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2022 Salary Guide: Network/Cloud Architect Ranks High
One of the non-executive IT positions paying off the most in 2022 will be network/cloud architect, indicates a new salary guide that also highly ranks cybersecurity and data privacy positions in the age of ransomware and other attacks.
The 2022 Salary Guide from careers firm Robert Half is based on online surveys conducted last summer by independent research firms.
The report's top-paying salary results are similar to a Dice salary report we covered last month, which showed systems architect, cloud engineer and cybersecurity engineer as the top three occupations when ranked by average salaries (for positions below the IT management/CEO/CIO/CTO/VP/director level).
Unlike the Dice report, which provided one average salary metric, the Robert Half report lists 25th, 50th and 75th percentile salaries, based on experience and skills. Thus the occupation of information systems security manager takes the top spot in the Robert Half tech report with percentile salaries of $129,750, $157,250 and $187,750. For positions without the word "manager" in the title, network/cloud architect tops the tech charts, with salary percentiles of $125,250, $153,750 and $180,500.
The Robert Half survey doesn't provide a list of all salaries, rather breaking them down into industry sectors. Here are the salaries listed in the "networking and cloud" sector:
[Click on image for larger view.] Networking and Cloud Salaries (source: Robert Half).
For an apples-to-oranges comparison, here's the Dice report's rankings:
[Click on image for larger view.] Dice Report Salaries by Occupation (source: Dice).
In addition to networking and cloud, other sectors in the tech section of the report include software and applications development, consulting and systems integration, data and database administration and several others.
The firm listed these highlights of the report:
- Cybersecurity and data privacy are among the top areas firms are hiring for, as experts are crucially needed to help protect company and customer data.
- Hiring is strong in digital transformation areas that require skills such as cloud services, AI and machine learning.
- People experienced in business intelligence, data analysis, or software and application development are also in high demand.
- The rise of the hybrid workforce -- with employers able to hire off-site workers from virtually anywhere -- is driving demand for professionals skilled in virtual team activities and collaboration tools.
- Many tech companies are upping the ante for perks and incentives, including signing bonuses and other cash incentives, to keep top performers.
- Employers are also appealing to their tech employees' love of technology by upgrading their equipment and systems to the latest and greatest available.
- Unlimited paid time off remains a popular perk among workers. Currently, tech companies tend to offer it more than other businesses.
- Managers of tech teams within non-tech companies who can offer these perks are better poised to compete with big tech firms in hiring and keeping top talent.
- Companies that are the most competitive are also offering remote or hybrid work arrangements.
- Savvy tech companies and teams reimburse workers for professional development, including certifications and noncredit college courses.
- Upskilling improves employee performance and productivity, makes team members feel valued and boosts loyalty and retention.
"Many U.S. workers feel overdue for a pay raise, new research from talent solutions firm Robert Half shows," the company said in a September news release. "According to the just-released 2022 Salary Guide, companies will need to enhance their compensation strategy, or they risk losing top talent to competing offers."
About the Author
David Ramel is an editor and writer at Converge 360.