What do technology jobs pay? Read the right benchmark
By Fabrice PAYETPublished Updated
Technology jobs do not have one salary. A software developer, database administrator and data analyst can perform different work under similar titles. Use a dated occupational reference as context, then compare disclosed employer ranges for the actual role.
The current U.S. group benchmark
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $109,470 for computer and information technology occupations in May 2025. This is a U.S. occupational-group figure, checked on October 2, 2026, not a 2026 salary survey or a starting salary.
A median divides the observed population in half. It does not describe your expected offer, bonus, equity or every job containing “technology.” The wage sample date and the article review date answer different questions.
Choose the occupation before comparing pay
Use the job’s responsibilities to select the relevant source. BLS provides separate pages for software developers, information security analysts, database administrators and architects, and data scientists. Read the occupation definition before treating the wage figure as comparable.
Data analyst and AI engineer titles do not map neatly to one universal official category. A broader proxy should keep its occupation visible. Do not relabel data scientist wages as an exact measurement for every analyst or AI application role.
Keep location and level with the range
National, state and metropolitan figures have different coverage. A remote employer may price a role by employee location, office location or another policy. Ask which applies rather than transferring a national median to a local offer.
Percentiles show the distribution of wages in a source population. They do not identify junior or senior workers. For level-specific evidence, look for an employer range or source that explicitly reports the matching level and responsibilities.
Separate salary from total compensation
Compare base salary, target bonus, equity and one-off payments separately. Ask which payments are guaranteed and when equity vests. Employee reports and advertised ranges can use different pay definitions, so keep the source’s labels.
When comparing contracts, also check working hours, currency, paid leave and benefit coverage. Do not compare an hourly contract rate with an annual employee wage without stating the assumptions and differences.
Use the evidence in an offer discussion
Ask for the employer’s approved range and the criteria for placement. Explain the scope you can own and the experience you can demonstrate. Use comparable disclosed roles alongside the occupational reference rather than anchoring on one headline number.
Our salary guides retain source dates and proxy limitations. Recheck a provider before relying on an amount in a current negotiation. A national wage series can inform the discussion, but it cannot guarantee the result.
Sources and next steps
Sources checked on October 2, 2026. Follow the linked documentation for current requirements.
BLS: computer and information technology wages, May 2025
BLS: information security analysts
