Technology Salaries 2026: 10+ Jobs Compared
Information technology and computer science occupations including developers, analysts, and IT specialists. Compare salaries for 10 technology occupations across 50+ US metro areas. Average salary: $98,530/year ($47.37/hour).
Avg Salary
$98,530
Highest Paying
$133,997
Entry Level
$60,024
Occupations
10
Avg Hourly
$47.37
Salary Range
$60k-$134k
Technology Industry Overview
Market outlook and career opportunities in 2026
The technology sector continues to drive innovation across every industry. From software development to cybersecurity, tech professionals are essential to modern business operations. The shift to digital transformation, cloud computing, and AI has created unprecedented demand for skilled workers, with tech salaries among the highest across all career categories.
Technology occupations are projected to grow 15% through 2031, adding over 680,000 new jobs. The increasing reliance on cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity ensures strong demand. Remote work opportunities are abundant, and many tech roles offer flexible work arrangements and competitive benefits packages.
Key Industry Trends
- ●Explosive growth in artificial intelligence and machine learning
- ●Continued expansion of cloud computing adoption
- ●Rising importance of cybersecurity across all industries
- ●Growth of low-code/no-code development platforms
- ●Increased focus on data privacy and compliance
Top Paying Technology Jobs
| Rank | Occupation | Avg Salary | Hourly Rate | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $133,997 | $64.42/hr | 50 |
| 2 | Information Security Analyst | $121,065 | $58.20/hr | 50 |
| 3 | Data Scientist | $108,258 | $52.05/hr | 50 |
| 4 | Computer Systems Analyst | $104,425 | $50.20/hr | 50 |
| 5 | Database Administrator | $101,667 | $48.88/hr | 50 |
| 6 | Computer Programmer | $99,149 | $47.67/hr | 50 |
| 7 | Network Administrator | $96,013 | $46.16/hr | 50 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $92,874 | $44.65/hr | 50 |
| 9 | Computer Network Support Specialist | $67,829 | $32.61/hr | 50 |
| 10 | Computer User Support Specialist | $60,024 | $28.86/hr | 50 |
Emerging Technology Roles
New and growing career paths in the technology field that offer exciting opportunities.
AI/ML Engineer
Designs and implements machine learning models and AI solutions for business applications.
View related salary data →Cloud Security Architect
Designs secure cloud infrastructure and implements cybersecurity best practices.
View related salary data →DevOps Engineer
Bridges development and operations, automating deployment pipelines and infrastructure management.
View related salary data →Data Engineer
Builds and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure for analytics and machine learning.
View related salary data →Technology Career Progression
Typical career paths and salary ranges as you advance in technology careers.
Entry Level
$45,000 - $65,000
- • Computer User Support
- • Junior Developer
- • IT Support Specialist
- • QA Tester
Mid-Career
$75,000 - $110,000
- • Software Developer
- • Network Administrator
- • Systems Analyst
- • Database Administrator
Senior/Specialist
$110,000 - $150,000
- • Senior Developer
- • Security Analyst
- • Data Scientist
- • Cloud Architect
Advanced/Leadership
$150,000 - $250,000+
- • Principal Engineer
- • Engineering Manager
- • CTO
- • VP of Engineering
Top Skills for Technology
Valuable Certifications
- AWS Solutions Architect
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Microsoft Azure Administrator
- Google Cloud Professional
All Technology Occupations (10)
Software Developer
$133,997
avg salary | $64.42/hr
Information Security Analyst
$121,065
avg salary | $58.20/hr
Data Scientist
$108,258
avg salary | $52.05/hr
Computer Systems Analyst
$104,425
avg salary | $50.20/hr
Database Administrator
$101,667
avg salary | $48.88/hr
Computer Programmer
$99,149
avg salary | $47.67/hr
Network Administrator
$96,013
avg salary | $46.16/hr
Web Developer
$92,874
avg salary | $44.65/hr
Computer Network Support Specialist
$67,829
avg salary | $32.61/hr
Computer User Support Specialist
$60,024
avg salary | $28.86/hr
Education Pathways
Common educational paths for entering and advancing in technology careers:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average technology salary in 2026?
The average salary across 10 technology occupations is $98,530 per year ($47.37/hour). Salaries range from $60,024 for Computer User Support Specialist to $133,997 for Software Developer.
What is the highest paying technology job?
Software Developer is the highest paying technology occupation, with an average salary of $133,997 per year. This data is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys across 50 US metro areas.
What technology jobs are in demand?
Technology careers have high demand with a projected growth rate of +15% through 2031. All 10 technology occupations in our database have job openings across 50+ major US metro areas.
How do technology salaries vary by location?
Technology salaries vary significantly by location. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically pay 20-40% more than the national average, while lower cost-of-living areas may pay less but offer better purchasing power. Explore individual occupation pages for city-by-city comparisons.
What qualifications do I need for technology jobs?
Qualifications vary widely across technology careers. Entry-level positions may require only a high school diploma or certificate (Coding bootcamps (3-6 months)), while senior roles often require bachelor's degrees, advanced certifications, or specialized training. See individual occupation pages for specific requirements.