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The 7 Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Ohio

Q: How has the demand for these jobs changed over recent years?

Just like other popular tech hubs like California , and untapped hubs like Oklahoma , the demand for tech roles only continues to increase across the US.

Updated: September 21, 2023 by Kevin Wood

Key Points

Ohio offers a wealth of high-paying tech jobs, with VCs funding over $3 billion into the state over the past 20 years.
Low cost of living and young tech talent from Ohio State University make Ohio a great place for tech companies and professionals.
Top high-paying tech jobs in Ohio include Software Architect ($124,306), DevOps Engineer ($113,601), and Full-Stack Developer ($110,916).

When it comes to high-paying tech jobs, Ohio isn’t normally the first state that comes to mind. However, Ohio offers a wealth of high-paying tech jobs and is quickly becoming a known tech hub within the Midwest. In fact, VCs have funded over $3 billion into the state over the past 20 years. Some of the main tech industries include healthcare, insurance startups, and robotics companies, but most popular tech sectors have offices as well.

The low cost of living, plus the availability of young tech talent from Ohio State University has made Ohio a great place for tech companies and young tech professionals. As you explore the thriving tech industry in Ohio, it’s essential to know which jobs offer the most competitive salaries. With a variety of opportunities in the field, identifying the best-paying tech positions can give you a considerable advantage as you plan your career path.

In this article, you’ll discover seven high-paying tech jobs that have strong potential for growth in Ohio. By gaining insight into these roles, you can focus on honing specific skills and entering a market that values your expertise. This knowledge will not only help you make informed decisions about your career but also guide you toward greater job satisfaction and financial security.

1. Software Architect – $124,306

As a software architect in Ohio, you can expect to earn a significant salary of $124,306. Your primary responsibilities will be designing and overseeing the development of software systems. You’ll also plan out the roadmap of development into the future. In addition to strong technical skills, you’ll need excellent communication and leadership abilities, as you’ll often work with teams across multiple departments. You’ll be writing less code than a software developer, but you need a high-level understanding and skillset in programming.

Linear search — *Software architects design and oversee the development of an organization’s software solutions.*
©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

2. DevOps Engineer – $113,601

DevOps engineers are responsible for streamlining the software development process and ensuring product reliability. This position offers a lucrative average salary of $113,601 in Ohio. Some skills and responsibilities include automating processes, building and maintaining infrastructure, and collaborating with development and operations teams. You’ll need to have knowledge of various coding languages, tools, and CI/CD methodologies to secure a job in this field.

3. Full-Stack Developer – $110,916

Full-stack developers are flexible professionals who can work with both front-end and back-end technologies, which makes them highly sought after in the tech space. You’ll need to have knowledge of multiple programming languages, databases, and web development frameworks. Most of your time will be spent designing, building, and maintaining web applications. As a full-stack developer in Ohio, you can expect a competitive salary of $110,916 and a variety of job opportunities across various industries.

4. Cloud Engineer – $108,819

As a cloud engineer, you’ll play a critical role in designing, managing, and maintaining an organization’s cloud infrastructure. You’ll need to have expertise in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. As more businesses move to the cloud, this role only becomes more important. To succeed in this career you’ll need to have an in-depth understanding of cloud architecture, security, and networking. The average salary of a cloud engineer is $108,819 and has massive potential for long-term career growth.

5. Data Scientist – $99,748

Data scientists in Ohio are in high demand due to their expertise in turning raw data into actionable insights. In this role, you’ll analyze vast amounts of data, create algorithms, and build predictive models. You’ll need skills in statistical analysis, machine learning, and programming languages, like Python and R. The average salary in Ohio is $99,748, which is a bit lower than other states. Companies in various industries are always on the lookout for talented data scientists to help make data-driven business decisions.

6. IT Security Specialist – $96,823

Protecting valuable data is a top priority for every company, which makes IT security specialists well-compensated in Ohio with an average salary of $96,823. In this role, you’ll identify and mitigate security risks by monitoring systems, conducting vulnerability assessments, and developing security policies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial, along with knowledge of various security tools and frameworks.

largest cybersecurity companies — *IT security specialists are responsible for mitigating security risks and creating security policies and practices.*
©Thapana_Studio/Shutterstock.com

7. UX Designer – $93,746

As a UX designer in Ohio, you’ll focus on creating exceptional user experiences for digital products and apps, making sure users have a great experience when using them. You’ll need strong skills in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design. Your creativity and attention to detail, along with your ability to understand user needs, can lead to a rewarding job with an average salary of $93,746. There are also a variety of online and in-person bootcamps that will teach you the skills you need to land a UX job.

How to Get One of the Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Ohio

The tech industry in Ohio is experiencing steady growth. As a result, pursuing a career in technology can be a rewarding and profitable choice for your future. To get started on your tech career path, consider the following tips.

Research the industry. Familiarize yourself with the latest technologies and tools being used in the field. Stay informed about new developments and trends in the tech industry by following newsletters and popular blogs like TechCrunch and Ycombinator.
Acquire skills. Based on the specific technology role you want to enter, enroll in relevant courses or certifications to gain technical skills. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer a wide range of tech courses to help you get started.
Network. Connecting with professionals in the tech industry can provide valuable advice and resources. Attend local meetups, tech conferences, and networking events to meet others in the field and learn about job opportunities.
Gain experience. Hands-on experience is essential for entering the tech job market. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source projects, or apply for internships and entry-level positions to gain practical knowledge in your chosen field.

Closing Thoughts: The 7 Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Ohio

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the technology job sector in Ohio and which tech jobs pay the most. Whether you’re just starting your career, or looking to switch to a high-paying role in tech, the jobs highlighted have strong job growth and high salaries to match. Plus, the tech sector is so vast, you can apply your newly acquired tech skills across a range of different industries that interest you.

The 7 Best-Paying Tech Jobs in Ohio FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are these jobs concentrated in certain cities in Ohio or are they distributed evenly across the state?

Most of the startup tech jobs are concentrated in Columbus, Ohio. However, there are a variety of tech jobs spread across other big cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati.

How has the demand for these jobs changed over recent years?

Just like other popular tech hubs like California, and untapped hubs like Oklahoma, the demand for tech roles only continues to increase across the US.

Are there opportunities for remote work in these tech jobs?

Yes, a lot of tech jobs are open to full remote or hybrid office setups. Often, you can secure a remote tech job in another state and relocate to Ohio to take advantage of the lower cost of living.

Are these tech jobs available for entry-level applicants or do they require certain years of experience?

Yes, there are a variety of tech jobs available for entry-level applicants. Most of the high-paying jobs highlighted in this post are focused on candidates who have years of experience. However, jobs like UX designer and full stack developer have more entry-level positions available.

How can someone start their tech career in Ohio? What steps should they follow?

First, you’ll need to get the necessary skills through education, such as a degree or coding bootcamp. Next, build a portfolio to showcase these skills. Networking is also vital, with many tech meetups and job fairs in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Lastly, actively apply and interview for tech roles.