See the 7 Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Columbus Today

Key Points

• Columbus, Ohio is at the center of the growing Ohio tech industry, thanks to venture capital investment, an educated population, and the success of early startups.
• The best-paying tech jobs in Columbus include Enterprise Architect ($151,865), Data Warehouse Architect ($130,646), Data Scientist ($111,395), Network Security Engineer ($111,001), Software Developer ($98,229), User Interface Designer ($94,562), and Mobile Developer ($90,654).
• Enterprise Architects are responsible for maintaining and optimizing a company’s IT networks, while Data Warehouse Architects design and manage data warehousing systems.
• Data Scientists collect and analyze large volumes of data to support business goals, and Network Security Engineers create and maintain security and network hardware.
• Software Developers design, build, and maintain computer software, and User Interface Designers create intuitive and easy-to-use visual elements for websites and software.
• Mobile Developers specialize in developing apps for mobile devices, either for consumers or internal use.

Ohio isn’t necessarily what you think of first when you usually think about a thriving tech scene. However, Columbus, Ohio is currently at the center of the growing Ohio tech industry. This didn’t happen overnight either. Venture capital investment, an educated population, and the success of early startups have all contributed to its growth. Whether you’re currently a student ready to get started in your career in tech or you are looking to relocate to another city with an under-the-radar tech scene, then this post is for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best-paying tech jobs in Columbus today. Also, we’ll highlight what these roles entail, the type of work you’ll do, and the prerequisite skills you’ll need to excel in the role.

1. Enterprise Architect — $151,865

An enterprise architect is responsible for maintaining and optimizing a company’s IT networks. In Columbus, Ohio the average salary for this role is $151,865. Some of the main responsibilities for this role include improving and overseeing any existing IT infrastructure, optimizing current systems for efficiency, and ensuring networks remain secure.

In this job, you’ll help to create an overarching plan for the current and future needs of the company’s technology landscape and ensure this aligns with the long-term business goals. This includes all hardware, software, data, and internal processes. For most roles, you’ll need experience in a similar role, along with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

2. Data Warehouse Architect — $130,646

Data warehouse architects help to develop and manage the data warehousing systems for an organization. The average salary for this role is $130,646. Just like regular architects design homes and buildings, data warehouse architects design the systems to help a company manage its data. Instead of dealing with physical buildings, they deal with virtual data and supporting systems.

They help to create systems that are both efficient and scalable, so data can be retrieved and stored while helping to support the goals of the business. Plus, some other responsibilities include selecting the right technology, overseeing the development and ETL process, optimizing for performance, ensuring security, and meeting regulatory standards.

To succeed in this role you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or a related field. You’ll also need experience in a related role like a solutions architect, or a software developer.

3. Data Scientist — $111,395

Data scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing large volumes of data to help support the goals of a business. The salary for this role in Columbus is $111,995. Usually, this job will involve developing algorithms and using other machine-learning and data tools, like Python, R, and SQL, to help conduct statistical analysis.

All of this leads to better decision-making on behalf of the business. So, beyond data collection and analysis, you’ll also be presenting this data to other stakeholders. Some key skills include data visualization, machine learning, and big data, along with knowledge of relevant programming languages. Although not required, most employers prefer candidates with a degree in data science, computer science, or statistics.

4. Network Security Engineer — $111,001

Network security engineers are responsible for creating, deploying, and maintaining security and network hardware across an organization. Cyber threats are only increasing by the day. So, network security engineers play an important role. In Columbus, you can expect an average salary of $111,001.

In this role, you’ll be helping to design security strategies, analyze existing records, and recommend solutions for new security measures. You may also be monitoring for security risks and resolving potential problems before they become large-scale issues. Some common risks you’ll face include viruses, spyware, phishing attacks, Trojan horses, and more.

Most positions will require a bachelor’s degree in a related field like computer science. However, there are also boot camps that teach you the basics of cybersecurity and you can work your way up from a more entry-level position.

5. Software Developer — $98,229

Software developers design, deploy, build, and maintain computer software. In Columbus, the average salary for this role is $98,229. The salary isn’t as high as in other tech hubs like California or San Jose, but the cost of living is much lower.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to know the right programming languages, platforms, and architectures. You’ll need to naturally love solving problems too. Some daily tasks include designing and maintaining software systems, optimizing code, writing and testing new code, presenting new features, or even testing new software programs.

With software engineering, there’s a variety of paths to securing a job. There are online programs, courses, and certifications. Plus, there’s the traditional route of getting a college in degree in computer science.

6. User Interface Designer — $94,562

User interface designers create the visual elements of a website or software that users interact with. This makes it so applications are usable by users without any technical knowledge. Your main goal is to help make software intuitive and easy to use. In Columbus, the average salary for this job is $94,562.

Some of your daily tasks will include testing new designs across mobile and desktop, managing design prototypes, collaborating with other designers, and more. Other key skills that’ll help you excel in your role include great collaboration abilities, knowledge of design tools like Figma and Sketch, color theory, design patterns, and typography.

To land a user interface design job, you’ll need to have the relevant skills and experience. This can be obtained through online courses, boot camps, and workshops. You’ll also need a design portfolio that shows off the kind of work you can do.

7. Mobile Developer — $90,654

Mobile developers work in a specialized sector of software development, namely developing apps for mobile devices. The average salary for this role is $90,546 in Columbus. Mobile developers can either work on a single platform, iOS or Android, or work across both platforms. Depending on the company you work for, you’ll either be developing apps for consumers, or creating internal facing apps. Internal apps can be things like customer service, automation, data collection, and more.

To become a mobile app developer you’ll need knowledge of programming languages, cross-platform development, and backend computing. Plus, you need to be able to work well independently, as well as part of a team. Mobile development is a great way to get your foot into the door of software development since it’s easier to learn mobile development via online courses, boot camps, and starting your own projects.

Closing Thoughts: Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Columbus

By now, you should have a better understanding of the technology job market in Columbus and the types of tech jobs that pay the most. Whether you’re making the switch to tech, or you are in school trying to plan your next step, the jobs mentioned above have high salaries with great career growth. No matter what industry you want to work in, you can bet you’ll be able to find some type of tech role within the company.

Summary Table

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