The UK technology sector remains strong in 2025 with many IT employees earning high salaries and enjoy great benefits. This guide from Gravitas Recruitment Group highlights the top-paying and most sought-after UK based IT roles.
Key insights
The highest paying roles are:
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Data Architect (£90,000)
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Cloud Architect (£87,500)
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Java Developer (£84,500)
By category average:
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Cloud Computing has the highest average at £76,925
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Software Development follows at £74,000
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Data Science at £73,333
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Cyber Security at £65,833
Top in-demand and high-earning IT roles
Software Development & Architecture
The growing need for digital solutions across industries is the driving demand behind more 1.8 million more Software Development and Architecture roles (Springs) in the last year alone. According to Statista, over 62% of software developers used JavaScript in 2024, over 53% percent used HTML/CSS, and 51% used Python and SQL.
Software Architect - £77,500 per annum
Software Architects are responsible for designing and managing the architecture of a company's software systems, balancing business objectives and technical requirements. With the recent developments in AI, cloud computing and blockchain, software systems have become more intricate, and we’ve seen the demand for specialist architects grow significantly.
Full Stack Developer - £60,000 per annum
Full Stack Developers are versatile programmers who work on both frontend and backend development. With software development ecosystems becoming more complex, there’s a rising demand for developers that can manage the development process from beginning to end.
Java Developer - £84,500 per annum
Java Developers specialise in creating software applications using the Java programming language. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining Java-based applications on both client-side and server-side of the software. Java is one of the primary languages used for mobile app development, which is driving demand for more Java specialists.
Data science & analytics
The surge of AI in 2025 has brought attention to the importance of strong data governance, driving new demand for Data Science specialists. Businesses have learned that successful AI implementation requires more than just advanced algorithms - it demands carefully managed, high-quality data. This development has increased Data Science salaries, as companies compete for professionals who can manage AI implementation and data governance requirements.
Data Scientist - £60,000 per annum
Data Scientists use analytics, statistics, and programming to find useful insights from complex data and help the business make smarter, faster decisions, and gain an advantage over their competitors.
Data Engineers - £70,000 per annum
Data Engineers design and build the infrastructure needed to collect, process, and store data at scale. There’s a high demand for skilled professionals to manage, organise, and process this data efficiently, making data engineers for growing companies.
Data Architect - £90,000 per annum
Data Architects design and oversee data management systems, creating the blueprints for how data is collected, stored, and used across the business. As more companies move to cloud systems, there's a demand for data architects who understand cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud and how to structure and manage data in cloud environments.
Cyber Security
While some areas of tech have seen slower growth, Cyber Security and AI continue to expand rapidly. According to Big Think, artificial intelligence and automation are revolutionising business practices across various sectors, helping companies to streamline their operations efficiently and make more data-driven decisions. As security threats such as phishing and hacking evolve, companies are prioritising their security infrastructure. We are therefore seeing a significant rise in demand for Cyber Security Engineers, IT Security Analysts and Security Architects.
Cyber Security Engineers - £55,000 per annum
Cyber Security Engineers protect their organisation’s digital infrastructure including their computer systems, devices, and network. They are responsible for detecting, preventing, and responding to suspicious activity or potential cyber threats using Antivirus and Firewall software. Specialist Cyber Security Engineers not only deploy and manage security solutions but can anticipate cyber threats and develop contingency plans to address potential data breaches or compromises.
Cyber Security Analysts - £65,000 per annum
Cyber Security Analysts play a critical role in safeguarding their organisation’s digital infrastructure. Their responsibilities extend beyond traditional cybersecurity, focusing on designing security protocols, access management strategies and conducting risk and vulnerability assessments, to develop robust security policies and frameworks that protect the organisation's data.
Cyber Security Architects - £77,500 per annum
Cyber Security Architects take a proactive, strategic approach to cybersecurity, working to prevent potential breaches before they can occur. They create comprehensive security plans that protect the organisation's IT infrastructure, identifying potential vulnerabilities and developing robust systems to defend against cyber threats. Their primary responsibilities include mapping out security protocols, developing security frameworks and ensuring their IT systems meet compliance requirements.
Cloud computing:
Cloud computing specialists are seeing the top salaries in 2025 as businesses fast-track their digital transformations (Forbes). The high demand stems from widespread cloud adoption and hybrid work environments, creating competition for cloud specialists with proven experience in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms. With practical expertise valued over certifications (Medium), specialists skilled in managing cloud infrastructures and niche areas will see the highest salaries.
Cloud Engineers - £66,350 per annum
Cloud Engineers are technical professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining their organisation’s cloud computing infrastructure. They focus on the practical deployment of cloud services, managing cloud-based systems, and ensuring smooth operational functionality.
Cloud Architects - £87,500per annum
Cloud Architects design the overall cloud computing strategy, creating complex cloud infrastructures that align with business objectives. They take a strategic approach to selecting, designing, and managing cloud technologies and ensuring that the cloud solutions meet security, compliance, and performance requirements.
Roles on the rise:
According to IT Jobs Watch, these UK IT roles saw a huge year-on-year (YoY) salary increase in 2025:
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C++ Developer - £130,000, +100% YoY
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Junior Java Developer - £55,000, +83.33% YoY
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IT Security Administrator - £55,000, +78.86% YoY
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IT Project Leader - £90,000, +71.42% YoY
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iOS Android Developer - £70,000, +55.55% YoY
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UI Developer - £87,500, +45.83% YoY
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Junior Python Developer - £57,500, +43.75% YoY
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IT Consultant - £70,000, +40% YoY
Salary insights and trends
UK Technology salaries vary widely by experience and location, with London positions typically offering 20-30% higher compensation. According to IT Jobs Watch the top-paying roles include Cloud Architects (£87,500), followed by experienced Java Developers (£84,500) and Data Architects (£90,000). These salary ranges will vary significantly for senior positions, specialist skills, and roles in financial services or tech hubs like London, Cambridge, and Manchester.
Remote work has had a significant impact on Technology salary structures in the UK, blurring traditional location-based pay differences. Total Jobs recently reported that salary compensation in 2024 is more dependent on skills and experience rather than location. This shift has led to more standardised national salary ranges, though roles located in Technology-hubs like London will typically command higher compensation due to living costs. Use tools like The Salary Calculator to breakdown each salary and see how much you could take home after tax-deductions and student loans for example.
Skills and qualifications needed
Core programming skills continue unchanged, with C#, .NET, SQL Server, and JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue) remaining critical for employers. Professional certifications, and relevant degrees will also significantly impact Technology job salaries in the UK. Relevant Bachelor’s degrees including Computer Science and Software Engineering will see salaries up to 37% higher more than non-graduates (Universities UK).
Other valuable skills include soft skills such as stakeholder management, effective communication and problem-solving abilities are also desirable as employers value interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise. The combination of technical skills, soft skills, and recognised certifications will create a background that is highly appealing to employers in 2025.
How to get into the IT sector
Breaking into the UK's IT sector involves personal development, an adaptive and flexible approach to employment opportunities, and proactive networking. Earning IT certifications, including online courses and bootcamps, in high-demand specialisms like Cloud Computing or Cyber Security provide crucial skill development and industry-recognised credentials that will help you secure an entry-level job in the Technology sector. Attending tech meetups, networking events, and engaging with online professional communities can help you build up your professional networks and discover emerging job opportunities in key Technology hubs like London and Manchester.
Ready to explore the UK’s highest-paying tech roles?
Whether you’re ready to start your career in tech or looking for a specialist role, Gravitas’ Technology division has a range of jobs to suit your skills and expertise. Our experienced consultants are experts in their field and work in dedicated teams covering specialisms including software development, cloud engineering, infrastructure, cyber security, systems, transformation, data and analytics.
Visit our live jobs page to explore the exciting Technology opportunities available and one of our specialist Technology recruitment consultants will be in touch.
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About the author
Maddie Barnes is a Client Solutions Consultant specialising in IT Change and Transformation at Gravitas, having successfully built her specialism over the last 4 years. Connect with the author on LinkedIn here.