Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Tacoma in 2025

Tacoma's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, stepping out of Seattle's shadow and making serious moves. According to recent industry data, the region ranks as the #2 Best Place to Work in Tech, with a remarkable 20% growth projected in the tech sector.

The average tech salary here hits $105,000, and roles like Cloud Architect can reach over $200K annually. The city's local businesses are going digital, creating tons of opportunities for developers and tech professionals.

The city's tech revolution isn't just about big companies - it's about building something unique. Plus, Tacoma's Economic Development Plan is all in on tech growth, focusing on bringing in more startups and supporting local talent.

You get all the perks of a tech hub without Seattle's crazy housing costs - we're talking 10% lower median housing prices. It's perfect for anyone looking to jump into tech while actually being able to afford a nice place to live.

The city's got this amazing mix of urban energy and community vibes that makes working here actually fun.

Breaking down how we ranked these top-paying tech jobs in Tacoma for 2025 - it's actually pretty exciting stuff! According to recent industry data, Tacoma's average tech salary hits around $298,000, which is seriously competitive.

The ranking process looked at three main things: straight-up salary numbers (because let's be real, that matters), how many jobs are actually out there, and where the industry's heading.

What's really cool is that Motion Recruitment's latest report shows tech unemployment rates staying way lower than other industries, with tech job postings up 56% compared to five years ago.

Even better, about 70% of tech job hunters are getting multiple offers - that's some serious job security! What's interesting is that companies are specifically looking for people skilled in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI. The average data breach now costs companies around $4.88 million, which explains why cybersecurity specialists are in such high demand.

For entry-level positions, starting salaries are pretty sweet too, with software engineers beginning around $73,669. These numbers come from analyzing thousands of job postings, salary reports, and growth projections from major employers in the area.

What makes this data super reliable is that it's pulled from both national statistics and local market analysis, giving us a really accurate picture of what's happening in Tacoma's tech scene right now.

Cloud Architects are absolutely crushing it in Tacoma's tech scene right now. These professionals are key players in designing and managing cloud computing strategies for companies making the digital switch.

The role combines creative problem-solving with technical expertise - they're basically the masterminds behind how companies use cloud technology. The salary is seriously impressive too, with senior positions pulling in between $140,015 to $165,813 in Tacoma.

Another great aspect is that 82% of Cloud Architects report being satisfied with their work, which honestly makes sense given how much they get to innovate and create.

They're handling everything from security protocols to data management, and with more companies moving to cloud-based operations, the opportunities are just getting started.

The role requires staying on top of the latest tech trends, which means you're always learning something new.

Whether it's working with AI integration, setting up hybrid cloud systems, or making sure everything runs smoothly and securely, Cloud Architects are basically shaping how businesses will operate in the future.

For anyone interested in tech who wants to make a real impact (and earn a great salary while doing it), this is definitely a career worth checking out.

Machine Learning Engineers in Tacoma are seriously shaping the future of tech and healthcare in 2025. Healthcare transformation through ML is happening faster than ever, with engineers developing systems that can process massive amounts of patient data and enhance early diagnosis.

According to recent data, ML engineers with 5 years of experience can earn between $133,076 to $181,346 annually, making it one of the most rewarding career paths.

These professionals are key players in automating complex processes and creating predictive models that actually make a difference.

The impact of ML across industries is pretty incredible:

• IT Sector: Machine Learning Engineers are crushing it with data analysis systems that help companies work smarter, not harder. They're building tools that spot patterns and predict trends before they happen.
• Healthcare Sector: ML is revolutionizing patient care with personalized treatment plans and automated diagnostics. By 2025, we're looking at ML systems that can predict diseases and customize treatments like never before.

The tech scene in Tacoma is totally here for it, with companies actively seeking ML talent.

Major tech companies are offering exciting opportunities for engineers who can handle distributed computing and create scalable solutions.

The best part? You get to work on cutting-edge technology while making a real impact. Whether you're into natural language processing, computer vision, or deep learning, there's a place for you in this field.

Machine Learning isn't just another tech job - it's where innovation meets real-world problem-solving, and Tacoma is becoming a serious player in this space.

Software Engineering in Tacoma has transformed into an exciting career path in 2025, with salary ranges now spanning from $73,000 to $136,000 for various experience levels.

The role demands more than just coding skills - it's about creating solutions that make a real impact. Engineering best practices like automated testing, continuous integration, and peer collaboration are essential components of the job.

Major employers like JP Morgan Chase are actively recruiting entry-level talent through their Software Engineer Program, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities.

The day-to-day responsibilities include writing clean code, debugging software, and collaborating with diverse teams.

What makes this role particularly interesting is the chance to work on projects that directly affect users' lives. Companies are specifically looking for engineers who can create innovative solutions while keeping teams and stakeholders informed throughout the development process.

The proximity to Seattle's tech scene means Tacoma-based engineers often collaborate on projects with major tech companies while enjoying a more affordable lifestyle.

For aspiring software engineers in Tacoma, the career path offers significant growth potential.

Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, but bootcamp graduates with strong portfolios are increasingly being considered.

The role requires continuous learning as technology evolves, but the investment in skill development pays off with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.

Many companies also offer remote work options, making it possible to work for national organizations while staying based in Tacoma.

As a Cybersecurity Engineer in 2025, you're basically the guardian of the digital realm, and trust me, it's an incredibly exciting time to jump into this field.

According to recent industry predictions, the landscape is evolving super fast, with organizations dealing with an average of 30+ security tools and facing increasingly sophisticated threats.

The salary potential is seriously impressive - we're talking about earning between $97,000 to $140,000 annually, with experienced professionals pushing past $150,000.

The role is way more than just watching computer screens.

Today's cybersecurity engineers are handling everything from penetration testing and network security to developing cutting-edge security protocols.

In Tacoma's growing tech scene, these skills are in major demand, especially with the rise of AI and cloud computing creating new security challenges. What's really cool is that you don't necessarily need to come from a traditional computer science background - many professionals are successfully transitioning from other tech roles.

The latest stats show cybersecurity incidents have shot up dramatically, with annual losses hitting $10.3 billion in 2022, up from $6.9 billion in 2021.

This explains why companies are investing heavily in security talent. The field offers incredible growth opportunities, especially if you're into problem-solving and staying ahead of the latest tech trends.

Plus, with the shift toward remote work and cloud services, the need for skilled cybersecurity engineers isn't just growing - it's absolutely exploding.

Data Scientists in Tacoma are absolutely crushing it in 2025, with salaries ranging from $72,553 to an impressive $196,372 annually. The City of Tacoma's Power Management division is actively seeking Data Scientists to lead complex predictive modeling projects, showing just how crucial this role has become.

These professionals are the masterminds behind turning massive amounts of data into game-changing insights that drive business decisions across different industries.

What makes this role super interesting is how Data Scientists work with both public and private sector organizations in Tacoma.

For instance, at Tacoma Water, they're helping manage over $1 billion in assets and serving more than 320,000 customers by developing forecasting models and optimizing operations.

The work isn't just about crunching numbers - it's about solving real problems that affect people's daily lives.

The demand for Data Scientists is through the roof, with major organizations like the IRS and local utility companies competing for talent.

Government positions are offering flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to attract skilled professionals.

The combination of technical skills (like machine learning and statistical analysis) with practical problem-solving makes this role particularly valuable. For anyone interested in tech and analytics, becoming a Data Scientist in Tacoma is seriously worth considering - the field is growing fast, the pay is great, and the work actually makes a difference.

As an IT Project Manager, you'll be right in the middle of making tech projects happen in Tacoma's expanding tech scene.

The outlook is super exciting - by 2025, we're looking at about 88 million project-related roles globally! These professionals need to master both the technical side and people skills to handle today's complex tech environments.

The typical day involves coordinating teams, managing budgets, and making sure everything stays on track with deadlines.

Want to know what makes this role amazing? Project management careers offer competitive salaries between $125,000 to $145,000 annually in Tacoma, thanks to the city's connection with Seattle's tech scene.

Plus, there's a real push for managers who can handle AI integration, cloud migrations, and cybersecurity projects. The cool thing is, this role can't be replaced by AI because it needs that human touch for leadership and problem-solving.

By 2025, successful IT Project Managers will need to level up with:

• Tech-savvy mindset: Understanding cloud platforms, data analytics, and cybersecurity basics.
• Agile expertise: Mixing different project management styles to fit each situation.
• Digital collaboration skills: Making remote and hybrid teams work together smoothly.

The job market in Tacoma is growing fast, and companies are seriously investing in their tech infrastructure.

If you're interested in leading teams and bringing big tech ideas to life, this role offers an awesome blend of leadership, innovation, and solid earning potential.

UX Design has become one of the most exciting career paths in Tacoma's tech landscape. At companies like Infoblox, where salaries range from $100K to $150K, UX designers create and refine digital experiences that directly impact user satisfaction.

The role demands a mix of technical skills and creative thinking - from conducting user research and building wireframes to collaborating with product teams. What makes this field particularly appealing is its versatility; UX designers work across various industries, ensuring products and services deliver positive user experiences while meeting business objectives.

Entry-level positions offer competitive starting salaries, with contract roles paying between $56-$72 per hour.

The growth potential is substantial - senior positions often command six-figure salaries, especially at major tech companies. Beyond the financial rewards, UX designers get to solve real problems and shape how people interact with technology.

The field keeps evolving, making it perfect for anyone who loves learning and staying current with tech trends. Companies in Tacoma are actively expanding their UX teams, recognizing that user-centered design is crucial for business success.

For those considering this career path, the combination of creative work, technical challenges, and competitive compensation makes UX design an incredible opportunity in Tacoma's tech scene.

Being a Network Security Engineer in 2025 means being at the frontline of digital defense, and honestly, it's pretty exciting stuff. These professionals implement and test new security features, keeping company networks safe from cyber threats.

In Tacoma, the role comes with a sweet paycheck - the average salary hits $157,699, which is seriously impressive for someone looking to build a solid career.

What makes this job amazing is the variety of work:

• Firewall setups: Handle everything from setting up firewalls to disaster recovery planning.
• Data management: Managing anti-spam systems, web filtering, and backing up crucial data.
• Technical skills: Strong technical skills in areas like Python and C++, plus the ability to think fast when security incidents pop up.

With cyber attacks becoming more sophisticated, Network Security Engineers are literally the guardians of company data.

The role requires strong technical skills in areas like Python and C++, plus the ability to think fast when security incidents pop up. What's cool is that you don't necessarily need a traditional degree - while many have bachelor's degrees, certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Security+ can also get you started.

The demand is exploding in Tacoma as more companies realize they need serious protection for their networks.

Companies are actively recruiting these professionals, offering competitive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Whether you're:

• Cloud services: Working with cloud services.
• Threat detection: Handling threat detection.
• Security upgrades: Planning security upgrades.

Each day brings new challenges that keep the job interesting.

With the rise of remote work and increased digital threats, Network Security Engineers are becoming more crucial than ever for protecting businesses and their data.

In 2025, Cloud Computing Specialists are absolutely crushing it in Tacoma's tech scene. These pros are the backbone of modern business operations, handling everything from cloud architecture to data security.

Major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are the tools of their trade, and they're using them to transform how companies operate.

The cool thing is, you don't need decades of experience to break into this field - what matters is staying current with the latest cloud tech and security protocols.

The numbers are super impressive - global spending on cloud services is expected to hit $723.4 billion in 2025, which is way up from previous years.

This massive growth means tons of job opportunities, especially in roles like Cloud Engineer, Cloud Security Analyst, and Cloud Architect. Companies are all about hybrid and multi-cloud strategies now, making specialists who can handle these complex setups super valuable.

The money is seriously good.

Cloud Computing Specialists in Washington State are pulling in around $145,843 annually, and that's just the average.

Entry-level positions start strong, and with some solid certifications and a few years of experience, you can level up to even higher salaries. The best part? The pay keeps climbing as you gain more expertise in areas like AI integration, automation, and advanced security.

For anyone looking at tech careers in Tacoma, cloud computing is honestly one of the smartest moves right now.

With remote work becoming the norm and companies jumping into digital transformation, the demand for cloud experts isn't just a trend - it's the future of tech.

Plus, there are always new things to learn and cool problems to solve, which keeps the job exciting and rewarding.

AR/VR development is totally transforming Tacoma's tech scene right now! The market is seriously taking off, with projections showing growth to $165.2 billion globally by 2032.

This massive expansion is creating incredible opportunities right here in our city. Local developers are working on mind-blowing projects across healthcare, education, and real estate - we're talking everything from virtual surgical training to interactive property tours.

The coolest part? Tacoma's becoming a legit competitor to Seattle in the AR/VR space.

Want to get into this field? Entry-level certification programs can get you started with the basics of AR/VR development in a hands-on environment.

You'll need to master programming languages like C# and Unity, plus get comfortable with 3D modeling. The average salary hitting $138,950 by 2025 makes all that learning totally worth it! The integration of AI and 5G technology is making these experiences even more realistic and interactive, opening up tons of new possibilities.

Here's what makes AR/VR development stand out:

• Innovation: Create next-gen experiences that push boundaries
• Technical Skills: Work with cutting-edge development tools
• Impact: Shape how people learn, shop, and interact

The best part about joining this field now? You're not just landing a high-paying job - you're literally helping build the future of how people experience technology.

With remote work options and the growing tech scene in Tacoma, there's never been a better time to jump into AR/VR development.

Tacoma's tech scene is seriously taking off in 2025, and the numbers are mind-blowing! Named the #2 Best Place to Work in Tech, the city is attracting major talent with competitive salaries - we're talking software engineers making up to $298,000 on average.

The local tech ecosystem is growing fast, with over 298,000 people working in computer and engineering jobs across the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area. Data Scientists are especially in demand, leading the pack with their ability to crunch massive datasets and drive business decisions.

What's super cool is that companies like Infoblox are expanding their presence, bringing more remote work options and competitive benefits packages.

Tech Field	Average Salary	Opportunities
Cybersecurity	$111,052	Diverse roles available
UX/UI Design	$85,277	Growth potential

The tech landscape is diverse, covering everything from cybersecurity (average salary $111,052) to UX/UI design ($85,277), with tons of opportunity for growth.

Plus, Tacoma's lower cost of living compared to Seattle makes those tech salaries stretch even further. Whether you're into cloud computing, AI development, or full-stack programming, Tacoma's tech scene has something for everyone, with solid career paths and real opportunities to make an impact.

Companies are offering sweet perks too, like flexible schedules, unlimited PTO, and professional development funding. It's pretty clear that Tacoma isn't just riding the tech wave - it's creating its own surge of innovation and opportunity.