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Pay in tech has tilted toward roles that protect systems, control cloud costs, and ship practical AI. Senior individual contributors often match managers on compensation, while security and data leaders keep rising. Certifications help, but employers still value a solid track record, clear communication, and calm problem-solving under pressure. This ranking follows a new multi-source analysis by Syskit, averaging three major datasets to show typical pay across the market.

25. Wireless Network Engineer

Wireless network engineers plan and optimize Wi-Fi across offices, warehouses, hospitals, and campuses. Day to day work includes RF surveys, controller tuning, and troubleshooting roaming issues. Common tools include Ekahau or Hamina for surveys, and Cisco or Aruba controllers. Useful credentials include CCNA/CCNP Enterprise, CWNA/CWDP, and strong TCP/IP fundamentals.

Wireless Network Engineer average salary: $128,735

24. Data Scientist

Data scientists turn messy data into clear answers. They frame questions, build features, and test models, then explain results so teams can act. Typical skills include statistics, SQL, Python or R, and data visualization. Experience with experimentation, causal inference, or domain knowledge often separates the good from the great.

Data Scientist average salary: $129,835

23. Site Reliability Engineer

SREs keep services fast and stable at scale. They automate deploys, refine alerts, and lead post-incident reviews that prevent repeats. You’ll need strong scripting, Linux, containers, and observability chops, plus a bias for simple, repeatable solutions. On-call rotations are common, and clear runbooks are a must.

Site Reliability Engineer average salary: $130,545

22. Database Manager

Database managers oversee performance, backups, and upgrades across fleets of SQL and NoSQL systems. They set standards for indexing, access control, and recovery so uptime and audits stay under control. Skills include query tuning, HA/replication, and careful change management. Experience with Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres, or MySQL is typical.

Database Manager average salary: $130,598

21. Data Engineer

Data engineers build the pipelines that power analytics and AI. Work spans ingestion, transformation, orchestration, and schema design so teams trust the numbers. Strong SQL, Python or Scala, and tools like Spark, Airflow, or dbt are common. Good engineers also think about cost, lineage, and reliability from day one.

Data Engineer average salary: $132,312

20. Cybersecurity Engineer

Security engineers harden networks, endpoints, and apps, then tune detections to catch real threats. Expect hands-on work with EDR, SIEM, identity, and cloud security controls. Useful certifications include Security+, CySA+, CISSP, or cloud-specific security credentials. Clear documentation and steady incident response matter as much as tools.

Cybersecurity Engineer average salary: $132,769

19. Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design segmentation, firewall policies, and zero-trust patterns that limit blast radius. They deploy IDS/IPS, VPNs, and strong logging so investigations move faster. Knowledge of vendors like Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Cisco is common. Scripting and automation help keep rulesets tidy and auditable.

Network Security Engineer average salary: $136,579

18. Network/Cloud Manager

These managers bridge hands-on networking with vendor and budget oversight. They guide capacity plans, negotiate contracts, and ensure teams follow change control. A mix of technical depth and people leadership is important. Clear metrics for uptime, latency, and cost keep leadership aligned.

Network/Cloud Manager average salary: $140,302

17. IT Product Manager

IT product managers own internal platforms such as identity, collaboration, or developer tooling. They set roadmaps, capture requirements, and measure real adoption. Communication, prioritization, and stakeholder management are core skills. Many come from engineering or business analysis and learn product practices on the job.

IT Product Manager average salary: $141,846

16. Senior Software Engineer

Senior engineers deliver complex features, guide designs, and mentor others. They simplify code, pay attention to failure modes, and handle the riskiest pieces first. Strong system design, code review, and testing skills are essential. Breadth across a stack helps, but knowing one area deeply is just as valuable.

Senior Software Engineer average salary: $143,512

15. Machine Learning Engineer

ML engineers ship models and keep them healthy in production. They manage feature stores, watch for drift, and set retraining schedules that don’t break other systems. You’ll need software engineering fundamentals, basic stats, and experience with frameworks and MLOps tools. Clear monitoring and rollback plans are non-negotiable.

Machine Learning Engineer average salary: $144,087

14. IT Operations Manager

IT ops managers coordinate help desk, infrastructure, and incident playbooks so daily work stays predictable. They enforce change control and align staffing with peak demand. ITIL familiarity helps, but practical runbooks and good communication matter most. The job is part planning, part coaching, and part calm crisis handling.

IT Operations Manager average salary: $146,727

13. ERP Integration Manager

ERP integration managers connect finance, supply chain, and HR systems without breaking compliance. They plan migrations, govern interfaces, and keep vendors honest on timelines. Experience with SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics is common. Strong mapping skills and patient stakeholder work are key to clean cutovers.

ERP Integration Manager average salary: $147,974

12. Data Architect

Data architects set standards for models, governance, and access so analytics stays consistent. They choose patterns that balance speed with control, and document them well. Skills include dimensional and modern modeling, cataloging, and privacy controls. The best designs make analysis faster and audits simpler.

Data Architect average salary: $148,088

11. Software and Applications Manager

These managers align release plans with hiring and budgets, then remove blockers so teams ship. They keep backlogs tidy, clarify scope, and track results that leaders care about. A background in software delivery helps, paired with practical people leadership. Strong cross-team communication keeps surprises low.

Software and Applications Manager average salary: $148,514

10. Network/Cloud Architect

Network and cloud architects design resilient, cost-aware landing zones and connectivity. They pick identity boundaries, standardize IaC, and plan for failover. Skills span routing, DNS, PKI, and at least one major cloud. A good architect writes clear reference designs so teams don’t reinvent the wheel.

Network/Cloud Architect average salary: $149,607

9. AI Architect

AI architects set direction for model choices, guardrails, and integration patterns. They balance accuracy with latency, privacy, and maintenance. Knowledge of platforms, vector stores, and data governance is important. The role is as much product sense and risk control as it is model math.

AI Architect average salary: $151,313

8. Security Architect

Security architects create reusable patterns that make the safe path the easy path. They bake in least privilege, strong logging, and sensible defaults across cloud and on-prem. Expect reviews, threat modeling, and steady collaboration with platform teams. Clear standards reduce friction and raise coverage.

Security Architect average salary: $153,519

7. IT Director

IT directors translate strategy into budgets, staffing, and vendor deals. They report on reliability, delivery, and spend, and adjust plans as the business changes. Broad experience across operations, security, and applications is typical. Steady communication with executives and clear roadmaps define success.

IT Director average salary: $154,408

6. Applications Architect

Applications architects shape systems that scale without surprises. They guide API patterns, data flow, and testing so new features land smoothly. Skills include design for reliability, observability, and graceful degradation. Strong docs and a focus on simplicity pay dividends at release time.

Applications Architect average salary: $154,798

5. Systems Security Manager

This manager leads detection, response, and vulnerability programs across the estate. They prioritize work so limited security hours cut real risk. Knowledge of SIEM, EDR, identity, and patch orchestration is common. Calm incident leadership and crisp reporting keep stakeholders informed.

Systems Security Manager average salary: $166,855

4. Vice President of Information Technology

VPs of IT steer large portfolios, aligning reliability and cost with business goals. They manage senior leaders, major vendors, and multi-year roadmaps. Strong financial literacy and negotiation skills matter. Clear metrics keep both boards and teams on the same page.

Vice President of Information Technology average salary: $181,612

3. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

CTOs set product and platform direction and keep engineering velocity high. They balance build-versus-buy choices, talent, and partnerships. A mix of deep technical judgment and practical delivery experience is expected. Results show up in time-to-market and product quality.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) average salary: $204,197

2. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs own risk, incident response, and board-level reporting on threats. They work across legal, compliance, and engineering to close gaps. Experience with frameworks, vendor risk, and crisis communication is essential. Rising breach costs and regulation keep this role in demand.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) average salary: $210,891

1. Chief Information Officer (CIO)

CIOs set enterprise IT strategy and oversee the biggest spend decisions. They balance modernization with stability and match talent to priorities. Breadth across security, infrastructure, data, and applications is common. The best keep plans simple, measurable, and tied to business outcomes.

Chief Information Officer (CIO) average salary: $221,161

Methodology

Figures come from Syskit’s 2025 analysis of U.S. tech roles, which combined three sources into an “overall average” for each title. Robert Half’s technology salary guide and the Glassdoor Salaries index were each weighted at 40%, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS) averages were weighted at 20%. Rankings above use that overall average from the compiled table. See Syskit’s study for the full table and role list.

Sources used in the analysis: the Robert Half Technology Salary Guide, Glassdoor Salaries, and the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Credit: Syskit.

Pay varies by region, seniority, bonus and equity mix, and company size.

A long résumé isn’t required for a strong next chapter. Plenty of practical roles let you skill up in weeks or months and start earning quickly. Look for short certificates, state licenses, or on-the-job training. The sweet spot is work that values people skills, reliability, and calm decision-making—the strengths many workers entering their second act already have.

1. Phlebotomy Technician

Hospitals and labs need steady hands for blood draws. Many programs run part time with a short clinical. This role typically requires a postsecondary nondegree certificate, as described in the BLS profile for phlebotomists. Evening or weekend shifts can boost income.

2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs support patients with daily care in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health. Training is streamlined at community colleges and private schools. States require a state-approved program and a competency exam, per the BLS overview of nursing assistants. Reliability and empathy are your edge.

3. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Short courses teach claims, CPT/ICD basics, and payer rules. Clinics and telehealth firms hire remote billers, which widens options if you need flexibility. Start with one specialty, then add credentials to grow pay. Clean claims get you noticed fast.

4. Pharmacy Technician

You’ll count and label meds, handle insurance claims, and help customers. Many chains train new techs and help with certification. Accuracy under pressure and friendly service go far. Evening and weekend hours pair well with other commitments.

5. Patient Care Coordinator

Medical offices need calm communicators to schedule, handle referrals, and smooth insurance snags. A short medical-admin course plus basic EHR practice gets you in the door. It’s a people-first job that rewards clear notes and steady follow-through.

6. Real Estate Sales Agent

If you enjoy local market data and client care, sales offers flexible hours and solid upside. Most states require pre-licensing coursework and an exam. Join a brokerage with mentoring so you ramp faster. Open houses and referrals build momentum.

7. Insurance Producer (Property & Casualty or Life)

Pre-licensing classes and one exam can get you working fast. Commissions build with renewals, so early hustle pays later. Pick a niche and learn it well. Ethics and steady follow-up win repeat business.

8. School Bus or Local CDL Driver

Local routes, field trips, and short-haul delivery can fit a predictable routine. Federal rules require entry-level driver training before the CDL skills test, per the FMCSA ELDT standard. Many schools help place graduates with carriers.

9. Bookkeeper

Small businesses need help with invoices, payroll, and monthly closes. A short accounting course plus QuickBooks or spreadsheet skills can get you hired. Start with a few local clients and build by referrals. Clean books keep you indispensable.

10. Tax Preparer (Seasonal)

Hire on with a national firm or handle simple returns as a side gig. Paid preparers must have a PTIN from the IRS, obtained through the IRS PTIN system. Add continuing education and many clients will return every year.

11. Notary and Loan Signing Agent

A state notary commission is fast to obtain in many states. Learn loan-signing procedures and handle mortgage packages for title firms. Evenings are busy, which works for side income. See steps to become a notary via the National Notary Association.

12. IT Support Technician

Short, skills-first courses prep you for help desk roles. The BLS profile for computer support specialists notes many employers accept postsecondary classes without a four-year degree; real troubleshooting practice matters most. Patience and clear documentation win interviews. Nights and weekends often pay more.

13. HVAC Dispatcher or Service Coordinator

You’ll schedule techs, order parts, and keep customers updated. Dispatch software is learnable in weeks, and this seat puts you close to well-paid trades careers. Busy seasons often include overtime. Calm communication is your superpower.

14. EKG Technician

Hospitals and cardiology clinics hire techs to run stress tests and EKGs. Short programs cover anatomy, lead placement, and rhythm basics. Pair with phlebotomy to widen your hours. A steady bedside manner helps patients stay relaxed.

15. Freight Broker Agent

Match shippers with carriers and manage loads. A focused course plus a good mentor helps you learn lanes, rates, and paperwork. Start as an agent under a licensed broker to avoid heavy startup costs. Fast responses win freight.

16. Floral Designer or Event Decorator

Weddings and corporate events need quick, creative problem solvers. Short workshops teach wiring, mechanics, and pricing. Start with small gigs, then post tight, well-lit photos to win bigger ones. Holidays bring premium rates.

17. Interpreter (Community or Medical)

If you’re bilingual, community clinics, courts, and schools need interpreters. Short medical-terminology or legal-basics courses raise your rate. Professionalism and confidentiality are key. Build a client list and steady work follows.

18. Substitute Teacher or Paraeducator

Districts train subs and classroom aides quickly, especially in high-need subjects. Expect background checks and short orientations. If you like kids and a school-year schedule, this is a reliable second act. Many roles offer benefits at higher hours.

You don’t need a brand-new career to bring in real money. You need useful skills, short learning curves, and clients who value reliability. The sweet spot is local demand plus flexible hours. Test one idea for a month, track profit after costs, and keep the winner. A tight scope, clear prices, and on-time delivery beat flashy marketing every time.

1. Notary and Loan Signing Agent

Get commissioned as a notary, then handle mortgage packages for title companies. Evening signings pay well and fit around other work. Requirements vary by state, so follow the steps to become a notary using the National Notary Association’s guide. Punctuality and clear IDs keep repeat business coming.

2. Seasonal Tax Preparer

Prepare simple returns January through April, then keep clients for next year. Accuracy and calm explanations are your edge. Paid preparers need a PTIN from the IRS, which you get through the PTIN system. Add basic bookkeeping to stay busy off-season.

3. Bookkeeping for Local Businesses

Invoice, reconcile, and close the month for shops and trades. One clean dashboard and on-time reports make you indispensable. Start with two clients and grow by referral. Clear scope and fixed fees prevent scope creep.

4. Senior Companion and Errand Runner

Offer rides, grocery runs, light meal prep, and check-ins. Families pay for reliability and good notes after each visit. Basic safety training helps; CPR and first aid through the American Red Cross raise trust and rates. Keep schedules consistent.

5. Home Organizing and Downsizing

Sort rooms, set up simple systems, and schedule donations. Photograph spaces before and after so clients see progress. Sell four-hour sessions with a supply kit. Partner with realtors and movers for steady leads.

6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Midday walks and vacation sits fill fast in most neighborhoods. Do meet-and-greets, follow written routines, and send photo updates. Add house checks and plant care for a small premium. Keep keys and schedules organized.

7. Tutoring or Academic Coaching

Help with reading, math, study skills, or adult test prep. Pick one subject and one grade band. Use short, goal-based sessions and send parents a two-line recap after each lesson. Consistency wins renewals.

8. Music or Art Lessons

If you can sing, play an instrument, or practice some form of art, you can teach beginners at home or online. Keep lessons structured with a simple practice tracker. Recitals or small showcases help with retention and word of mouth. You could even think about offer sibling discounts to fill slots.

9. Handyman and Home Maintenance

Tackle small jobs busy homeowners avoid. Focus on fixes under two hours: hardware, caulk, patch, assemble. Price by task, arrive with common parts, and leave a clean space. Reviews will do your marketing.

10. Furniture Flips and Household Resales

Find solid pieces, clean, repair, and resell, if you have a little DIY skill. Stick to one category you learn well, like chairs or dressers. Track profit per item and drop losers fast. Curb rash kills prices; fix it first.

11. Garden Care and Seasonal Planting

Offer bed cleanups, mulch, container design, and watering schedules. A tidy front garden sells itself from the street. Sell seasonal packages so income repeats. Keep notes on sun, shade, and bloom times.

12. Real Estate Photography or Listing Prep

Shoot bright, level photos and do basic edits. Add light staging or a checklist-and-clean service. Realtors value speed and consistent file naming. Sunrise and late afternoon give you the best light.

13. Local Tour Host or Class Instructor

Lead short walking tours or teach a practical class at a community center. Keep it niche: hidden history, bird walks, or phone photography. Or maybe fun ghost stories or notorious crime spots. Short, repeatable formats scale best. Collect emails for updates.

14. Delivery or Grocery Drop-Off

Work peak hours and avoid idle time. Keep a small cooler and cart in your trunk. Track net earnings after fuel so you know which routes pay. Tips rise with friendly notes and on-time handoffs.

15. Tech Setup and Troubleshooting

Install routers, tidy cables, and set up streaming or printers. Create a simple intake sheet so visits stay focused. Offer a follow-up call included in your price. Small fixes lead to annual checkups.

16. Freelance Writing or Editing

Specialize in one format: bios, product pages, or newsletters. Keep short samples and a one-page rate card. Clean, on-time work gets referred. Ask happy clients for two sentences you can quote.

17. Resumes and LinkedIn Refresh

Tighten bullets, fix typos, and add measurable wins. Pair this with mock interviews for an upsell. A tidy portfolio with before-and-after examples closes deals. Offer a 30-day tweak window.

18. Event Staffing and Day-Of Coordination

Work weddings, trade shows, or community events. Show up early, wear a watch, and carry a kit with tape and clips. Good coordinators get booked months ahead. Keep a post-event checklist for smooth wrap-ups.

19. Estate Sale or Clean-Out Helper

Price items, stage rooms, and manage checkout. Take payment digitally and track sales per room. Partner with haulers for the final sweep. Photograph lots to boost attendance.

20. EKG or Phlebotomy Shifts

Short certificates let you pick up per-diem hours at clinics. Pair both skills so you can cover more shifts. This path commonly uses a postsecondary certificate, which the BLS profile for phlebotomists notes. Calm bedside manner is your edge.

21. Community or Medical Interpreter

If you’re bilingual, schools and clinics need interpreters. Take a short terminology course and keep strict confidentiality. Professionalism and punctuality drive repeat calls. Build a client list and steady work follows.

22. Craft Fairs and Etsy

Sell one category you can produce consistently. Photograph in natural light and batch listings. Keep a simple pricing formula so margins hold. Offer bundle deals to raise order size.

23. Mind the Paperwork

Side income still has rules. The IRS Gig Economy Tax Center explains estimated taxes, 1099s, and recordkeeping in plain English; start with the gig economy hub. For home-based work, check permits and zoning using the SBA’s home-based business guide. A simple spreadsheet keeps you out of trouble.