It’s no secret that many professionals are finding the job market challenging right now. Openings can feel limited, competition is intense and not every application gains traction. Yet, even in this environment, some technology roles stand out for their strong demand and compensation potential.If you’re scanning for the higher paying IT jobs , the message from Robert Half’s 2026 Salary Guide is clear: Specialist skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and cloud are in short supply and employers are prepared to pay extra to secure them. In other words, if you can keep the hackers out or make AI work smarter, you’re in the driver’s seat.Employers confirm these trends: 87% say they routinely offer higher salaries to candidates with specialized skills, especially in AI and data science, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, software development and analytics. At the same time, 69% are concerned about meeting candidates’ pay expectations. To stay competitive, many firms are raising starting salaries, increasing transparency by posting ranges in job ads and enhancing benefits packages.The Salary Guide also highlights where demand may rise next. Roles like agentic AI engineer or developer, AI strategy consultant, AIOps engineer and LLM engineer are gaining traction, each tied to scaling up AI adoption. If you’re targeting top IT salaries, these are emerging titles to watch alongside the established areas of security, cloud, and data architecture.And if you’re planning your next move, here are 12 high-paying IT roles worth looking at.
See AI Architect Salaries and Similar JobsThese professionals combine deep technical knowledge with strategic vision to design and oversee large-scale artificial intelligence systems. As companies move from pilot projects to full-scale AI adoption, the AI architect role is among the higher paying IT jobs. It's a role where you help build the future while improving the present—and get compensated accordingly.Typical responsibilitiesChoose the right AI models for business needsMaintain security and compliance across AI systemsIntegrate AI into existing business platformsNational midpoint starting salary: $175,000
2. AI and machine learning engineer
See AI and Machine Learning Engineer Salaries and Similar JobsAI and machine learning (ML) engineers build, train and optimize the models that power chatbots, recommendation engines and predictive analytics. Employers know that well-designed AI systems can save time and create a competitive advantage. That's why AI/ML engineers rank consistently among the top IT salaries. Specialized skills in model deployment, safety and optimization are in short supply, and that scarcity translates into higher offers.Typical responsibilitiesBuild and train machine learning modelsOptimize models for performance and accuracyFine-tune large language models (LLMs) for specific business needsNational midpoint starting salary: $170,750
3. Data scientist
See Data Scientist Salaries and Similar JobsUsing statistical methods and machine learning, these specialists uncover insights hidden within large datasets. Organizations continue to invest in data platforms and analytics to advance AI initiatives, and data scientists are critical to turning that investment into measurable results. The best IT jobs in data science now often involve advanced AI tools, making this role one of the most lucrative paths in the technology sector.Typical responsibilities:Design experiments and test algorithmsAnalyze large data sets using statistical methodsTurn raw information into decisions leaders can act onNational midpoint starting salary: $153,750
4. Data engineer
See Data Engineer Salaries and Similar JobsIf AI models are the flashy sports cars, data engineering is the fuel—and nobody's going anywhere without it. That's why data engineers are also among the higher paying IT jobs. Skills in modern data platforms, real-time data streaming and privacy regulations are all driving salaries higher, especially as companies invest in AI-ready infrastructure.Typical responsibilities:Build and maintain pipelines that keep analytics and AI systems runningDesign setups that move and transform data reliablyWork with data from cloud platforms, business apps and connected devices like sensors and smart machinesNational midpoint starting salary: $156,250
5. Security architect
See Security Architect Salaries and Similar JobsDesigning and overseeing an organization's cyber defense strategy is at the heart of this role. Breaches are costly, and protection is now a top business priority. Employers name security architect as one of the most in-demand IT roles, especially as cloud adoption expands.Typical responsibilities:Build secure network frameworksManage identity and access controlsMake sure systems stay aligned with regulatory standardsNational midpoint starting salary: $157,250
6. Cybersecurity engineer
See Cybersecurity Engineer Salaries and Similar JobsDay to day, these engineers safeguard networks and systems. With cyber threats ranging from phishing to ransomware, organizations across industries recognize that experienced engineers make all the difference. It might not be the most glamorous of tech jobs, but stopping a ransomware attack before it starts earns more than just appreciation from leadership.Typical responsibilities:Install security tools and monitor for threatsPatch weaknesses in systems and networksLead recovery efforts after security incidentsNational midpoint starting salary: $144,000
7. Software architect
See Software Architect Salaries and Similar JobsSoftware architects create the blueprint for how applications are built and maintained, making sure they are reliable and high-performing. The responsibility for long-term technical decisions makes this one of the better compensated tech jobs, especially when architects can effectively bridge business goals with complex engineering.Typical responsibilities:Decide on frameworks and technical standardsGuide coding standards across development teamsHelp new systems scale securelyNational midpoint starting salary: $167,000
8. Software engineer
See Software Engineer Salaries and Similar JobsSoftware engineers work on everything from back-end systems to mobile apps, writing and maintaining the code behind digital products and services. Whether it's designing secure payment systems, building AI-enabled apps or supporting millions of users simultaneously, the scope of this job often commands higher offers. This is one of the most consistently in-demand IT roles.Typical responsibilities:Write and maintain code for digital products and servicesBuild back-end systems and mobile applicationsDesign secure, scalable solutions for complex technical challengesNational midpoint starting salary: $142,000
9. DevOps engineer
See DevOps Engineer Salaries and Similar JobsThese in-demand IT professionals bridge development and operations by automating build pipelines, managing deployments and improving system performance so teams can reliably deliver new features and updates faster. DevOps engineers reduce downtime and get new software features, updates or fixes into production and into the hands of users quickly and efficiently—direct wins for the business. Employers are willing to pay top IT salaries for engineers who combine coding skills with cloud knowledge and infrastructure expertise.Day-to-day responsibilities:Automate build pipelines and deployment processesManage deployments across environmentsImprove system performance and reliabilityNational midpoint starting salary: $145,750
10. Cloud architect
See Cloud Architect Salaries and Similar JobsCloud architects design systems that run across platforms like AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. With most companies running hybrid or multi-cloud setups, skilled cloud architects are in short supply. Their decisions affect performance and resilience of critical applications and infrastructure, which is why this role consistently commands strong salaries.Typical responsibilities:Plan cloud migrations and system designsSet cost controls and monitor spendingMake sure applications stay secure and scalableNational midpoint starting salary: $171,750
11. Business intelligence (BI) developer
See Business Intelligence Developer Salaries and Similar JobsBuilding dashboards and reporting tools, BI developers transform complex datasets into insights that guide business decisions. Organizations are investing heavily in analytics to support AI and automation. When the tools you create help determine where millions are invested, you can expect to be compensated accordingly.Typical responsibilities:Build dashboards and reporting toolsTurn raw data into actionable insightsShape how leaders understand performance, trends and opportunitiesNational midpoint starting salary: $130,500
12. IT product manager
See IT Product Manager Salaries and Similar JobsIT product managers keep major tech projects on track, balancing business needs with technical constraints. They work closely with engineers and designers to make sure products succeed. When the right decisions are made, products launch seamlessly and customers stay satisfied. It's why IT product managers often rank near the top of the pay scale, especially when leading AI, cloud or enterprise software projects.Typical responsibilities:Balance business needs with technical constraintsWork closely with engineers and designersKeep major tech projects on track from concept to launchNational midpoint starting salary: $144,750
Learn about other emerging jobs in the technology profession
The 12 roles above are examples of the higher paying IT jobs employers are eager to staff now and in the coming year. Check out the 2026 Salary Guide from Robert Half for the latest salary projections for these in-demand roles—and many more. Or use our Salary Calculator to adjust salary ranges to a specific city.
