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The 15 best tech jobs boast top salaries, high satisfaction, lots of openings

October is here, and while this year may not be exactly what we had on our crisis bingo cards, the tech jobs market is one thing going totally right. Top tech companies add great jobs every day, and they are looking for people just like you. 

Hiring incentives at the top tech companies include laptops and headphones, work/life balance, and even student loan repayments, along with healthcare, retirement options, and paid time off.

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We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know this: The future is in tech. And it’s already here. Check out our list of the top job search sites for the tech market as well.

The Best Jobs in Tech
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The 15 hottest tech jobs right now

1) Data Scientist

  • Median annual salary: $113,000
  • Job satisfaction: 4.3/5
  • Number of job openings: 23,996

What data scientists do: While data science is a diverse field with a wide range of responsibilities depending on the company, all data scientists evaluate data to provide business insights. Duties typically include creating machine-based learning tools for use by the tech company, such as recommendation engines or expanded artificial intelligence (A.I.) functions. Data scientists also typically collect, clean, and organize data, and perform statistical and predictive analysis.

Skills and experience:

  • Strong understanding of statistical theory and applications. Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with machine learning and/or big data techniques (Spark, Pig, Hive)
  • Exceptional coding skills and experience with at least one high-level programming language (Python, Java or equivalent)
  • Proven record of 3-plus years of experience conducting data science projects.
  • Experience performing investigations on large-scale data sets

Companies hiring data scientists now:

  • Adobe, Lehi, Utah – See the job
    • Generous time off plus enhanced leave
    • Adobe stock at 15% below fair market value by enrolling in the employee stock purchase plan
    • Educational reimbursement of $10,000 per year
  • Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Livermore, California – See the job
    • 401(k) with 6% matching
    • Accrued vacation time for each year of employment and paid time off.
    • Tuition reimbursement
  • McKinsey & Company, Washington, DC – See the job
    • 401(k) with limited matching
    • Maternity and paternity leave, including adoptive parents
    • Vacation and paid time off

2) Software engineer

  • Median annual salary: $92,046
  • Job satisfaction: 3.6/5
  • Number of job openings: 107,516

What software engineers do: Software engineers use knowledge of engineering principles and programming languages to design, develop, and install software and systems. This role can start as an entry-level position, with the opportunity to be promoted to senior software engineer roles. 

Skills and experience:

  • Proficiency in multiple programming languages such as Java, MySQL/Oracle/DB, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Expertise with SQL, relational data modeling, and basic database schema design
  • Experience working across complex enterprise systems to enhance current processes and procedures, while ensuring the validity of enterprise data
  • Ability to solve architectural and system issues involving scalability and relational databases

Companies hiring software engineers now:

  • Classy Llama, Springfield, Missouri – Save the job
    • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
    • 401(k) plan, no match
    • Free lunch and snacks
  • Robinhood, Menlo Park, California – See the job
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Employer paid health insurance
    • 401(k) plan with match
  • Heap, San Francisco – See the job
    • 401(k) with matching
    • Free lunch and dinner
    • Onsite gym, gym/health reimbursement

3) DevOps engineer

  • Median annual salary: $100,000
  • Job satisfaction: 4.⅕,
  • Number of job openings: 24,440

What devops engineers do: DevOps engineers automate and streamline existing systems and processes, as well as build and maintain tools for deployment, operations, and monitoring systems. They also diagnose and resolve issues in development, testing, and production environments.

Skills and experience:

  • Scripting skills in languages such as Bash, Ant, Python, Gradle, Maven, and Ruby
  • Experience with object-oriented design, data structures, and multithreaded algorithms
  • Experience with cloud-based infrastructure environments
  • Experience collaborating across multiple functional/technical teams to deliver a project

Companies hiring devops engineers now:

  • Kaiser Permanente, Pleasanton, California – See the job
    • 100% Employer-paid health insurance and wellness programs
    • 403(b) with 6% matching plus pension
    • Vacation and paid time off
  • Roblox, San Mateo, California – See the job
    • Variety of health care plans to choose from
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • 401(k) and Roth IRA plan with 4% match
  • Apple, San Diego, California – See the job
    • Health insurance and wellness programs
    • Time-away programs
    • Stock grants and discount buy-ins
security engineer worker his job
Image used with permission by copyright holder

4) Security engineer

  • Median annual salary: $100,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.8/5
  • Number of job openings: 52,337

What security engineers do: Security Engineers protect computer networks and systems. They devise and carry out strategies to monitor and protect sensitive data and systems from infiltration and cyberattacks.

Skills and experience:

  • Expertise in disaster recovery, computer forensic tools, technologies, and methods
  • Expertise in coding languages, and the ability to understand mobile and malicious code
  • Experience with antivirus software, intrusion detection, firewalls, and content filtering
  • Understanding of risk-assessment tools, technologies, and methods
  • Bonus if the candidate has a computer science or information technology degree

Companies hiring security engineers now:

  • AppFolio, San Diego – See the job
    • 401(k) plan with matchings
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Medical and dental insurance
  • Cisco Systems, Richardson, Texas – See the job
    • Multiple health insurance plans and on-site medical
    • 401(k) matching
    • Vacation and paid time off
  • Autodesk, San Francisco – See the job
    • 401(k) plan with match
    • Work from home
    • Low cost health insurance

5) Data analyst

  • Median annual salary: $62,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.9/5
  • Number of job openings: 5,553

What data analysts do: Data analyst responsibilities include developing frameworks for data, analytics, and strategy development, as well as implementing data-analysis tools and providing user training. Other duties include collecting and analyzing data sets from diverse sources to inform business decisions and make accurate predictions. Tracking and monitoring internal and external data are additional duties.

Skills and experience:

  • Ability to analyze large data sets and filter relevant data sets
  • Attention to detail, an analytical mind, and problem-solving ability
  • Experience in data modeling and reporting software
  • Ability to write actionable reports in clear language

Companies hiring data analysts now:

  • Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – See the job
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Comprehensive health benefits
    • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Driscoll, Watsonville, California – See the job
    • 401(k) plan with match
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Tuition reimbursement and leadership training
  • Facebook, Huntsville, Alabama – See the job
    • Free lunch and snacks
    • Three months of maternity and paternity leave
    • Generous vacation time, unlimited sick days, 21 days paid time off

6) Solutions architect

  • Median annual salary: $111,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.6
  • Number of job openings: 70,105

What solutions architects do: Solution architects manage complex processes to solve business problems using technology. Duties include defining features, phases, and solution requirements to address issues and weaknesses and determining the best tech solution to solve problems while also explaining the solution to project stakeholders to achieve buy-in.

Skills and experience:

  • IT infrastructure and cloud development
  • Engineering and software architectural design
  • Working experience in various areas of IT
  • Project and product management

Companies hiring solutions architects now:

  • Nvidia, Washington, DC – See the job
    • Health care coverage, life, and disability insurance
    • 401(k) matching up to 6%
    • Maternity and paternity leave
  • DocuSign, Florida – See the job
    • 100% of employee’s medical, dental, and vision premiums, and over 50% of dependent medical, dental, and vision premiums
    • Flexible spending account, health reimbursement arrangement
    • 6 months paid parental leave
  • Snowflake, Tampa, Florida – See the job
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Free lunch 4-5 days per week
    • Health insurance and mental health therapy

7) Systems engineer

  • Median annual salary: $78,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.5/5
  • Number of job openings: 67,949

What systems engineers do: System engineers combine knowledge of engineering and coding to implement computer systems for businesses and organizations. They implement new systems, evaluate performance, and correct software errors in existing systems. Responsibilities may include preparing progress and specifications reports, maintaining inventory, and overseeing payroll.

Skills and experience:

  • Knowledge of network hardware and operating systems
  • Strong communication skills
  • Experience with planning design, technical review, and implementation of new network infrastructure
  • Experience with troubleshooting and fixing networks and systems
  • Bonus if they have a computer science- or computer-related degree

Companies hiring systems engineers now:

  • Oshkosh Corporation, Clearwater, Florida – See the job
    • 401(k) and employee stock purchase plan
    • Comprehensive health care and wellbeing programs
    • Tuition reimbursement
  • Livongo, Remote – See the job
    • 401(k) with 100% match up to $1,200
    • Commuter and cell phone reimbursement
    • Catered Lunch Monday-Thursday
  • Moog, Gilbert, Arizona – See the job
    • 401(k) plan with matching
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Comprehensive, low cost health insurance

8) Software developer

  • Median annual salary: $77,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.5/5
  • Number of job openings: 59,603

What software developers do: Software developer responsibilities include designing, testing, implementing, and managing software programs. They are also charged with modifying existing programs to meet company needs, developing quality-assurance testing methods, training users, and evaluating the software for its efficiency and usability. They may also implement programs, integrate systems, train users, and monitor systems.

Skills and experience:

  • Coding in languages such as Java, Python, C#/.Net,  Mean, and Ruby
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Experience in software testing and debugging
  • Expertise in object-oriented design

Companies hiring software developers now:

  • Redjack, Silver Springs, Maryland – See the job
    • 401(k) with match
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Commuter reimbursement
  • Travelers, Saint Paul, Minnesota – See the job
    • 401(k) with 50% matching up to the first $6,000
    • 20 days vacation and paid time off to start
    • Comprehensive health insurance for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and children
  • Jobot, Orange California – See the job
    • Employer paid platinum full coverage PPO and HMO health insurance options 
    • Unlimited paid time off
    • Free life insurance
ux designer working at their job
Image used with permission by copyright holder

9) UX designer

  • Median annual salary: $85,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.7/5
  • Number of job openings: 4,372

What UX designers do: UX designers are responsible for the look and feel of websites. Using product specifications, user psychology, and research data, they work with web developers to create website concepts and conduct usability tests to evaluate design success. They find creative ways to address usability, findability issues, and use the knowledge gained to develop wireframes and prototypes to meet customer needs.

Skills and experience:

  • Proficiency in design software such as UXPin and Balsamiq
  • HTML/CSS and JavaScript skills
  • Project-management and research experience
  • Experience as a UX or UI designer, or similar role

Companies hiring UX designers now:

  • The Clorox Company, San Francisco, California – See the job
    • 401(k) with matching up to 4% 
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Asana, San Francisco – See the job
    • 100% employer paid health insurance 
    • Unlimited paid time off
    • Free lunch and snacks
  • The Motley Fool, Lakewood, Colorado – See the job
    • Low-cost family health insurance 
    • Work from home
    • Free lunch and snacks

10) Systems administrator

  • Median annual salary: $65,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.6/5
  • Number of job openings: 45,932

What systems administrators do: System administrators are responsible for providing technical support for both hardware and software issues. They manage the configuration and operation of client-based computer operating systems, monitor systems, and respond to security issues. Job duties also include maintaining secure data backups, and monitoring and upgrading systems, processes, and security measures. They will also be expected to install and test new system hardware.

Skills and experience:

  • Knowledge of system vulnerabilities and security issues
  • Understanding of industry goals and practices
  • System administration experience
  • Experience with VMware

Companies hiring systems administrators now:

  • Paycom, Oklahoma City – See the job
    • 401(k) matching
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Employee stock purchase opportunities
  • 23andMe, Sunnyvale, California – See the job
    • Free CalTrain Go Pass
    • Dog friendly offices
    • 16 weeks paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child, including LGBT employees
  • ManTech, Aurora, Colorado – See the job
    • 100% Paid tuition at Purdue Global for bachelors or masters degree 
    • 401(k) plan with match
    • Vacation and paid  time off
Application Engineer working their job
Image used with permission by copyright holder

11) Applications engineer

  • Median annual salary: $70,000
  • Job satisfaction: 4/5
  • Number of job openings: 91,660

What applications engineers do: Application Engineers gather customer input and sales information and use it to design or redesign, develop, test, and implement complex software programs and applications based on user needs. Job duties include designing, developing, implementing, and testing new applications, upgrading existing software, and providing technical support.

Skills and experience:

  • Software and coding skills specific to the job
  • Strong quantitative skills
  • Experience in engineering or development
  • Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams

Companies hiring applications engineers now:

  • Cirrus Logic, Austin – See the job
    • 401(k) plan
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Milwaukee Tool, Brookfield, Wisconsin – See the job
    • Comprehensive health care and low cost prescriptions
    • 401(k) plan
    • Vacation and paid time off
  • Bolt, San Francisco – See the job
    • Employer paid health and life insurance
    • Gym and commuter subsidies
    • 401(k) with match

12) Data engineer

  • Median annual salary: $130,525
  • Job satisfaction: 3.9/5
  • Number of job openings: 79,281

What data engineers do: Data engineers build systems to handle big data. They design, develop, build, test, and maintain architectures, including databases and large-scale data-processing systems. They are responsible for finding ways to acquire and filter data, and developing high-performance algorithms for data use, such as predictive modeling and proof of concepts. Responsibilities also include creating and implementing a disaster-recovery plan.

Skills and experience:

  • Knowledge of Hadoop-based technologies, SQL-based technologies, NoSQL technologies, data-modeling tools, and various coding languages including Python, C/C++ or Java, Perl
  • Statistical analysis and modeling
  • Predictive modeling, neuro-linguistic programming , machine learning, and text analysis experience
  • Experience with data-warehousing solutions

Companies hiring data engineers now:

  • Confluent, Mountain View, California – See the job
    • Maternity and paternity leave
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Free breakfast and lunch
  • Slalom, San Jose, California – See the job
    • 50% 401(k) matching up to 6% of salary
    • Health care, including transgender medical benefits
    • Maternity and paternity leaves
  • Kforce, Farmington, Connecticut – See the job
    • Health and dental insurance
    • 401(k) plan with match
    • Vacation and paid time off

13) Product manager

  • Median annual salary: $109,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.8/5
  • Number of job openings: 92,971

What product managers do: Product managers are responsible for developing products from start to finish. They conduct market research to identify potential products, devise product requirements, write specifications, set production timelines and benchmarks, assign responsibilities, and monitor the project from end-to-end. They may also set pricing, as well as develop marketing strategies and rollout schedule.

Skills and experience:

  • Ability to identify new products, as well as develop products and marketing strategies
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience in software development and web technologies
  • Product-management experience

Companies hiring product managers now:

  • Slack, San Francisco – See the job
    • Maternity and paternity leave, fertility and infertility benefits
    • 401(k) with matching
    • Medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents
  • Goldman Sachs, Miami – See the job
    • Maternity and paternity leave
    • 401(k) with matching
    • Employee discounts and entrance to the arts

14) Java developer

  • Median annual salary: $79,000
  • Job satisfaction: 3.7/5
  • Number of job openings: 20,184

What Java developers do: Java developers create user information system solutions by designing and developing high-volume, low-latency applications. Responsibilities include determining and defining user needs, writing specifications, and developing, testing, and implementing solutions.

Skills and experience:

  • Knowledge of relational databases, SQL and ORM technologies
  • Object-oriented analysis and design skills using common design patterns
  • Product-management experience
  • Java development experience

Companies hiring Java developers now:

  • Collabera, Alexandria, Virginia – See the job
    • 401(k) plan
    • Health and dental insurance
    • Vacation and paid time off
  • Conch Technologies, Inc, Louisville, Kentucky – See the job
    • Vacation and paid time off
    • Health insurance including family benefits
    • 401(k) plan
  • IGNW, Orlando – See the job
    • 401(k) plan
    • Health care insurance
    • Pet health care insurance

15) Sales engineer 

  • Median annual salary: $88,000
  • Job satisfaction: 4.1/5
  • Number of job openings: 27,291

What sales engineers do: Technical sales engineers provide clients with technical advice and introduce new products. Responsibilities include identifying new markets and clients, conducting sales meetings, negotiating contracts, and providing information, training, and technical support to clients.

Skills and experience:

  • Strong technical knowledge
  • The ability to communicate highly technical information in language easily understood by end users
  • Technical sales experience
  • Willingness to travel

Companies hiring sales engineers now:

  • iCIMS – Denver – See the job
    • Vacation plus 15 paid time off days, 5 sick days, 11 holidays, with 1 day added each year
    • 401(k) with 3% matching
    • Free drinks and lunch once a week
  • Moogsoft, San Francisco – See the job
    • Flexible scheduling, work from home, and unlimited vacation days 
    • 401(k) and pension plan 
    • On-site massages and free snacks
  • Datadog, San Francisco – See the job
    • Vacation and unlimited paid time off
    • Free meals and snacks
    • Low cost health insurance
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Benjamin Beck
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Benjamin is a digital marketing enthusiast. The connection between technology and marketing is his passion and loves to…
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