Top IT Jobs in the UK Offering Salaries Over £120K in 2025

In recent years, the demand for highly skilled IT professionals in the UK has reached new heights. With digital transformation accelerating across industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and education, experienced tech talent has never been more valuable. Many professionals are now exploring advanced tech roles not just for job satisfaction but also for the opportunity to earn impressive six-figure salaries. If you're one of them, this guide walks you through the most lucrative IT positions in the UK that offer salaries exceeding £120,000 in 2025.

As companies continue to invest in digital infrastructure, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, tech-based roles are evolving rapidly. The UK, particularly cities like London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh, is home to a robust tech scene. Whether you're an experienced developer or moving into strategic IT leadership, the roles below are among the most financially rewarding in the market.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) At the top of the tech career ladder sits the CTO. This executive position focuses on managing the company’s technology roadmap, aligning technical initiatives with business objectives, and leading innovation across departments. CTOs typically have years of experience and strong leadership capabilities. In large corporations or fast-growing startups, their salaries often range between £150,000 and £250,000, making this one of the best-compensated roles in the tech world.

Cloud Solutions Architect With the widespread adoption of cloud platforms, the role of cloud solutions architect has become essential. These professionals are responsible for designing and implementing scalable and secure cloud environments for businesses. Expertise in platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud is crucial. Cloud architects regularly earn between £120,000 and £180,000, depending on industry and location.

AI and Machine Learning Engineer Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a critical part of how businesses operate today. AI engineers develop smart systems that can make decisions, automate tasks, and even communicate with users. Machine learning specialists, in particular, are highly sought after in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and logistics. Salaries in this domain can easily cross £130,000 for those with the right combination of skills and experience.

Cybersecurity Consultant As cyber threats grow in complexity, organizations are under pressure to secure sensitive data and infrastructure. Cybersecurity consultants help companies detect vulnerabilities, comply with regulations, and build strong defense systems. These experts are increasingly hired on a freelance or contract basis, offering even more flexibility. With the right credentials and industry exposure, cybersecurity consultants in the UK can earn well over £120,000 annually.

IT Programme Manager The success of any large-scale technology rollout depends heavily on effective management. IT programme managers oversee complex projects, ensure timelines are met, budgets are respected, and technical teams are aligned. This role requires exceptional communication and organizational skills. In government contracts, large enterprises, or tech-focused firms, experienced programme managers can expect to earn around £130,000 or more.

Data Scientist As data becomes one of the most valuable assets for any organization, data scientists are now considered essential. Their job is to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and generate insights that help drive decision-making. Whether in retail analytics, banking, or even sports, data scientists with deep technical skills and industry knowledge often command salaries of £100,000 to £140,000.

DevOps Engineer A blend of development and operations, the DevOps role has become central to agile software delivery. These engineers automate workflows, deploy updates efficiently, and maintain infrastructure stability. Companies rely on them to reduce downtime and increase release speed. Given the technical complexity and responsibility, salaries typically range from £100,000 to £130,000 depending on the environment and scope.

Blockchain Developer While blockchain began with cryptocurrencies, its applications have expanded across identity verification, logistics, and financial systems. Blockchain developers create decentralized applications and write smart contracts using languages like Solidity and Rust. In the UK, especially within innovative startups and fintech environments, skilled blockchain developers can earn between £120,000 and £160,000.

Software Development Manager For those with deep experience in coding and a knack for leadership, software development management offers both challenge and reward. This role involves mentoring developers, ensuring code quality, and working closely with product teams. Companies building digital platforms or SaaS solutions often offer salaries upwards of £110,000 to team leads and software managers.

IT Security Architect Taking cybersecurity to the next level, security architects are responsible for designing systems that are secure from the ground up. Their job is to build architecture that anticipates threats and minimizes risks. These professionals are key during digital transformation initiatives and play a major role in cloud security planning. With seniority and the right skillset, salaries often exceed £120,000.

How to Position Yourself for These Roles

Landing one of these high-paying IT jobs in the UK takes more than just technical know-how. Continuous learning, certifications, hands-on project experience, and networking all play a role. Most of these roles require five or more years of experience in a related domain and often demand specialization. Taking the time to build a strong online presence and keeping your CV updated with real-world results can greatly increase your chances of securing a top-tier role.

Many professionals also benefit from moving into niche sectors. For example, fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce are rapidly scaling in the UK and offer abundant opportunities for senior tech roles. Even mid-level professionals can fast-track their careers by learning emerging technologies, contributing to open-source projects, or mentoring junior developers.

The UK tech industry is thriving, and opportunities for experienced IT professionals have never been better. If you’re willing to invest in your skills and stay ahead of the curve, securing a job that pays over £120,000 is well within reach. From leadership roles like CTO to technical positions in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, there’s no shortage of paths to financial and career success in tech.

Let me know if you’d like a version tailored for remote jobs, entry-level roles with growth potential, or how to migrate to the UK for tech jobs.