IT as a Career

As the technology sector continues to grow, more jobs are being created within the industry that are not only new and exciting, but potentially very lucrative too. Even though these roles may not necessarily be part of the FAANG companies anymore, there are many start-ups looking to grow and hire.

And for the first time, the number of unemployed workers in the UK is less than the number of job vacancies out there, thanks to the rapid growth of the industry. According to Tech Nation, almost 5 million people are currently employed in IT, with an additional 2 million vacancies being advertised between May 2021 and 2022.

So what jobs are out there in the IT industry, and which are the best paying positions to apply for?

Here are our top ten positions:

Systems Architect

A systems architect oversees which computer software systems are best for the business. Ultimately, they’re responsible for a company’s entire network.

The work involves analysing systems to identify the best design well for business purposes; they must ensure the systems are placed correctly and they must also maintain these systems, so that the business can run efficiently and effectively.

This is a senior IT position and one that requires advanced experience and training, but it’s one that pays lucratively too.

A qualified systems architect can earn around £72,000 per year

Software Engineer

Demand for qualified software engineers is high, and this is a position that requires continuous professional development. The emergence of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Machine Learning means that software engineers to need to be ahead of the game and familiar with all the latest technology updates.

A good software engineer who has an up-to-date knowledge of current technology demands can earn around £64,000 per year.

Java Developer

Java developers often have very advanced skills when it comes to coding with different languages. They’re responsible for developing software and apps that are specialised, and working with software engineers and web developers to fulfil specific business needs- such as developing a website or an app.

A Java developer can earn up to £62,000 per year.

Project Manager

As companies struggle to keep up with the best ways to use new technologies to enhance their business. Project manager positions are becoming more common. Project managers are crucial to modern businesses. By advising, planning and implementing new software and digital processes, they can help businesses to stay ahead of the game; making this position not only well sought after, but well paid too.

A qualified project manager can earn up to £57,000 per year.

Data Engineer

A data engineer is responsible for the building and management of systems that collect data for analysts and scientists. The data collected can help businesses to fine-tune their processes and provides unique opportunities for growth and success, so the role is an important one.

If you have the skills to create the systems that will provide businesses with the data they need to succeed, you have the potential to earn up to £67,000 per year.

Data Scientist

Data scientists are the people who analyse the data collected via the systems that are in place within a business. They analyse and interpret the data in specific ways and are usually trained in scientific methods. Data scientists are crucial to helping companies understand their business needs and can be useful for ensuring projects run smoothly.

Data scientists can earn up to £50,000 per year.

Cloud Engineer

The migration to remote cloud servers has been big for businesses. Not only can they now store more data, but its costing them less to do it remotely too. And this is good news for cloud engineers, as demand for this role is growing year on year.

Responsible for designing, implementing and managing cloud systems, a cloud engineer has valuable skills that are highly sought after, and can earn up to £63,000 per year.

Security Architect

Businesses rely on data, and this data needs to be stored safely and protected. This is where a security architect comes in, they help design, create and manage security systems to ensure all company networks and customers data is safe. 

Security architects can earn up to £82,000 per year.

IT Security Manager

Cyber-attacks pose a real threat to any business that uses data in the modern world. An IT Security Manger, or Cyber Security Expert, is crucial as they are responsible for ensuring that company networks, customer data, infrastructures, and systems are safe,

Demand for this role is huge - and growing - so you can expect to earn around £70,00 per year for this role.

Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for developing and planning out new software products, ensuring they meet business goals and customer demands. They’ll also work on launch strategies with members of the marketing and management teams.

This is a creative role; product managers can expect to earn up to £68,000 per year.

If you are looking for a role in IT, contact Michael Baileys Associates today!