20 Years of Tech Salaries: What Recruiters Need to Know

By Clarie Lewis, DHI Group, Inc.

The tech industry is experiencing a pivotal moment as new technologies emerge, work culture shifts, and the hiring market fluctuates once again. These changes were analyzed in depth in Dice’s 2025 Tech Salary Report, where findings reveal not only how the industry has evolved but also what’s ahead for talent acquisition and retention. For recruiters, this report is an indispensable guide to building stronger, more resilient tech teams.

Navigating a Shifting Talent Market

Specialized skills are reshaping salary dynamics, with tech professionals working in AI-related roles earning a 17.7% premium over their peers. At the same time, job dissatisfaction is fueling mobility, as 47% of employed tech professionals are actively seeking new roles. For recruiters, these trends highlight both challenges and opportunities: finding specialized talent and helping employers craft compelling offers to attract and retain it.

Where Salaries Are Growing

The report uncovers critical trends that can help guide your placement strategies. Mid-career professionals with 3-5 years of experience saw the biggest salary growth in 2024, underscoring strong demand for their expertise. Regionally, while tech salaries remain high in states like New York and California, growth in remote work has made it easier to access talent in regions with lower costs, like the Midwest. These shifts create opportunities to pair employers with the right talent, regardless of location.

How to Leverage These Insights

With the insights from the 2025 Dice Tech Salary Report, you can refine your strategies to deliver better outcomes for both clients and candidates. Here are three ways to take advantage of the data:

  1. Prioritize High-Demand Skill Areas
    Focus on recruiting professionals with expertise in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. These skills not only command higher salaries but also position candidates as valuable, long-term assets for employers.

  2. Educate Employers on Competitive Offers
    Help your clients understand the importance of a well-rounded compensation package, including flexible work policies and professional development opportunities. These are critical differentiators in a market where many professionals feel undervalued.

  3. Expand Search Strategies
    Take advantage of regional salary differences and remote work opportunities to connect employers with talent outside traditional tech hubs. This can optimize hiring budgets while meeting talent needs.

Get the Full Report

For a deeper dive into tech salary trends, hiring insights, and actionable strategies, download the full 2025 Dice Tech Salary Report. Discover how two decades of data can empower your recruiting and retention strategies in 2025 and beyond. Access the full report here

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