Move over, Silicon Valley. BioTech Beach is home to more than 2,000 tech firms, with the fastest-growing salary rate in the U.S. San Diego is a biotech and telecom leader, and the city has had a long relationship with the U.S. armed forces, offering many positions in defense tech and cybersecurity. Nucamp.com reports an increase of 12.5% in IT jobs in San Diego over the last five years, with more than 78,000 tech professionals employed in the region. Average tech salaries in San Diego now exceed $140,000 a year.
San Diego Information Technology Careers
Tech jobs in San Diego are plentiful and pay very well. Here are some common job titles with salary information from Indeed.com.
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Software Engineer: Software Engineers develop and maintain computer programs and operating systems to meet the needs of customers. Software Engineers in San Diego earn around $125,000 a year.
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Web Developer: Web Developers build websites and mobile apps using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They can work on the customer-facing front-end, the system-facing back-end, or the full-stack. Web Developers in San Diego make an average annual salary of around $95,000.
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Data Analyst: Data Analysts use statistical techniques to summarize, analyze, and visualize large amounts of data. They use this analysis to develop insights and make recommendations. In San Diego, Data Analysts make a yearly salary of about $85,000.
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DevOps Engineer: DevOps means "development and operations, " and that is the responsibility of a DevOps Engineer. They lead and coordinate different teams to create and maintain a company's software and systems. San Diego-area DevOps Engineers make around $127,000 annually.
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Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity Analysts monitor company networks to ensure data security and prevent breaches and intrusions. In San Diego, Cybersecurity Analysts earn an annual salary of around $100,000.
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Cloud Architect: Cloud Architects are in charge of a company's cloud-based systems. They design systems, assess security, and analyze the performance of cloud infrastructure. Salary.com lists a yearly salary of about $140,000 for Cloud Architects in San Diego.
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IT Project Manager: Project Managers are responsible for the entire life of a project from launch to wrap-up, overseeing the budget, scheduling, and risk management. IT Project Managers in San Diego earn around $106,000 annually.
San Diego Industries Hiring for Information Technology Jobs
San Diego's tech job market offers a unique blend of biomedical focus and technology. Groundbreaking work is also available in wireless communications research, as well as defense technology and cybersecurity. Here are some San Diego-based companies hiring for information technology jobs.
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Biotechnology: Technology professionals working in the biotech industry can use their computer skills to advance medical research and create products to improve care. Some top biotech firms in San Diego include Illumina, Benchling, Schrödinger, Senomyx, Forge Therapeutics, and Diagnomics.
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Wireless Communications: Qualcomm, a telecommunications and research firm founded in San Diego, employs around 50,000 people in the region. Some other companies in the wireless and telecom industries in San Diego include Nokia, Ericsson-Worldwide, TP, Juniper Networks, TrellisWare Technologies, Foundever, and Orange.
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Defense: San Diego has a long history of aircraft and aerospace production for the U.S. military. Some of these companies include BAE Systems, Shield AI, Northrop Grumman, FormAlloy, Boeing, and Semantic AI.
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Enterprise Software: Amongthe many firms hiring technology professionals in San Diego are companies that develop software and website applications. These include ServiceNow, Teradata, Mercury Development, AppMakers USA, EffectiveSoft, Kanda Software, Trango Tech, Azumo, Essential Designs, Simform, and DigitalSuits.
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Cybersecurity: Along with AI and machine learning, cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing tech industries. Some of the top cybersecurity companies in San Diego include CSC, PwC, Cox Enterprises, Abtech Technologies, BigBear.ai, Spotlink, and Kastech Software Solutions.
Trends Affecting Information Technology Jobs in San Diego
Nucamp.com reports that San Diego continues to be a U.S. leader in tech jobs. The market demand is led by almost 2,000 companies in the areas of biotechnology alone. This industry alone brings $56 billion into the local economy. Telecommunications and defense contractors also contribute to the tech landscape, and AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are also seeing strong growth. The average tech salary in San Diego is around $140,000 a year, which is good because the area has a very high cost of living. More than 78,000 people work in the tech industry in the region.
Companies in San Diego embrace flexible, hybrid, and remote work arrangements. That leaves plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful beaches, amazing weather, and natural events like the spring wildflower bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Another perk of working in tech in San Diego is a supportive network offering workshops, coffee meetups, happy hours, and book clubs for people working in various technology industries. Networking helps professionals improve their skills, advance their careers, and make social connections.