Big salary, high demand: Explore the best jobs in tech for fresh grads

Are you a final-year tech student about to enter the job market?

For many of you, deciding what you want to do in this next phase of your life can be difficult — and that’s okay.

The best-paying jobs in tech might just be the answer you’re looking for. 

It’s even better if you’re thinking about the job prospects ahead of you and how you can land one of the highest-paying jobs in the tech industry. 

On that note, you might wonder which jobs can give you the best salary and success. 

In today’s digital age, the technology sector has emerged as a thriving innovation hub, with many opportunities for fresh graduates to kickstart their careers. 

With the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, the demand for tech-savvy professionals has increased. 

This has resulted in the best-paying jobs in tech that offer lucrative compensation and many opportunities for growth. 

Just look at billionaires Bill Gates and Elon Musk, who both studied computer science. Today, they are some of the most successful and richest people in the world.

 

What are some other benefits of working in tech?

Beyond the financial rewards, the technology sector also encourages a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Fresh graduates embarking on tech careers can look forward to being part of groundbreaking projects, driving the digital transformation of industries, and leaving a lasting impact on society.

Whether it’s software engineering or AI, the tech world offers many exciting career paths, such as working as a data scientist, AI engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and more.

10 best-paying jobs in tech for fresh graduates

1. Software engineer

As the backbone of the tech industry, software engineers are highly sought-after by companies all around the world. 

To succeed in this field, the ability to code is essential. You should be proficient in coding languages like Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript. Top technology giants and startups alike offer generous packages to attract top talent, making software engineering one of the best-paying jobs for recent graduates.

An MBA can be advantageous, as many companies prefer candidates with strong management and leadership abilities. While it can be difficult, the payoff is significant, as it ranks among the highest-paying tech jobs, offering an annual income of approximately US$115,008.

2. Data scientist

With the data revolution in full swing, data scientists are indispensable assets to organisations. 

Fresh graduates with strong quantitative skills, knowledge of machine learning algorithms, and the ability to work with tools like Python, R, and SQL are in luck as data scientists are known for being among the highest-paid professionals in the tech industry.

Data scientists are critical in extracting meaningful patterns and predictive models from data, empowering companies to make data-driven decisions.

Their responsibilities encompass creating data models, coding, and identifying business concerns. 

They earn an annual salary of US$124,055. With a 36% projected employment rate increase by 2031, this career path is in high demand, growing much faster than other occupations.

To excel in this field, a bachelor’s degree in data science and a passion for mathematics, statistics, and programming is essential.

3. AI/machine learning engineer

As AI continues to disrupt industries across the board, the demand for AI and machine learning engineers has surged dramatically. 

Fresh graduates with expertise in building AI models, neural networks, and deep learning algorithms can secure high-paying roles. 

An AI or machine learning engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AI and machine learning models and algorithms. 

They work on creating intelligent systems that can learn from data, make predictions, and perform tasks without explicit programming. 

AI or machine learning engineers are crucial in many industries, including healthcare, finance, e-commerce, autonomous vehicles, natural language processing, and more.

Those in this role can earn up to US$158,624 per year in the US.

4. DevOps engineer

The need for streamlined software development and deployment processes has increased the importance of DevOps engineers. Fresh graduates with a knack for software development and IT operations are perfect for this role. 

They bridge the gap between development and operations teams, ensuring faster and more reliable software delivery by automating processes, managing infrastructure, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

This role often comes with competitive remuneration and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies. Those in this line can earn up to US$103,694 annually in the US.

The increasing adoption of DevOps practices, the emphasis on automation and continuous delivery, and the shortage of skilled professionals have made this job a highly sought-after and well-compensated profession in the IT industry.

5. Blockchain developer

Blockchain technology’s rise has brought about a demand for skilled blockchain developers.

Fresh graduates with knowledge of distributed ledger systems and smart contracts are in high demand. They will find themselves in high-paying positions within the fintech, supply chain, and healthcare industries, among others. 

A blockchain developer is a specialised software engineer who designs, develops, and implements applications or solutions using blockchain technology. Blockchain is a distributed and decentralised ledger technology that enables secure and transparent record-keeping of transactions across a network of computers. 

Blockchain developers work on various aspects of blockchain projects, including building decentralised applications (DApps), creating smart contracts, and integrating blockchain technology into existing systems.

Despite a talent shortage in this field, blockchain developers are still paid well in the US, earning around US$101,724 per year.

6. Cybersecurity analyst

As cyber threats increase, businesses and governments invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect sensitive information. 

A cybersecurity analyst is a professional responsible for safeguarding an organisation’s computer systems, networks, and data from security breaches and cyber threats. 

They play a crucial role in identifying potential vulnerabilities, analysing security incidents, and implementing measures to protect against cyberattacks.

Fresh graduates with a degree in cybersecurity or related fields should explore a career in this field to enjoy the many benefits, including a high salary of US$96,806 per year.

As a cloud solutions architect, you will be responsible for a company’s cloud computing strategy. Source: AFP

7. Cloud solutions architect

The role of a cloud architect secures its place as one of the best-paying jobs in technology. 

Cloud architects are IT professionals proficient in translating technical project requirements into design components.

They implement cloud-based solutions, leveraging platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform to meet an organisation’s needs.

Those in this field are also responsible for formulating and implementing a company’s cloud computing strategy while handling regular cloud service management and monitoring. 

Glassdoor reports an average annual salary of US$203,227 for this position in the US. 

Aspiring cloud architects should pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and gain expertise in operating systems, cloud security, computer networking, and programming languages around US$101,724 per year.

8. UX/UI designer

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are instrumental in crafting intuitive and visually appealing digital products. 

They are responsible for creating and enhancing the UX/UI of digital products, such as websites, mobile apps, software, and other interactive applications.

As this field gains popularity, companies are willing to pay handsomely for talented designers who can enhance customer satisfaction and drive user engagement. UX/UI designers earn up to US$86,630 annually in the US.

This is one of the best-paying jobs in tech, ensuring fresh graduates with design skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of human-computer interaction will succeed. 

The role combines elements of user research, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design to ensure that the digital product is not only visually appealing but also intuitive and easy to use for its target audience.

9. Mobile app developer

A mobile app developer is a skilled professional responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining mobile applications for various platforms, such as iOS (Apple devices) or Android (Google devices).

Their core expertise lies in writing code and using programming languages like Swift for iOS apps and Java/Kotlin for Android apps.

The demand for professionals in this field has increased significantly due to the number of mobile phone users. 

To excel in this role, candidates must understand complex programming languages and demonstrate proficiency in digital tools and techniques.

They are empowered to create innovative mobile applications, implement robust security measures, and sustain a competitive edge in the dynamic industry.

What’s more, this field is one of the best-paying jobs in tech, with professionals earning up to US$117,596 per year in the US. 

10. AI product manager

AI product managers oversee the development of AI-powered products and solutions. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product strategy, manage development lifecycles, and ensure successful product launches.

Product Managers play a crucial role in companies, defining a product’s parameters and ensuring its delivery aligns with customer needs while meeting the company’s objectives. 

This challenging position is well compensated for the dedication and hard work required. According to Glassdoor, US product managers can earn up to US$146,912 annually. 

To qualify for this role, you should possess strong analytical, time management, and organisational skills, alongside a degree in product design or engineering.