Demand for tech talent doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Over the past few years, this has been driving salary increases across many positions. Clicks’ recent market research revealed that 56% of IT professionals reported a salary increase last year. So, which jobs are topping the list? Whether you are looking to change jobs, make a career transition, or want to compare, review Clicks’ salary data to learn what IT jobs pay the most.
C suite — Up to $400,000
C suite roles dominate – taking up the first four positions. Chief Information Officers (CIO) have the highest earning potential of all the roles in IT. Unsurprisingly, CIOs are at the top given the impact and responsibility, along with the skills and experience this role demands. But interestingly, while CIOs can earn the most money, Chief Security Officers takes out the number one position when we look at average salaries.
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 1. | Chief Information Officer (CIO) | $255,000 | $300,000 | $400,000 | View jobs |
| 2. | Chief Security Officer (CSO) | $263,333 | $316,667 | $393,333 | View jobs |
| 3. | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $237,500 | $287,500 | $376,667 | View jobs |
| 4. | Chief Digital Officer (CDO) | $228,333 | $266,667 | $318,333 | View jobs |
ICT Security Specialists — Up to $286,667
Three ICT Security roles rank in the top ten highest-paid positions, making up 30% of the top 20 highest-paying IT roles. Australia spent approximately $5.6 billion on cyber security in 2020, which is expected to grow to $7.6 billion by 2024. The Australian Government Labour Markets Insights indicates the future growth for ICT Security professionals is 38.9%.
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 5. | Head of Information Security | $203,333 | $235,000 | $286,667 | View jobs |
| 6. | Cyber Security Manager | $150,000 | $180,000 | $220,000 | View jobs |
| 7. | Security Consultant | $146,667 | $170,000 | $220,000 | View jobs |
| 12. | Security Architect | $160,000 | $180,000 | $205,000 | View jobs |
| 14. | Cyber Security Specialist | $141,667 | $165,000 | $201,667 | View jobs |
Head of Data Analytics — Up to $218,750
It pays to have data skills. Three data positions, Head of Data Analytics, Data Scientist, and Data & Analytics Manager, make the list.
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 8. | Head of Data Analytics | $167,500 | $196,250 | $218,750 | View jobs |
| 16 | Data Scientist | $150,000 | $170,000 | $200,000 | View jobs |
| 20. | Data & Analytics Manager | $133,333 | $160,000 | $195,000 | View jobs |
Head of Product — Up to $215,000
Demand for product roles has risen over the last decade as organisations seek to expand their offerings to remain competitive. Additionally, more tech start-ups are entering the market to provide online products to support the increasingly digital way we live. It’s reported that the fintech industry alone earns $4 billion in revenue.
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 9. | Head of Product | $160,000 | $186,250 | $215,000 | View jobs |
ICT Architects — Up to $210,000
IT Architecture positions represent almost one in three of the highest paying jobs in our top 20 list.
Fatema Galabhai, Clicks IT Recruitment Practice Manager says, “IT Architects typically have broad knowledge and deep technical expertise in a particular domain. They have at least ten years’ experience, but more often, it’s twenty years of industry experience. Their combination of technical, business, and stakeholder management skills, and their ability to think strategically means they offer immense value to organisations, and their compensation is in line with that.”
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 10. | Enterprise Architect | $152,500 | $172,500 | $210,000 | View jobs |
| 13. | IT Architect | $150,000 | $175,000 | $202,500 | View jobs |
| 15. | Solution Architect | $150,000 | $170,000 | $200,000 | View jobs |
| 18. | Business Intelligence Architect | $148,750 | $173,750 | $197,500 | View jobs |
| 19. | Salesforce Architect | $147,500 | $167,500 | $197,500 | View jobs |
SAP Consultant — Up to $206,667
SAP Consultants rank 11th, while Salesforce Architects rank 19th. Interestingly, the starting salary for SAP Consultants is lower than for Salesforce Architects.
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 11. | SAP Consultant | $140,000 | $170,000 | $206,667 | View jobs |
IT Manager/Head of IT — $200,000
Technical skills command top dollars. However, our data shows it pays to have strong interpersonal and people leadership skills often associated with IT Management roles. This provides a career path for IT professionals whose strengths and interests lie in working with people in addition to systems and technology.
| Rank | Role | Min Salary | Average Salary | Max Salary | |
| 17. | IT Manager/Head of IT | $130,000 | $160,000 | $200,000 | View jobs |
What IT positions are missing from the list?
Notable absences are roles within Project Services. However, Program Managers/Directors and PMO Managers should be pleased to know that they have the highest paying jobs within the Project domain – ranking 21st equally. Cloud and Infrastructure positions also pay well, taking up the 25th through to 28th position.
While Software Development roles are often cited as some of the most challenging IT positions to recruit, Development leadership positions pay the most. The top salary for Technical Leads and Development Managers is $185,000.
Want to know what your role is worth? Find your position using Clicks’ job salary search.If you are looking for your next IT opportunity, review our job board to see all our current vacancies. We also have a fantastic referral program that can earn you $500 for every great person you send our way.
For more employment insights or advice on a range of job-seeking topics.
Clicks is an award-winning IT recruitment specialist. As Australia’s favourite recruiters, we help candidates in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney find great opportunities each day.
*Salaries based on annual full-time salary inclusive of superannuation.
