10 IT jobs that are in high demand (with salary info)
1. Software engineer
National average salary: £44,589 per year
duties: Software engineers design and create software by applying computer science, mathematical analysis and engineering concepts and their understanding of coding or programming languages. They might create software for computer games, operating systems, commercial applications, middleware or network control systems. It's vital for a software engineer to stay up to date on the profession's ever-growing technology and design, test and develop software to please their clients. Other similar roles include software architect, systems developer, test automation developer and mobile developer. Key abilities include logical reasoning, analysis, collaboration and attention to detail.
2. Network administrator
National average salary: £25,497 per year
Primary duties: In summary, this job is among the more technically hard IT careers. In general, the function of a network administrator includes administering, establishing and maintaining an organization's local area networks, communication systems and wide area networks. Network engineers are also in charge of data storage, security and disaster recovery plans. It's a very technical role, and as a network administrator advances, they can amass a slew of specialized technical qualifications. For this role, a degree in computer science or telecommunications is necessary. Other similar roles include network designer and hardware engineer. Key skills include problem-solving and communication.
3. Web developer
National average salary: £34,168 per year
Primary duties: Web developers specialize in making online ideas a reality. Employers tend to look for a degree in digital media design or a related field. If you have a relevant degree, it's a good idea to showcase a portfolio of your finest web design work. Put simply, web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site's technical components, such as performance and capacity, which are measurements of a website's capacity to handle traffic and speeds. Other similar roles include UX designer and video game developer. Key abilities include logical reasoning, analysis and collaboration.
4. Computer programmer
National average salary: £30,461 per year
Primary duties: Computer programmers design and create operating systems, and software applications and write code. They evaluate the software to verify appropriate operation and modify it as needed after it is produced. They check programs on a daily basis to analyze and repair any interruptions or faults in the code. Computer programmers are usually in charge of evaluating the demands of their clients. From there, they create, design, build and test software to satisfy those demands.
Computer programmers also use their knowledge to verify that the software complies with industry standards and best practices for performance, dependability and security. They collaborate with other programmers and designers to plan each application or software component and then establish how each component operates together. They typically develop code in computer-readable languages such as Java.
5. Data Architect
National average salary: £66,631 per year
Primary duties: Data architects design and create data systems and their many components. A data architect guarantees that the computer system for the firm or organization can manage the numerous streams properly and with little to no mistakes in workplaces that use several data sources on different platforms. When challenges do develop, they debug and eliminate them so that the company may continue to utilize continuous information streams. They may construct architecture to allow for additional data sources to accommodate growth and change. This function also includes security, upkeep and defined criteria for managing outcomes.
6. Business analyst
National average salary: £42,500 per year
Primary duties: Business analysts converse with business managers, technology professionals and end-users. They use information technology to uncover potential for company operation improvement. The role focuses primarily on the project, beginning with an analysis of a customer's needs and developing a project plan to build the resultant technological solution. Other similar roles include information specialist and business architect. Key skills include presentation, project management and communication.
7. Information security analyst
National average salary: £32,873 per year
Primary duties: The role of an information security analyst is to guard computer networks and systems against security errors and flaws. Their primary goal is to keep hackers and malicious users out of a company's system to protect critical and confidential information. To detect possible vulnerabilities, they deploy firewalls, monitor networks and other data security tools and simulate cyber-attacks. Information security analysts detect problems and give recommendations for improvements.
8. UX designer
National average salary: £45,141 per year
Primary duties: Despite their diverse jobs, UX and UI designers collaborate closely to produce greater outcomes. UX designers focus on user experience, whereas UI designers focus on user interface optimization. UX designers spend a significant amount of time collaborating with developers. They may develop prototypes and design specifications while thoroughly studying user experience and behavior to assess the interaction between the user or client and a business's digital component.
9. Chief information officer (CIO)
National average salary: £32,107 per year
Primary duties: Chief information officers are executives who handle and overlook a company's IT demands and technical strategy. They define technology and information-based goals that lead to greater company development and value whilst ensuring quantifiable outcomes via operational activities. They are not specifically responsible for managing other operations. Their key focus continues to be on company trajectory, data security, service analysis and market penetration.
10. Computer scientist
National average salary: £46,410 per year
Primary duties: Computer scientists apply their knowledge to develop new information systems or to enhance current ones. They devise methods to address issues and enhance processes by utilizing computers and technology. They develop or utilize existing programming languages and software to execute new or current jobs or to convey data more efficiently. They typically work on the theoretical side of digital technology in a range of businesses, including software and hardware design organizations, various government sectors (e.g., the federal military industry) and academics and research corporations.