At the end of 2023, the UK tech sector achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a combined market valuation of $1.1 trillion, reaffirming its position as the largest tech ecosystem in Europe and the third largest globally. Characterised by robust investment, continuous innovation, and expansive growth, the UK tech landscape continues to offer exciting and dynamic career opportunities.
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. The UK’s leadership in AI investment (16% of all UK venture capital funding in 2023 was directed towards AI startups) underscores the importance of AI-related skills in the evolving job market.
To provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of the most in-demand tech roles for 2025, we analysed data from leading reports and industry insights. These careers are transformative and fast-paced, requiring a commitment to upskilling and reskilling. 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 AI, data, development, cloud computing, machine learning, cybersecurity, blockchain, UX design and product management – roles that are integral to the UK’s thriving digital economy. We also considered the availability of roles, core job functions, job satisfaction, and annual earning potential.*
*Tech salaries remain competitive, with wage growth outpacing other sectors in 2024. While cities like London offer the highest average salaries, remote work continues to level the playing field across the country. Each salary listed can vary based on factors such as location, industry, and individual expertise.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning engineers
Demand: AI and machine learning continue to transform industries, creating growing demand for engineers who can develop intelligent algorithms and models. These professionals are key drivers of innovation in automation, predictive analytics, and more.
Job Satisfaction: This role allows engineers to work on cutting-edge projects with the potential to shape the future, making it highly rewarding.
Salary: Starting salaries are around £45,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £120,000. In London, the median advertised salary for an AI Engineer is £87,500, which is 17% above the UK average.
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.
2. 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 analyst salaries in the UK typically range from approximately £30,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience and industry. Data scientists, who often possess more advanced technical skills, can earn between £45,000 and £85,000 annually.
The growing importance of data in decision-making processes underscores the indispensable role of data scientists and analysts in today’s business landscape.
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:
3. Cybersecurity analyst
Demand: Over the past five years, approximately 52% of UK businesses have experienced at least one cyber-attack, underscoring the critical need for cybersecurity professionals.
Job Satisfaction: This role offers a strong sense of purpose and job security, as analysts actively protect organisations from cyber threats, making it a fulfilling career path.
Salary: In the UK, cybersecurity analysts earn an average annual salary of £45,000, with entry-level positions starting around £35,000 and experienced professionals earning up to £62,500.
4. Cloud engineers
Demand: The UK’s tech sector is thriving, with cloud computing at the forefront. Notably, 89% of major UK firms have integrated at least one cloud service into their operations, underscoring the critical role of cloud engineers in this landscape.
Job Satisfaction: Engaging with cutting-edge technologies and facilitating innovation and scalability provides cloud engineers with a high level of job satisfaction. The dynamic nature of the field offers continuous learning opportunities and the chance to make significant contributions to business success.
Salary: In the UK, cloud engineers earn an average salary of £54,286 per year, with entry-level positions starting around £38,095 and experienced professionals earning up to £144,552 annually.
The growing reliance on cloud technologies highlights the essential role of cloud engineers in modern business operations.
5. DevOps engineers
Demand: DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Demand for this role continues to outpace supply, with over 74% of global businesses adopting DevOps practices, highlighting a critical need for skilled professionals.
Job Satisfaction: This role combines technical expertise with interpersonal skills, creating a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and impact.
Salary: Starting salaries for DevOps engineers in the UK typically begin at £50,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £85,000.
6. Full stack developers
Demand: Full stack developers’ versatility in handling both front-end and back-end development makes them indispensable in the digital economy. The demand for these professionals grew by 35% year-on-year from 2015 to 2020, reflecting their critical role in enabling seamless digital experiences.
Job Satisfaction: Full stack developers enjoy working on diverse projects and often have opportunities for remote work, providing flexibility and career growth
Salary: Salaries range from £40,000 to £80,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
7. Blockchain engineers
Demand: Blockchain technology’s applications extend beyond cryptocurrency, driving demand for engineers who can develop secure, decentralised systems. Blockchain technology is forecast to increase to nearly $1,000 trillion by 2032, underscoring the need for talent in this field.
Job Satisfaction: Blockchain engineers are at the forefront of innovative solutions, offering a unique chance to solve complex problems and contribute to transformative technologies.
Salary: Entry-level positions start at £65,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £90,000.
8. UX/UI Product Designers
Demand: As businesses prioritise customer experience, UX and UI designers play a critical role in creating engaging, user-friendly digital products. Demand for these roles is expected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033 – faster than average.
Job Satisfaction: The creative and impactful nature of this work makes it highly fulfilling, with significant opportunities for specialisation and career progression.
Salary: Salaries for UX/UI designers start at £35,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £70,000.
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.
9. Product Managers
Demand: Product managers oversee the development and delivery of tech products, ensuring alignment between business goals and user needs. They play a pivotal role in a business’s success, and McKinsey research shows that product management capabilities are among the top two drivers of business performance for companies across industries.
Job Satisfaction: This role offers strategic involvement and the chance to lead innovative projects, making it highly collaborative and rewarding.
Salary: Starting salaries are around £45,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning up to £85,000.
Whether you’re seeking a new job opportunity or building on your existing capabilities to accelerate your career, the King’s Product Management Career Accelerator offers you a pathway to turning your goals into reality. It’s an intensive and comprehensive programme that teaches end-to-end product management with a focus on practical real-world applications. You learn from some of the best minds in the industry and get direct access to industry experts.
10. Network and Systems Administrators
Demand: Network and systems administrators ensure the smooth operation of IT infrastructures, vital for modern business functions. With an increasing shift to hybrid work environments, the demand for professionals in this field remains robust.
Job Satisfaction: The stability and critical nature of this role make it a secure and fulfilling career choice.
Salary: Salaries range from £35,000 to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience and industry.
Accelerate your tech career
As the tech sector continues its rapid growth, the demand for skilled professionals remains higher than ever. However, the digital skills gap persists.
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 pressing issue, we’ve partnered with leading universities and top tech companies to deliver Career Accelerators – online programmes designed to equip you with the in-demand skills, hands-on experience, and career support needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.
These programmes bridge the gap between industry needs and talent, ensuring learners are well-prepared for high-growth roles in areas like data, AI, product management and UX/UI product design. Learn more about Career Accelerators and start your journey into the tech industry today.
