7 High-Paying IT Jobs

Some of the highest-paying IT jobs require extensive education, credentials, or experience, such as vice president of technology or IT manager. However, you have more than one pathway to success. While the median salary for an IT professional, according to Glassdoor UK’s February 2025 data, is £40,251 in the UK [1], time and experience can lead to significant increases. 

Explore a range of high-paying IT jobs and their requirements to investigate possible positions that align with your background, skills, and aspirations.

High-paying IT jobs in the UK and outlook

The outlook for technology-related positions is positive. Whether you are looking for a job right now or starting to map out your career path, you’ll find several options for high-paying jobs, such as DevOps engineer and data architect, in the IT sector. Credentials and experience are two significant factors that influence salary, but location, company, and industry also play a role in determining how much money employers offer you. 

Where you sit in the organisational chart matters as well. Vice presidents and C-suite executives will make more than an entry-level developer, and an IT architect will earn more than a consultant. Due to the amount of salaries fluctuating based on job title and responsibilities, the high-paying IT jobs listed below are by category. You’ll find the average salary for job titles in each category and basic education requirements.

*All average annual salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of February 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

1. IT vice presidents and C-suite executives

Vice presidents and chief officers are the highest-paid IT jobs. These positions often represent the top corporate ladder for IT professionals. Vice presidents of technology and chief technology officers oversee the organisation's technology. This could include managing a department, designing and implementing procedures, monitoring performance, and coordinating with other departments in the company.

Median base salaries 

• Vice president of technology: £105,223

• Vice president of information technology: £105,269

• Chief technology officer: £116,612

Average education requirements

To become the chief technology officer, you may need a bachelor’s degree in an IT field, a master’s degree, or even a doctorate in computer science. You’ll likely need several years of professional experience to reach this position.

2. Technical architects

Technical architects design and develop systems to solve problems. In this role, you’ll work with clients and an IT manager to identify helpful hardware and software and create and advise on IT strategies.

Median base salaries

• Data architect: £74,191

• Network architect: £74,061

• Software architect: £77,763 

• Applications architect: £64,466

Average education requirements

Many technical architect roles require a bachelor’s degree in a subject like computer science, software development, or business information systems. Additional requirements could include a master’s degree or professional experience. 

3. IT managers and directors

IT managers and directors oversee an organisation’s information technology programme, including running an IT department and designing, implementing, and coordinating technology efforts. As an IT manager, you can take on a more generalised role or specialise in information security systems, technical architecture, or IT governance.

Median base salaries

• IT director: £150,440

• IT program manager: £80,452

• Innovation manager: £56,318 

• Database manager: £40,840

Average education requirements

A degree in computer science or information technology is the standard requirement for an IT manager, although some companies may ask for a master’s degree, along with relevant experience. This position could lead to the chief technology officer (CTO) role.

4. IT engineers

“IT engineer” is a catch-all term that describes the many professionals who design, manage, or implement computer systems. Many different kinds of engineers exist in the field of information technology, including blockchain engineers, software engineers, AI engineers, DevOps engineers, site reliability engineers, and more. As an engineer, you may take on many different specialisations affecting your salary potential.

Median and average base salaries

• Blockchain engineer: £79,908

• Software engineer: £54,322

• Artificial intelligence (AI) engineer: £54,770

• DevOps engineer: £52,715 

• Site reliability engineer: £72,555 

Average education requirements

The specific education requirements to become an IT engineer will vary depending on the type of engineer you plan to become. A degree in network administration, programming, information systems, or a similar field is usually required. In others, work experience or alternative credentials such as certifications can help you land a role.

5. IT consultants

The general definition of an IT consultant is a professional who advises a business or organisation about technology. Essentially, you guide clients strategically on improving their IT to initiate essential business operations. Business technology consultants work with corporations to determine the best way to implement technology in business systems.

Median and average base salaries

• Technical consultant: £72,555

• Business technology consultant: £51,319

Average education requirements

It’s possible to get a job as a tech consultant without a formal education, provided you have the skills required to do the job; however, a bachelor’s degree in a subject like cybersecurity or software development is a path to learning those skills, and you may also consider a master’s degree. With experience, you may find opportunities to lead a staff and become a senior consultant.

6. IT analysts

IT analysts look at systems and data on behalf of companies and organisations and make recommendations on changes to the system, including functionality, user acceptability, and upgrades. You may pursue various job titles as an IT analyst, including cybersecurity analysts who look for ways to reduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Median base salaries

• Computer systems analyst: £37,412

• Information security (InfoSec) analyst: £40,106

• Data security analyst: £40,106

• Information assurance analyst: £41,082

Average education requirements

Analyst positions usually require a bachelor’s degree. For example, you’ll need a computer science-related degree to become a systems analyst. Senior analyst positions can sometimes require a master’s degree in computer science or information technology, and fortunately, specific programs permit you to work full-time while pursuing it. A senior-level position can sometimes lead to earning more money.

7. IT developers

IT developers build, deploy, maintain, update, and test various types of software, applications, and websites. Sometimes, IT developers receive names in honor of their specialisations, like software or mobile application developers, named after the products they work on.

Other developers, such as senior or full-stack developers, receive their titles based on their skill level or experience. A senior developer is a professional with experience leading a team. In contrast, a full-stack developer is a professional who can create a website's front-end and back-end.

Median base salaries

• Software developer: £43,854

• Mobile applications developer: £40,094

• Senior web developer: £47,838

• Full-stack developer: £48,111

Average education requirements

Developers typically need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent real-world experience for entry-level positions. For example, to become a software developer, you must earn a computer science, information technology, or software engineering degree. With certifications from organisations like CompTIA and ISC2 and experience, you may find opportunities to become a senior developer, which can sometimes mean earning a higher salary.

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With the ongoing integration of technology into society, consider working towards a career in IT, especially with the high salaries some of these previously mentioned positions offer.

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