The Software Skills Shaping Tech Careers in 2025

Tech moves fast, and software pros can’t afford to fall behind. Employers want people with sharp, specialized skills—and they’re paying top dollar for them. A new Software Finder report looked at over 16,000 U.S. tech job postings to find out which skills are actually boosting paychecks this year.

The study breaks down average salaries and shows which cities are offering the best returns. For tech workers, it’s a clear guide to staying competitive. For companies, it’s a snapshot of what they need to offer to attract top talent.

What’s Paying Now: The Top Software Skills

The data shows a few standout trends, especially around AI and data work:

Natural language processing (NLP) leads the pack. Jobs that require NLP pay an average of $160,284, the highest among all software skills in the study. Think virtual assistants, real-time translation, and chatbots. Demand is high, and salaries reflect it.
Machine learning and data science are close behind. Machine learning averages $152,677, with data science just under that at $152,406. These skills power everything from fraud detection to content recommendations, making them essential across industries.
Cloud-native expertise continues to pay well: Skills like Kubernetes ($143,492) and AWS ($143,012) signal strong demand for engineers who can build and manage scalable, containerized applications in the cloud.
Remote roles offer higher pay than on-site or hybrid jobs: Remote positions averaged $135,930—nearly 4% more than fully in-office roles, and 5% more than hybrid jobs. This further legitimizes remote work as a high-value, long-term fixture of the software world.
Location remains a salary driver, but not the only one: While major hubs like New York ($154,291) and San Francisco ($151,459) still lead in pay, secondary markets such as Denver ($133,953) and Austin ($132,220) are competitive and growing.

Why NLP Leads the Pack

NLP’s rise to the top of the salary charts isn’t surprising. From automated customer service bots to large language models powering next-generation search and writing tools, companies across industries are incorporating NLP into core products.

NLP pros stand out for blending computer science with human language. Their work pulls from data science, linguistics, and software engineering—a rare mix that’s tough to replace or automate.

As more companies build in voice recognition and chat-based tools, NLP’s high salary shows how central it’s become to modern tech stacks.

Cloud Skills Still Matter

Cloud platforms and container tools aren’t new, but they’re more essential than ever. Knowing Kubernetes or AWS signals more than just tech familiarity—it shows you can build systems that scale and run efficiently.

For many roles, cloud skills aren’t optional anymore. They’re expected.

Companies deploying microservices or managing global data pipelines expect engineers to optimize performance using tools like Docker, Terraform, and Helm in conjunction with Kubernetes clusters.

Remote Work Isn’t Going Away

While debates continue around returning to the office, compensation trends are clear: remote software jobs now command the highest average pay. The numbers reinforce what many developers already know—remote roles often require self-sufficiency, communication skills, and time zone flexibility that add measurable value to a team.

It’s also a signal that many of the best-paying employers, including startups and global tech firms, are prioritizing talent over geography.

Remote roles top salary averages: At $135,930 per year, remote positions offer stronger compensation than both hybrid and in-office equivalents.
Flexibility attracts top talent: High-paying remote jobs appeal to developers who are not only skilled but also selective, forcing companies to compete for attention.
Broader talent pools expand value: Employers aren’t limiting themselves to local applicants, driving up salaries in a national—and often international—market.

City-by-City: The Highest Paying Tech Hubs

Location still plays a part in salary outcomes, especially in traditional tech capitals. That said, strong compensation is no longer confined to coastal cities.

New York continues to lead: With an average salary of $154,291, New York is the highest-paying city for software professionals.
California remains strong: San Francisco ($151,459), Oakland ($151,201), and San Jose ($143,859) dominate thanks to proximity to top employers and venture capital.
Secondary cities are catching up: Denver ($133,953) and Austin ($132,220) signal that skilled professionals can find high-paying opportunities outside legacy tech centers.

This shift has implications for both recruiters and professionals. Tech workers might find cost-of-living advantages in smaller markets without compromising on pay. And employers may need to offer competitive packages across a wider geographic spectrum.

Practical Advice for Today’s Software Professionals

Adapting to these trends doesn’t require a full career pivot. Targeted upskilling can keep developers competitive and open doors to higher-paying roles.

Here are smart moves professionals can make based on the data:

Learn the most versatile languages: Python, Java, and C++ remain core to many high-paying roles. Their broad applicability across web, enterprise, AI, and embedded systems makes them solid foundations. Mastering these also helps when learning newer frameworks and tools built around them.
Get certified in cloud platforms: Proving expertise with AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud through certifications can set candidates apart. Certifications validate hands-on skills and show employers you're ready to handle scalable, production-grade systems.
Build AI/ML fluency: Whether through formal coursework or hands-on projects, understanding how to train models, process data, and apply algorithms boosts value. These skills feed directly into NLP, personalization engines, and analytics.
Hone cybersecurity skills: With rising threats, knowledge in ethical hacking, network protection, and compliance is more critical than ever. Security expertise also crosses into DevOps and cloud roles, adding extra value.
Adopt DevOps methodologies: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tools like Jenkins, Ansible, and GitHub Actions makes developers more desirable in high-performing teams. It also shows you can ship faster, safer code.
Work on real projects: Open-source contributions and portfolio projects demonstrate initiative and apply theoretical knowledge in practical ways. Hiring managers love seeing real-world problem-solving and collaboration outside of formal roles.

The Long Game: Positioning for 2025 and Beyond

Succeeding in 2025’s tech industry takes more than just technical skills. It means staying flexible, tracking where the market’s headed, and constantly learning. The best professionals will mix hands-on expertise with strategic thinking, evolving alongside trends like AI, edge computing, and decentralized systems to stay valuable.

Likewise, companies need to play the long game. Focusing only on immediate hires isn’t enough. Retaining top talent means investing in growth, offering flexibility, and building a culture that encourages development.

Smart long-term moves include:

Tracking tech shifts: Stay aware of emerging frameworks, tools, and platforms gaining traction in real-world use.
Committing to lifelong learning: Prioritize small, consistent skill-building over crash courses or reactive pivots.
Building cross-functional skills: Blend tech with communication, business acumen, and project management.
Supporting internal growth: Companies that offer training and mobility keep top talent longer—and spend less hiring.
Encouraging flexible work: Remote options and results-focused environments boost satisfaction and reduce churn.

Final Thoughts

This year’s data shows us a few clear truths: NLP, machine learning, and cloud skills remain top earners; remote work is now synonymous with premium compensation; and while geography still matters, it’s no longer destiny.

For tech professionals, the takeaway is simple: stay curious, stay current, and invest in the skills that keep evolving. For employers, the message is clear: the competition for talent is intensifying, and those willing to adapt their expectations—and compensation—will stay ahead.