Top 10 high paying IT jobs

IT industry is still among the highest paying industries. Some of the jobs in this industry are highly specialized and people who can fit into them are only a few. Technology professionals with the right set of skills are therefore in high demand and paid high salaries. Below are the top 10 highest paying IT jobs, listed according to Robert Half Technology’s 2019 Salary Guide.

1. Big Data Engineer: A big data engineer is responsible for building, testing and maintaining analytics infrastructures such as databases and large-scale data processing systems. The median national salary for this position is $155,500. A degree in Computer science and expertise in Big data technologies are must-haves for this role.
2. Mobile Applications Developer: The job of a mobile applications developer is to develop apps for platforms like iOS and Android. The average salary for this position is $143,500. Proficiency in web development languages and mobile development languages is necessary to succeed in this job.
3. Information Systems Security Manager:  Information systems security managers are responsible for maintaining the company’s information systems, designing and executing security policies, and investigating security violations. Along with knowledge of systems and network security, these IT professionals should have strong analytical skills, communication skills, and leadership abilities. The midpoint salary for this job is $139,000. IT professionals with certifications like CISSP and CompTIA Security+ are sought after for this job.
4. Applications Architect: An applications architect is responsible for designing interface, middleware, and infrastructure of an application. He has a thorough understanding of non-functional requirements of the application, the components of the application, the interfaces between the components and how the components interact with each other. To hire for an applications architect position, employers evaluate candidates on technical skills, planning skills, communication skills, and leadership skills. The median salary for this job is $135,750.
5. Data Architect: Data architects design, build and manage an organization’s data architecture. They ensure that the data architecture complements the company’s business goals. Data architects have a degree in Computer science.  Along with knowledge of database management systems, data modeling tools, and operating systems, they have good communication, analytical and problem-solving skills. The average salary for this position is $133,500.
6. Database Manager: The job of a database manager is to build, maintain and support the company’s database environment. Strong technical skills, leadership, and strategic planning skills go a long way in this job. The salary midpoint for database managers is $129,500.
7. Data Security Analyst: Data security analysts protect the company’s computer systems, networks, and data from attacks. These IT professionals have thorough knowledge of encryption technologies, network protocols, security trends, and government regulations. Employers prefer candidates with certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for this role. The mean national salary for data security analysts is $125,250.
8. Software Engineer: Software engineers design and create applications and software. A bachelor’s degree in Computer science, proficiency in a programming language, knowledge of information systems and strong communication skills are necessary to land this job. The salary midpoint for software engineers is $124,500.
9. Wireless Network Engineer: Wireless network engineers design, setup, optimize, maintain and troubleshoot wireless networks. They are experts in network technologies and WLAC design. Analytical and problem-solving skills are also essential for this role. IT professionals with certifications like the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) have an edge over other candidates. The average salary for this position is $122,000.
10. Data Scientist: Data scientists clean, organize, and analyze messy data using their skills in mathematics, statistics, programming and analytics to uncover solutions to business challenges. Candidates with a degree in Computer science or Statistics and in-depth knowledge of programming languages like Python and Java are suitable for this position.