The UK tech industry is marching along at a phenomenal pace with tech hubs full of innovative start-ups rapidly establishing themselves in places like Brighton and Swansea. Indeed, it’s one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, enjoying digital tech investment which is 50% higher than any other European nation.
There has never been a better time to get into tech. It’s cooler than banking and the salaries are fast catching up too. In fact, those with much sought-after tech skills are being snapped up and, in some cases, are able to “name their price”.
We've outlined a selection of tech jobs below, however our salary calculator holds data on nearly every role out there - see for yourself:
Best paying it jobs.
But if you’re new to tech or taking your first steps on the career ladder, what jobs really are the highest paying jobs in technology?
Cyber security expert.
Tales of major data breaches regularly pop up on the news and everyone knows someone who has had an email account hacked or worse, bank details stolen and money taken. With the rise of the internet has come a comparable rise in cybercrime, data theft, ransomware and disruptive computer viruses.
A cyber security expert fights against it, identifying where breaches could occur and strengthening the electronic defences of the organisation they work for. The role of cyber security expert will likely involve customer data that a company may hold needing to be held securely and in compliance with new GDPR legislation. Enforceable from 25th May 2018, companies will need to take additional precautions to ensure they are not in breach of GDPR which can incur hefty fines.
As a cyber security expert, you’ll have extensive knowledge of different computer systems and software and you’ll be responsible for putting measures in place such as, monitoring for unusual activity and implementing firewalls and encryption systems.
Salary range: £25,000 - £35,000 (newly qualified)
Salary range: £57,000-£84,000 (experienced)
Source - Randstad's salary calculator
Software engineer.
A software engineer is a highly technical role that involves writing diagnostic programmes as well as designing new code for operating systems. Exactly what the role entails depends on the nature of the company you work for. It could be writing software for internet banking for example or it could be developing new networks or creating databases.
Salary range: £25,000 - £50,000
IT project manager.
An IT project manager can work for a particular organisation or as part of a consultancy advising on and organising the implementation of computer projects. The role involves finding out what the client requires, planning the work out, budgeting and creating a timescale and minimising risk to the business. Once the planning is done, an IT project manager will then co-ordinate the different members of the team and ensure the smooth completion and handover of the project.
Salary range: £30,000 - £45,000 (average)
Salary range: £45,000 - £70,000 (experienced)
Source - Randstad's salary calculator
Software developer.
Software developers are key figures in the creation of new software programmes which can help businesses to function better, as such they are in demand across virtually all industry sectors. Think finance, retail, engineering and government bodies – they all use computer programmes for a variety of different tasks. So, not only is demand for software developers high but the work can be extremely varied too.
The work involves analysing existing systems and improving or creating new systems, putting together detailed proposals, writing code, testing the product and maintaining and improving it once it’s up and running.
Salary: £32,000 - £80,000+
Source - Randstad's salary calculator
Test analyst.
The role of a test analyst is highly skilled and complex, requiring considerable analytical skills as well as the ability to define, develop and implement tests on particular software. Usually, a test analyst will be at the heart of any project, discussing client needs, identifying the tests that need to be carried out on the product, working with other team members to ensure those tests are carried out and then looking at the results to reduce the potential for errors.
Salary range: £37,000 - £57,000+
