Tech jobs are projected to grow faster than any other sector over the next decade as companies are scrambling to hire skilled professionals who can keep up with the rise of emerging technologies. This growing need for specialized skills has pushed tech salaries to new heights as businesses compete fiercely to attract top talent.
However, attracting new employees takes more than offering a competitive salary. To truly stand out and attract the talent you need to keep up with emerging technologies, you need to offer benefits and perks that appeal to today’s workforce.
So, what’s the secret? What tech salary benchmarks should you be aiming for? Which perks should you be offering? And are there any alternative hiring strategies that could help you access the talent you need without breaking the bank?
Here’s everything you need to know, including expert insights and key stats.
Why are tech salaries so high in the USA?
Tech salaries are skyrocketing, and it’s not hard to see why. The US has been hit by a perfect storm of rapidly emerging technologies, skill shortages, and companies fighting tooth and nail to snag the best talent.
Specialized fields like AI, machine learning, and Blockchain are taking off like never before. As an example, generative AI roles alone have jumped an eye-popping 1,300% since 2022, as we saw in our recent e-book, while machine learning and data science jobs have grown by 80% and 250%, respectively.
Educational systems are having a hard time keeping up with these rapid changes. As Jeff Lam, Director of Recruiting at Arc.dev, puts it, “The real challenge isn’t a general talent shortage, but the growing demand for specialized skills.” Institutions are doing their best to adapt, but the pace of innovation is so fast that curriculums simply can’t keep up with the demand.
As a result of this tech skills gap, companies are scrambling to fill these roles. They’re shelling out higher tech salaries and sweetening the deal with benefits to attract and, more importantly, retain the talent they need to stay ahead. It’s not just a hiring game anymore, it’s an all-out competition to secure talent.
Average US tech salaries by role
So, what does all this mean for tech salaries in real terms?
Let’s break down the numbers and take a look at how much professionals in key tech roles in the U.S. are making today according to Built In. Keep in mind, though, that these are general figures. Actual salaries can vary significantly depending on state, company, and level of experience.
DevOps
Most DevOps engineers these days need specialized skills in areas like cloud services (AWS, GCP), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and security (DevSecOps). These skills are essential for managing cloud-based infrastructures, keeping everything secure, and optimizing the performance of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. Because of the growing demand for these specialized skills, the average base salary for a DevOps engineer is now $132,632.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity engineers work tirelessly to protect companies from the growing wave of cyber threats. With the increasing complexity of these threats, skills like cloud security (AWS, Azure), encryption, network security, and compliance are more valuable than ever. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity experts has shot up, as have salaries for these critical roles. Specifically, the average base salary for a Cybersecurity engineer now stands at $161,306.
Data architects
The role of a data architect has changed significantly with the rise of new technologies. It’s no longer just about organizing data; now it’s about working with cloud services like AWS and GCP, managing big data platforms like Hadoop and Spark, and making sure everything is secure and scalable. In other words, data architects are crucial for building and maintaining an organization’s data infrastructure, especially as emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data continue to reshape how data is stored, processed, and used.
As a result, with an average base salary of $145,845, they rank among the highest-paid tech professionals in the U.S. And as these emerging technologies continue to gain traction, the demand for data architects will only grow, which will likely push salaries even higher.
AI engineers
AI engineers are shaping the future of technology, creating the systems behind things like virtual assistants and predictive analytics. Their deep expertise in areas like machine learning and deep learning is a big reason these roles come with such impressive salaries. Specifically, the average base salary for an AI engineer currently sits at $177,612. With these technologies evolving at breakneck speed, skilled AI professionals will remain in high demand, keeping salaries competitive for years to come.
Front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers
Finally, even though front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers might not be in as high demand as they used to be, these roles are still incredibly valuable. Front-end developers, with skills in JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular, typically earn a base salary of $109,177, while back-end developers, who specialize in server-side programming and cloud services, bring in $166,396. Full-stack developers, who work across both front and back-end technologies, earn $159,917 on average.
Which benefits can help companies stand out?
When it comes to attracting top tech talent, salary is definitely important, but it’s not the only factor that counts. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 86% of workers claim that employee benefits are a significant factor when they decide whether or not to accept a job offer.
To truly stand out companies need to get creative with these benefits. While remote and hybrid work options are now standard and offered by 90% of companies, there are plenty of other benefits that can make a difference. Think flexible work hours, wellness support, opportunities for growth, and even perks like equity and profit sharing.
Let’s explore these benefits in a bit more detail.
Upskilling programs
Offering things like certifications, courses, or access to new learning tools shows your employees that you’re invested in their future. It’s a way of saying, “We want you to grow with us,” and that kind of support goes a long way in keeping people happy and engaged. In fact, according to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning report, 94% of employees say they’d stay longer at a company if it invested in their professional development.
Mental health and wellness
Mental health and wellness benefits, including therapy sessions, stress-relief tools, and mental health days, have become increasingly desirable as awareness of mental health grows in the workplace. Offering these programs is especially crucial in the tech industry, where long hours and high-pressure environments can lead to burnout.
By providing access to these perks, companies show their employees that their well-being truly matters. In fact, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, 81% of employees actively seek workplaces that prioritize mental health when considering new job opportunities. Think about this when you create your benefits packages to complement your tech salaries.
Multiplier makes it easy for companies to offer localized benefits across the globe. From dental and vision to mental wellness support, Multiplier’s flexible plans ensure that employees get top-notch coverage while meeting local requirements. This approach helps companies support their teams, wherever they are, and stay compliant. It’s a simple, effective way to offer meaningful benefits that truly make a difference.
Flexible hours
Today’s employees are looking for flexibility when it comes to their work hours. Some prefer starting their day early and wrapping up sooner, others like to work later in the day, and some even work longer hours during the week to take Fridays off. In fact, a 2023 survey by Buffer found that 22% of workers consider flexible hours to be their top benefit.
This shift is all about giving employees the freedom to work when they’re most productive. It’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about making sure people feel happy and balanced while they do it. When employees have the flexibility to manage their schedules, they’re more likely to feel motivated and engaged.
Equity and profit sharing
Finally, one benefit that’s really catching the eye of tech employees is the chance to share in the company’s success through stock options, equity, or profit-sharing. These perks make employees feel like they’re part of the bigger picture, giving them a stake in how the company grows.
This benefit is becoming increasingly attractive in the tech world, where startups and fast-growing companies are common. Equity can be a powerful tool for retaining talent and keeping employees engaged. Instead of just earning a salary, employees feel more connected to the company’s success.
A more affordable alternative for hiring tech talent
Here’s the thing: offering competitive pay and benefits is important, but it can feel like a never-ending race just to stay in the game. But what if there’s a way to skip the whole bidding war? Instead of fighting tooth and nail to attract local talent, why not look beyond your backyard?
Global hiring can be a much smarter and more sustainable strategy for building diverse, highly skilled teams. By looking beyond local borders and tapping into a global talent pool, you can find the right skills you need without blowing your budget on tech salaries.
This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) comes in handy. An EOR, like Multiplier, lets you hire top talent from anywhere, without the headache of setting up legal entities or dealing with complicated paperwork in other countries.
Plus, by hiring globally, you’ll have access to talent pools you might not have considered, like India, the Philippines, and Canada, where tech skills are thriving. It’s an easy, effective way to get the talent you need without the stress of complicated international hiring. With an EOR like Multiplier, you can focus on building the best team, while we take care of the rest.
Looking ahead: building a winning talent acquisition strategy
The tech talent shortage is real, and it’s only going to get more competitive. That’s why now is the perfect time to think outside the box and consider global hiring as part of your long-term strategy. It’s no longer just about paying top dollar for the best talent locally; with the right support, you have the opportunity to hire from anywhere in the world and easily tap into specialized skills markets.
By using an EOR like Multiplier, you can create a diverse, high-performing team without the headache of international hiring processes. We make sure you’re compliant with local laws and regulations, so you don’t have to worry about the red tape. And the best part? You’ll be able to attract and retain top talent from across the globe, with great localized benefits.
Want to learn more? Speak with one of our team.
