Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Cleveland

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 4th 2024

Cleveland skyline with a focus on the tech industry.

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Cleveland's tech industry is booming, with premier employers like Progressive, KeyBank, and Sherwin-Williams offering top-paying positions. High-demand roles include Software Development Manager ($141,667 annually), Solutions Architect ($148,000-$178,000), and Data Scientist ($167K top earners). In 2023, Cleveland's tech sector employed over 35,000 people, generating $4.2 billion in payroll, highlighting its significant economic impact and growth potential. With an average tech salary of $93,700 in Ohio and vast job creation in related industries, Cleveland is a tech career hotspot.

Cleveland's tech scene is totally lit right now, and I'm not just talking about dope job opportunities – this city is straight up a goldmine for high-paying tech gigs.

Just check this out: according to the latest stats, the average tech salary in Ohio was a staggering $93,700 in 2023, nearly double the state's overall average wage.

That's some serious cash!

Major tech players like Progressive, KeyBank, and Sherwin-Williams have their headquarters right here in C-Town, so you know they're always on the hunt for top talent.

For every new tech job created, it generates five more jobs in other industries. Talk about a ripple effect! Software developers alone were raking in an average annual salary of $87,930 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That's the kind of cash that can make your dreams come true, ya dig?

But it's not just about the Benjamins. Cleveland's tech sector employed over 35,000 people in 2023, generating a whopping $4.2 billion in payroll.

That's some serious economic power right there. Our city ranked 8th in the nation for tech talent growth between 2017 and 2022, according to CBRE. We're talking about a rapidly expanding industry that's attracting top-notch talent and investment from all over.

As Michael Brown, the big cheese at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, said,

"The tech sector in Cleveland is a major driver of economic growth and job creation, attracting top talent and investment to the region."

So if you're looking to level up your career and your bank account, getting into the tech game in Cleveland is definitely the move.

Table of Contents

  • Methodology for Ranking High-Paying Tech Jobs
  • 1. Software Development Manager
  • 2. Solutions Architect
  • 3. IT Project Manager
  • 4. Data Scientist
  • 5. DevOps Engineer
  • 6. Information Security Analyst
  • 7. Database Administrator
  • 8. Front-End Developer
  • 9. Network Engineer
  • 10. Full Stack Developer
  • Conclusion and Future Prospects in Cleveland’s Tech Industry
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology for Ranking High-Paying Tech Jobs

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Alright, let me break down how we ranked the top high-paying tech jobs in Cleveland. We wanted to keep things real, so we looked at hard facts and numbers from legit sources.

First up, we checked the average salaries using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics - these guys know their stuff. But we didn't stop there, we also cross-checked with regional salary surveys from sites like PayScale and Salary.com to make sure the numbers were on point for Cleveland.

Next, we had to look at the future job prospects.

No point in chasing a career that's going nowhere, right? So we turned to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' long-term projections to see which tech roles were expected to grow and stay in demand.

We're talking about a decade-long forecast, so we could really get a feel for the stability and longevity of these careers.

With both the salary data and job growth projections in hand, we combined them to find the sweet spot – jobs that not only pay well but also have a solid future outlook.

That's how we whittled it down to the top 10 high-paying tech gigs in Cleveland. We wanted to give you the full picture, so you can make an informed decision about which career path to pursue.

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1. Software Development Manager

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Okay, so you want to know about that Software Development Manager job in Cleveland, right? This gig is like the boss of all the coding bosses.

These peeps basically run the show when it comes to building dope software. The average pay for this role in Ohio as of June 2024 is a crazy $141,667 per year! That's some serious cash.

But it's not just about the Benjamins.

To land this sweet job, you gotta have the skills to pay the bills. We're talking a bachelor's degree in computer science or something similar, plus at least 5 years of experience in the software game.

And not just any experience - they want you to have managed dev teams before, so you know how to keep everyone on track.

As a Software Development Manager in Cleveland, your main job is to make sure the whole software creation process runs smoothly, from start to finish.

You'll be mentoring those code ninjas, making sure they follow all the rules and best practices. But it's not just about the tech side - you gotta be a people person too.

You'll be the link between the dev team and the big bosses, translating biz needs into tech specs that make sense to your squad.

It's a lot of responsibility, but if you can handle it, the rewards are sweet.

Not just that fat paycheck, but the chance to be a part of Cleveland's booming tech scene. Companies here are hiring like crazy for Software Development Managers, so if you've got the chops, now's the time to make your move.

2. Solutions Architect

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Being a Solutions Architect in Cleveland is where the real money's at! We're talking an average salary between $148,000 to $178,000 per year, plus sweet bonuses up to 50% of your earnings.

That's some serious cash.

But it ain't just about the Benjamins. This gig is all about innovation and pushing the boundaries of tech. As a Solutions Architect, you'll be collaborating with cross-functional squads, designing dope solutions, and leading teams to bring those ideas to life.

You'll be working with cutting-edge stuff like cloud computing, identity and security, API design, and more.

But don't get it twisted, this isn't a walk in the park.

To score this role, you'll need a bachelor's degree in IT or a related field, plus at least 8 years of solid experience in distributed application architecture, databases, web, mobile, and cloud tech.

They want to see that you can effectively partner with IT and business teams, and have legit subject matter expertise.

If you've got the skills and the drive, though, companies like Progressive, KeyBank, and Hyland Software are always on the hunt for fresh talent to join their squads.

With the tech scene in Cleveland blowing up, this role is only going to become more in-demand. So, if you're ready to level up your career and rake in some serious dough, start brushing up on those Solutions Architect skills.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

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3. IT Project Manager

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At number 3 on our list of top-paying tech gigs in Cleveland is the role of IT Project Manager.

These tech bosses are the masterminds behind major digital projects, steering complex implementations from conception to launch. With data from job sites and company postings, the average pay range for IT PMs in The Land in 2024 is looking like a solid $90,000 - $135,000 annually.

To score one of these sweet roles, companies want to see a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related major.

But the real key is demonstrating extensive experience leading tech projects from start to finish. According to the Project Management Institute's survey, top responsibilities include defining project scope and goals, managing resources and budgets, facilitating cross-team collaboration, implementing risk strategies, and ensuring projects deliver on stakeholder expectations.

Postings from major Cleveland employers like Sherwin-Williams and Lincoln Electric highlight essential skills like:

  • Strong technical and analytical abilities. These skills are essential for understanding complex systems and data.
  • Expert communication and people skills. Crucial for leading teams and collaborating with stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinking. Necessary for long-term planning and handling unexpected challenges.
  • Mastery of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, etc.). Important for efficiently managing projects.
  • Proficiency with PM software tools. These tools streamline project management tasks.

With businesses across industries going all-in on digital transformation, the demand for IT Project Managers is projected to soar 16% from 2021 to 2031, making this a future-proof career path in Cleveland's flourishing tech scene.

4. Data Scientist

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Data Scientists in Cleveland are straight-up ballers! They're like data wizards who can turn massive piles of raw info into mind-blowing insights that help companies make smart moves.

According to the latest scoop, the average yearly pay for a Data Scientist in Cleveland is around $114K, with top earners raking in a whopping $167K! That's some serious cash for crunching numbers and making sense of all that data mumbo-jumbo.

But it ain't all about the Benjamins.

To score one of these gigs, you'll need a solid education, like a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or something equally number-crunchy.

And you better be a coding machine, 'cause they expect you to be a pro at Python, R, SQL, and all those fancy data viz tools. Plus, you gotta have mad skills in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.

It's like playing 4D chess with data, but way more complicated.

So, what does a Data Scientist actually do all day? Well, they're like data detectives, collecting and cleaning up messy datasets from every nook and cranny.

Then, they whip up some wild analytical models and algorithms to sniff out trends and patterns that would make your head spin. And they've gotta communicate all those mind-melting discoveries to the big shots in a way that even your grandma could understand.

Talk about a talent!

To really slay at this gig, you need to be a serious problem-solving ninja with a sixth sense for critical thinking. Plus, you gotta have that gift of gab to explain complex data in simple terms.

And let's not forget that razor-sharp attention to detail – one tiny mistake, and your whole analysis could be a hot mess.

Data Scientists in Cleveland are like the rock stars of the tech world.

They're taking raw data and turning it into pure gold for companies. As one recruiter put it,

"Data is the new oil, and Data Scientists are the refiners who turn raw data into valuable insights."

So if you've got the brains and the hustle, this could be your ticket to a seriously sweet career in the 216.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

5. DevOps Engineer

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Check this out - DevOps Engineers in Ohio make bank, raking in an average of $130,887 per year or $63 per hour! That's some serious cash, right? To land one of these sweet gigs in Cleveland, you gotta have the skills to pay the bills.

Most companies want you to have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, plus certifications like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Certified Kubernetes Administrator.

You'll be automating deployment processes, setting up CI/CD pipelines, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting issues like a pro.

Speaking of skills, you'll need to be a coding wizard with languages like Python, Go, or Ruby.

And you better know your way around containerization tech like Docker and Kubernetes, cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, and infrastructure as code tools like Terraform.

Basically, you gotta be a tech ninja with mad automation and scripting skills.

But it's not all about the tech side. DevOps is a mindset, a way of life that brings dev and ops teams together in perfect harmony.

It's all about collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement. So get ready to be the glue that holds it all together.

6. Information Security Analyst

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Let's talk about one of the hottest tech jobs in Cleveland - being an Information Security Analyst.

These guys are the secret service for computer systems, protecting sensitive data from hackers and cyber threats. According to ZipRecruiter, they can make bank, with salaries ranging from $41,703 to a whopping $145,474 per year in C-Town.

So, what does it take to land one of these sweet gigs? First up, you'll need a solid education, like a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.

But certifications like CISSP or CEH can really give you an edge too. Hands-on experience is key, so any time spent working with network security, incident response, or risk management will make you stand out.

Once you're in, your days will be filled with exciting tasks like designing cyber defenses, hunting for vulnerabilities, and enforcing security policies.

You'll be like a cybersecurity ninja, staying ahead of the latest threats and trends. But it's not all code and firewalls - you'll need to communicate complex technical stuff to non-tech folks too.

Check out Zippia's listings for some real-life job descriptions and qualifications.

Overall, if you're into problem-solving, have a keen eye for detail, and can rock the cyber lingo, being an Information Security Analyst in Cleveland could be your dream gig.

The demand is only going up, so now's the time to start sharpening those hacking skills (the legal kind, of course!).

7. Database Administrator

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If you're looking to make some serious cash in the tech scene here in Cleveland, you gotta check out the Database Administrator gig. According to the latest stats for 2024, we're talking an average salary range of $107K to $135K per year - not too shabby, right?

To score one of these high-paying roles, you'll need a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or something similar.

But that's not all - most employers want you to have 3-5 years of experience working with database management systems like Oracle, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.

As a Database Administrator in Cleveland, your main responsibilities would involve designing and maintaining complex database systems, ensuring data security and integrity, optimizing performance, and developing backup strategies.

You'll be working closely with development teams to integrate database solutions, so collaboration skills are key.

To really crush it in this role, you'll need to be a pro in SQL, database architecture, data modeling, and scripting languages.

But that's not all - expertise in areas like database security, data warehousing, and cloud technologies will make you stand out in the Cleveland job market.

With an 8% job growth rate projected between 2021 and 2031, the demand for skilled Database Administrators in Cleveland is on the rise.

Top companies like Progressive Insurance, KeyBank, and Sherwin-Williams are actively hiring for these roles, so if you've got the skills, it's a great time to make your move.

8. Front-End Developer

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Copping the 8th spot on the list of high-paying tech jobs in Cleveland, Front-End Web Developers are raking in some serious dough.

We're talking an average salary of $92,372 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. Not too shabby for building those slick websites and web apps we can't get enough of, right?

To snag one of those $100k-$137k Front-End Developer gigs in Cleveland, you'll need to level up your skills.

HTML, CSS, JavaScript - those are just the basics. Employers want you to be a pro at front-end frameworks like React, Angular and Vue.js. You've got to be all about that responsive design life too, making sure those interfaces look fire on any device.

A bunch of Entry-Level Front-End Web Developer jobs in Cleveland are open to self-taught coding ninjas who busted their butts at bootcamps or online courses.

Just be ready to show off your skills with some killer projects in your portfolio.

Once you're in, you'll be collaborating with designers, back-end devs, and the whole squad to create those smooth user experiences we all crave.

Performance optimization, cross-browser compatibility, accessibility - it's all in a day's work for a Front-End Dev in The Land. With tech giants like Progressive, KeyBank, and Sherwin-Williams always on the hunt for top talent, this career path is a no-brainer if you're trying to secure the bag.

9. Network Engineer

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Network Engineers in Cleveland are killing it when it comes to fat paychecks.

We're talking an average of $84,630 per year in 2024 - not too shabby, right? But to land these sweet gigs, you gotta come correct with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or something tech-y, plus around 3-5 years of solid experience under your belt.

So what do these Network Engineer homies do all day? They design and build the epic computer networks that keep businesses running smoothly.

We're talking LANs, WANs, internet connections - the whole nine yards. They also configure and maintain all the network hardware and software, like routers, switches, and firewalls, keeping everything running smoothly.

But it's not just about setting things up - they gotta monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure top-notch security with network policies and protocols.

To excel in this role, you need mad skills in networking tech like TCP/IP and routing protocols, scripting languages like Python and Bash, and a solid grasp of network security.

But it's not just about being a tech whiz - you gotta have that problem-solving game on point, pay attention to the details, and communicate effectively with your squad.

As Christopher Rodriguez, a seasoned Network Engineer in Cleveland, puts it, "In this fast-paced industry, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are paramount for success."

10. Full Stack Developer

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If you're looking to crush it in the tech scene in Cleveland, being a Full Stack Developer is where it's at.

These coding wizards are like the superheroes of the web dev world, juggling front-end and back-end skills with ease. The average salary in Cleveland for a Full Stack Dev is a mind-blowing $117,960 per year! That's some serious cash, my friend.

  • Main Idea: A Full Stack Developer needs a solid foundation in multiple programming languages and technologies.

    To land one of these gigs, you'll need to level up your skills with a solid foundation in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React, Redux, and TypeScript. Employers are looking for coding ninjas who can not only craft slick user interfaces but also build rock-solid APIs and integrate with databases. It's all about creating seamless and lightning-fast web applications that'll blow users' minds.

  • Main Idea: Team collaboration is essential for a Full Stack Developer.

    You'll also need to be a team player, collaborating with designers, project managers, and other devs to bring those brilliant ideas to life. It's like being part of a tech-savvy superhero squad, each with their unique powers combining to save the digital world.

So, if you're ready to take on the challenge of being a Full Stack Developer in Cleveland, gear up with the right skills, and get ready to join the ranks of the tech elite.

The future is digital, and you could be the one coding it into existence!

Conclusion and Future Prospects in Cleveland’s Tech Industry

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Cleveland's tech scene is about to blow up! Check out these 16 hot tech companies to watch in 2024 that are shaking things up.

From fintech to healthtech, startups like Upright, Axuall, and Zivian Health are raising mad cash and hiring like crazy. But it's not just the startups - big players like DigitalC scored $20 million to bridge the digital divide, and Votem is revolutionizing online voting.

If you're looking to make bank in tech, peep these top tech jobs in Cleveland.

Companies like PwC, ServiceNow, and GitLab have openings for roles like AI Specialist, Technical Writer, and Customer Success Manager. With salaries up to six figures, you could be living that baller life.

Check out coding bootcamps in Cleveland to stay ahead of the curve.

And don't sleep on the booming healthcare and manufacturing industries - they're creating tons of jobs too.

But it's not just about the Benjamins.

Cleveland is all about that sustainable, ethical hustle. Outsourcing trends are shifting towards specialized expertise, collaborative partnerships, and socially responsible practices.

So you can flex your skills while making a positive impact.

The future is bright in the Forest City. Mark your calendars for the Best of Tech Day on September 24th to network and celebrate the city's tech achievements.

With opportunities like these, Cleveland is the place to be for an epic tech career in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the average tech salary in Ohio as of 2023?

According to the latest statistics, the average tech salary in Ohio was $93,700 in 2023.

Which companies are major employers in Cleveland’s tech scene?

Major tech companies including Progressive, KeyBank, and Sherwin-Williams have their headquarters in Cleveland and are significant employers in the city's tech industry.

What methodology was used to rank the high-paying tech jobs in Cleveland?

The ranking was based on average salaries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and regional salary surveys, along with future job prospects using data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

What is the salary range for a Solutions Architect in Cleveland?

The average salary for a Solutions Architect in Cleveland ranges from $148,000 to $178,000 per year, with potential bonuses up to 50% of the earnings.

How many people were employed in Cleveland's tech sector in 2023?

Cleveland's tech sector employed over 35,000 people in 2023, generating approximately $4.2 billion in payroll.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.