At the end of 2022, the UK tech sector was ranked the largest in Europe, and the third largest in the world. This industry is characterised by investment, growth and innovation – which directly translates into the kind of career you could experience.
But the fast pace of technology means the roles are similarly evolving quicker than ever before. We’re entering the age of artificial intelligence (AI), and this year’s list of the top 10 most in-demand tech careers has a distinct AI skills trend.
To get an accurate picture of tech jobs in demand now and in the foreseeable future, we combined multiple reports to identify the top ten.
These careers are high-impact and fast-moving, and upskilling and reskilling play a pivotal role in progression. For every job on the list, AI isn’t going to take away your career in the years to come, but rather redefine what’s achievable in your work.
Become the most sought-after talent
This list highlights careers in data, development, cloud computing, machine learning, cybersecurity, blockchain, and UX design – jobs that are currently at the very top of the UK’s digital economy charts. We also considered the availability of roles, core job functions, job satisfaction, and annual earning potential.*
*Salaries tend to be higher in large cities like London, although remote work is levelling this out. In the UK, technology is the highest-paying industry. This sector also experienced higher average wage growth in 2023 compared to the other industries’ salary growth, making it one of the best-paid sectors to work in.
1. Data analysts and scientists
Demand: Data professionals analyse large data sets to uncover patterns and insights, driving business decisions. One of the main differences between data analysts and scientists is the tools and methodologies they use. Both roles are highly in demand due to the exponential growth of data and the importance of data-driven strategies. Both careers are set to be one of the best jobs to have in the digital era far beyond 2024.
Job Satisfaction: Data analysts and scientists lead rewarding careers that focus on solving complex problems with the potential to have significant business impact. The career pathway offers many opportunities for progression and specialisation, in almost every industry.
Salary: Data analysts earn between £29,000 and £55,000 annually. Entry-level data scientists can start at £42,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £80,000.
If you’re looking to fast-track your path to a data analyst career, the LSE Data Analytics Career Accelerator will give you the technical skills and practical experience you need. Learn high-demand programming languages and tools like SQL, Python and Tableau, and get dedicated career support to help you get results as a highly sought after data analyst.
Read this blog post to see what career results look like for LSE Career Accelerator learners (and potentially you, too).
If you’re looking for practical guidance on how to move into a data career (from those who’ve already done it) watch the webinar below:
2. Software developers
Demand: Businesses need software developers to create and maintain software solutions. Due to technological advancements and evolving business needs, the employment of software developers is expected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032.
Job Satisfaction: Software developers enjoy a variety of projects and the opportunity to work with the latest technologies. They also get to explore a variety of skills, including technical programming expertise, analytical problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and team collaboration. The flexibility in work environments and the potential for remote work add to job satisfaction.
Salary: Entry-level software developers can expect to start at around £42,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £75,000.
3. Cloud engineer
Demand: Cloud computing has become a daily technology for businesses and individuals. You likely use it on your personal device for storage, but its most significant power, however, is within business. It’s a tool that offers mass scalability, flexibility, and innovation. As business systems have become increasingly dependent on cloud computing, cloud engineers are now essential to maintaining that architecture and even the businesses themselves.
Job Satisfaction: Cloud engineers are critical to large companies, and such corporations typically offer competitive pay, great working environments, and employment benefits. They get exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to collaborate with various teams.
Salary: Entry-level positions start at £45,000 per annum, with experienced workers making up to £75,000.
4. Cybersecurity analyst
Demand: Half of UK businesses have reported experiencing some form of cyber security breach in the last year. This risk is even higher for medium and large companies. The cost of just one breach is estimated to be around £10,000. That makes the need for protection – and cybersecurity professionals – a business imperative. These analysts play a pivotal role in maintaining digital security.
Job Satisfaction: This role offers high pay and job security, with continuous learning opportunities to stay ahead of evolving threats. Cybersecurity professionals also have a choice of established businesses to work for, including charities, which have large databases to protect.
Salary: Starting salaries are around £40,000 per annum, rising to £70,000 for higher-level positions.
5. Machine learning engineer
Demand: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says that the jobs with the highest risk of being automated make up 27% of the labour force. Machine learning engineers, however, are in the unique position of shaping how automation and AI function within business in the future. These skilled professionals develop and implement algorithms and models, crucial for AI advancements. The demand for this role is set to only increase in the age of AI.
Job Satisfaction: Machine learning’s evolving nature allows engineers to grow alongside the technology, finding the work rewarding, impactful, and innovative.
Salary: Starting positions offer around £50,000 per annum, with experienced professionals making up to £80,000.
Despite being a highly-skilled, technical career, the job pathway may be more accessible than you think. If you’re looking to enter the machine learning space, the Data Science Career Accelerator can give you the advanced data science and machine learning skills you’ll need to launch an AI career.
What makes this particular data science programme unique is that it focuses on meeting the need for commercially-minded data scientists who can use advanced data science, AI and machine learning skills to solve some of the biggest challenges in business. You’ll get to practise these skills in a six-week live business project that’s designed and facilitated by industry leaders, such as the Bank of England.
6. DevOps engineer
Demand: Technology offers immense potential, but it also comes with challenges. Many businesses eagerly adopt the latest tools and tech, only to later find themselves entangled in complicated systems and outdated workflows.
This is where DevOps engineers are needed. They streamline technology and software development by improving collaboration and automating processes. They’re highly sought-after professionals who can solve common tech challenges. As multiple tech businesses have realised the benefits of DevOps Engineers who can work across functions, a skills shortage has emerged. Currently, demand is far outstretching supply.
Job satisfaction: Those with both technical and soft skills are drawn to DevOps careers because they combine development skills with interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and opportunities to initiate positive change.
Salary: Remuneration is good in this profession, with starting salaries as high as £50,000 per annum and going up to £80,000 as you progress.
7. UX/ UI product designer
Demand: UX, UI and product designers create the foundation for a user’s experience with a business. If that experience is bad, 88% of consumers won’t return to that business’s site.
UX and UI have a direct impact on a product’s success and, ultimately, a business. Leaders are now taking note. The demand for UX/UI designers is projected to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Job satisfaction: Product designers enjoy the creative aspect of their work and its direct impact on user experience. The role offers flexibility and diverse project opportunities. There are also many pathways for specialisation and career progression.
Salary: Salaries start at £38,000 per annum, while most experienced workers make up to £65,000 per year. A few years ago, it was listed as the sixth highest-paying entry-level job, making it a great opportunity for career starters.
For those entering or pivoting into the product design industry, a lack of experience and portfolio development often impacts their employability prospects. The King’s UX & UI Product Design Career Accelerator allows you to build both of these career assets. Develop real-world skills and gain industry exposure on a six-week business project set by top UX/UI companies like Creative Navy.
Siobhán was already working as a UX designer when she realised she needed a broader understanding of UX processes to advance her career. Within two months of starting the King’s Career Accelerator, she was promoted to a lead role. Read her story.
8. Full stack engineer
Demand: Full-stack developers handle both front-end and back-end development, making them versatile and valuable. Their comprehensive skills are essential in the digital era, as more organisations turn digital and face huge pressure to exceed consumer experience expectations.
Job satisfaction: This role offers multiple paths for specialisation and career progression, with high job security and remote work possibilities.
Salary: Expect around £60,000 per annum as an entry salary, going up to £90,000 for senior, experienced positions.
9. Blockchain engineer
Demand: Blockchain engineers develop and maintain blockchain systems, which are increasingly important for secure transactions. The demand for these professionals is influenced by several factors, including the mainstream adoption of blockchain, expansion into industries beyond finance, and the growth of decentralised finance.
Job Satisfaction: The role offers the chance to work with innovative technology and solve complex problems, providing high job satisfaction.
Salary: Entry-level positions start at £50,000 per annum, with experienced engineers earning up to £80,000.
10. IT systems manager
Demand: IT systems managers oversee an organisation’s IT strategy and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Job Satisfaction: This role offers strategic involvement, high salaries, and opportunities for leadership and growth.
Salary: Starting pay is around £40,000 per annum, with salaries for experienced managers reaching up to £70,000.
Accelerate your tech career
Our research shows that without access to the right quality of talent, businesses are unlikely to achieve their key strategic deliverables. We found that 54% struggle to find good candidates for entry-level digital economy roles, and 53% said they’d pay whatever it takes to acquire the digital skills they need.
To address this skills gap and accelerate skills acquisition, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading universities and tech companies to offer Career Accelerators, a fast-track pathway into the most in-demand roles in tech. Learn more.
