How to get the 5 best Paying Jobs in IT
Thinking of getting into IT? Discover the five highest-paying IT jobs before you plan and embark on your career journey.
Now is a great time to get into IT. The UK tech industry is booming and set to keep growing, more than tripling in value in the next decade. But before you start sending out application forms, read on as we list the highest-paying jobs in IT, how much they pay, what responsibilities they involve and how to get the qualifications you'll need. It's important to remember that the figures quoted here are for the average salary; they do not include bonuses, profit sharing or increases in salary with experience. Take-home pay could vary depending on your specific situation.
1. Software Architect
As a software architect, you're like the master planner of a large tech project. Daily, you're mapping out the blueprint for how the software system will function. On average, software architects in the UK earn £67,021, but this can vary depending on experience, location, and qualifications.
What do software architects do?
You'll consult with clients to understand their needs, then design a structure that developers can follow to build the system. You're the one who picks the right tools and technologies, making sure everything works together seamlessly. Your job is to anticipate and solve potential issues before they become problems. You also guide and mentor developers, keeping everyone aligned and the project moving smoothly. It's a balance of big-picture vision and detailed planning.
What qualifications do I need to become a software architect?
To become a software architect, you need a blend of skills, including project management, leadership, and a deep understanding of software languages and architectures. Because of this, the role is typically a natural next step for someone with several years of experience as a software developer.
But you need to start somewhere. Fortunately, Online learning provider MOL delivers two ideal qualifications to set you on this career path:
- CMI Level 3 Principles of Management and Leadership. The CMI Level 3 Principles of Management and Leadership will show you how to get the best performance out of your team, manage budgets and work with stakeholders.
- CMI Level 5 Certificate in Project Management. The CMI Level 5 Certificate in Project Management will give you the knowledge and skills to be able to manage a project effectively whilst also managing your team and their day-to-day responsibilities.
MOL also works with partner NuYew, which delivers this online, self-paced qualification in software development. The qualification teaches you how to use critical languages such as HTML, CSS, Python, and Java.
See Software Architect and Project Management jobs on Monster now.
2. Data Warehouse Architect
Becoming a data warehouse architect requires a deep understanding of data management, integration, and system design. You will have a critical role for organisations looking to efficiently store, organise, and analyse vast amounts of data to drive business decisions.On average, data warehouse architects in the UK earn £59,000. Again, that can vary widely depending on role and experience.
What do data warehouse architects do?
Data is a critical foundation for every strategic and tactical decision a business makes. As a data warehouse architect, you are crucial in handling vast amounts of information and the 'Big Data' most organisations collect daily. It's your job to efficiently store and organise this data to be easily accessible and ready for analysis. Working closely with data engineers and analysts, you understand the specific data needs and how to structure it best. You ensure data is gathered, cleaned, and stored from a variety of sources while maintaining high standards of accuracy and security. Your goal is to keep everything running smoothly, constantly optimising performance to make sure data flows seamlessly. In many ways, you're like a digital librarian, always knowing exactly where every bit of information is and how to retrieve it in an instant.
What qualifications do I need to become a data warehouse architect?
As a data architect, you're immersed in numbers every day, making a solid background in maths and statistics crucial to your success. Your expertise goes beyond numbers, though. Attention to detail and strong analytical skills are equally important, allowing you to structure and manage data effectively. Perhaps most critical, however, is your deep understanding of data management technologies, as these tools form the backbone of your work. Like software architects, your role is not an entry-level position—it's one you achieve through progression. Typically, your journey begins as a data analyst, where you hone your skills before stepping into the architect's role. You apply your technical and analytical expertise to larger, more complex data environments.
A good starting point is a data and business intelligence analytics qualification, which will teach you how to analyse business data using CompTIA+, Excel, Power BI and Azure then present it so that non-technical stakeholders can understand it.
See Data Warehouse jobs on Monster now.
3. Development Operations (DevOps) Engineers
As a DevOps engineer, you'll act as the vital link between development and operations teams, ensuring everything functions like a well-oiled machine.In the UK DevOps engineers earn around £47,694 on average.
What do development operations (DevOps) engineers do?
On any given day, you write scripts, manage servers, and monitor systems closely to catch potential issues before they escalate. You collaborate with developers to streamline the software development lifecycle and ensure that new code integrates seamlessly into existing systems without disruption. You're constantly exploring new tools and best practices, always searching for ways to improve efficiency and reliability. In many ways, you're the problem-solver of the tech world, dedicated to making things faster, smoother, and more dependable, ensuring that systems work optimally with minimal downtime.
What qualifications do I need to become a development operations (DevOps) engineer?
The world of DevOps is crying out for people with a mix of soft skills, such as management and time management, and technical skills, such as programming. Therefore, this position is suited to people with experience in either discipline who have achieved additional qualifications in software development or management and leadership.
See DevOps Jobs on Monster Now
4. Data scientist
As a data scientist, you're the detective of the data world. Every day, you delve into massive datasets, searching for patterns, trends, and insights that can guide businesses in making informed decisions. On average, data scientists in the UK earn £41,481 depending on experience and location.
What do data scientists do?
You apply statistical techniques and build machine learning models to analyse data and predict future outcomes. Part of your role involves preparing and cleaning the data, ensuring it's accurate and ready for analysis. In addition to crunching numbers, you transform your findings into infographics and reports, making complex insights accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Your work often involves experimenting with different methods to solve intricate problems, always seeking the most effective solution. It's a unique blend of coding, statistics, and storytelling—turning raw data into actionable, valuable insights for decision-makers.
What qualifications do I need to become a data scientist?
Data scientists have similar roles to data analysts. The main difference is that data scientists tend to use more advanced tools and models. They are often the ones who formulate the questions that need answering. A background in maths and statistics is essential, as is a firm understanding of data and business intelligence analytics.
See Data Scientist jobs on Monster now.
5. Java Developer
As a Java developer, you'll spend days writing and testing code to build solid and scalable applications. You work with Java, a widely used programming language, to create anything from web applications to complex enterprise systems. On average, Java developers in the UK earn £41,032.
What do Java developers do?
Collaborating with other developers, designers, and project managers ensures you fully understand the project requirements and produce high-quality software that meets those needs. You're also responsible for debugging and troubleshooting issues, making sure that the software runs smoothly and efficiently. Staying up-to-date with the latest Java technologies and best practices is crucial to your role, as you're constantly refining your skills to remain effective. It's a perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise; all focused-on crafting software that not only meets user needs but also stands the test of time.
What qualifications do I need to become a Java developer?
A background in programming, specifically including Java, is the critical ingredient to a successful career as a Java developer. Suitable qualifications include software development and web development. The latter course teaches you how to use Java and JavaScript and all the other programs and languages needed to build and maintain a website.
See Java Developer jobs on Monster.
Start your career in IT
Land one of the highest-paying jobs in IT for yourself! Go ahead, 'byte' the bullet, and build the skills and experience to enter this growing industry. Then, get your foot in the door by simply uploading your CV on Monster to get jobs streaming in your direction.