5 Underground Tech Jobs Nobody Talks About (That Pay Well)

Quick Overview

The five underground tech jobs discussed that pay well are Digital Forensic Examiner, Critical Infrastructure Security Engineer, Industry Cybersecurity Specialist, Drone Data Analyst, and Sales Engineer, with potential earnings ranging up to $400,000 annually, especially in federal contracting roles that require specialized industrial control system knowledge.

Key Points: Digital Forensic Examiners investigate crimes like the Casey Anthony case by tracing digital evidence, with potential starting salaries around $82,353, rising to $100,000+. Critical Infrastructure Security Engineers protect high-value systems like power plants and manufacturing facilities, with salaries potentially reaching $150,000 starting out, or even exceeding $400,000 annually in federal roles. Industry Cybersecurity Specialists focusing on industrial control systems (ICS) can earn between $113K and $195K per year, with certifications like ISA/IEC 62443 Expert being highly valuable. Drone Data Analysts process raw images, videos, and 3D models from drones, with typical pay ranging from $80K to $140K annually. Sales Engineers bridge the gap between technical products and executive decision-makers, earning between $95,000 and $200,000+ a year through base salary, commissions, and bonuses. The video outlines three steps to enter Digital Forensics: Build hands-on skills, get IT certified (like CompTIA Network+), and network/gain experience. Federal contracting roles, which often rely on this specialized workforce to secure critical infrastructure, offer high stability and potential for high earnings.

Context: The video presents a list of five high-paying, yet often overlooked, technology career paths that do not necessarily require a traditional computer science degree. The presenter highlights the high demand and significant earning potential in these specialized fields, particularly those related to cybersecurity and industrial technology, contrasting them with highly competitive roles at major tech companies like Google and Meta.