9 High-Paying Jobs in Science and Technology To Get Started In 2023

High-Paying Technology  Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2023 and 2032, about 377,500 Information Technology Jobs openings are anticipated annually. The median annual wage for IT professionals exceeds $100,000, compared to $46,310 in other fields.

While some software/IT jobs are currently under pressure due to layoffs and hiring freezes at companies like Microsoft and Google, there is hope this is transient. And, there are plenty of other opportunities for IT workers to look to.

1. Computer and Information Research Scientist

A computer and information research scientist creates and designs new uses for existing and new computing technologies. They find problems and develop solutions, improving how people work with computers. Specialties for this occupation include programming and robotics.

• Average Annual Salary: $136,620
• Required Education: Master’s Degree or higher
• Number of Jobs: 36,500 in 2022
• Growth Outlook: 23% in 2022-2023
• Some Key Qualities: Math, analytical and communication skills

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2. Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects (or network engineers) create and deploy data communications networks including local area networks, (LANs), wide area networks, (WANs) and intranets (a private network within an organization).

• Average Annual Salary: $126,900
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering and prior experience in fields such as computer systems analysis.
• Number of Jobs: 180,200 in 2022
• Growth Outlook: 4% in 2022-2023
• Some Key Qualities: problem-solving, analytical and leadership skills.

3. Dev-Ops Engineer

A development and operations engineer streamlines and maintains a company’s software by leading and collaborating with various teams to ensure that the software development processes are efficient, leading to more frequent and reliable software releases.

• Average Annual Salary: $157,24 per Salary.com in September of 2023
• Required Education:  Bachelor’s degree in computer science or demonstrated technical ability
• Number of Jobs: Over 4,000 per Glassdoor in February of 2023
• Growth Outlook: 15% from 2021 through 2031
• Some Key Qualities: Soft skills such as good written and verbal communication.

4. Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Software developers design computer applications that allow users to perform specific tasks. They develop the underlying systems that power devices and manage networks. Software quality assurance analysts and testers create and perform software tests to locate problems and understand how the software works.

• Average Annual Salary: $124,200
• Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Number of Jobs: 1,795,300 in 2022
• Growth Outlook: 25% from 2022 through 2031
• Some Key Qualities: Detail-oriented, creative and innovative in approaches to designing and improving computer software.

High-Paying Science Jobs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects robust growth for jobs in the fields of life and physical and social sciences. Professionals use scientific research to solve problems and expand knowledge. As with jobs in the IT sector, overall employment in the diverse fields of science will grow faster than the average for all occupations in the next ten years.

1. Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists examine the essential laws of space, time, energy, and matter, contributing to both theory and practical innovations. Astronomers explore celestial bodies using tools like the Hubble Space Telescope, with some focusing on distant phenomena and others on space debris.

Many in these fields work in areas like energy, electronics and communications. Others probe fundamental questions about concepts like the origin of the universe.

• Average Annual Salary: $139,220
• Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
• Number of Jobs: 23,600 in 2022
• Growth Outlook: 5% in the next 10 years
• Some Key Qualities: Highly motivated, self-directed, critical-thinking, math and analytical skills. Star-gazers can be eccentric, but communication skills are key when presenting research and applying for funding.

2. Political Scientist

A political scientist studies the origin, structure and functioning of political systems and activity, applying qualitative and quantitative research methods to develop and test political theories, evaluate the effects of policies and laws, and understand and forecast political, economic and social trends.

• Average Annual Salary: $128,020
• Required Education: Master’s degree
• Number of Jobs: 6,200
• Growth Outlook: 6% from 2022 through 2032
• Some Key Qualities: Analytical and collaborative/communication skills. Creative, curious and critical thinkers able to analyze information and draw logical conclusions.

3. Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers research and develop nuclear equipment or address problems relating to the release and use of nuclear energy and waste disposal. Areas include defence, medicine, space exploration and utility power generation, among others.

• Average Annual Salary: $122, 480
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of Jobs: 13,800
• Growth Outlook: 1% from 2022 through 2032
• Some Key Qualities: Detail-oriented with computer, analytical, communication, math and problem-solving skills.

4. Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists use advanced technology to conduct scientific experiments to study the chemical and physical foundations of life.

• Average Annual Salary: $103,810
• Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
• Number of Jobs: 34,500
• Growth Outlook: 7% from 2022 through 2032
• Some Key Qualities: Time management, perseverance, analytical, interpersonal, math, and problem-solving skills.

5. Medical Scientists

Medical scientists (or research scientists) conduct research, and design or implement clinical trials and other methods to improve overall human health.

• Average Annual Salary: $99,930
• Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
• Number of Jobs: 119,000
• Growth Outlook: 10% from 2022 through 2032
• Some Key Qualities: Communication, critical thinking, data analysis, observational, and decision-making skills.