Every year for our "Best Places to Work" lists we compile a list of the 50 best paying tech companies in each of the nation's top tech hubs: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Colorado, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle. Our rankings are determined by an algorithm that calculates the median percentile of all compensation data submitted by employees of each company via our database. This list breaks down the top five best paying companies per market. Please note that some companies rank in the top five for multiple markets, so we have only included them once for the city where they rank highest and have made mention of the other markets where they dominate the salary game. Additionally, by no means is this a definitive list since some companies who may pay very well have not submitted salaries to our database. Nevertheless, we hope it will be a great starting point for your research.
Austin
Canva
Industry: Software
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 105
What it does: Launched in 2013, Canva is an online visual communications platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on desktop, web, iOS, and Android.
What people are saying: “Canva enables me to grow by providing workshops and training sessions that have given me a solid foundation for my role. There is a focus to promote from within and provide everyone the opportunity to explore whichever path they choose. Our “Vibe and Thrive” allowance also makes sure our mental and physical health are always taken care of!”
Mothership
Industry: Software
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 27
What it does: Mothership's groundbreaking technology is unlocking the world's potential by making freight delivery more efficient. Started in 2017, we're backed by some of venture capital's best investors and have already become the logistics backbone for many of today's most innovative companies.
What people are saying: “Success comes when you’re a team player and accept responsibility to own the change you want to see.”
Matillion
Industry: Software
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 147
What it does: Matillion makes the world’s data useful with an easy-to-use, cloud-native data integration platform. Matillion delivers rapid returns on cloud investments for global enterprise customers, helping them wield data as their most strategic asset. Optimized for modern enterprise data teams, only Matillion is built on native integrations to cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, Delta Lake on Databricks, Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Microsoft Azure Synapse to enable new levels of efficiency and productivity in data programs.
What people are saying: “I joined Matillion as an SDR soon after graduating and have grown exponentially over the past 2.5 years. Not only have I been promoted twice since starting, but I've been given the opportunity to take on responsibilities beyond the traditional scope of my roles to help hone my leadership skills and cross-departmental understanding of business. ”
Dropbox
Industry: Software + Productivity
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 105
What it does: Dropbox provides secure file sharing and storage solutions. The company’s platform includes a data dashboard and collaboration tools that help manage projects of any size. In addition to being the #1 best paying job in Austin, Dropbox is also ranked #2 for Seattle.
What people are saying: “People here have insane focus and attention to detail that I’ve seen nowhere else. And it really is fun. This is just a great place to be. I laugh every day here.”
Zenoss
Industry: Cloud + Software
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 180
What it does: Zenoss provides software-based infrastructure management at scale. The company’s cloud helps IT teams manage platforms and measure infrastructure health, and it even provides tools to automate issue remediation. The Zenoss cloud is used by industry heavy hitters like AWS, Accenture, Cisco and ServiceNow.
UIPath
Industry: Software + Machine Learning
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 50
What it does: UIPath designs and develops robotic process automation (RPA) software that automates manual, rules-based tasks across an enterprise. The scalable solutions have been installed in over five million robots, spanning sectors ranging from government to manufacturing, in order to boost productivity and employee safety. UIPath currently boasts at least half of the Fortune 500 companies as customers, as well as more than $1 billion in funding. It’s also considered the #3 best paying company in New York.
Zynga
Industry: Gaming
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: Zynga has more than 1,000 employees worldwide
What it does: The chances are high that you’ve played a Zynga game before. The social gaming giant, with more than one billion cumulative downloads, has developed smash hits like “Farmville,” “Words With Friends,” “Zynga Poker” and “Draw Something.”
IBM
Industry: Information Technology + Software
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 5,539
What it does: IBM is one of the largest, most recognizable companies in the world. The IT company has its hand in everything from consulting to software development, and it even has burgeoning blockchain and artificial intelligence divisions.
Zello
Industry: Logistics
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 52
What it does: We started as a company that turns phones into walkie talkies. Today, we modernize instant voice technology to help critical workers meet the rapidly evolving, urgent, real-world challenges of the frontline. Our user base is over 150 million strong and we add an extra million users into the Zello craze every month — we’ve grown, and we’re still growing rapidly.
What people are saying: “I enjoy my work, but I enjoy interacting with my coworkers most. They are all intelligent, quick-witted, and hard-working. Even though I can see how hard everyone works, the vibe of the office is still laid-back compared to other places I’ve worked.”
Cloudflare
Industry: Cybersecurity
Location: Austin, Texas
Local employees: 500
What it does: Cloudflare protects and accelerates any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with each new site added.
Boston
edX
Industry: Edtech
Location: Cambridge, Mass.
Local employees: 180
What it does: EdX is an open-source platform providing hundreds of free online courses on subjects ranging from computer science to humanities and business. Created as a joint venture between MIT and Harvard, the company also offers resources for professional certifications and master’s degree programs.
What people are saying: “The mission brought me to edX. Beyond that, the culture, technology, amazing people and commitment to excellence are why I stayed.”
Carbon Black
Industry: Information Technology + Cybersecurity
Location: Waltham, Mass.
Local employees: 500
What it does: Carbon Black is a cybersecurity company specializing in application control, next-generation antivirus, and endpoint detection and response endpoint security. The company’s endpoint security platform aims to provide IT teams with a holistic look at their infrastructure, complete with real-time analytics and unfiltered data collections.
What people are saying: “Seeing a company put their employees’ growth first is awesome and reinforces the reasons I love working at Carbon Black.”
Pivotal
Industry: Cloud + Software
Location: Cambridge, Mass.
Local employees: 25
What it does: Pivotal’s cloud-native platform helps accelerate the software development process for thousands of businesses. The platform allows for businesses to continuously build and develop software, like apps, in a safe and secure environment. Pivotal works with major brands like Kroger, Bloomberg, Boeing, Garmin and Volkswagen.
SHYFT Analytics
Industry: Big Data + Healthcare
Location: Boston
Local employees: 135
What it does: SHYFT’s data platform helps healthcare organizations integrate commercial and patient data into their practices for more patient-centric solutions. Its real-time data and analytics cloud is designed to help healthcare companies view data in a way that optimizes analytics management across the organization, including pharma-specific categories.
What people are saying: “Growth opportunities at SHYFT are present for anyone who wants them — when you build something with merit or want to grow in a new direction, that’s encouraged. Not only will you get support from leaders in the company, but from team members as well.”
Fuze
Industry: Software + Productivity
Location: Boston
Local employees: 265
What it does: Fuze is a cloud-based voice, messaging and video conferencing service. The company’s all-in-one communication platform allows for everything from instant messaging to web conferencing and content sharing designed to help call centers, teams and whole businesses communicate more effectively.
What people are saying: “To call Fuze anything less than a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity would be a disservice to everyone that works here and anyone looking to join.”
Chicago
Industry: Adtech + Digital Marketing, Multiple Other Industries
Location: Chicago
Local employees: 600
What it does: Google specializes in a multitude of internet-related products and services. Google search is the most widely used search engine on the planet with over 5.6 billion searches a day. Additionally, the tech giant also maintains massive cloud computing, advertising, entertainment and hardware divisions, among many others. The company was also ranked the #5 best paying company in Austin.
Bento
Industry: Fintech + Software
Location: Chicago
Local employees: 16
What it does: Bento for Business offers a complete ecosystem for SMBs to holistically view and manage their finances. The San Francisco-based company’s platform is designed to help organizations build expense policies, access their financial documents from anywhere and manage spending for administrators and employees. Bento offers customized physical and virtual corporate cards, so businesses have the flexibility to purchase based on their needs.
What people are saying: “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear unprompted customer feedback on how features I’ve released are being used and making a difference. I work with passionate people looking to transform an industry and I get to contribute to our customer's success.”
Clearcover
Industry: Fintech + Insurance
Location: Chicago
Local employees: 70
What it does: Clearcover helps customers quickly receive car insurance or file a claim. Users fill out a short survey and the company’s AI will pull customized policy quotes based on the individual needs of the user. If you’re ever in a fender bender, the company will pay you through digital claims, and it will even give you money to rent a car or grab a rideshare if you're stranded.
Opploans
Industry: Fintech + Big Data
Location: Chicago
Local employees: 314
What it does: Opploans offers users online installment loans for those who don’t want to go to a risky payday lender. Do you need to make a major purchase or have an emergency? The company provides loans for everything from car repairs to family and medical bills at a 99%-199% APR (much lower than the 400% average APR for payday loans).
What people are saying: “There are very few layers of management and all of the C-suite executives have an open-door policy. New ideas and innovation are also taken very seriously — you don’t ever experience red tape or bureaucracy.
ThoughtWorks
Industry: Information Technology + Software
Location: Chicago
Local employees: 300
What it does: ThoughtWorks develops and deploys IT tools for a myriad of industries, including government, retail, travel and financial. The company has a wide range of expertise in areas ranging from digital strategy and customer research to software delivery and data engineering. ThoughtWorks has developed solutions for a variety of big brands, including Target, Adidas, Delta Airlines and Dominos.
Colorado
GoSpotCheck
Industry: Mobile + Software
Location: Denver
Local employees: 151
What it does: GoSpotCheck builds and develops mobile and web apps designed to help organizations and teams capture real-time data. The company helps teams maximize efficiency through apps like dynamic surveys, digital photo capturing and IoT integrations. Major brands like Pepsi, Dairy Queen, Under Armour and Levi’s have used GoSpotCheck.
Vera
Industry: Information Technology + Cybersecurity
Location: Denver
Local employees: 11
What it does: Vera helps businesses secure, track and manage access to sensitive files and private information. The platform attaches military-grade encryption to all organizational information, allowing it to be accessed securely from anywhere on any device. Additional features include real-time data policy enforcement and full organizational data visibility.
What people are saying: “Great management with a diverse set of experience, all focused on your development and enabling you within your role. Product has a significant amount of demand across multiple industries. Fun culture, great product, tons of room for development.”
NetApp
Industry: Cloud + Software
Location: Boulder, Colo.
Local employees: 400
What it does: NetApp offers a variety of hybrid cloud data services and solutions to help businesses build their own data fabrics. NetApp delivers things like management and backup services, while also helping companies build their own data fabric across public and hybrid clouds, as well as within their own data centers.
What people are saying: “Buckle your seat belt and get ready for an interesting ride. There are a lot of passionate and great leaders here and your contributions will truly count towards taking the company into the future.”
Ping Identity
Industry: Cloud + Information Technology
Location: Denver
Local employees: 200
What it does: Ping Identity creates cloud-based identity management tools for thousands of businesses, including more than half of Fortune 100 companies. The identity platform is designed to provide secure access for customers, employees and partners via single sign-on and multi-factor authentication tools. Additionally, the Ping Identity platform implements AI and geolocation to help stamp out risk and fraud threats.
BillTrust
Industry: Cloud + Fintech
Location: Denver
Local employees: 113
What it does: BillTrust aims to help companies accelerate their cash flows with automated, cloud-based invoice-to-cash solutions. The company offers individualized invoice solutions that include the ability to accept payments across multiple channels and automated payment processing. BillTrust also helps teams handle multiple source payment processing quickly.
Los Angeles
Prodege
Industry: Adtech + Digital Marketing
Location: El Segundo, Calif.
Local employees: 140
What it does: Prodege owns and operates multiple customer reward tools designed to build engagement between consumers and brands. In exchange for customers taking surveys or watching videos, Prodege’s popular programs like “SwagBucks” and “MyPoints,” have given out more than $725 million in rewards. The insights gathered through the surveys aims to help brands develop deeper relationships with their customers.
Tradesy
Industry: E-commerce + Fashion
Location: Santa Monica, Calif.
Local employees: 120
What it does: Want to clean out your closet and make some cash? Tradesy is an e-commerce marketplace featuring everything from high-end women’s clothing to bags and accessories. The company’s trading site and app feature lightly-used coats, pants, dresses and everything in-between from designers like Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Gucci.
Honey
Industry: E-Commerce + Fintech
Location: Los Angeles
Local employees: 230
What it does: We’ve all spent too much time searching the internet for the perfect coupon for our online purchase. Honey is designed to make that search easier. The company offers a free browser extension that scans the web and applies the optimal applicable coupon at checkout, saving both time and money.
What people are saying: “One of the best parts about working at Honey is being around really awesome, intelligent and genuinely kind people. The environment is fun and chill — but don't get me wrong, we definitely get things done. So the office vibe is always exciting.”
MeUndies
Industry: E-Commerce + Fashion
Location: Culver City, Calif.
Local employees: 115
What it does: MeUndies is well-known for its creative line of underwear, socks and loungewear for both women and men. The company’s socks and underwear are made with sustainable fabrics that feature bright, bold designs that can range anywhere from solid colors to flamingos or bacon. MeUndies also has a membership program that boasts discounts on most products and access to member-only prints.
What people are saying: “This team is made up of hard workers who also know how to have fun! Our work space creates an atmosphere that encourages us to build friendships and strengthen work camaraderie. Great work ethic is at the forefront, but sprinkle in fun weekly events and you’ve got yourself a culture where productivity is high and everyone’s engaged.”
PatientPop
Industry: Healthtech + Software
Location: Santa Monica, Calif.
Local employees: 375
What it does: PatientPop’s technology aims to automate and digitize the healthcare experience. The company provides web tools for doctors designed to help practices attract more patients, modernize appointment booking and follow ups, and even automate office administrative tasks.
What people are saying: “One of the biggest perks is the location. We're right between the beach and Third Street Promenade. It's amazing that we can just step outside to get fresh air and be right on the ocean.”
New York
Industry: Social Media
Location: NYC
Local employees: 1,000
What it does: Facebook is the most widely-used social media platform in the world with over two billion active profiles. In addition to being the highest paying tech company in the Big Apple, Facebook is also the #2 and #3 highest paying company in Austin and Seattle, respectively.
Flexport
Industry: Logistics + Software
Location: NYC
Local employees: 97
What it does: Flexport is a logistics software platform that connects shippers and suppliers in one place. The unicorn’s technology aids in everything from booking shipments to real-time reporting. Flexport’s logistics tools are made for all forms of transportation, including ocean, air or ground.
What people are saying: “Flexport is an amazing place to work. The people, the mission, the vibe are unmatchable. I've had the privilege of seeing the company grow from less than 50 to almost 1,000. I've seen tremendous growth as the company crossed milestone after milestone.”
Salesforce
Industry: Software + Cloud + Productivity
Location: NYC
Local employees: 1,000
What it does: Salesforce proves a cloud-based company CRM and business applications on a subscription-style basis. The company’s cloud can serve as a customer relationship management tool for a variety of teams, including sales, marketing and customer service. The Salesforce CRM boasts its “Einstein AI,” which the company says can cut down on time by predicting outcomes and making recommendations based on data analytics.
Grailed
Industry: E-Commerce + Consumer Web
Location: NYC
Local employees: 65
What it does: Grailed is a curated peer-to-peer marketplace for men’s fashion and streetwear. Users can buy and sell everything from sneakers to outerwear from major fashion designers like Alexander Wang, Burberry and Supreme. Want in on the hottest fashion trends? Grailed also features daily hand-picked collections.
Spotify
Industry: Music
Location: NYC
Local employees: 600
What it does: Spotify is one of the largest streaming platforms in the world. The site’s interface lets music junkies search by genre, artist, playlist or even record label. The service features everything from music to stand-up comedy specials and podcasts. Spotify currently has over 200 million active monthly listeners.
Seattle
Transparent Systems
Industry: Blockchain + Fintech
Location: Seattle
Local employees: 20
What it does: Transparent Systems is using blockchain in a bid to enhance financial payment infrastructures. The company employs real-time, cryptographic settlement solutions that reduce payment processing times from hours to mere minutes. Created in 2018, Transparent Systems is focusing on implementing their cryptographic payment solutions in the B2B market to increase financial accessibility and reduce transaction fees.
Unity Technologies
Industry: Gaming + Software
Location: Bellevue, Wash.
Local employees: 200
What it does: Unity Technologies provides 3-D game developers with a platform to create, operate and monetize their work. The world’s largest 3-D development platform also gives creators the tools to develop interactive 2D, VR and AR games as well. Unity’s tech was used to develop such creations as Childish Gambino’s AR app, “PHAROS," and the VR game “Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality."
What people are saying: “Unity has a flat hierarchy, meaning you don't go up the typical career ladder the way other companies do. I think this is a beautiful thing because your career growth is truly driven by how you want to grow, and you are in control of it!”
Microsoft
Industry: Software + IT
Location: Redmond, Wash.
Local employees: 148,000
What it does: Microsoft is the company that put Seattle on the tech map. The technology giant, founded by icons Bill Gates and Paul Allen, develops and sells everything from computer hardware to software and even artificial intelligence tools. Additionally, the company owns popular brands like Xbox, Microsoft Azure and Surface tablets.
Outreach
Industry: Machine Learning + Productivity
Location: Seattle
Local employees: 266
What it does: Outreach is a sales engagement platform designed to help drive a greater number of quality prospects through a plethora of workflow automation and sales enablement tools. The company’s technology leverages machine learning to analyze every step of the sales cycle to personalize and prioritize workflows that aim to help sales teams reach their goals. Outreach’s engagement platform is used by companies like Showpad, DocuSign and Cloudera.
ServiceNow
Industry: Cloud + Software
Location: Kirkland, Wash.
Local employees: 220
What it does: ServiceNow provides cloud-based solutions designed to automate processes across an enterprise. The company’s tools digitize and manage workflows across IT, HR and even customer service with the goal of helping businesses work efficiently from end-to-end.
What people are saying: “You make decisions every day that help people. My work makes a big difference, and that’s satisfying.”
Images via featured companies, social media and Shutterstock.
