”Learn to code”. What used to be a catchphrase of careers advisers who had all but run out of ideas has now become one of the best pieces of advice a young and ambitious advice-seeker could have received.
That’s because the growth of the tech industry, both in the UK and the wider world, has become seemingly unstoppable, with demand for skilled programmers and developers particularly on the rise.
As 2023 cranks into gear and advances in technology and its effects on the way we work continue to dominate the headlines, it is important for those looking to enter or advance in the field to be aware of some of the more lucrative opportunities available.
Today, we’re outlining some of UK’s top programmer and developer jobs, for those seeking a lucrative career in the industry.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers are responsible for developing algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data in a whole variety of fields, from clinical medicine to sports and beyond. Additionally, they train and retrain systems as needed, extend existing ML libraries and frameworks, and collaborate with data scientists and other team members to create efficient self-learning applications.
With the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in various industries, these professionals are highly sought after.
Average salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per year
Starting salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per year
Data Scientist
Data scientists are like modern-day treasure hunters, sifting through heaps of raw data to uncover valuable insights. Their main responsibilities include collecting and analysing data, creating solutions for business problems, and presenting their findings in an easy-to-understand manner.
They use a mix of technical, analytical, and communication skills to help organisations make informed decisions. If you’re into solving puzzles and making sense of complex information, a data scientist role might just be your calling.
Average salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per year
Starting salary: £35,000 – £45,000 per year
Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers are like the Swiss Army knives of the tech world. They handle both front-end and back-end coding, making sure websites and apps look great and run smoothly. Their main roles include designing user interactions, building servers and databases, and even dabbling in mobile platforms. These tech-savvy folks work closely with design teams to create engaging web pages and ensure everything works seamlessly from start to finish.
Full stack developers have expertise in both front-end and back-end development, allowing them to build complete web applications. Candidates must be skilled in multiple programming languages and frameworks, making them valuable assets to any development team.
Average salary: £50,000 – £60,000 per year
Starting salary: £30,000 – £40,000 per year
Read: 5 fulfilling, energetic jobs if you feel your career is stuck in a rut
Cyber Security Analyst
Cyber security analysts protect organisations from cyber threats by monitoring networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures. With the number of cyber attacks forever growing, and seemingly only exacerbated by global geopolitical tension, these professionals are in high demand across a whole variety of industries.
Average salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per year
Starting salary: £25,000 – £35,000 per year
Software Engineer
Software engineers are the tech-savvy wizards who bring ideas to life by designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They dive deep into the world of coding, create flowcharts to map out solutions, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. These experts also have a knack for problem-solving, as they’re always on the lookout for bugs and glitches to fix.
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications for a wide range of industries. Those who are successful in the field possess strong problem-solving skills and are proficient in one or more programming languages.
Average salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per year
Starting salary: £28,000 – £38,000 per year
Mobile App Developer
As a mobile app developer, your main gig is to create awesome apps for smartphones and tablets. You’ll be coding, designing user interfaces, and making sure your app runs smoothly on different platforms. And though you might not be responsible for the next TikTok or Tinder, you’ll be working with an ambitious team with big ideas, which is always inspiring!
Mobile app developers create applications for smartphones and tablets, working with platforms like iOS and Android. They are skilled in programming languages such as Swift, Objective-C, Java, and Kotlin.
Average salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per year
Starting salary: £25,000 – £35,000 per year
DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers juggle multiple responsibilities to ensure smooth sailing for development and operations teams. They’re responsible for building, testing, and maintaining infrastructure and tools, while also automating processes to speed up software development, testing, and updates.
These tech-savvy pros use their expertise in tools like Jenkins, Maven, and Git to create seamless workflows, and they’re always on the lookout for the best technologies to fit business needs.
Such engineers have to be capable in automating workflows, managing infrastructure, and monitoring system performance.
Average salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per year
Starting salary: £35,000 – £45,000 per year
The Bottom Line
As the tech industry continues to grow, opportunities for programmers and developers in the UK will only increase. By focusing on the most lucrative positions, professionals can maximize their earning potential and enjoy rewarding careers. Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance in your field, consider these high-paying jobs as you plan your next move.
All salary estimates and averages have come from research conducted by Glassdoor and Payscale.
