As the UK tech sector continues to evolve at pace, new roles are emerging that reflect both the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital world. Lorien’s recent UK Technology and Digital Salary Survey 2025 reveals a dynamic landscape shaped by rapid innovation, automation, and the growing integration of AI into business operations.
The data highlights that organisations across the UK are prioritising investments in security, automation, and quality assurance, while candidates with expertise in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity are commanding increasingly competitive salaries.
Cybersecurity: The Rise of IAM and Security Architecture Roles
Cybersecurity remains a top priority for organisations across all sectors, driven by the growing sophistication of threats, increased regulatory pressures, and the rapid adoption of cloud technologies.
New identity-focused roles have gained traction in 2025, particularly around Identity and Access Management (IAM). These positions ensure that the right people have the right access at the right time, a critical function in the era of hybrid work and multi-cloud infrastructure.
Key Emerging Cyber Roles and Salaries (UK Average):
- Security Architect: £86,140
- Head of IAM: £82,590
- IAM Manager: £90,765
- IAM Consultant: £62,995
- IAM Analyst: £68,225
According to Gartner, demand for IAM specialists has surged as organisations move away from perimeter-based security models to zero-trust frameworks. This shift is reshaping how businesses approach cybersecurity - making IAM expertise one of the most valuable skill sets in the market today.
Cloud and DevOps: Engineering the Future of Scalable Infrastructure
The shift to cloud-native environments continues to drive demand for professionals who can manage and optimise infrastructure at scale. The DevOps Engineering Lead role, which commands between £80,000 and £110,000 annually, is among the fastest-growing positions identified in our 2025 salary survey.
These roles are central to improving collaboration between development and operations teams, automating deployment processes, and ensuring reliability and resilience in digital services.
As organisations continue to adopt multi-cloud and hybrid strategies, cloud engineers with skills in AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes are increasingly essential for maintaining both agility and security.
Testing and Quality Assurance: SDETs and Automation Experts in Demand
The rise of Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) and Test Consultants marks another notable trend for 2025. With businesses under pressure to deliver products faster and with fewer defects, automated testing and continuous integration have become key pillars of modern development.
SDETs bridge the gap between development and QA, blending coding expertise with a deep understanding of testing frameworks. This is a critical combination as AI-driven test automation tools become more widely adopted.
AI, Machine Learning, and Automation: The Fastest-Growing Tech Sector
The AI, Machine Learning, and Automation sector has grown by 50% since 2024, according to Lorien’s 2025 salary data. This boom reflects the rapid integration of intelligent systems across industries, from financial services and healthcare to manufacturing and retail.
Roles in this space are evolving quickly, with professionals now expected to combine deep technical knowledge with an understanding of ethical AI, data privacy, and real-world business applications.
Key AI and Automation Roles and Rates:
Here's a breakdown of some of the most in-demand roles and what you can expect to earn:
- AI Architects are commanding daily rates between £600 and £800, with an average of £700 across the UK. In high-demand areas, this can rise to £800.
- AI Engineers are seeing even broader ranges, from £500 to £900 per day. The UK average sits at £800, with top-end rates reaching £900 in competitive markets.
- Automation Engineers typically earn between £380 and £570 per day, with a UK average of £490 and slightly higher rates of £520 in high-demand regions.
- Machine Learning Engineers are earning £450 to £800 daily, with a national average of £495 and up to £650 in tech hubs.
- RPA Developers (Robotic Process Automation) are seeing rates from £280 to £445, averaging £370 across the UK and £400 in areas with strong demand.
Annual salaries for these roles range from £64,000 to £133,000, with the highest earnings typically found in AI engineering and architecture, a clear reflection of the growing strategic importance of these disciplines.
External research backs this trend. According to LinkedIn’s Future of Work report, AI and automation roles are among the fastest-growing globally. In the UK alone, job postings for AI specialists have surged by nearly 70% year-on-year, highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion and the urgent need for talent.
What This Means for Employers and Candidates
For employers, the competition for top talent in these emerging areas has never been fiercer. Businesses that invest in reskilling, internal mobility, and flexible work models will be better positioned to attract and retain the skills they need to stay ahead.
For candidates, the message is clear - upskilling in areas such as AI development, cloud automation, IAM, and testing automation will open doors to some of the most in-demand and well-compensated roles in the market.
Take the Next Steps with Lorien
At Lorien, we connect exceptional tech talent with leading organisations across the UK.
- For clients: Our proactive, data-driven approach helps you identify and engage highly qualified candidates who not only meet your technical requirements but also align with your company’s culture and goals.
- For candidates: We provide tailored guidance to help you navigate your next career move - from interview prep to industry insights and market benchmarking.
Let’s talk about how we can help your organisation build a workforce that’s engaged, future-ready, and driven by innovation.
Contact us today to learn more about how Lorien can support your next move, whether you’re building a team or advancing your career.
