As we reflect on the past two decades of technological innovation, it’s clear that the tech industry has transformed the way we live and work. At the heart of this transformation are the professionals driving these advancements—and the employers striving to attract, retain, and develop them. Dice’s 2025 Tech Salary Report provides a data- driven lens into these dynamics, showcasing the evolution of tech over the course of 20 years, while also digging into the compensation, talent demands, and workplace trends impacting the 2025 hiring market.
Access the full report here.For CareerXroads (CXR) members, this report offers actionable insights to strengthen your recruitment strategies, build resilient teams, and navigate today’s complex talent
market.
The State of Tech Salaries: Stability Amid Uncertainty
The average tech salary reached $112,521 in 2024, reflecting a modest 1.2% year-over-year growth. Interestingly, our findings reveal that when considering inflation rates from 2005 to now, tech wages have effectively held steady over two decades, while the inflation-adjusted wages of US employees outside of tech lost significant
ground.
Key findings:
- AI expertise leads the way: Professionals in AI-related roles earn nearly 18% more than their peers, reflecting the growing importance of this skill set in shaping business strategies.
- Location matters: New York, California, and Georgia are among the top-paying states, while cities like Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., lead in compensation despite regional shifts.
- Sector disparities: Consulting and software industries dominate salary rankings, while education and government sectors face declines.
Career Mobility and Talent Strategies
The data suggests a sweet spot for job changes—seasoned tech professionals with over 20 years of experience who’ve switched roles strategically earn higher salaries, with averages peaking at $142,000 for those with 6-9 job changes. This insight underscores the importance of offering growth opportunities to retain mid-career
professionals, who saw the most significant salary growth in 2024. For recruiters, understanding this mobility pattern is key. Highlighting clear career paths and fostering professional development can attract top talent while reducing turnover.
Evolving Workplace Culture: Progress with Room for Improvement
Tech workplace culture remains a mixed bag, with only 48% of surveyed professionals reporting improvements over the past 20 years. Interestingly, women in tech are 1.5 times more likely than men to note progress in areas like gender equity and inclusivity. However, the challenges remain:
- Remote work rollback: Despite its importance to job satisfaction, remote and flexible work options are declining, with potential repercussions for retention.
- Job security concerns: Layoff fears and economic uncertainty have fueled a sharp rise in active job seekers, with nearly 47% of tech professionals looking for new opportunities in 2024.
A 20-Year Perspective: Lessons for the Future
The 2025 Tech Salary Report celebrates Dice’s 20th anniversary of salary reporting, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the trends that have defined two decades of
tech hiring:
- Technological impact: AI, cloud computing, and mobile technology have revolutionized the industry. Resilience through economic cycles: Despite downturns and layoffs, tech salaries have shown remarkable stability compared to other sectors.
This perspective is invaluable for HR leaders and talent acquisition teams looking to future-proof their strategies. As the tech landscape evolves, staying attuned to these
long-term trends will be critical.
Opportunities for 2025: What Recruiters and Hiring Managers Need to Know
The report identifies several areas where organizations can differentiate themselves in today’s competitive market:
1. Upskilling and certifications: Professionals with certifications earn, on average, $2,000 more annually, yet only 41% of employers offer training opportunities.
Bridging this gap can build loyalty while addressing critical skills shortages.
2. Flexible work strategies: Balancing remote work with strong team dynamics will be crucial, especially for professionals prioritizing work-life balance.
3. Competitive compensation: With 59% of professionals feeling underpaid, offering market-aligned salaries and transparent growth paths is essential.
Why Partner with Dice?
Dice has been a trusted partner for recruiters and HR leaders for over 30 years, providing insights, tools, and solutions to connect with top tech talent. From AI-powered matching to tailored employer branding, Dice simplifies tech hiring for organizations of all sizes.