services. It’s a role that helps manufacturing companies identify areas for process improvements, potential risks, and waste that can be eliminated in various processes. Job listings typically ask for skills such as machine learning, AI, SQL, Python, AWS, and the ability to work with relational databases, analyze and model engineering data, and identify emerging technologies that will help the company meet its goals.

The average salary for a data scientist is $122,004 per year, with a reported salary range of $90,000 to $176,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Software developer

As the manufacturing industry increasingly relies on technology and software, there’s a big demand for software developers. Software developers are expected to recommend software programs to help address manufacturing needs, run software tests on internal computer programs, modify open-source code to suit business needs, or design and develop custom software for the organization. In manufacturing, software developers are tasked with working on software for internal and external clients to manage projects, suppliers, supply chains, data analysis, and smart technologies for products.  

The average salary for a software developer is $111,729 per year, with a reported salary range of $78,000 to $181,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Business analyst

In the manufacturing industry, business analysts are responsible for using data and analytics to help the business make decisions and to support digital transformation. Business analysts are expected to perform requirement analysis, document processes and communicate analysis insights to various departments and leadership. As a business analyst, you’ll also be expected to recommend new or emerging technology and processes to improve automation, and to stay on top of the latest process and IT advancements to automate and modernize systems.

The average salary for a business analyst is $97,744 per year, with a reported salary range of $70,000 to $155,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

DevSecOps engineer

DevSecOps is the intersection of development, security, and operations — it’s an expansion on DevOps, with an added priority on security. DevSecOps engineers are responsible for monitoring processes, conducting risk analysis, automating security control, managing incidents and security protocol, maintaining internal and external systems, and implementing safety practices within the organization. It’s a role that requires strong communication, leadership, and administrative skills as well as hard skills such as Python, Java, C++, Ruby, DAST, SAST, and modeling tools such as Rhapsody and SysML.

The average salary for a DevSecOps engineer is $120,117 per year, with a reported salary range of $89,000 to $169,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Careers, Hiring, IT Jobs, Manufacturing Industry

The US financial services industry has fully embraced a move to the cloud, driving a demand for tech skills such as AWS and automation, as well as Python for data analytics, Java for developing consumer-facing apps, and SQL for database work.

The push is part of an industrywide trend toward making banking more accessible by giving customers better access to savings accounts, investments, and loans through digital services, according to careers website Dice.com. New technologies, such as cryptocurrency and digital banking, have the potential to bridge opportunity gaps in financial services that have existed for decades. But financial services companies need skilled IT professionals to help manage the integration of new and emerging technology, while modernizing legacy finance tech.

As demand for tech skills grows in the finance industry, certain IT jobs are becoming more sought-after than others. If you’re an IT pro looking to break into the finance industry, or a finance IT leader wanting to know where hiring will be most competitive, here are the top 10 in-demand tech jobs in finance, according to data from Dice.

Software engineer

Software engineers are one of the most sought-after roles in the US finance industry, with Dice citing a 28% growth in job postings from January to May. The most in-demand skills include DevOps, Java, Python, SQL, NoSQL, React, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and AWS tools, among others. In the finance industry, software engineers are often tasked with assisting in the technical front-end strategy, writing code, contributing to open-source projects, and helping the company deliver customer-facing services. Software engineers are at the forefront of digital transformation in the financial services industry by helping companies automate processes, release scalable applications, and keep on top of emerging technology trends.

The average salary for a financial software engineer is $116,670 per year, with a reported salary range of $85,000 to $177,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Full-stack software engineer

Full-stack software engineers are essentially high-level software engineers who are focused on designing, testing, and implementing software applications. Job duties include helping plan software projects, designing software system architecture, and designing and deploying web services, applications, and APIs. You’ll be required to write code, troubleshoot systems, fix bugs, and assist with the development of microservices. In-demand skills for the role include programming languages such as Scala, Python, open-source RDBMS, NoSQL, as well as skills involving machine learning, data engineering, distributed microservices, and full stack systems.

The average salary for a full stack software engineer is $115,818 per year, with a reported salary range of $85,000 to $171,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Back-end software engineer

Back-end software engineers are responsible for maintaining the structure of server-side information by optimizing servers, implementing security measures, and developing data storage solutions. You’ll also be responsible for writing server scripts and APIs that will be used by front-end engineers and UX designers, inspect server codes, configure front-side applications, maintain stable servers, and maintain a backup library. Commonly sought-after skills for back-end software engineers in the financial industry include Java, Python, SQL, Node, Go, Scala, open-source RDBMS, NoSQL databases, and AWS tools and services, among others. You’ll also be expected to stay on top of latest tech trends, work closely with product managers, and assist in building cloud-based solutions for financial clients.

The average salary for a back-end software engineer is $126,755 per year, with a reported salary range of $89,000 to $205,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Director of software engineering

A director of software engineering is responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations in the software engineering business unit and drive the business roadmap and strategy for the department. You’ll be responsible for managing teams of software engineers, overseeing development of customer-facing and internal business applications, and maintaining an eye on new or emerging technology that may impact the business. It’s a high-level role that requires more leadership and communication skills rather than hard skills, but depending on the size of the company, you may still need to code occasionally and get hands-on with tech projects.  

The average salary for a director of software engineering is $233,321 per year, with a reported salary range of $160,000 to $397,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

DevOps engineer

DevOps is the intersection of operations and IT development — a practice meant to facilitate faster time-to-market and better collaboration among teams involved in the development life cycle. Operations maintains a stronger focus on stability and reliability, whereas development teams are more invested in innovation, change, and moving forward. DevOps helps bring both ideologies together to find a balance between the two goals. In the financial industry, DevOps engineers are focused on bringing together new emerging technologies and legacy systems that have been in place for decades. As emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency and automated trading grow, DevOps engineers help manage the transition while finding the best way to implement new technology without disturbing the flow of the current systems and services.

The average salary for a DevOps engineer is $121,173 per year, with a reported salary range of $91,000 to $169,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Data engineer

As more financial companies embrace the cloud, there’s been an increase in demand for data engineers to help manage AWS and Azure services in the organization. Finance companies collect massive amounts of data, and data engineers are vital in ensuring that data is maintained and that there’s a high level of data quality, efficiency, and reliability around data collection. Skills for financial data engineers include coding skills, data analytics, data visualization, data optimization, data integration, data modeling, cloud computing services, knowledge of relational and nonrelational database systems, and an ability to work with high volumes of structured and unstructured data.

The average salary for a data engineer is $118,915 per year, with a reported salary range of $87,000 to $177,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Business analyst

In the financial industry, business analysts are responsible for using data to help inform business decisions and to translate business needs into functional requirements. You’ll need to have a strong understanding of how the business works, with a focus on technology and how it can help support the business through transformation. Business analysts will be expected to build relationships with finance stakeholders in the business to better understand their technology needs and business processes. Part of the role also includes continually improving the organization’s technology stack, while maintaining a priority for business continuity and risk management.

The average salary for a financial business analyst is $98,852 per year, with a reported salary range of $73,000 to $154,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Business systems analyst

Business systems analysts are responsible for overseeing internal systems, implementing new technology that will help drive and support business needs, and applying analytical data to help plan, design, and deploy new technology. There’s a strong focus on optimizing processes in the organization, maintaining enterprise applications, keeping technology within budget, and identifying key areas for improvement. In the financial industry, business systems analysts are typically tasked with applying these skills to financial technology used within the business. You may be expected to work with product managers, software development, and IT teams to participate in all phases of the development life cycle for financial services.

The average salary for a business systems analyst is $103,869 per year, with a reported salary range of $76,000 to $156,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Data scientist

Data has long been important to the financial industry — it’s a vital component that helps inform everything from the stock market to personal bank accounts. Financial companies gather large amounts of data, so data scientists are in high demand to help manage, store, organize, and analyze the data collected. Data scientists are used for everything from stock market predictions, to customer experience initiatives, to fraud protection, and companies typically hire data scientists to focus on just one or two specific areas of interest. Some of the main areas that the financial industry makes use of data scientists includes risk management, fraud detection, customer data, consumer analytics, and algorithmic trading. You’ll need knowledge of natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, managing complex data infrastructures, and analytics for the role. Other sought-after skills include Python, R, JavaScript, C++, Apache Spark, and Hadoop. 

The average salary for a financial data scientist is $114,979 per year, with a reported salary range of $85,000 to $168,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Lead software engineer

Lead software engineers are responsible for design planning, leading new development projects, designing and developing consumer-facing web apps, building APIs, developing cloud-based solutions, and leading software development teams. As lead software engineer, you will likely be tasked with major or high-profile projects in the organization and be expected to train, coach, and mentor teammates. A master’s degree isn’t necessarily required for this role, but it’s often preferred. In the financial industry, lead software engineering jobs are typically looking for skills with Python, SQL, NoSQL, JavaScript, AWS, Kubernetes, Git, and more.

The average salary for a lead software engineer is $150,430 per year, with a reported salary range of $116,000 to $202,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Careers, Financial Services Industry, Hiring, IT Jobs

The US healthcare industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation. With a focus on patient care, cost savings, and scalable innovation, healthcare organizations in the US are adopting a range of emerging technologies to improve patient experiences, to aid clinicians in their jobs, and to compete with digital entities entering the market.

But laying a digital foundation for the future presents unique challenges in the healthcare industry. Most healthcare organizations are currently reliant on a range of legacy technologies, making the transition to digital and cloud-based solutions complex and slow-moving. More importantly, healthcare isn’t an industry that can withstand significant downtime or major overnight changes, as most systems handle sensitive healthcare and patient data. And with a rise in virtual visits, online healthcare portals, and a desire for more personalized healthcare experiences from patients, the demand for IT professionals — especially those with experience in the healthcare industry — is far outpacing supply.

As a result, tech jobs in US healthcare have increased by 5,000 job postings over the past five months. Some states seeing the highest demand are California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, according to Dice. Informatics is a top priority, driving a demand for skills such as SQL, Python, data analysis, project management, process improvement, and more.

If you are an IT pro looking to break into the healthcare industry, or a healthcare IT leader wanting to know where hiring will be the most competitive, here are the top nine in-demand tech jobs in healthcare, according to data from Dice.

Software engineer

Software engineers are the most sought-after IT pros in the healthcare industry, which has a stronger focus on data and data privacy, as well as a priority on ensuring the patient experience is top of mind. Because of this, the software and services used in healthcare are all about data, interoperability, and collaboration, and keeping all healthcare professionals connected as a patient moves through their treatment or care plan. Healthcare software engineers are tasked with helping create the systems that healthcare companies, hospitals, and other care facilities use to handle patient care, billing, healthcare data, and more. You’ll be expected to have skills such as C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Linux development, Java, database administration, and an understanding of security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation.

The average salary for a healthcare software engineer is $104,181 per year, with a reported salary range from $72,000 to $169,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Data analyst

Because the healthcare industry deals with vast quantities of sensitive patient data, there’s high demand for data professionals who can help with the acquisition, management, analysis, and interpretation of healthcare data. Healthcare data analysts are responsible for tasks such as interpreting and communicating any data trends, overseeing how data is stored and retrieved, identifying areas for service improvements, and offering insights on improving clinical processes. In healthcare, the role of data analyst can also be called health information management (HIM) analyst, since the role typically focuses on patient information such as electronic health records, billing, claims, and patient feedback.

The average salary for a healthcare data analyst is $90,476 per year, with a reported salary range from $58,000 to $166,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Business analyst

Healthcare business analysts are responsible for using data to inform the clinical operations of a healthcare business, hospital, or other care facility. It’s a similar role to data analyst, but a business analyst is focused on interpreting data as it pertains to the business side of the organization. Typically, a healthcare business analyst will have an eye on areas such as clinical operations, financial management, patient engagement, care coordination, and disease management. The role requires you to develop and maintain tools to support decision-making in a clinical setting, interpreting data and delivering reports to senior management, and using data to make recommendations on how to improve operations and patient care.

The average salary for a healthcare business analyst is $90,900 per year, with a reported salary range from $63,000 to $150,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Business systems analyst

A healthcare business systems analyst is responsible for working closely with management and end users to find ways to improve internal systems and implement new technology to support business needs. You’ll be tasked with applying analytical data to help plan, design, and implement technology systems and solutions that help the business meet its goals. Business systems analysts are also tasked with optimizing business and workflow processes, evaluating enterprise applications, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that technology solutions stay within budget.

The average salary for a healthcare business systems analyst is $89,374 per year, with a reported salary range from $55,000 to $171,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Director of business development

A director of business development is tasked with developing new business opportunities for the organization, with a focus on rowing revenue and expanding the company’s brand. Not strictly a technology role, directors of business development are also responsible for maintaining relationships with clients, management, and sales, as well as recommending new opportunities to help move the business forward. But as healthcare industry becomes further reliant on IT as core to its business, technology is seen as increasingly important to the role, with business development directors often tasked with identifying multi-discipline technology service deals, managing CRM software, and identifying new potential technology partners. The role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, an ability to identify industry trends, preparing and maintaining budgets, developing training plans to address skills gaps, and developing sales strategies and business plans.

The average salary for a director of business development is $129,838 per year, with a reported salary range from $81,000 to $237,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Business intelligence developer

A business intelligence developer is responsible for using data analytics and technology to relay important information about the business to key stakeholders and decision-makers. In a healthcare setting, a business intelligence developer will have a focus on building dashboards and reports related to healthcare data. The role typically requires skills such as SQL, JavaScript, Python, CSS, Tableau, data visualization, data optimization, agile, Scrum, and strong written and verbal communication skills.

The average salary for a business intelligence developer is $135,280 per year, with a reported salary range from $88,000 to $259,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Application analyst

A clinical application analyst is responsible for managing an organization’s software systems, which includes identifying potential solutions, testing software, and identifying what tools will be best for the organization. They are also tasked with implementing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing software applications. You may be required to maintain relationships with vendors, configure new software, train end-users, develop training materials, and handle any questions about software deployments. Other tasks may include managing billing, preparing reports and dashboards, software design, and identifying opportunities to implement new software solutions.

The average salary for a healthcare application analyst is $108,552 per year, with a reported salary range from $71,000 to $192,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Data scientist

A healthcare data scientist is tasked with developing tools to collect and extract healthcare data from hospitals, providers, and federal or state agencies. Where data analysts focus more on interpreting the data, data scientists have their eye on the logistics of obtaining and managing the data. Since the data in healthcare is particularly sensitive, you’ll also be expected to prioritize security, data protection, compliance, and adhering to regulations. Healthcare data can also be incredibly important to public safety, as made evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, so healthcare data scientist is a role that’s not only in-demand, but vital to the industry.

The average salary for a healthcare data scientist is $117,952 per year, with a reported salary range from $86,000 to $175,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Systems administrator

The role of a systems administrator in healthcare is to oversee a company’s systems and ensure there’s minimal interruptions and downtime. These tech professionals are often tasked with monitoring system performance, identifying system issues, performing maintenance, troubleshooting systems, QA testing, and more. You may be expected to work with vendors, install and configure hardware and software, make recommendations for the technical direction of the company, and more. In healthcare, you might see systems administrator jobs listed as clinical informatics specialist, health information systems analyst, or similar titles.

The average salary for a healthcare systems administrator is $99,399 per year, with a reported salary range from $67,000 to $165,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor.

Healthcare Industry, IT Jobs