The 10 Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Iowa

Iowa’s tech space has grown phenomenally due to remarkable technological advancements and innovation. As a result, the demand for skilled tech professionals to fill vacant positions is also growing. Several companies have openings for seasoned experts and fresh graduates. For those looking to grow their careers, we’ll show you the 10 best-paying tech jobs in Iowa, the typical duties, and average annual salaries for each position.

#10. Business Systems Analyst – $67,743

Demand for business system analysts in Iowa is growing. These experts develop knowledge of various systems and programs and find ways to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Depending on their experience and education level, a business systems analyst in Iowa earns $67,743  annually. This varies depending on the location, size, and level of experience.

Business analysts fulfill a crucial role as facilitators, ensuring the timely provision of essential information. They engage in feasibility studies and collaborate closely with stakeholders, including business users and IT teams. Adaptability, accuracy, and outstanding communication skills are integral to excelling in this profession. Additionally, keen attention to detail and proficiency in computer science can significantly contribute to success as a business systems analyst in Iowa’s thriving technology sector.

#9. Project Engineers – $74,450

These engineers devise, arrange, and oversee a project’s engineering and technical aspects. In Iowa, these professionals are essential members of the tech team. They oversee projects by coordinating with other team members and ensuring adherence to prescribed quality standards. Solid project management skills, a great understanding of engineering principles, and good communication and leadership skills are essential for this role.

In Iowa, businesses in need of technical systems frequently depend on project engineers to provide dependable support in developing cost-effective solutions. These professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes, utilizing their extensive technical expertise to ensure efficient functioning, regardless of the scale or complexity involved.

Project Engineers typically have exceptional problem-solving abilities and keen attention to detail. Moreover, pursuing a career as a Project Engineer can be rewarding as it’s among the best-paying tech jobs in Iowa. Their average annual salary is $74,450.

Demand for project engineers continues to rise due to the increasing need for technology systems in industries such as healthcare and agriculture. Consequently, companies continue offering competitive pay packages and unique benefits to attract top-notch talents.

#8. Systems Engineer – $89,472

A Systems Engineer is one of the best-paying tech jobs in Iowa, with an average annual salary of $89,472. This career path can be fulfilling and lucrative for aspiring tech professionals adept at designing and implementing complex system infrastructures. The demand for skilled systems engineers is growing steadily too.

IT system engineers maintain the company’s infrastructures, manage databases, and ensure all systems run well. They formulate backup and risk management strategies to safeguard the company’s data. A comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, and cloud technology is essential for this position.

Your duties in this role include recognizing potential hazards and determining resolutions for them. To succeed in this job, you need to have system engineering expertise, be familiar with operating systems, and have exceptional communication and problem-solving skills.

#7. Senior Data Analyst – $95,001

Senior Data Analyst is another well-paying job in Iowa with an annual average salary is $95,001. Being entrusted with an organization’s data-driven decisions, senior data analysts are crucial in making informed business decisions. The state of Iowa has experienced a considerable expansion in this particular role. This has created excellent prospects for ambitious young professionals to showcase their skills while earning competitive pay.

A typical workday for a data analyst involves identifying customer needs, analyzing pertinent company data, and documenting the findings while evaluating business requirements. Additionally, they create data solutions that, upon implementation, will improve the company’s revenue. Data analysts work in various sectors and industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing, and logistics.

Data analysts are essential in any organization as they bring together business objectives and technological solutions. One must have strong communication and analytical, and problem-solving skills to enhance efficiency and bring about growth. In Iowa state, the demand for data analysts is growing, with tech startups, government agencies, and research institutions being their top employers.

#6. Web Developers – $95,361

Web developers are among the best-paid positions, with an average annual salary of $95,361. This profession requires a creative mind and strong coding skills in multiple programming languages. Typical web developer duties include creating and reviewing website codes, integrating multimedia components into websites, and ensuring websites function properly through regular maintenance and updates. Additionally, web developers work closely with designers to bring their visions to life.

In recent years, demand for web developers has gone up as more and more businesses shift towards online operations. As a result, job opportunities and higher salaries have increased exponentially. Most web developers work in small, medium, and large organizations. 

#5. Senior Information Security Analyst-$105,576

A Senior Information Security Analyst typically earns around $105,576 a year in Iowa. Their work is to safeguard sensitive company data, address cybersecurity incidents, and advise on security risks and threats. They also guide IT teams and business owners about risks and threats that affect their operations while ensuring accurate and timely communication of relevant information to business partners. A solid knowledge of security frameworks and standards (NIST cybersecurity), networking, intrusion detection systems (IDS), ISO 27001, and firewalls are necessary for professionals in this role.

#4. Database Administrator-$122,667

A lot of businesses use database management systems to handle multiple data types. Database administrators configure and administer databases and monitor their usage and performance.  They also work hand in hand with the development team to address performance issues and implement application security. Ultimately, they ensure data is organized and accessible to authorized users. 

Unsurprisingly, the database administrator is one of the best-paying tech jobs in Iowa, with an average annual salary of $122,667. In today’s world, where data has become the most valuable asset for any company, employing skilled database administrators is a priority for many organizations.

Given the prevalence of data breaches in various markets, protecting confidential data is crucial to prevent legal and financial damages. A database administrator works to secure confidential information and prevent breaches that can have severe consequences for the company. As technology advances, it is crucial for the database analyst to keep up-to-date with emerging methods of securing information. 

#3. Technical IT Manager – $133,016

When it comes to the best-paying tech jobs in Iowa, one position that stands out is the technical IT manager role. This job typically pays around $133,016 per year, making it an attractive option for those with a strong tech background and top-notch management skills. A strong understanding of current technological trends and excellent communication skills are crucial for this role.

As a Technical IT Manager, you’ll oversee a team of IT professionals who work to identify and solve complex technical issues within an organization. You will ensure your team is working together cohesively towards achieving common objectives while being cost-conscious of the solutions they offer. You’ll also ensure the company’s IT strategies align with the objectives of the business to maximize profits and work to protect the company’s data. 

Iowa is experiencing a surge in demand for IT and technical managers across various industries, including finance and insurance, manufacturing, and health. The University of Iowa, Mercy Hospital, Berkley, and Alliant Energy currently have openings for IT managers.

#2. CyberSecurity Engineers-$140,293

With the increasing use of technology, it’s more important than ever to secure our online presence and digital assets. This is where cyber security engineers come into play.

Cybersecurity engineering is a fascinating career with endless opportunities for growth and development. It’s also one of the best-paying tech jobs in Iowa. A Cyber Security Engineer has an average salary of $140,293 per year. This is significantly higher than the average annual earnings in Iowa.

As a cyber security engineer, you develop firewalls to protect networks from unauthorized access. This role also entails creating encryption protocols to ensure data confidentiality. You also analyze reports on breaches or attempted intrusions to pinpoint vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate counter-tactics, among other things. Being able to handle these tasks effectively requires a certain level of skill set that takes time and effort to acquire.

Deep technical knowledge and strong analytical skills are essential to becoming a successful cybersecurity engineer. You must be detail-oriented, have a creative mind, and have excellent problem-solving skills to anticipate potential threats and innovate new solutions when necessary.

#1. Senior Software Engineer-$159,518

The best-paying tech job in Iowa is that of a Senior Software Engineer, with an average salary of $159,518. This person designs and develops software systems that support a business’s needs and supervises or mentors junior software developers. As a senior software engineer, you are also the lead technical developer for the team. You will set goals and provide leadership to the other team members. In Iowa, software managers work in finance, healthcare, tech companies, and e-commerce.

Best-Paying Tech Jobs In Iowa: Takeaway

As a fast-growing tech hub, Iowa State offers well-paying opportunities for IT professionals with the right skills and qualifications. Demand for skilled professionals is growing too, and opportunities about in healthcare, finance, education, and other industries. Job opportunities are open for professionals and those starting their tech careers. Salaries vary depending on your experience, education, industry, company size, and location within the state.

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