Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Columbia in 2024
Last Updated: December 4th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, tech jobs in Columbia, MO, are booming, with roles like Software Engineer and AI/Machine Learning Engineer earning up to $150,875 annually. Columbia's tech scene is thriving, driven by a 22% projected job growth for software engineers and a 35% increase for data scientists by 2032. The Missouri job market data shows a 5% opening rate for tech positions, making Columbia a hub for innovation. Key roles include Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cloud Solutions Architect, and UX/UI Designer, offering lucrative opportunities and job security.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Getting hyped about high-paying tech jobs in Columbia for 2024? This college town is about to become a total hotspot.
Check out these fresh stats: Electronic technicians in Columbia are raking in an average of $52,141 annually, with top earners scoring nearly $80K!
- Tech roles are booming: Job openings for entry-level tech positions are on the rise, with companies eagerly seeking new talent.
- IRS opportunities: Did you know the IRS has a whole bunch of customer service and IT gigs up for grabs in Columbia? It's a crazy opportunity to get your foot in the door at a major organization.
- Missouri job market data: The Missouri job market data confirms a 5% opening rate for tech positions in 2024, solidifying Columbia's reputation as an emerging hub for innovation.
Time to polish up those coding skills with Nucamp's complete job-hunting guide and land your dream gig!
Table of Contents
- Methodology
- 1. Software Engineer
- 2. Data Scientist
- 3. Cybersecurity Specialist
- 4. Cloud Solutions Architect
- 5. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer
- 6. DevOps Engineer
- 7. Full Stack Developer
- 8. IT Manager
- 9. Network Architect
- 10. UX/UI Designer
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore the exciting world of local tech companies and startups in Columbia, Missouri.
Methodology
(Up)Let me break it down for ya on how we found the top 10 best paid tech jobs in Columbia for 2024.
We did some serious digging, checking out the deets from legit sites like Glassdoor and PayScale to get the scoop on the average salaries for different tech roles in the area.
We also hit up the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see which jobs are gonna be poppin' in the future.
But we didn't stop there, we reached out to the real deal - industry vets and career coaches who know the tech scene inside out.
They gave us the lowdown on the most lucrative and in-demand tech gigs in Columbia for next year. Here's what we were lookin' for:
- Fat Stacks: We prioritized roles with some serious cash flow, cuz who doesn't want to get paid, right?
- High Demand: Jobs with plenty of openings and a bright future, so you know you'll be raking it in for years to come.
- Future Proof: We scoped out the roles that are gonna be hot commodities as tech keeps evolving, so you can stay ahead of the game.
After crunching all that data and gettin' the inside scoop, we put together a list that's straight fire.
It'll give you the 411 on the top tech jobs in Columbia for 2024 that'll have you ballin' out.
In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.
1. Software Engineer
(Up)2024 is gonna be the year for Software Engineers in Columbia, MO! If you're into coding and building rad apps, this could be your dream job.
The average yearly pay is estimated at a solid $98,760, which means you can live that tech bro lifestyle and still have cash to spare.
As a Software Engineer, you'll be the mastermind behind creating and maintaining software for companies big and small.
Your day-to-day will involve writing clean code using languages like Java, Python, and C++, collaborating with teams to turn ideas into reality, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
You'll also get to flex your problem-solving skills by debugging code and implementing security measures to keep things locked down tight.
The best part? The demand for Software Engineers in Missouri is projected to skyrocket by 22% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's like a golden ticket for job security! Companies in Columbia like Veterans United Home Loans, Shelter Insurance, and the University of Missouri are leading the charge, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to land a sweet gig.
To really stand out in 2024, you'll want to level up your skills in agile methodologies, cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and DevOps practices.
With these tools in your arsenal, you'll be unstoppable! So, if you're ready to join the ranks of top Software Engineers and rake in that tech money, Columbia is the place to be.
2. Data Scientist
(Up)Data science is the new hot thing, and Columbia is where it's at in 2024! As a Data Scientist, your job is to make sense of all the crazy amounts of data companies are dealing with.
You're like a data detective, uncovering hidden insights that help businesses make smart moves. With skills like machine learning, coding, and stats, you turn messy data into valuable intel.
In Columbia, MO, a Data Scientist can rake in an average of $106,217 per year! That's some serious cash, but the job is no joke.
You gotta be a real coding whiz, with mad skills in Python, SQL, and all the latest tools. The work can be intense, but it's also super rewarding. You're solving real-world problems and making a tangible impact.
Companies are going all-in on data science because it helps them optimize everything – from operations to customer experiences.
With artificial intelligence and machine learning taking over, Data Scientists are in high demand to build and manage these cutting-edge systems. Plus, with so much data floating around, businesses need data pros to make sense of it all and predict future trends.
The outlook for Data Scientists is insane – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 35% job growth by 2032! Companies across all industries are racing to beef up their data teams, so the opportunities are endless.
If you're into coding, problem-solving, and making a real impact, data science could be your dream career path.
3. Cybersecurity Specialist
(Up)Cybersecurity is the hottest thing right now, and in Columbia, Cybersecurity Specialists are going to be in high demand come 2024.
We're talking an average salary of $98,700, which is pretty insane! As companies go all-in on digital tech, these cybersecurity pros are the ones keeping everything secure from hackers and cyber threats.
Their job is to build up defenses, implement security policies, and monitor systems 24/7 for any sketchy activities. It's like being a virtual bodyguard for a company's data and networks.
But it's not just about locking things down.
Cybersecurity Specialists have to stay ahead of the game by identifying vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments, and keeping up with the latest threats and techniques.
They're the ones making sure a business stays compliant with all the security regulations too. It's a pretty intense gig, but for those who thrive on challenges and problem-solving, it's a career path with serious potential.
Just ask the experts – like the ones at Simplilearn, who say cybersecurity is an "ever-growing industry" with opportunities for remote work and continuous learning.
With cyber attacks getting more advanced every day, companies can't afford to skimp on security. That's why Cybersecurity Specialists are going to be in such high demand, not just in Columbia but everywhere.
It's a sweet gig for anyone looking to make a real impact while raking in some serious cash.
4. Cloud Solutions Architect
(Up)At #4 on our list of the best-paid tech jobs in Columbia, Missouri for 2024, we've got the Cloud Solutions Architect.
With businesses going all-in on cloud computing, the demand for pros who can architect and optimize cloud environments is skyrocketing. A Cloud Solutions Architect is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of cloud-based systems and infrastructures.
Their key duties include:
- Analyzing an organization's cloud computing requirements and objectives
- Designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud architectures
- Migrating existing on-premises systems and applications to the cloud
- Ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices
- Monitoring and optimizing cloud performance and resource utilization
According to our research, the average salary for a Cloud Solutions Architect in Columbia, Missouri, in 2024 is projected to be $165,000 annually.
This lucrative figure reflects the high demand and specialized skills required for this role. As more companies embrace cloud computing for its agility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, the job outlook for Cloud Solutions Architects remains exceptionally promising.
The cloud computing landscape is constantly evolving, with emerging trends like edge computing, serverless architectures, and multi-cloud strategies gaining traction.
A skilled Cloud Solutions Architect must stay ahead of these trends, adapting to new technologies and best practices to deliver cutting-edge solutions. As Charles Hernandez, a renowned cloud computing expert, puts it,
"The future is cloud-based, and companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind. Investing in top cloud talent is crucial for organizations looking to remain competitive and future-proof their operations."
5. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer
(Up)You know what's hot in the job market right now? Being a Machine Learning Engineer! These tech geniuses are responsible for designing super cool AI systems that can learn and make smart decisions on their own.
The average salary for an ML Engineer in Columbia, Missouri in 2024 is a mind-blowing $150,875 per year, according to Talent.com.
That's some serious cash!
AI and machine learning are taking over the world, making their way into industries like healthcare, finance, retail, you name it.
By 2024, the global AI market is expected to hit $190 billion, which is insane! As an ML Engineer, you'd be doing rad stuff like:
- Building and fine-tuning mind-blowing machine learning models and algorithms
- Digging into data to find hidden patterns and insights
- Developing cutting-edge AI applications that make our lives easier
- Teaming up with other tech wizards to integrate AI into products and services
But to rock this job, you gotta have some serious skills.
We're talking coding chops in Python, R, and Java, plus mastering frameworks like TensorFlow, Keras, and scikit-learn. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for ML Engineers are expected to grow by 23% between 2022 and 2032, which is way faster than most other careers.
In Columbia, major players in healthcare, finance, and tech are all searching for AI talent.
As companies embrace these game-changing technologies, they need talented folks who can harness their power and create mind-blowing solutions. As Einstein said,
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
ML Engineers are making those wild imaginations come to life, shaping the future with intelligent solutions that were once straight out of sci-fi movies.
Pretty awesome, right?
6. DevOps Engineer
(Up)The DevOps Engineer role is where it's at if you wanna make some serious cash in Columbia's tech scene in 2024. The average salary for a DevOps pro is expected to be a mind-blowing $112,000! Crazy, right?
So, what exactly do these DevOps wizards do? They're basically the bridge between the code monkeys and the server geeks, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Their main gigs include automating the delivery process with continuous integration and deployment pipelines, managing infrastructure like bosses with tools like Terraform, and keeping an eye on app performance using monitoring tools like Prometheus and Grafana.
Oh, and they make sure the deployment environments are secure and stable by implementing best practices in containerization (think Docker and Kubernetes).
But that's not all! DevOps Engineers also collaborate closely with the dev teams, helping them incorporate DevOps principles and methodologies into their daily grind.
It's like they're the glue that holds everything together, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficient delivery of software products.
As businesses continue to embrace cloud tech and microservices architectures, the demand for DevOps Engineers is only gonna skyrocket.
Industry experts say DevOps is crucial for organizations to deliver software faster, with higher quality, and better scalability.
So, if you're looking for a career that's not just lucrative but also super in-demand, DevOps Engineer is definitely the way to go in 2024!
7. Full Stack Developer
(Up)Full Stack Developers, the real MVPs of the tech world, are coding wizards who can handle the front and back-end like champs. In 2024, these ninjas are going to be lit as companies keep leveling up their online game and making sure their apps and websites are top-notch for users across all platforms.
The average Full Stack Developer salary in Missouri is a sweet $119,113 per year, which is a pretty solid bag for their mad skills.
These coding bosses have the whole package - they know their way around programming languages, databases, and frameworks, making them the total package for any web or app project from start to finish.
It's like having a one-person army that can conquer any coding challenge thrown their way.
Companies across the board are thirsting for Full Stack Developers in 2024.
Tech giants and startups need them to bring fresh ideas to life, while e-commerce businesses want them to craft slick online stores and payment systems. Even industries like healthcare and finance are getting in on the action, hiring these coding masters to build patient portals, mobile banking apps, and other cutting-edge digital solutions.
With their versatile skills and ability to wear multiple hats, Full Stack Developers are the real stars of the show, and their value is only going to skyrocket in the years to come.
8. IT Manager
(Up)The #8 spot on our list of the sickest tech gigs in Columbia for 2024 goes to the IT Manager role.
These are the real MVPs, keepin' the whole tech show runnin' smooth. Here's the lowdown on what they do:
- Strategy Bosses: They map out the tech game plan, makin' sure it all aligns with the company's goals and vision.
- Team Leaders: IT Managers recruit, train, and lead their squads, ensuring everyone's skills stay sharp and on point.
- Money Managers: They handle the IT budget like pros, keepin' costs in check while maximizing resources.
- Project Captains: From start to finish, they steer the ship on all major tech projects, makin' sure deadlines are met and goals are achieved.
- Cyber Guardians: Data security is no joke – these bosses implement top-notch measures to protect the company's digital assets from cyber threats.
Word on the street is that IT Managers in Columbia are projected to rake in an average of $112,500 annually in 2024.
That's some serious cash! But it ain't just about the Benjamins – these roles are crucial for a few key reasons:
- Maximizing ROI: They ensure tech initiatives are aligned with the company's objectives, maximizing the ROI on all those fancy gadgets and software.
- Fostering Collaboration: They bridge the gap between the tech geeks and the business peeps, fostering collaboration and clear communication.
- Staying Innovative: With their strategic vision, they keep the company ahead of the tech curve, giving them a competitive edge in the market. Gotta stay innovative, ya dig?
As tech legend Michael Smith once said, "The ability to manage the management team, keep everybody focused on execution and make course corrections along the way is critically important." IT Managers are the captains of the digital ship, navigating the ever-changing tech waters and steering their companies toward success.
That's some serious responsibility, but these pros are up for the challenge!
9. Network Architect
(Up)Network Architects are the real MVPs when it comes to designing and running the complex computer networks that keep businesses thriving. In 2024, these tech wizards in Columbia, Missouri can expect to rake in a fat average salary of $142,910 annually, and that's some serious cash! Their skills are in high demand as companies rely more and more on secure, lightning-fast networks to power their operations.
So, what exactly do these Network Architect bosses do? They're the masterminds behind:
- Crafting high-performance networks tailored to an organization's unique needs, like a custom suit.
- Analyzing existing network setups and identifying areas that need a serious upgrade or optimization.
- Keeping the network secure by implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other protective measures, because cybersecurity ain't no joke.
- Collaborating with IT teams to seamlessly integrate new technologies and systems, like a well-oiled machine.
- Monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and providing ongoing maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.
In today's digital world, network architecture is the backbone of virtually every business.
As the research firm Gartner states,
"By 2024, 70% of organizations will have adopted a 'network of networks' approach, leveraging multiple network architectures to support their diverse application and workload requirements."
That's a clear sign that the demand for Network Architects, the masterminds behind these intricate network ecosystems, is only going to skyrocket in the coming years.
Their skills are invaluable, and they're raking in the big bucks because of it.
10. UX/UI Designer
(Up)As tech keeps evolving, creating awesome user experiences (UX) and interfaces (UI) is where it's at for making digital products and services that people actually want to use.
UX/UI designers in Columbia, MO get paid big bucks to design interfaces that are intuitive, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
Their job is all about understanding how users think and making products that just "click" with them.
These designers have a ton of responsibilities, like conducting user research to figure out what people want, organizing information in a way that makes sense, creating prototypes to test out ideas, and using colors, layouts, and branding to make interfaces look awesome.
They're the ones who make sure products aren't just pretty but actually work well for the people using them.
With the constant growth of tech in our lives, having designers who can create experiences that users love is crucial.
Companies know that if their products are a pain to use, people will just bounce to something better. That's why UX/UI designers are in such high demand – their skills can make or break a product's success.
It's all about finding that sweet spot where technology meets human needs and preferences.
Conclusion
(Up)Columbia is straight up the place to be if you're tryna get that bag in the tech game! We're talking some serious cheddar for the top-paying tech jobs like Software Engineers raking in an average of $92K a year, or UX/UI Designers securing around $72K. This city has opportunities all over the map, from crunching data as a Data Scientist to locking down networks as a Cybersecurity Specialist.
But it's not just about the Benjamins.
These gigs are crucial for driving innovation and keeping things fresh across different industries. We're talking cloud computing with Cloud Solutions Architects, optimizing processes with DevOps Engineers, and pushing the boundaries with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineers.
And let's not forget the Full Stack Devs building dope web apps from top to bottom.
The best part? The tech scene is only gonna keep growing, with the National Association of Colleges and Employers projecting a 12% job growth rate by 2024.
That's some serious room for career moves and leveling up. So for anyone looking to make that leap into tech in Columbia, now's the time.
Just remember what Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, said:
"The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways."
Upskilling and staying hungry for knowledge is key to thriving in this ever-evolving game.
Better start sharpening those coding skills and networking with the top companies in town!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average salary for tech professionals in Columbia, Missouri, in 2024?
In Columbia, Missouri, tech professionals are earning an average of $52,141 annually, with top earners reaching nearly $80,000.
Which tech job roles in Columbia are in high demand for 2024?
Job roles in high demand in Columbia for 2024 include Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Specialists, Cloud Solutions Architects, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineers.
What methodologies were used to determine the best-paid tech jobs in Columbia?
The methodologies used included analyzing data from Glassdoor, PayScale, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as consulting industry veterans and career coaches to identify key factors such as salary, job demand, and future-proofing roles.
What is the expected job growth rate for Software Engineers in Missouri between 2020 and 2030?
The demand for Software Engineers in Missouri is projected to increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How much can an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer expect to earn in Columbia, Missouri, in 2024?
An Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer in Columbia, Missouri, can expect to earn an average salary of $150,875 per year in 2024.
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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.