The top 10 IT & tech jobs for 2025

As we approach 2025, the demand for skilled professionals in the IT and tech sectors is expected to grow significantly across the UK. With rapid advancements in technology, businesses are increasingly relying on specialised talent to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and secure their digital assets.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, understanding the most in-demand jobs in the tech industry can help you stay competitive in the job market.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 IT and tech jobs that are expected to dominate the UK job market in 2025. These roles are not only lucrative but also offer exciting opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and make a significant impact on the future of business and society.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineer

AI is transforming industries across the UK, from healthcare to finance, and the demand for AI engineers is skyrocketing. AI engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying AI models that can perform tasks such as natural language processing, image recognition, and decision-making.

Why AI engineers will be in demand:
AI is becoming a core component of business strategy, and companies are investing heavily in AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency and customer experience.

Key Skills:

• Machine Learning

• Deep Learning

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£90,000 - £130,000

2. Cybersecurity specialist

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses across the UK are increasingly prioritising cybersecurity to protect their sensitive data and systems. Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities, preventing cyberattacks, and ensuring compliance with security regulations.

Why Cybersecurity specialists will be in demand:
With the rise of remote work, cloud computing, and IoT, the attack surface for cybercriminals has expanded, making cybersecurity a top priority for organisations.

Key Skills:

• Ethical Hacking

• Network Security

• Incident Response

• Risk Management

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£70,000 - £110,000

3. Cloud architect

Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, and cloud architects are responsible for designing and managing cloud environments. They ensure that cloud solutions are scalable, secure, and cost-effective.

Why Cloud architects will be in demand:
As businesses continue to migrate to the cloud, the need for professionals who can design and manage cloud architectures will grow.

Key Skills:

• Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

• Cloud Security

• DevOps

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£80,000 - £120,000

4. Data scientist

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and data scientists play a crucial role in analysing and interpreting large datasets to extract valuable insights. They use statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation techniques to help organisations make data-driven decisions.

Why Data scientists will be in demand:
As businesses increasingly rely on data to drive strategy, the demand for skilled data scientists will continue to grow.

Key Skills:

• Data Analysis

• Machine Learning

• Data Visualisation

• Python, R, SQL

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£75,000 - £110,000

5. DevOps engineer

DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams to streamline the software development lifecycle. They are responsible for automating workflows, managing infrastructure, and ensuring continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD).

Why DevOps engineers will be in demand:
As businesses seek to improve the speed and quality of software delivery, the demand for DevOps engineers will continue to rise.

Key Skills:

• CI/CD Pipelines

• Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Monitoring and Logging

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£70,000 - £100,000

6. Blockchain developer

Blockchain technology is revolutionising industries such as finance, supply chain, and healthcare by providing secure and transparent systems for transactions. Blockchain developers are responsible for creating decentralised applications (dApps) and smart contracts.

Why Blockchain developers will be in demand:
As blockchain technology continues to mature, businesses will need skilled developers to build and maintain blockchain-based systems.

Key Skills:

• Smart Contracts

• Cryptography

• Decentralised Finance (DeFi)

• Solidity, Ethereum, Hyperledger

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£75,000 - £110,000

7. Internet of Things (IoT) engineer

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries by connecting devices and enabling real-time data exchange. IoT engineers design and develop IoT solutions that can monitor, control, and automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.

Why IoT engineers will be in demand:
As more devices become interconnected, the demand for professionals who can develop and manage IoT systems will grow.

Key Skills:

• IoT Protocols (MQTT, CoAP)

• Edge Computing

• Sensor Networks

• IoT Security

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£70,000 - £100,000

8. Quantum computing researcher

Quantum computing is an emerging field that promises to revolutionise industries such as cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science. Quantum computing researchers are responsible for developing quantum algorithms and exploring the potential applications of quantum technology.

Why Quantum Computing Researchers Will Be in Demand:
As quantum computing technology advances, businesses will need researchers to explore its potential and develop practical applications.

Key Skills:

• Quantum Algorithms

• Quantum Cryptography

• Quantum Machine Learning

• Quantum Hardware

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£90,000 - £130,000

9. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) developer

AR and VR technologies are transforming industries such as gaming, education, and healthcare by creating immersive experiences. AR/VR developers are responsible for designing and building applications that enhance user interaction with digital content.

Why AR/VR developers will be in demand:
As AR and VR technologies become more mainstream, businesses will need skilled developers to create innovative applications for a wide range of industries.

Key Skills:

• Unity, Unreal Engine

• 3D Modelling

• ARKit, ARCore

• Spatial Computing

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£65,000 - £90,000

10. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) developer

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is transforming industries by automating repetitive tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, and customer service. RPA developers design and implement software robots that can perform these tasks with minimal human intervention.

Why RPA developers will be in demand:
As businesses seek to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the demand for RPA developers will continue to grow.

Key Skills:

• RPA Tools (UiPath, Blue Prism)

• Process Automation

• Workflow Design

• Bot Development

Average Salary (2025 Estimate):
£65,000 - £90,000

FAQ on IT & tech jobs in 2025

1. What is the highest-paying tech job for 2025 in the UK?

The highest-paying tech job for 2025 in the UK is expected to be AI Engineer or Quantum Computing Researcher, with salaries ranging from £90,000 to £130,000.

2. How can I start a career in cybersecurity in the UK?

To start a career in cybersecurity, you can pursue certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and gain hands-on experience with security tools and techniques.

3. What skills are needed to become a cloud architect in the UK?

To become a cloud architect, you need expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), cloud security, DevOps, and infrastructure as code (IaC).

4. Is blockchain development a good career choice in the UK?

Yes, blockchain development is a promising career choice, especially as industries like finance and supply chain continue to adopt blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions.

5. What is the future of quantum computing in the UK?

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise industries by solving complex problems that are currently impossible for classical computers. The field is still in its early stages, but it offers exciting opportunities for researchers and developers.

By focusing on these top 10 IT and tech jobs, you'll be well-positioned to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving tech landscape of 2025 in the UK. Whether you're interested in AI, cybersecurity, or quantum computing, these roles offer exciting opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and make a significant impact on the future of business and society.