IT and technology salaries rise 2.5% in 12 months

IT and technology salaries are on the rise, increasing 2.5% over the past year, according to the Market Insight report from recruiter Greythorn.

The report found that the average salary now stands at £50,276, up from £49,027 12 months ago.

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013, which surveyed the same period, 25,000 new roles have been created in the sector. The largest rise was seen in programmers and software development professionals which saw a spoke of 12,000 new positions. 5,000 more web development roleshave also been created in the last 12 months.

However, the Greythorn’s survey found salaries amongst IT directors has fallen 11.5% in the past year, as well as the number of IT managers plummeting by 6,000.

Mark Baxter, managing director of Greythorn said: “IT and Tech is at the vanguard of the economy and the sector is growing year by year. It is extremely important in maintaining a global advantage for businesses in every sector and talented staff are at the very heart of this.

“A huge number of new roles are being created, and skilled professionals have never been more in demand particularly in emerging technologies. Those that have the skills can demand increased salaries and bonuses, knowing they hold the power in any negotiations.”

According to the survey the past year has been positive for IT professionals overall. Of those surveyed 81% said they are now optimistic about the economy, compared to just 51% last year.

In addition, 41% have changed jobs in the last 12 months and 32% managed to find roles in less than a month.

Junior level roles saw the most growth in terms of salary and headcount, suggesting newly established industries related to emerging technologies are thriving.

Baxter added: “Even with the increasing proliferation of smartphones, tablets and other new technology, web development still tops the list of sought after skills this year.

“This shows it is crucial that IT professionals keep their online skillsets up to scratch. Those who continue to refresh and enhance their web based skills will reap the best rewards given such expertise and knowledge continues to be in very high in demand across the sector.”