Niche IT freelancing roles in demand in the UK

Fields like software development and data analysis are well known, but there are lesser-known but highly specialised roles in cybersecurity, data science, blockchain, and AI that companies urgently need – but often struggle to fill.

If you're considering freelancing in the tech industry, here’s a look at some of the high-demand niche roles, steps to setting up your freelance business, essential skills, CV/portfolio tips, and salary insights.

In-demand niche IT freelance roles in the UK

Blockchain Developer

• Skills Needed: Cryptography, smart contracts, Solidity, decentralized applications (DApps)

• Salary Range: £60,000-£90,000 per year for freelancers

Cybersecurity Specialist (Penetration Tester)

• Skills Needed: Ethical hacking, risk assessment, firewall/antivirus technologies

• Salary Range: £50,000-£80,000 per year

AI/ML Engineer

• Skills Needed: Machine learning, neural networks, Python, TensorFlow

• Salary Range: £55,000-£95,000 per year

IoT Developer

• Skills Needed: Embedded systems, IoT protocols, sensor data analysis

• Salary Range: £45,000-£75,000 per year

Cloud Architect

• Skills Needed: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, infrastructure design

• Salary Range: £65,000-£100,000 per year

Data Privacy Consultant

• Skills Needed: GDPR compliance, data protection frameworks, legal regulations

• Salary Range: £50,000-£85,000 per year

DevOps Specialist

• Skills Needed: CI/CD, Kubernetes, Docker, automation scripting

• Salary Range: £55,000-£90,000 per year

Quantum Computing Researcher

• Skills Needed: Quantum mechanics, algorithm design, quantum circuits

• Salary Range: £70,000-£120,000 per year

Augmented Reality (AR) Developer

• Skills Needed: Unity, C#, 3D modeling, ARKit/ARCore

• Salary Range: £50,000-£80,000 per year

Digital Forensics Specialist

• Skills Needed: Forensic software, incident response, malware analysis

• Salary Range: £45,000-£75,000 per year

10 steps to setting up your freelance IT business

1. Identify your niche and services
   Start by defining your area of expertise and narrowing down your services. Highlight any rare or specialized skills to differentiate yourself in a competitive field.

2. Conduct market research
   Look into demand for your niche, typical rates, and popular platforms for IT freelancers in the UK. Joining communities like Free-Work UK can provide insights into client needs and competition.

3. Create a business plan
   Outline your business goals, target clients, pricing strategy, and financial forecasts. Having a clear roadmap will help you stay focused as you build your client base.

4. Set up your legal and financial structure
   Register your business, choose a suitable structure (like a sole trader or limited company), and ensure you understand tax obligations for UK freelancers.

5. Develop your skills
   Update any core skills for your chosen niche and gain certifications where applicable (e.g., AWS for cloud roles or OSCP for cybersecurity). This can increase your credibility and attract higher-paying clients.

6. Build a strong CV and portfolio
   A freelance CV should emphasise specific projects and results. Include a portfolio showcasing relevant work and solutions you’ve delivered. Highlight your niche skills and past experiences that demonstrate your expertise.

7. Establish an online presence
   Create a professional website or profile on freelance platforms where clients can view your services. Be active on LinkedIn and participate in online forums to showcase your knowledge.

8. Define Your pricing structure
   Decide whether to charge hourly, per project, or as a retainer. Research current UK rates for niche roles and adjust based on your expertise and client requirements.

9. Set up client acquisition channels
   Start networking in IT groups and on freelance platforms like Upwork, Free-Work, or LinkedIn. Consider running ads or using targeted content marketing to attract leads.

10. Create a client agreement template
    To protect your work and income, draft a standard contract that outlines scope, deadlines, fees, and payment terms. This will help ensure clarity and security with clients from the outset.

Essential skills and building a standout CV/portfolio

Skills

Each role may require unique skills, but certain universal abilities can benefit all IT freelancers:

• Problem-solving and analytical skills

• Effective communication for technical explanations

• Time management for handling multiple clients

CV/Portfolio Tips

For your CV, focus on:

• Clear headings that categorize your skills and projects

• Quantifiable results, such as “Increased efficiency by 30% through optimised scripts”

• Client testimonials for credibility

A portfolio should demonstrate:

• Diverse project samples tailored to the niche

• Case studies with problem-solution-outcome breakdowns

• Code samples (if applicable) on GitHub or a similar platform

Average UK rates for niche IT freelance roles

Rates for niche IT roles vary, but here are the average daily rates in the UK:

• Blockchain Developer: £400-£600 per day

• Cybersecurity Specialist: £350-£550 per day

• AI/ML Engineer: £450-£700 per day

• Cloud Architect: £500-£800 per day

Many of these rates reflect the skills gap in the UK market, meaning that experienced freelancers can often secure higher pay.

Niche roles are providing IT professionals with unique opportunities to offer specialised skills in areas with significant demand. By building expertise in a niche area, creating a strong portfolio, and following a well-structured plan, you can position yourself as a go-to freelancer in these high-demand tech fields.

As UK companies increasingly seek specialised talent, this could be the ideal time to dive into freelancing and build a rewarding career with freedom and flexibility.