Section 05: Tech Occupations
Top Tech Occupations
Software developers are the largest occupation within the tech workforce, accounting for over 12% of tech workers
Each year, an average of 59,760 tech jobs must be filled in North Carolina to accommodate growth and retirements. The median annual wage for tech workers is $97,300.
Top Tech Occupations in North Carolina, 2024
| Description | 2024 Occupations |
Change in Employment, 2019-2024 |
Median Annual Wage | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Software Developers |
57,540 |
+49% |
$131,000 |
6,840 |
|
Market Research Analysts |
29,980 |
+60% |
$77,360 |
4,380 |
|
Computer Systems Analysts |
24,680 |
-6% |
$104,940 |
1,940 |
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
24,020 |
+79% |
$167,540 |
3,320 |
|
Management Analysts |
21,840 |
+18% |
$98,700 |
2,500 |
|
Computer User Support Specialists |
21,260 |
-2% |
$58,660 |
1,840 |
|
Computer Occupations, All Other |
13,570 |
+113% |
$106,250 |
2,010 |
|
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
12,570 |
+22% |
$97,590 |
1,210 |
|
Industrial Engineers |
11,440 |
+26% |
$97,160 |
1,210 |
|
Financial and Investment Analysts |
10,380 |
+17% |
$102,210 |
1,050 |
|
Data Scientists |
9,970 |
+213% |
$115,380 |
1,660 |
|
Logisticians |
7,360 |
+49% |
$77,040 |
1,030 |
|
Computer Network Architects |
7,280 |
+29% |
$126,000 |
830 |
|
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
7,060 |
+4% |
$102,670 |
700 |
|
Information Security Analysts |
6,670 |
+29% |
$121,080 |
720 |
|
All Tech Occupations |
467,170 |
+33% |
$97,300 |
59,760 |
Source: EL estimates based on Lightcast 2025.4
Top 5 Tech Occupations in Growth
Tech jobs in the state have grown by 33% over the past five years. Looking at growth rates over this period, analysts and data scientists are in high demand. The increasing use of big data has created demand for workers who can help process and interpret that information. Later in the report, we discuss the potential impacts that generative AI technologies may have on these types of positions in the future.
| Top 5 in Net Job Growth | |
|---|---|
|
Software Developers |
+18,870 |
|
Market Research Analysts |
+11,300 |
|
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
+10,570 |
|
Data Scientists |
+6,780 |
|
Management Analysts |
+3,350 |
| Top 5 in Growth Percentage | |
|---|---|
|
Life Scientists |
+266% |
|
Data Scientists |
+213% |
|
Computer Research Scientists |
+179% |
|
Database Architects |
+155% |
|
Materials Scientists |
+104% |