Cost-of-living increases and inflation have made it clearer than ever: it’s time to get paid what you’re worth. But if you’re in the tech field in Seattle — or aspiring to be — you’re in luck. Tech workers here have the second-highest average salaries in the nation, behind only San Francisco, according to a report from Hired.
To help you get more bang for your buck, we’ve identified six popular and high-paying tech jobs in Seattle in 2022 using data from labor market analytics firm Lightcast.
1. Database Architects
What They Do: Database architects design strategies for enterprise databases and data warehouse systems, set standards for database operations and create data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow.
Skills Needed:
- The skills to design and develop databases with an eye toward scalability, security and reliability
- An ability to collaborate productively with system and software architects, design analysts and others to address industry requirements
Job Outlook: Database architects are a hot commodity in Seattle, with jobs projected to grow 25% between 2020 and 2030, according to Lightcast.
Become a Database Architect:
2. Software Developers
What They Do: Software developers research, design and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Software development is a vast, varied field. Developers may build software updates and enhancements, analyze user needs or collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems.
Skills Needed:
- The ability to analyze data to determine the best way to build a system, tailor it to your users and maintain its quality while incorporating feedback
- Capability with database management software and user interface software
Job Outlook: Long plentiful in the Seattle metro area, software developer jobs should rise by 15% from 2020 to 2030, according to recent market analyses.
Become a Software Developer:
3. Web and Digital Interface Designers
What They Do: Web and digital interface designers create digital user interfaces or websites by developing and testing layouts, interfaces, functionality and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices.
Skills Needed:
- Vision, collaboration and communication to integrate and synthesize numerous strategies and sets of data into one clear vision
- An ability to collaborate with management, front- and back-end developers, users and network personnel
Job Outlook: Demand for web and digital interface designers will continue its strong growth in the Seattle area, according to Lightcast. The field is expected to grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030.
Become a Web and Digital Interface Designer:
4. Data Scientists
What They Do: Data scientists use data-oriented programming languages and visualization software to transform raw data into meaningful information, analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets, interpret that data and visualize it.
Skills Needed:
- Business and financial data analysis to identify operational problems and inform operational decisions
- An ability to process troves of data and find the root of the issue
Job Outlook: Demand for data scientists in the Seattle area is booming. Lightcast projects 37% growth for data science jobs between 2020 and 2030.
Become a Data Scientist:
5. Information Security Analysts
What They Do: Information security analysts assess system vulnerabilities and risks to monitor, plan and implement security measures for the protection of computer networks and information.
Skills Needed:
- An up-to-date understanding of trends and vulnerabilities in viruses and cybersecurity
- Proficiency in modifying computer security files, encrypting data transmissions and erecting firewalls
Job Outlook: The demand for information security analysts is very robust, with projected growth of 59% between 2020 and 2030, according to Lightcast.
Become an Information Security Analyst:
6. Web Developers
What They Do: Web developers build and implement websites or apps, evaluate code for compatibility and optimize website performance across myriad platforms.
Skills Needed:
- Technical proficiency in writing code and the ability to design, build and maintain websites or web applications
- An ability to collaborate with other programmers and developers to ensure usability, compatibility and compliance with industry standards
Job Outlook: Demand for web developers will remain hot in the Seattle metro area: Lightcast projects 32% growth in the field between 2020 and 2030.
Become a Web Developer: