7 Tech Jobs That Pay Nearly $200K

• A few in-demand tech skills include cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity.
• Tech jobs that pay nearly $200K include chief data officer and chief technology officer.
• In June 2022, job postings for new tech jobs increased by 62% compared to a year ago.
• Reaching the $200K mark typically requires years of experience and in-demand skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of computer and information technology (IT) occupations to grow by 13% from 2020-2030. That amounts to about 667,600 new jobs. Much of this demand comes from the growing use of cloud computing and the increasing number of cybersecurity threats that lead to more information security implementation.

Another growing technology sector is big data. A 2021 survey by NewVantage Partners found that 99% of Fortune 1000 companies surveyed invested in data initiatives, and 96% reported measurable business outcomes. Companies also adopted artificial intelligence (AI), with 77.8% reporting widespread or limited production AI capabilities. All this growing demand translates to higher-paying tech jobs, with many workers taking home six-figure annual wages.

Why Does the Tech Industry Pay So Much?

Many jobs in the tech industry require a specific skill set, and those skills are in high demand. According to Fortune, the tech industry faces a critical talent gap, leading to fierce competition and rising wages.

A survey conducted by Dice, a job posting site for tech talent, found that the average tech salary increased by 6.9% between 2020 and 2021, reaching the six-figure realm. While many tech hubs saw significant salary growth, two top performers were Atlanta and Chicago.

CompTIA's July 2022 tech report found job postings for new tech reached 505,663 in June 2022, an increase of 62% from June 2021.

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Tech Jobs With Salaries of Nearly $200K

It may take a little time to reach the pinnacle of $200,000 a year in an IT position. Most of these management-level positions require a considerable amount of work experience. Of course, on the way to the top, many jobs offer salaries you may appreciate.

A couple examples include software developer and information security analyst. The BLS reports that these professionals earn a median annual wage of $110,140 and $102,600, respectively, as of May 2021.

Other higher-paying jobs in tech are found at the managerial level, such as computer information systems managers. According to the BLS, these managers earn a median wage of $159,010, with the top 10% boasting earnings over $208,000.

Below are some tech jobs that pay nearly $200,000 a year. With experience, some of these wages may even go over the $200K mark.

Chief Data Officer

This relatively new position at the executive management level has gained prominence as companies look to use the large amounts of data created daily. The survey by NewVantage Partners found that 65% of the Fortune 1000 companies surveyed appointed chief data officers (CDOs). These professionals oversee data management and the business strategy associated with data analytics.

According to PayScale, CDOs earn an average annual salary of $175,080, with the top 10% bringing in $242,000, as of July 2022.

Chief Information Security Officer

This executive is responsible for a company's data and information security. They develop security policies and procedures, monitor vulnerabilities, and hire IT security professionals.

PayScale reports that chief information security officers (CISOs) earn an average annual wage of $171,880, with the top 10% making $232,000, as of August 2022.

Chief Technology Officer

The chief technology officer (CTO) develops an organization's strategy for using technological resources efficiently and profitably. They possess a strong background in business and IT, assessing IT budgets and implementing IT projects that help companies reach their financial goals.

According to PayScale, CTOs earn an average wage of $166,680, with the top 10% earning $250,000, as of August 2022.

Director of Information Technology

On a company's executive ladder, the IT director falls just below the CTO. These directors implement and coordinate the specifications and plans developed by upper management. In smaller companies, they may take on the role of the CTO, overseeing all IT operations and maintaining the functionality of all computer resources.

PayScale reports that IT directors earn an average base salary of $122,560, with the top 10% boasting annual earnings of $176,000, as of August 2022.

IoT Solutions Architect

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global internet of things (IoT) market is projected to grow from over $478 billion in 2022 to more than $2,465 billion by 2029. As more organizations expand their IoT presence, IoT solutions architects find growing demand. These professionals develop practical uses and applications for IoT technology and oversee the strategy for deploying these solutions.

The BLS reports that computer network architects earn a median annual wage of $120,520, with the top 10% earning over $168,890, as of May 2021.

Lead Data Engineer

These engineers oversee junior data engineering teams and contribute to designing and deploying the systems that collect, store, and analyze data. They may develop reliable data pipelines, ensuring the massive amounts of data are usable and secure for data analysts and scientists.

PayScale reports that senior data engineers earn an average yearly salary of $125,160, with the top 10% making $158,000, as of August 2022.

Vice President of Product

The vice president (VP) of product understands the market and how a company's products fit into it. They may take responsibility for the product management group and the strategy for product development.

According to PayScale, the VP of product development earns an average wage of $166,270, and the top 10% boast annual earnings of $229,000, as of August 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tech Jobs That Pay Nearly $200K

What tech job has the highest salary?

Chief data officers boast some of the highest salaries in tech. Payscale reports that these leaders earn an average yearly wage of over $175,000, with the top 10% bringing in average earnings of $242,000, as of July 2022. Coming in close to the top of higher-paying jobs in tech include the chief information security officer and the chief technology officer.

In the tech world, you can find numerous positions with six-figure salaries. Just a few examples, as reported by PayScale as of August 2022, include big data architects with average wages of $144,320 and cloud architects with average annual earnings of $128,420.

How can I make $200K a year in tech?

Numerous leadership roles in tech offer salaries that can reach the $200,000 mark. These include the C-level senior positions, such as the CISO, the executive responsible for an organization's data and information security. PayScale reports that the top 10% of these executives earn an average yearly salary of $232,000, as of August 2022.

To reach these senior positions, it usually requires several years of experience. For example, a CISO may work as an information security analyst before gaining the knowledge necessary for an executive position. They also typically require at least a bachelor's in an IT-focused field.

Can programmers make $200K?

According to the BLS, computer programmers earn a median annual wage of $93,000, with the top 10% making more than $155,240, as of May 2021. Computer programmers in Washington state find even greater earnings, with average yearly wages of $183,610, the BLS reports.

Computer and information systems managers receive some of the highest earnings as coding professionals. The BLS reports that these managers earn a median annual salary of $159,010, with the top 10% making $208,000, as of May 2021. This position typically requires a bachelor's degree in IT or a related field.