Career guides / Careers in IT
Careers in IT
IT roles in the UK public sector span a broad range of specialisms, from frontline service desk support to enterprise architecture and cyber security leadership. The sector offers strong job security, competitive benefits, and meaningful work supporting essential public services.
Discover current vacancies, an overview of key roles, salary expectations, and answers to common questions about getting into IT.
Explore the latest opportunities below and find a role that fits your skills and ambitions.
71 employers, including local authorities, police forces, and central government, are advertising IT roles in the UK.
Types of IT roles in the UK
There is strong demand for IT professionals in the UK public sector, particularly for software developers, solution architects, and infrastructure engineers. Other common IT roles include:
- Software Developer/Engineer
- IT Support / Service Desk
- IT Architect / Solutions Architect
- Infrastructure/Cloud/Platform Engineer
- Cyber Security
- IT Manager / Head of IT / Director
- Data Analyst/Engineer
- Digital Designer
- IT Project/Programme Manager
- IT Service Delivery
- Business/Functional Analyst
- Digital Transformation
- Digital Analyst
- Test/QA Analyst
- Systems Administrator/Officer
Salary overview for IT jobs in the UK
Salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, employer, and location. The majority of public sector IT roles are on annual salary scales.
Typical average salary ranges in 2026:
- Entry level: £24,410 - £30,487 per year
- Associate level: £33,877 - £49,999 per year
- Mid - Senior roles: £45,326 - £70,566 per year
- Senior leadership: £68,958 - £98,015 per year
FAQs about careers in education
What are the jobs in IT?
IT covers a wide range of roles. In the public sector, the most common include software developers, data analysts, cyber security engineers, infrastructure and cloud engineers, solution architects, digital designers, and service desk analysts.
Central government organises these under the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) framework, which defines over 150 role types across areas like data, architecture, user-centred design, and IT operations. Local councils, emergency services, housing associations, and charities all recruit IT professionals too. Browse our current IT vacancies to explore the full range of roles available.
How do I get a job in IT?
There are several routes into IT. Many roles require a degree in computer science or a related subject, but not all, particularly in support, data, and junior development roles. Apprenticeships are increasingly popular, with public sector employers like HMRC, the Home Office, and local councils offering IT apprenticeships from Level 3 upwards.
Industry certifications such as CompTIA, Microsoft, and AWS qualifications can also open doors. For public sector roles, check the government's DDaT Capability Framework to understand the skills expected at each level.
How to change career to IT?
Career changers are well catered for in public sector IT. Apprenticeships have no upper age limit and many are specifically designed for people switching careers, not just school leavers. The civil service TechTrack programme, for example, offers a Level 4 digital apprenticeship with tailored AI and leadership content.
Your existing skills are valuable too: project management, communication, and sector knowledge all transfer well into IT roles. Bootcamps and short certification courses in areas like cyber security, data analysis, or cloud computing can help bridge technical gaps quickly.
How to start a career in IT with no experience?
You don't need years of experience to get started. Public sector apprenticeships are one of the best routes in. They combine paid work with structured training, and there's no upper age limit. On Jobs Go Public, around 5% of IT vacancies are apprenticeship-level positions with employers like councils and government departments.
Entry-level service desk and technical support roles often require enthusiasm and basic IT literacy rather than formal qualifications. Volunteering with community tech projects or earning free certifications through platforms like Cisco Networking Academy can also help build your CV. Search our IT jobs and filter for entry-level opportunities.
How to start a career in IT without a degree?
A degree isn't essential for many IT roles. Apprenticeships offer a direct route into public sector IT, with programmes available from Level 3 (A-level equivalent) through to Level 6 (degree equivalent), all while earning a salary. Industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Microsoft Azure, and AWS are widely respected by employers and can be completed in weeks rather than years.
Many service desk, support, and junior data roles focus on practical skills and aptitude over formal qualifications. The government's DDaT career framework also supports progression based on demonstrated skills rather than academic credentials. Browse IT jobs on Jobs Go Public to see current requirements.
Is IT a good career choice?
IT is one of the fastest-growing professional areas in the UK. In the public sector specifically, demand for digital and data skills has been rising steadily, with central government doubling its IT workforce over the past decade.
Public sector IT roles offer competitive salaries, generous pension schemes, hybrid working, and the chance to work on services that millions of people rely on. If you enjoy problem-solving and want your work to have real public impact, it's a strong career path.
Are IT jobs safe from AI?
Most IT roles are more likely to be reshaped by AI than replaced by it. While routine tasks like basic data processing and first-line support queries may be increasingly automated, roles requiring complex problem-solving, system design, security expertise, and human judgment remain in strong demand. In fact, AI is creating new IT specialisms.
Public sector employers are already recruiting for AI engineers, data ethicists, and machine learning specialists. The key is staying adaptable and building skills that complement AI rather than compete with it.
What IT jobs are high paid?
In the public sector, the highest-paid IT roles tend to be in architecture, leadership, and cyber security. On Jobs Go Public, solution and enterprise architect roles typically advertise salaries averaging £59,000–£68,000, with some exceeding £100,000. Senior leadership positions like Head of Digital or IT Director can reach £90,000+.
Cyber security roles average £53,000–£63,000, with specialist positions going higher. Infrastructure and cloud engineering roles also command strong salaries. Around 31% of IT roles on our platform advertise maximum salaries above £60,000. Browse our IT vacancies to find roles in your target range.
