Big pay gaps in Computer Science – Which jobs work best for freelancers?
New data shows Chief Information Officers and leadership roles earn six-figure salaries, but other positions pay much less. We examine pay trends and explain why some roles suit contractors better than others
Show me the money: computer science salaries
Computer science salaries vary widely depending on your role and seniority. Leadership positions, senior architect roles, and security officers earn the most money.
Software architects who design secure, scalable systems are essential to tech teams. Entry-level software architects can earn up to £90,000 per year. For contractors, these roles are ideal because companies often need architects for specific projects rather than permanent hires.
Cybersecurity roles command high salaries as companies worry more about cyber attacks. A cybersecurity officer earning £100,000 annually costs far less than rebuilding systems after a security breach. These specialist roles work well for freelancers who can serve multiple clients.
Entry-level software development roles pay £50,000-£90,000 – much higher than other industries. Add stock options and bonuses, and the total package increases further. However, entry-level staff typically handle smaller tasks and need mentoring from senior colleagues.
Senior positions pay significantly more. A senior software engineer earns £150,000-£200,000 compared to entry-level rates. This reflects their responsibilities: mentoring junior staff, designing complex systems, and implementing architectural solutions.
At the bottom of the pay scale, Network Administrators earn £32,651 and Test Analysts earn £34,794. These lower salaries reflect the different skill requirements compared to leadership and engineering roles.
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Data and Business Intelligence
Leadership roles such as Business Intelligence Manager (£58,999) and Data Architect (£76,035) pay well. Entry-level positions such as Data Analyst (£39,736) and Business Intelligence Analyst (£40,023) earn much less. This shows why specialisation and career progression matter for higher earnings.
Tecnovy CEO Ertul Topuzoglu said: “The tech salary landscape in the UK shows a clear premium for leadership roles that combine technical expertise with strategic business vision.”
Topuzoglu, said the Swiss Training & IT Consulting company found that the gap between roles depends on what organisations need: leadership skills, expertise, and problem-solving ability. The difference between the highest and lowest-paid tech roles is nearly £91,000, creating opportunities for professionals to increase earnings through training and career development.
Best roles for contractors and freelancers
Several roles work particularly well for contractors because they’re project-based, highly specialised, and provide strategic value:
Architect Roles (Chief Architect, Enterprise Architect, Solution Architect): Perfect for contractors who design and oversee technical project structures. Companies need skilled architects for specific projects or limited timeframes. Freelancers can work across multiple clients without long-term commitments whilst commanding high day rates.
DevOps Manager/Engineer: Companies often need help implementing new tools and processes. Freelance DevOps professionals can set up CI/CD pipelines, migrate infrastructure to the cloud, or improve existing processes. These project-specific roles require high expertise that works well on contract.
Programme/Project Manager: Organisations frequently need skilled managers for specific initiatives like digital transformation or product launches. Contractors ensure projects finish on time and within budget, making this role natural for freelance work.
Security Specialists (CISO, Information Security Manager): High demand for cybersecurity expertise means companies may need these roles part-time or temporarily. Smaller businesses often cannot afford full-time, highly-paid CISOs. Freelancers can provide strategic security guidance and incident response across multiple clients.
Arguably, if you’re an ambitious freelancer who wants to maximise your earning potential, the roles listed above are the ones you’ll probably want to focus on. Yet, new lucrative and in-demand roles are emerging thanks to AI, for example, the Go-to-Market Engineer.
The most lucrative jobs for freelancers are typically project-based roles that require specialised expertise and deliver immediate value to clients. Therefore, every time you deliver results for a client, add it to your portfolio and LinkedIn bio/list of projects.
That is not to say that when you are between projects, you cannot add smaller one-off assignments to your portfolio or create a digital solution that earns you passive income. Look out for our upcoming series of ideas for passive income for contractors.
Top 10 highest-paid tech jobs in the UK
| Rank | Position Title | Job Category | Average Base Salary |
| 1 | Chief Information Officer (CIO) | Leadership | £123,712 |
| 2 | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | Leadership | £122,079 |
| 3 | Chief Architect | Leadership | £116,061 |
| 4 | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | Leadership | £104,321 |
| 5 | IT Director | Leadership | £92,978 |
| 6 | Programme Director | Transformation | £92,347 |
| 7 | Head of Product | Transformation | £88,687 |
| 8 | Enterprise Architect | Architecture | £85,483 |
| 9 | Solution Architect | Architecture | £77,890 |
| 10 | DevOps Manager | Cloud and Infrastructure | £77,352 |
Five lowest-paid tech jobs in the UK
| Rank | Position Title | Job Category | Average Base Salary |
| 1 | Network Administrator | Cloud and Infrastructure | £32,651 |
| 2 | Test Analyst | Software Development and Testing | £34,794 |
| 3 | Applications Support | Software Development and Testing | £38,998 |
| 4 | Data Analyst | Business Intelligence and Data Analysis | £39,736 |
| 5 | Business Intelligence Analyst | Business Intelligence and Data Analysis | £40,023 |
