The Top 10 Highest Paying IT Jobs In 2024: Robert Half Report

Want a good tech job this year? According to human resources consulting firm Robert Half, IT job salaries ranging from an average of $95,000 to $201,000 a year can be found in a variety of positions from network security engineer to senior web developer.

Even in a job market filled with a steady stream of layoffs, there is still no shortage of good-paying IT gigs in the U.S.

Tech companies are still feeling the effects of the post-COVID modern work environment and at times struggling to attract and retain talent. But technology professionals with in-demand skills and experience always have more options in a relatively competitive job market.

In fact, 62 percent of technology companies said they are increasing salaries to attract these in-demand professionals and keep their most valued team members from leaving the company, according to a survey in the 2024 salary guide from human resources consulting firm Robert Half. In another statistic, 90 percent of tech managers say finding top talent remains a challenge, according to the same survey.

A majority of those managers are resorting to increasing starting salaries and offering flexible work arrangements to attract and retain employees, according to the survey. In some cases, managers are giving signing bonuses and improving perks and benefits.

The skills that are especially in demand? Cybersecurity is at the top of the list, followed by cloud. AI and machine learning, software development and data science and database management rounded out the other in-demand skills that managers are seeking, according to Robert Half survey data.

The highest-paying IT jobs have an average annual salary of about $95,000 as a data security analyst to more than $200,000 as an IT director.

Check out the highest-paying tech jobs in 2024 below, according to Robert Half.

10. Data Security Analyst

Data security analysts understand network security such as firewall administration, encryption technologies and network protocols. This role requires knowledge of trends in security and government regulations and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $92,552

9. Help Desk Support Manager

Help desk support managers oversee technical support teams and provides assistance to employees or clients having issues with hardware, software or other IT services. This role manages a team of support technicians, implementing and improving support processes and collaborating with other IT teams.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $95,015

8. Database Developer

Database developers set up and maintain servers with the database architecture and must be skilled at writing SQL code, designing new systems and understanding front-end user requirements. The role also requires knowledge of database troubleshooting and an understanding of industry standards for database operations.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $99,965

7. Network/Cloud Engineer

Network/cloud engineers are responsible for the execution, design, upkeep and day-to-day support of network and cloud services. Many have certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

Glassdoor Average Salary: $107,903

6. Software Engineer

Software engineers create software, through computer science and mathematical analysis, for computers, applications and platforms from games to network control systems. While building applications, they also test for performance and agility so an organization can get the most out of the product.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $118,565

5. Senior Web Developer

Senior web developers provide expertise and creative visions to design, build and optimize web-based applications. The role develops specifications for web-based applications and provides assistance to web administrators. The developer also integrates front-end and back-end systems.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $124,643

4. Network/Cloud Architect

Network/cloud architects plan, design and upgrade network and cloud environments. They’re the go-to source for solving issues with a network’s architecture to solve for system enhancements.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $136,434

3. ERP Integration Manager

ERP integration managers lead an organization’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and projects surrounding the ERP systems. This role troubleshoots day-to-day issues and helps with strategic planning. ERP managers also manage a team of integration developers, organize cross-functional initiatives and coordinate with technology vendors.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $139,688

2. Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers implement, maintain and integrate WAN (wide-area network) , LAN (local-area network) and server architecture. The role also implements and administers network security hardware and software platforms and have deep knowledge of IT security policies and procedures.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $160,826

1. IT Director

IT directors oversee the infrastructure supporting an organization’s IT operations. The role is responsible for developing IT strategies and solutions for the organization, including leading, directing and managing a technology team.

Glassdoor Average Salary: $201,380