Top jobs in tech: 12 in-demand tech careers
We explore the most in demand and best paying jobs in the tech industry in 2023 and discuss how you can get into them.
Looking for a career in tech? Below, we take a look at the top jobs in the tech industry with guidance on how you can get the training you need to enter the tech world or upskill in your current field.
Society’s growing reliance on technology means that the business demand for IT skills is at an all-time high. A flourishing IT sector has resulted in a diverse range of tech jobs that usually offer high salaries and career longevity, resulting in a plethora of top jobs in tech to choose from.
Narrowing down your search and picking a career path in tech can seem overwhelming at first, which is why we are going to explore the best tech jobs on the market. We’ll help make sure you can land that dream role that ticks all of the right boxes.
Whether it’s the highest-paying tech jobs, the most in-demand, or roles that are likely to boom in the future, you’ll find everything you need here.
Top 12 best tech jobs
According to a recent study by Tech Nation, the UK tech industry employs 2.93m people, with 40% growth in two years. This means that digital tech now accounts for 9% of the UK workforce.
In fact, in 2022 tech job opportunities hit a 10-year high, with approximately 870,000 tech and digital job vacancies available between January to May 2022.
This will be music to your ears if you’re wondering how to get a job in tech, with so much opportunity at your disposal to build a successful career. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our extensive list of top jobs in tech (in no particular order).
1. Software Developer
One of the most in-demand tech jobs at the moment is the role of a software developer. This is largely down to the growth in demand for mobile apps and other technology-driven products.
The main responsibilities of a software developer vary but usually involve designing applications, operating systems, and interfaces. In most cases, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering to be considered.
UK salary expectations: £43,003
>> Discover our collection of online IT and computer science degrees
2. Data Scientist
This is fast becoming one of the best tech jobs available, as modern organisations rely more on data analysis to inform their key business decision-making processes. A data scientist is responsible for organising, analysing, and reporting on data, which can be applied to a range of different sectors.
Due to the high demand, the role of a data scientist is one of the most competitive and highest-paying tech jobs, which means a data science course could help to boost your chances of securing a role.
UK salary expectations: £50,539
3. Web Developer
The majority of top jobs in tech require you to have a relevant degree, but this is often not the case with a web developer. The demand for web developers has surged in recent years as more companies develop their online offering in an increasingly digital world.
As a web developer, you’ll be expected to create frameworks, programme languages, design pages, and maintain websites. This involves accurately displaying all website elements, such as text, images, and other important design considerations.
UK salary expectations: £36,954
4. Computer Systems Analyst
As a computer systems analyst, your main responsibilities will be to design and install new computer systems, and come up with innovative ways to improve efficiency. This could be in tech areas such as cloud computing or mobile technology.
You’ll need to have a good working knowledge of information technology and business know-how to establish better processes. In most cases, you’ll also need a degree to become a computer systems analyst.
UK salary expectations: £37,967
5. Information Security Analyst
If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and would enjoy finding weaknesses in a company’s digital security system, then an information security analyst is one of the best tech jobs out there for you.
You’ll be responsible for creating security solutions to protect sensitive data and ensuring the organisation’s privacy is watertight. As cybercrime continues to surge, this role continues to be one of the most in-demand tech jobs.
UK salary expectations: £34,755
6. Information Technology Manager
Also known as a chief information officer, chief technology officer, IT director, or various other titles, an information technology manager oversees entire IT teams within a business.
You’ll be expected to supervise, maintain, and implement a company’s computing requirements, securing the operation of all computer systems, hardware, and software. Essentially, you’ll be responsible for managing the organisation’s technology needs.
UK salary expectations: £49,072
7. Sales Engineer
A sales engineer is primarily responsible for managing the sales process for technologically advanced products. Sales experience is usually required for this role, as you’ll need to effectively sell complex, technical, and often scientific products to other businesses.
If you want to combine your development and sales skills, then this tech job is a great option. Like most sales roles, you’re often required to travel when meeting prospective customers.
UK salary expectations: £34,788
8. Computer Scientist
One of the highest-paying tech jobs on this list, a computer scientist researches and analyses how computers use and store information. As a computer scientist, you can work in a variety of different tech roles, from theoretical computer science to software engineering.
You’ll need to be knowledgeable about technology, mathematics, and physics in order to be offered a job. In most cases, you’ll be expected to work closely with computer engineers in areas like computer programming.
UK salary expectations: £62,532
9. Database Administrator
Database administrators are required to work with specialised software to store, monitor, and track sensitive business information, from financial records to customer data. Y
ou will be expected to be a keen mathematician who enjoys working with numbers, as you’ll be handling large quantities of digital data. In doing so, you’ll be responsible for maintaining database operations and ensuring computers are operating at peak performance.
UK salary expectations: £47,818
10. Computer Support Specialist
There are two main types of computer support specialists – network and user. If you prefer to work hard in the background and troubleshoot problems with fellow IT staff, then you should consider the computer network support specialist path.
However, if you like to work with customers, then becoming a customer user support specialist means you get to assist customers and help less tech-savvy employees. To become a computer support specialist, you don’t need as many qualifications as some of the other roles we’ve mentioned.
UK salary expectations: £38,400
11. Mobile App Developer
The second highest paying tech job on this list, a mobile app developer is responsible for developing new apps for a variety of different devices.
The rise in demand for smartphones and tablets continues at a great pace, which means this is one of the most in-demand tech jobs available to you. In this role, you’ll take a hands-on approach to all stages of mobile app development, using programming languages and development skills to create, test, and develop apps.
UK salary expectations: £58,029
12. Machine Learning Engineer
As a machine learning engineer, you’ll help businesses to save money by automating their processes and analysing key data efficiently. You’ll be expected to design, programme, and implement machine learning technologies, which will position you right at the heart of an organisation’s business strategy.
This is fast becoming one of the top jobs in tech, largely due to the growing demand for applicants, generous salary, and excellent job security. This means it’s likely to be one of the best tech jobs for the future.
UK salary expectations: £57,785
Courses to enhance your suitability for the best tech jobs
Now you know a bit more about the top jobs in tech, it’s worth looking at courses that can help prepare you for your job search and strengthen your skill set.
If you want to improve your tech knowledge and stand out from other applicants, we highly recommend continuing your learning journey so you can reach new career milestones and goals.
At FutureLearn, our list of tech courses is designed for professionals at all stages of their careers. We have already included links to some of the courses we have available throughout the article, but here is a concise list of key courses for you to explore.
- Computer Programming for Everyone by the University of Leeds and the Institute of Coding
- Applied Data Science by Coventry University, Birkbeck University and the Institute of Coding
- The Cyber Security Landscape by Coventry University
- Introduction to Machine Learning on AWS by AWS
- Introduction to Databases and SQL by Raspberry Pi and Teach Computing
- Introduction to JavaScript by Packt and FutureLearn
- Introduction to Web Development by Raspberry Pi and Teach Computing
- Introduction to Information Security Management by Universiti Malaya
- Cybercrime Prevention and Protection by the University of Liverpool
- Digital Skills: Mobile by Accenture.
