IoT Salary Survey 2020: Industry Trends, Six‑Figure Pay, and Career Paths

While the phrase "Internet of Things" only entered mainstream vocabulary in the past decade, the underlying technologies have evolved for over twenty years. The fusion of emerging ideas with established infrastructure is reflected in the diverse profiles of professionals advancing their careers in IoT.

The inaugural IoT World Today Salary Survey confirms that IoT roles thrive across all company sizes and industries. Participants reported six‑figure base salaries, substantial bonuses, and widespread stock‑option offers, regardless of company scale.

Since Kevin Ashton coined the term in 1990, the field has grown from niche experimentation to a convergence of technologies that expand functionality rather than replace legacy systems. The workforce mirrors this evolution, with significant representation from both baby boomers and millennials.

The survey revealed that more than 50% of respondents work on IoT products and services sold to external customers, slightly surpassing those focused on internal applications. These organizations span virtually every vertical, underscoring IoT’s cross‑industry relevance.

Key Findings

• Six‑figure salaries are common across all company sizes.
• Bonuses and stock options are frequently offered.
• Job roles range from hardware engineers to data scientists and solutions architects.
• Industry representation includes manufacturing, healthcare, finance, logistics, and more.

For a detailed breakdown by job role, level, and company size—plus bonus data and 2020 outlook—visit the full report (registration required).