Seven high-paying tech skills in the UK in 2022

Stephen Oluwadara -

In the past few years, the United Kingdom has been the preferred destination for most people seeking to move abroad. But the UK is not only a great destination for study. It has a strong and booming tech industry.

According to a Glassdoor report, the UK's average pay for tech workers has increased by over £1,000 in the last three years. As the demand for digitally enabled technology keeps growing, the demand and compensation for top tech talents will keep rising.

Although there are other benefits that might make a skill attractive, pay remains an integral factor to consider. The salary attached to a position is not only essential in making a career decision but to deal with the rising cost of living globally.

At Benjamindada.com, we compiled a list of high-paying UK tech skills in 2022 to help make your decision easier. Regardless of the stage, you are in your career journey, this article will point you to the skills, extra experience and certifications you might need to acquire to land that high-paying tech job.

The tech skills are Data Architect, Java Developer, DevOps Engineer, Full Stack Developer, Cybersecurity Architect, IoT Security Architect and Software Architect.

1. Data Architect

Average annual salary: £72,094 ($82,757)

Average experience: 2 - 4 years

Big data architects build and maintain data infrastructure to extract and organize data for authorised individuals and large organisations to access. They work with database administrators and analysts to ensure security and compliance with data systems.

Skills required for Data Architects

  • Data visualisation, data migration, and data modelling
  • Knowledge of systems development
  • Knowledge of programming languages Python, C/C++, Java, and Perl.

How to become a Data Architect

If you’re new to the world of data, you might consider an introductory program, like the Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate. Consider classes in more advanced topics, like Python, SQL, or data warehousing as you advance.

2. Java Developer

Average annual salary: £54,273 ($62,299)

Average experience: 2 - 4 years

Java developers develop applications and software using the Java programming language. These specialised programmers collaborate with fellow software engineers, web developers, and others to use Java for developing business applications, websites and more.

Skills Required for Java development

  • Expert knowledge of Java-based web services
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to detail

How to become a Java developer

If you are a newbie learning Java development, start with Core Java (Java SE) and master it as much as possible. You should know and understand basic concepts like loops, arrays, operators, and many more.

Related Article: Why we should all learn how to code

3. DevOps Engineer

Average annual salary: £50,711 ($58,219)

Average experience: 2 - 4 years

A DevOps (mix of development and operations) engineer builds, tests and maintains the infrastructure and tools to allow for the speedy development and release of the software.

They work with software developers, admin staff and lots of other departments throughout the software development life cycle, from coding and deployment to maintenance and updates.

Skills required for DevOps Engineering

  • Excellent monitoring and reporting skills
  • Knowledge of Git, Jenkins, Linux, or Unix system administration
  • Excellent communication skills.

How to become a DevOps engineer

To become a DevOps engineer, you’ll need at least intermediate Linux admin and networking skills, plus some scripting fundamentals like Python and Ruby. Then commit to at least the cloud.

4. Full Stack Developer

Average annual salary: £45,852 ($52,650)

Average experience: 2 - 4 years

Full-stack developers build both client and server software. They usually have training and experience in various aspects of computer programming, user experience (UX) design, project management, and, in some cases, client communication.

Skills required for full-stack development

  • An analytical and creative mind
  • Master HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • Learn Backend development languages such as Python, PHP, Ruby

How to become a full stack developer

To become a full-stack developer, you typically require years of experience within the IT field, learning both the front-end and back-end languages so that you can work with a variety of databases and software. You’ll need to master HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Angular, or Vue, PHP, ASP, and Python.

Related Post: How to become a frontend developer

5. Cybersecurity Architect

Average annual salary: £77,224  ($88,673)

Average experience: 5 - 7 years

A Cybersecurity architect is responsible for designing, building, maintaining and protecting a company’s IT system and all its relevant parts. They provide solutions to the need to control and monitor data: who or what holds data, and how it is exchanged across networks and channels.

Also known as ethical or white hat hackers, Cybersecurity architects anticipate cyberattacks and proactively stop them before they can occur.

Skills required for Cybersecurity Architect

  • Advanced knowledge of computing networking systems.
  • Knowledge of Windows, UNIX, and Linux.
  • Understanding of Malware analysis.

How To become a Cybersecurity Architect

To pursue a career as a Cybersecurity architect, it's good you have a background in Computer Science or any related degree. Then strive to gain experience as a security analyst. Get a Cybersecurity certification like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

6. IoT Solutions Architect

Average annual salary UK: £74,049 ($85,027)

Average experience: 5 - 7 years

According to Statista, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide is forecast to almost triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to more than 29 billion IoT devices in 2030.

An IoT Architect primarily oversees the development and deployment of IoT-based solutions. The IoT solutions architect usually works with engineers and salespeople to facilitate process development.

Skills required for IoT Solutions Architect

  • IoT developers are well-versed in systems engineering and hardware device programming.
  • Master IoT products and services.
  • Understand programming languages like HTML and CSS.
  • Comprehend and utilise data and analytics appropriately.

How to Become an IoT Architect

Earn a background in information technology, computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Get used to the Internet of Things and related technologies. Familiarize yourself with data management and acquire an IoT certification.

7. Software Architect

Average annual salary: £75,315 ($86,465)

Average experience: 5 - 7 years

Software Architects are programmers and supervisors of entire computer platforms and software applications. They design systems and write code in order to rectify challenging business challenges that surface within the IT unit of a big corporation.

Skills required for Software Architect

  • Knowledge of cloud technologies
  • Extensive technical knowledge of programming languages
  • Deep understanding of the software-building process
  • Problem-solving skills

How to become a Software Architect

To become a Software Architect you’ll need a background in Computer science, Software engineering or a related field. Gain industry experience, starting off as a Computer Programmer or Software Developer.

Enhance your career opportunities with postgraduate study and/or industry certifications. This could be a Graduate Certificate in Computer Science, Master of Engineering (Software) or Microsoft Azure Certification.

As the tech industry continues to grow and expand, it’s important to know how you can update your skills. It’s never too late to learn new skills, especially ones that will make you more attractive to your potential employer.