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8 U.S. Cities Where Tech Jobs Pay at Least $127,000 a Year

These cities across the U.S. are known for paying tech workers generously.

By Calista Headrick

Edited by Lauren Gordon

Updated May 10, 2025

Have you considered a career switch to the tech industry, but wonder if it's the right fit? These jobs are highly coveted, often in part due to the generous salaries that help people boost their bank accounts. But according to a new FinanceBuzz study, employees in certain cities are paid better than others.

The team at FinanceBuzz evaluated government data in over 400 cities across the United States to identify the top cities in every state for tech jobs. Here are eight cities that have the highest salaries for jobs in tech.

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Santa Barbara, California

Median annual wage: $127,270

While we all know Northern California as a tech hub, further south has seen significant innovation, too. Dozens of technology companies call Santa Barbara home, and there's a significant demand for workers in fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and AI.

Top tech companies like LogicMonitor, Sonos, and Procore Technologies have established themselves in the city. According to the FinanceBuzz study, the median annual salary for tech workers is over $127,000.

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Arlington, Virginia

Median annual wage: $129,790

Located on the southwestern bank of the Potomac River, Arlington's proximity to Washington, D.C., gives it a leg up for those looking for a job in the tech industry.

According to Technical.ly, the number of software developers in the city has grown by almost 30% since 2019, which is faster than the region's other big tech counties. Workers in the area make over $129,000 per year.

Germantown, Maryland

Median annual wage: $129,790

This city, located less than 50 miles from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, has the fifth-highest median wage in the country. Its proximity to these major hubs means the city benefits from the surrounding tech infrastructure.

In Germantown, tech workers earn a median salary that's over $129,000.

Boulder, Colorado

Median annual wage: $131,150

In Boulder, the median annual wage for tech workers surpasses $130,000, and the demand for tech workers is 2.5 times higher than the national average.

The city has a thriving tech scene, with many major companies like Google, Amazon, and Salesforce establishing themselves there in recent years. According to CNBC, Boulder is home to over 24,000 tech businesses, and it's a hotspot for startups, too.

Seattle, Washington

Median annual wage: $140,760

Amazon and Microsoft are both headquartered in Seattle, which means the city is ripe for tech workers. And as a plus, it has the third-highest median wage in the U.S., coming in at more than $140,000.

Seattle's tech scene also rivals that of major hubs like San Francisco, San Jose, and New York City. According to the Seattle Office of Economic Development, the economic impact for the region was $133 billion in 2021.

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San Francisco, California

Median annual wage: $163,890

It's no surprise that San Francisco makes the list, as the city is known for its tech presence. OpenAI, one of the most prominent AI companies, is headquartered in the city, and according to Nucamp.co, there are over 30,000 startups in the area.

Tech workers in the Golden City earn a median salary that exceeds $160,000.

San Jose, California

Median annual wage: $175,110

This city in the heart of Silicon Valley has the highest median annual wage for tech workers, coming in at $175,110. With companies like Adobe and PayPal headquartered in San Jose, it's a top spot for talent in the industry, and it also has the highest number of tech jobs per capita.

Bottom line

Jobs in the tech industry are highly sought after, and as these cities prove, it will continue to drive the global economy. In fact, according to Statista, the industry generates over $1 trillion in revenue annually.

If you're considering pivoting to a career in the industry to build wealth, the good news is that often, prior work experience and even a degree aren't always needed. In fact, many workers in fields like web development, software engineering, and digital marketing are self-taught.

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