So, picture me at this coffee shop, right? Seven bucks for a latte—total scam, but the vibe’s cute, so I’m here. Anyway, I’m scrolling job boards, freaking out because adulting is the worst. Honestly, I just want a job that pays enough for these overpriced drinks, lets my brain do its thing, and doesn’t trap me in some soul-sucking office. Plus, as a woman in tech, I’m dodging those “you sure you’re technical?” looks. That’s when I got hooked on finding high-paying tech jobs for women—gigs that pay well, let you shine, and maybe let you stick it to the doubters.
Over the years, I’ve churned out a couple hundred blog posts. Some were absolute trash (like that blockchain one I barely got), but others had people DMing me like, “Girl, this was so real!” So, here’s my take on the top 10 high-paying tech jobs for women, plus some messy, honest tips on how to land them. No cheesy “just believe” nonsense—just me, my coffee, and stories from the grind. For example, let’s dive into why these jobs are worth chasing. Grab a drink, let’s roll.
Why Tech? Why Women? Why Am I Writing This at Midnight?
For starters, tech’s like a gold rush for women right now. Companies are scrambling for people who can code, design systems, or explain tech without sounding like a robot manual. Meanwhile, women are killing it, but we’re only about 25% of the industry (saw that somewhere in 2024, don’t quote me). It’s kinda lame, yet that gap means you can stand out if you show up.
Back at my first tech meetup in Seattle, I braced for a sea of hoodie bros. Sure, they were there, but then this woman, a cloud architect making bank, changed my perspective. Handing me a beer, she said, “You don’t need to be Einstein. Just keep showing up and don’t let self-doubt win.” That stuck with me. So, below, I’m sharing 10 high-paying tech jobs for women, with salaries and real ways to break in.
The Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs for Women
1. Software Engineer
Average Salary: $120,000–$180,000 (US, 2025-ish)
This one’s the classic, right? Software engineers write code for apps, websites, you name it. For example, picture being the wizard of the internet, though sometimes you’re cursing at your laptop at 2 a.m. One weekend, I tried learning Python—total mess. My script just spammed “Hello, World!” like 50 times.
How to Get It: First, kick things off with Python or JavaScript. Sites like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp are free and solid. Next, throw a couple projects on GitHub—even a basic to-do app works. Then, apply for internships or entry-level gigs, even if you feel like a fraud. Big players like Google have newbie programs, and startups often vibe with women who show hustle.
2. Data Scientist
Average Salary: $130,000–$200,000
Data scientists are like detectives wielding code and math. For instance, they solve puzzles like, “Why do people keep ditching our app?” At a conference, I met a woman who went from barista to data scientist in two years. Her secret? “I just kept Googling ‘what’s pandas in Python?’ till it clicked.”
How to Get It: Start with Python or R, then play with SQL or TensorFlow. Coursera’s courses are legit. Meanwhile, networking on LinkedIn feels awkward, but hiring managers hang out there. Also, look for “junior” roles—they’re not as scary as they seem.
Outbound Link: For a laugh, check out this post about the grind of learning data science.
3. Cloud Architect
Average Salary: $150,000–$220,000
Cloud architects build systems to keep data safe in the cloud—AWS, Azure, that stuff. Once, I spilled coffee on my laptop trying to figure out AWS certs. Still salty about that one. Anyway, these jobs pay crazy because every company’s obsessed with “the cloud.”
How to Get It: First, snag an AWS or Azure cert (they’re pricey, but worth it). Next, brush up on networking basics and maybe some coding. For example, companies like Amazon or Deloitte will train you if you’ve got potential.
Pro Tip: Peek at this wild AWS outage story—shows why cloud architects are a big deal.
4. AI/Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $140,000–$250,000
AI’s everywhere—your Netflix recs, your phone unlocking. These engineers make that magic happen. For instance, I messed with an AI model once and it started writing poems about my cat. Not what I planned, but kinda funny.
How to Get It: You need Python and some math (stats, linear algebra—YouTube’s got tutorials). Then, build a small project, like a chatbot. Also, Kaggle’s great for practice and showing off.
5. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average Salary: $110,000–$170,000
These folks keep hackers out of your bank account. My friend Sarah got into this after someone hacked her Etsy shop—she was so mad and turned that into a career. Honestly, it’s inspiring.
How to Get It: First, grab a CompTIA Security+ or CISSP cert. Next, learn about firewalls, encryption, maybe some ethical hacking. Also, entry-level jobs are out there, especially at consulting firms or government gigs.
6. Product Manager
Average Salary: $120,000–$190,000
Product managers connect tech teams with business goals. They don’t always code, but they gotta get tech enough to not get snowed by engineers. Shadowing a PM once, I heard her call her job “herding cats with PhDs.” I about died laughing.
How to Get It: Start as a business analyst or coordinator. Then, learn Agile or Scrum (it’s just organizing chaos). For example, networking at meetups or online conferences is half the game.
7. DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $125,000–$180,000
DevOps makes sure code gets from a laptop to production without crashing. Think traffic cop for software. My cousin does this and once debugged a deployment at 3 a.m., grumbling, “Why didn’t I become a chef?”
How to Get It: First, learn Docker, Kubernetes, maybe Jenkins. Next, get comfy with Linux and scripting (Bash or Python). Also, cloud certs help. Look for “junior” DevOps roles to start.
8. UX/UI Designer
Average Salary: $100,000–$160,000
These folks make apps and websites look good and easy to use. Tried designing a mockup once—looked like a MySpace page from 2005. Honestly, big props to the pros.
How to Get It: Start with Figma or Adobe XD. Then, build a portfolio with 3–5 projects (redesign a site, mock up an app). For example, rummage through Dribbble for inspo. Companies like Spotify or Airbnb love creative women for this.
9. Blockchain Developer
Average Salary: $130,000–$210,000
Blockchain’s not just for crypto bros. It’s about secure systems for finance, supply chains, whatever. Got curious after losing $15 on a dumb crypto trade—don’t ask.
How to Get It: First, learn Solidity or Rust, then figure out smart contracts. Next, start with small Ethereum projects. Also, this field’s still new, so you can make waves if you dive in.
10. Technical Program Manager
Average Salary: $130,000–$200,000
TPMs are like project managers but techier. They run big projects, like launching new app features. My friend Lisa does this and says it’s “babysitting geniuses while deadlines breathe down your neck.”
How to Get It: Start with some tech (coding or systems) and tools like Jira. Then, begin as a coordinator and climb. For example, big tech like Apple loves TPMs.
How to Actually Get These Jobs (Without Crying)
Tech job postings are wild. They’re like, “Must have 10 years of Kubernetes and a Nobel Prize.” Staring at my screen, I’ve felt like I’m not enough. But here’s what I’ve picked up from my own screw-ups and chats with women who’ve made it:
- Start Small: Pick one thing—Python, Figma, whatever—and do 30 minutes a day. For instance, bribing myself with snacks kept me going.
- Build Something Cool: Even a silly project, like a website for your dog’s fake bakery, counts. Then, put it on GitHub or Behance. Employers love it.
- Network Smart: DM someone on LinkedIn with a real question, like, “Hey, any tips for AWS certs?” Honestly, people help if you’re chill.
- Certs Are Legit: AWS, Google, CompTIA—they’re like cheat codes. For example, this blog on cert struggles is funny and so real.
- Ignore Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud still hits me. But my mentor once said, “Most people in tech are winging it. You’re just honest.”
The Real Stuff: It’s Not Always Fun
Breaking into tech as a woman can feel like crashing a party where everyone’s already friends. Doubts creep in, and yeah, sometimes you get dumb comments. For instance, at a hackathon, a guy asked if I was “just there to take notes.” Smiling, I built an app that got third place and ate his pizza. Small wins, right?
On the other hand, women in tech are incredible. Join groups like Women Who Code or Tech Ladies. My career bestie came from a random Zoom meetup, and she’s why I didn’t quit last year.
