The 10 highest technology salary increases for the year ahead 

Sustained investment across the tech industry is helping to drive hiring plans, with certain roles seeing above-average salary growth as organisations seek key skills in a tight market. In our 2026 UK Salary & Recruiting Trends guide, we received insights from over 5,100 employers and employees, including 400 in the tech industry, offering a comprehensive picture of tech salaries, recruiting trends and candidate expectations. 

Innovation keeps salaries growing 

Over the past few years, technology salaries have experienced significant growth. This year, however, there has been a more balanced picture, with the average salary increase settling at 1.1%. Despite this moderation, key demand areas – particularly in data roles – have continued to see above-average salary rises, reflecting ongoing innovation and steady hiring plans within the sector.

As organisations continue to invest in technology around data, cyber and cloud to drive and embed AI solutions that deliver longer term cost efficiencies, salary growth has stayed positive. Nearly four in five (84%) employers increased their staff’s pay over the past 12 months, and tech salaries outside of the competitive London market have seen regional growth.

In-demand tech experts see sharper pay increases 

Tech salary growth may have tempered following the sharp uplift seen several years ago, yet our salary data still points to an upward trajectory. Looking ahead, 79% of tech employers expect to increase staff pay in the coming 12 months, similar to the UK average (78%). And given that 92% of tech employers have reported skills gaps, organisations may feel compelled to keep pace with market salary expectations to secure the tech expertise they need. 

Although overall salary growth has softened, certain fields have benefited from higher-than-average increases. This trend is closely linked to the transformation taking place across the technology landscape, as organisations increasingly transition to Cloud ERP solutions and invest in building the capacity of their infrastructure. These strategic shifts are enabling businesses to make better use of emerging technologies such as AI, driving innovation and efficiency.

As a result, professionals with expertise in cloud platforms, ERP systems, and infrastructure are well-positioned to benefit from pay rises as companies prioritise these areas in their digital transformation journeys. Data experts are among the top beneficiaries of salary growth, while ERP specialists and network engineers have also seen more acute increases as their services grow in demand.

While the following list does not necessarily reflect the highest paid jobs on the tech market, it offers a valuable snapshot of the roles seeing some of the highest growth potential. 

Top salary increases in technology

1. Data architect 

2. Chief data officer / head of data 

3. ERP support analyst

4. Network engineer

5. Enterprise architect

6. Cyber security architect

7. Data scientist

8. Information security architect

9. ERP functional consultant

10. SAP SuccessFactors consultant

Beyond pay: what matters to tech professionals?

Ambition is running high across the UK tech workforce: 67% of tech professionals expect to change jobs in the next 12 months, signalling a market alive with movement and opportunity. While salary remains a crucial factor in attracting and retaining talent, today’s tech professionals are looking for much more than just a competitive pay packet.

With employees citing a lack of career development (43%) and limited progression opportunities (39%) within their current organisations as top reasons for leaving, employers who can offer clear pathways and meaningful projects will be best placed to secure ambitious professionals. Considering this, it’s vital for organisations to proactively review and enhance their talent retention strategies – including investing in robust learning and development programmes, implementing transparent promotion frameworks, and encouraging regular career conversations.

Creating a culture where employees feel valued and can clearly see their future within the business will become increasingly important, as retaining top talent is set to be a key challenge for the year ahead. For professionals feeling limited by a lack of upward mobility in their current organisation, be sure to check our latest vacancies when planning your next move. 

The pandemic has permanently altered expectations around work–life balance, and the tech sector is no exception. Over half of the industry’s professionals (54%) say they would accept a lower-paid job if it meant a better work-life balance, with female tech professionals being even more likely to do so (63%). And despite calls to return to the office, hybrid working remains a non-negotiable for many; 57% of tech professionals wouldn’t consider a job that didn’t offer the option. Notably, this figure rises to 61% for female tech professionals, emphasising the importance of flexibility when attracting a more diverse workforce.

Pay transparency has also emerged as a key diferentiator in recrutiment strategies, and could be decisive when looking to overcome skills gaps. Notably, 95% of female tech profressionals are more likely to apply for a position where the salary is clearly stated, highlighting how greater clarity over pay could be a key factor in appealing to underrepresented groups.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, those who adapt to the changing priorities of professionals will be best equipped to attract and retain top talent in the years ahead.

For more hiring insights and a comprehensive view of tech salaries, take a look at our 2026 UK Salary & Recruiting Trends guide.