2025 UK Tech and IT Salary Guide and Market Trends

Businesses across the UK are waking up to the broad potential of artificial intelligence, with 72% of employers encouraging their workers to use generative AI tools for routine tasks and enhanced productivity. And with the demand for software and IT services such as cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity on the rise, the tech sector is likely to return to growth in 2025.

Despite recent layoffs, 46% of IT and tech hiring managers are planning to add new positions for permanent full-time employees, while 25% are aiming to bring more contract talent on board to support projects and growth plans.

With available talent in abundance, hiring managers are back in the driving seat. Experts in cloud, cyber security, data engineering and full stack development are expected to be most sought-after, with financial services, private equity, retail, manufacturing and energy among the sectors currently recruiting for tech professionals the most.

Job security remains a top priority for IT and tech employees, with 43% of workers placing greater importance on job stability over salary. And 48% would like to see financial allowances for working from home offered by their employers as a benefit, with many happy to take a pay cut for the benefit of remote working.

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Enter your region to localise national average salaries. Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

Leadership

Architecture

Transformation

Cloud and infrastructure

Information security

Software development and testing

Business intelligence and data analytics

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

103250

138750

173250

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

96000

124750

158250

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

95500

134500

150750

Chief Architect

116000

125750

145000

IT Director

82500

95000

109000

Head of IT

71500

81000

89000

IT Manager

48250

54500

65750

25th Percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications

Top jobs in technology

Infrastructure engineer

BI Analyst

Second line support

Functional areas in which businesses are most likely to hire in IT and technology

Data and analytics / Automation / Machine learning

IT service / Support / Operations

IT security

IT networking

Top technical skills in IT and technology

Data and analytics / Automation / Machine learning

Cloud

Software and applications development

Project and programme management

Artificial Intelligence / Machine learning

Data and analytics

Cloud

Immersive technology

Top soft skills in IT and technology

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Emotional intelligence

Critical thinking

Emotional intelligence

Problem solving

Adaptability

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in IT and technology

Learn which certifications are most sought after by hiring managers

Cloud (AWS / Azure / GCP / Salesforce)

CISSP / CISM

Prince2 / Scrum

ISO27001

Top industries for IT and technology specialists

Learn which industries increased their search for IT and technology specialists

Financial services and private equity

E-commerce and retail

Manufacturing

Energy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the UK and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2024 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and the financial services industry. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK.

Disclaimer The Salary Guide is solely for noncommercial use, and the copyright is the exclusive property of Robert Half. This guide cannot be reproduced or disseminated in any part without Robert Half’s written permission. ©2024 Robert Half Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer.