Web developers, software analysts, IT project managers, security administrators, support technicians, just about every strand of the IT profession you can care to imagine is in huge demand. What’s more, due to a significant shortage in relevant skills, IT professionals are witnessing a nationwide rise in salaries.

According to the 2014 salary survey conducted by the global recruitment consultants Morgan McKinley, the salaries of individuals with good IT skills – at every level – is increasing considerably more steeply than average salaries in the UK.
More specifically, the survey highlighted, there is rising demand in the UK for people with SMAC skills, social, mobile, analytics and cloud technology.

The rise of cloud-based systems

2014 has seen a prolific rise in cloud technology and big data. Cloud and mobility have been one of the most dominating forces of the business spectre this year. As the demand for cloud-based servers and systems continues to grow so does the need for cyber-security management. Consequently, those with SMAC skills are in high demand. What’s more, employers are willing to pay for those with such skills.

“We have seen an increase in demand for highly-skilled IT professionals in almost every sub-sector.”
Cem Baris – Associate Director or Morgan McKinley

“Cyber-security (with dominant program requirements being Hadoop, Python and R), Big Data, Business Intelligence and Application Development are all in high demand. While two years ago, hirers were demanding skills as well as corporate experience, now we see a focus on skills irrespective of age and track record,” added Baris.

Though it is not just the rise of cloud technology and big data that is contributing to the demand for skilled IT workers. Augmenting the request and subsequently prospering salaries of IT professional is Britain’s technology start-up scene, which has also thrived in 2014.
For example, in London, according to Tech City Investment Organisation, more than a quarter of job growth comes from the digital and technology sector.

Though what is particularly exciting about the prolific growth, demand and subsequent above average remuneration of the IT sector in Britain, is that it is not confined to London.

Manchester’s thriving IT scene

Here in Manchester, aiding by the arrival and growth of MediaCityUK, the city has experienced a phenomenal growth in IT recruitment in recent years.
“Technology, media and creative is a rapidly growing sector in Greater Manchester, which itself is now considered the second-largest creative and digital hub in Europe,” said Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCityUK.

With the technology sector advancing at extremely rapid rates and with cities throughout the whole of the UK developing their own IT hubs, the demand for skilled IT professionals looks set to continue.