Despite unprecedented challenges thrown by COVID-19, the UK tech sector is booming like never before. New figures analyzed for the UK’s Digital Economy Council show that the UK tech industry is currently valued at $1tn (£764bn) – a landmark milestone previously accomplished only by the US and China. Tech vacancies account for nearly 12% of all jobs in the UK, and the demand for IT professionals is now higher than ever.
Whether you are planning a career in IT or looking to retain or hire skilled tech professionals, our IT salary UK guide has everything you need - from salary data to hiring trends and industry insights.
IT Industry in the UK
The UK is one of the most thriving Information Communication Technology (ICT) markets in the world, ranked 2nd behind the US in terms of ICT spending per head. According to figures released by the Digital Economy Council, the tech industry in the UK experienced a phenomenal growth of 1000% between 2010 and 2020. The valuation of UK tech companies has increased exponentially between 2020 and 2021; reportedly, the country is now home to13 decacorns or companies valued at $10bn or higher.
The upsurge has led companies to be in higher need of hiring skilled technical and business staff. UK tech job vacancies have risen by 50% compared to the figures in 2020. IT engineers and managers are among the most sought after tech jobs across the UK. IT Engineers. Software Developers, IT System Architects command higher salaries than non tech professionals.
IT Engineer Skills
IT Engineers or Software Engineers apply scientific and mathematical theories to create, maintain, audit and improve computer software and solve problems, debug errors within code and complete projects on time. If you are an IT Engineer or are aspiring to become one, you may want to learn the important IT Engineer skills you may need in your career.
An IT engineer’s roles and responsibilities vary from organization to organization and according to the type of computer system they are required to manage. However, there are certain technical and non technical skills that all IT Engineers need to be efficient at.
If you’re aspiring to pursue a career as an IT Engineer, you’ll need to develop skills on technology, coding, program development and teamwork to generate ideas and solutions. Here’s a list of technical skills and abilities that are important for IT Engineers in the UK.
- Knowledge of computer systems and technologies
- Technical proficiency
- Coding knowledge
- Proficiency in Programming Language like Python, Java, .Net, etc
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective communication with co-workers, clients, management to explain complex issues clearly
- Ability to have an organized approach to work
- Attention to detail
- Ability to form a logical, analytical and creative approach to solve problems
- Business skills
- Commercial awareness
- Ability to work within a team and alone
- Career motivation and zeal to keep expanding knowledge and skills
- Ability to quickly master new skills and technologies
IT Engineer Roles and Salary
IT Salary UK depends upon the company, location and nature of your job profile. The highest IT salaries in the UK can be found in finance, telecoms and pensions sectors especially in London and areas in the south east.
According to Glassdoor, the national average IT salary in the UK is £44,926 annually in London area. An IT professional in England typically earns about 136,000 GBP per year. The lowest average annual salary including housing, transport and other benefits comes to around £70,300, while the highest IT technician salary in the UK can be up to £221,000.
The average IT Engineer salary in the UK is £35,534 per year in the London area. The average additional cash compensation for IT engineers in London, UK is £3,201, with the range being between £703 - £14,568.
Entry-level Software Engineer Salaries start at £57,581 per year, while experienced engineers can earn £45,000 to £70,000 or more per year.
The average IT Manager salary in the UK is £55,096 per year in the London area.
Some of the most in-demand IT job roles in the UK in 2022 are:
- Project Manager – £43,833 annual salary
- Web Designer - £28,413 annual salary
- Programmer - £34,917 annual salary
- Software Development Professionals - £31,139 annual salary
- IT Business Analyst - £37,092 annual salary
- SEO Managers - £38,051 annual salary
- Graphic Designers - £23,583 annual salary
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Our Learners Also Asked
1. How much do IT professionals earn in the UK?
According to Salaryexplorer, a person working in IT (Information Technology) in the UK typically earns about £136,000 per year. The average annual IT salary in the UK including housing, transport and other benefits ranges from £70,300 for freshers to up to £221,000 for experienced IT professionals.
2. What is the highest paying IT job in the UK?
Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are one of the senior most IT employees in an organization. Therefore, they are one of the highest paying IT jobs in the UK. The job role of a CTO includes managing technology within the organization, ranging from supervising cybersecurity strategy to overseeing product development.
The average annual salary for a Chief Technology Officer in the UK is £108,231.
3. Are IT jobs well paid in the UK?
The IT sector in the UK is one of the most prominent in the world, ranked 2nd behind only the US in terms of ICT (Information Communication Technology) spending per head. With the industry continuously growing, IT is one of the most lucrative fields to work in the UK. Companies fight for the best talent, causing IT jobs to be one of the best paying jobs in the UK.
4. Are IT jobs in demand in the UK?
With more businesses shifting online, IT jobs in the UK (as in the rest of the world) are in high demand now, more than ever. The demand for tech professionals is at an all time high – with every organization looking for individuals with IT skills for software development, project management, and business information systems.
5. Which IT field is best in the UK?
Some of the most high-demand IT jobs in the UK in 2022 are:
- Programmers and Software Developers
- Big Data Architect
- Java Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Architect
- IoT Solutions Architect
- AI Engineer
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Chief Technology Officer
6. Is IT easy to get a job in the UK for an Indian?
Nearly 6.9% of workers working in the UK are Indians. Though it can be challenging for an international student to find a good job in the UK, it is not very difficult if you have the right resources and guidance and if you are aware of where and what to look for. The right qualifications and skills can get you your dream job in the UK.
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Conclusion
Now that you’ve read through our guide to IT Salaries In The UK, you can gain valuable insights into the hiring landscape in the UK and decide which job is better suited to your situation. Learn which skills are most in demand and consider certifications like the ITIL 4 Foundation to help you get a headstart in bagging a dream job as an IT professional in the UK.