2025 Tech and IT Salaries and Hiring Trends

Technology hiring managers are looking for experience in AI-driven systems, cybersecurity, application development and cloud technologies. Most tech professionals expect starting salary increases, but organizations save pay hikes for the most highly skilled candidates who can best help meet core business needs.

Skills gaps across tech companies and IT teams are a big issue for hiring managers, but upskilling staff and bringing in contract professionals helps alleviate some of their concerns. Leaders who offer flexible work can better attract new hires who have the needed experience.

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Enter your city to localize national average salaries. Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size and industry, and demand for the role.

Executive Leadership

Software and Applications Development

Web Development

Consulting and Enterprise Systems

AI, Machine Learning and Data Science

Data: Engineering, Analytics and Reporting

Quality Assurance (QA), Training and Audit

Networking, Cloud and Systems

Security

IT Operations and Support

Position Title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

221500

251750

302750

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

191500

220750

278250

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

188000

218750

275750

Vice President of Information Technology

160250

193500

223250

IT Director

133500

163250

194250

25th Percentile

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th Percentile

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th Percentile

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

Salary and Hiring Trends in Technology

Emerging technology is redefining the skills that managers seek. But hiring experienced professionals at the pay level they expect is difficult. Technology industry layoffs from early 2024 haven’t eased staffing challenges, keeping hiring managers in competition for skilled candidates.

of technology managers will relax candidate experience requirements to accelerate hiring.

How much should I pay or earn?

of tech leaders are recruiting for different skills due to advancements in AI and automation.

Emerging AI technology roles

Think you know AI? Keep chasing these skills

Low unemployment and competitive hiring allow high-demand tech candidates to be selective about the jobs they pursue, putting the onus on managers to give compelling reasons to join their team. Almost half of technology managers are increasing starting salaries for hard-to-staff roles and professionals with specialized skills.

of technology managers are increasing starting salaries to attract talent.

are adding new perks and benefits.

AI and
machine learning Cybersecurity Cloud computing,
security and
architecture Software and
applications
development AI and
machine learning Cybersecurity Cloud computing,
security and
architecture Software and
applications
development

The hottest technology jobs, skills and industries

Technology jobs

Business analyst

Cybersecurity engineer

Data engineer

Database administrator

ERP integration manager

Skills and certifications

AI and machine learning

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Application development

Certified information systems security professional (CISSP)

Cloud development

Cybersecurity

Data analytics

Industries

Financial services

Government

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Professional services

Technology

AI and machine learning AI and machine learning

Security, privacy and compliance Security, privacy and compliance

Software and applications development Software and applications development

Data analytics, business intel and reporting Data analytics, business intel and reporting

Upskilling
employees Reskilling
employees
for new roles Engaging
skilled contract
talent Implementing
mentoring
programs Paying for
professional
certifications Using
managed
services Upskilling
employees Reskilling
employees
for new roles Engaging
skilled contract
talent Implementing
mentoring
programs Paying for
professional
certifications Using
managed
services

Higher pay often given for in-office work

For jobs that can be done remotely, 78% of technology managers are willing to increase starting salaries for new hires to work in the office full or part time. Of those, 48% are offering workers up to 20% more pay to come in 4 to 5 days a week.

Tech professionals’ ideal hybrid scenario is working in-office 3 days per week.

Hiring managers in this field prefer to have employees on-site 4 days per week.

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Hiring managers: Need more insights? Schedule a Salary Guide walk-through

The salary benchmarks listed in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges. Learn more about our methodology.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Company size, industry and the availability of remote work options can influence salaries. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognizing that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms. Respondents include hiring managers and workers from small (1-99 employees), midsize (100-999 employees) and large (1,000-plus employees) private, publicly listed and public sector organizations across the United States.