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With a sweeping landscape and bustling cities, Pennsylvania is an excellent state for the busybody. The Keystone State is also becoming a tech hub, which is great if you want a decent income. Here are the top seven best-paying tech jobs in Pennsylvania.
What Are the Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania?
Before diving into the best-paying tech jobs, it’s important to note that the Keystone State has a lower cost of living than the e national average. For example, the average person spends less than $30,000 annually on housing.
Because of this, jobs may not pay as much as similar roles in places like California or New York City. But these tech jobs still pay very well.
Hardware Engineer – $92,639 per year

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A hardware engineer designs and creates physical components that computer systems use, like network systems and electronic devices. In this role, you’ll supervise every stage of the computer system. Starting, a hardware engineer can make almost $100,000 a year.
Your job is to ensure a computer’s hardware components work as expected. This includes items like circuit boards and CPUs. Some hardware engineers also work on mobile devices and gaming hardware. You’ll need to be able to use tools like Fusion 360, understand programming languages like Python, troubleshoot defects, and communicate with clients.
A few jobs currently hiring hardware engineers are Cisco Systems, Larsen & Toubro, and Intel.
Network Engineer – $82,329 per year

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Simply put, network engineers build, develop, and maintain computer networks. They also have to know how to integrate both old and new technologies with cloud-based systems and fix glitches or issues as they arise. So your main job as a network engineer is to optimize networks for your company, clients, or customers.
You’re also responsible for implementing and monitoring data security systems, troubleshooting problems, and performing routine maintenance on the network. Upgrading the network, consulting with clients, and developing packages to integrate into existing solutions are also part of your job.
Network engineers can still bring in $80,000 annually and earn over $100,000 in a supervisory role. Quadgen Wireless, Verizon, and Comcast are all currently hiring network engineers.
Software Tester – $75,459 per year
It can be hard to break into tech as a software tester. But if you can snag a role, you can earn around $75,000 a year. Software testers run manual and automated tests to ensure a program runs as intended and that any flaws or problems are fixed. Almost every sector in the US depends on the work of software testers to help make sure their software works as it’s supposed to.
As a software tester, you’ll ensure that a computer program performs as intended. You may work with others while debugging problems or mistakes or find security breaches as you test. You may also have to work with designers, programmers, and developers to create an efficient testing system. Not to mention, you may also code using Ruby, Java, Python, or C# and provide feedback to stakeholders, clients, and customers. This is not a role where you work by yourself.
Intertek, Vanguard, and Suvoda are hiring software testers in Pennsylvania.
Ruby Engineer – $103,539 per year
If you want to work with one specific tool or program, now is the time to become a Ruby engineer. You can earn $100,000 or more per year. Ruby on Rails is a software framework that engineers can use to create online applications and APIs. As a Ruby engineer, you’ll create databases and libraries, as well as scalable apps, using Ruby on Rails.
You’ll need to know how to use Ruby on Rails, identify bugs and create real-world solutions. You’ll also need to know concepts like Mocking, ORM, and MVC. Of course, you’ll need to understand coding and be able to create database schemas to aid your company or clients.
Motion Recruitment, Saxon Global, and Health Catalyst are just a few jobs hiring Ruby engineers.
Data Analytics Architect – $131,568 per year

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If you love data and have an analytical mind, being a data analytics architect might be for you, and you could earn six figures a year. As a data analytics architect, you’ll use rules and frameworks to gather, organize, and store information.
You’ll focus on developing a data strategy and then implementing it in your company. You’ll also need to be able to focus on data management and identify both internal and external data sources. While you’ll typically work alone, you’ll still need good communication skills to present the data to other team members or people in the company.
Merck & Co., The Hershey Company, and Entech are a few companies currently hiring.
Technical Writer – $64,462 per year
Technical writers create instruction manuals, reference materials, and operating procedure manuals that people read. However, they can work on other writings too. They also produce and update business documents typically used in training and development.
As a technical writer, your primary responsibilities will be to research technical information based on your company, plan documentation, compile the information, write and edit, and organize everything. While you don’t need to know coding or programming, you will need to understand technical terms, tools, records, and more. You can earn $64,000 to $80,000 per year in this role.
Infotech Valley, Oracle, and Carnegie Mellon University are currently hiring technical writers in Pennsylvania.
Database Administrator – $79,914 per year

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As a database administrator, your work is managing and maintaining items like client information and statistical data, just to name a few options. Your primary duties include creating user accounts, evaluating database structure changes, updating and patching database systems, and updating anti-virus software. You’ll also be identifying and fixing data issues and keeping an eye on the hardware and software of database servers. Entry-level earnings for a database administrator are around $80,000 a year, but you can earn more in a supervisory role.
To work as a database administrator, you’ll need to know specific database languages, including but not limited to SQL, SAP, and Oracle. You may also need to know Windows, MacOS, or Linux (or all, depending on the company). A basic understanding of the components of a server is essential. This includes the motherboard, CPU, and hard drives. Since many companies are going cloud-based, you’ll need to understand how those databases work.
Hitachi Vantara, RDX, and Ebusinessware are all hiring database administrators.
Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania Wrap Up
As you can see, the best-paying tech jobs in Pennsylvania cut across different sectors. Some roles don’t even require a higher degree! How much you’ll earn depends on your location, job experience, and the company. You have to figure out what job matches your experience and qualifications.