10 IT jobs that are in high demand (with salary info)

There are numerous career paths and job titles to pick from if you want to work in the information technology (IT) industry. Your skills, education and experience could impact your employment options and prospects for advancement in the IT profession. For this reason, it's important to research the industry and company before beginning your job hunt, as it can help you plan for future employment. In this article, we define the phrase information technology, detail what it means to work in IT and offer a list of popular IT job roles with descriptions.

10 IT jobs in high demand

IT jobs are in high demand thanks to their varied responsibilities, the opportunities they provide for career development, and the flexibility of working hours and locations. Below is a list of 10 of the most common and most varied career possibilities within the field of IT:

1. Software engineer

National average salary: £44,589 per year

Primary 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.

Related: What is IT Project Management? (With Salary)

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 organisation'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 specialised 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.

Related: What Does a Network Engineer do?

3. Web developer

National average salary: £34,168 per year

Primary duties: Web developers specialise 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, software applications and write code. They evaluate the software to verify appropriate operation and modify it as needed after being produced. They check programmes on a daily basis to analyse 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.

Related: Computer and information systems manager: a detailed guide

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 organisation 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 utilise 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.

Related: Business analyst salaries

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 optimisation. UX designers spend a significant amount of time collaborating with developers. They may develop prototypes and design specifications while thoroughly studying user experience and behaviour 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 that 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 utilising computers and technology. They develop or utilise 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 organisations, various government sectors (e.g., the federal military industry) and academics and research corporations.

Related: Finding jobs with a computer science degree

What is information technology?

Information technology is the creation, maintenance and usage of computer systems, networks and infrastructure. In the workplace, people use IT to handle operations, organise data and other technological challenges. Technicians are responsible for retrieving, storing, processing and transmitting electronic data. IT professionals manage and troubleshoot software, hardware, networking and other computer applications for businesses.

What are the education requirements for working in information technology?

Certified technical skills are crucial for careers in network support, programming, technical support, computer and network security, database administration and website building. For more management-related roles, including project management, applications development or e-commerce and business consultancy, you may need the necessary business skills acquired through a university degree, apprenticeship or business training.

Depending on the role in the IT profession, sometimes an IT or computer science GCSE, GNVQ advanced, an advanced modern apprenticeship, A-level in computer or IT studies or related subjects, or a degree is an educational requirement for jobs in the electronic and IT field, including operations, installation, user support and network support. To attain higher-level positions, such as a business analyst or consultant role, you may need a higher degree in computer science or a related course, or a professional certificate from the Institute for the Management of Information Systems.

What are the experience requirements for working in information technology?

Candidates with previous experience as an intern or less than one year of post-graduate work in the industry may apply for entry-level IT employment. Mid-level IT positions normally need a minimum of three years of experience. Senior-level roles may necessitate more than nine years of expertise and experience. It's also worth considering that a lack of formal qualifications may not matter too much if you have adequate experience and vice versa.

Related: A guide to IT apprenticeships (definition, types and tips)

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

Related:

• 12 Current In-Demand Jobs (With National Average Salaries)