IT & Computing : Top 10 Most In-demand Freelance Skills

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

Across the UK, more and more talented IT, tech, and digital professionals are stepping away from traditional roles to embrace the freedom of freelancing. From choosing your own projects, to setting your own hours, and working from anywhere in the world – the pull is enticing. 

Of course, freelancing comes with its challenges. That’s why companies like Hightekers exist – to make life easier for independent consultants. From handling admin and accounting to offering tailored contractor support, we free you up to focus on what matters most: delivering great work for your clients.

Whether you’re considering making the leap or already running your own freelance business, this guide will help you stay ahead. 

Let’s look at the most in-demand skills shaping the future of IT and tech freelancing today.

Why is freelancing taking the lead in IT and computing?

In the UK, IT and tech are leading the freelance charge. It’s now the second-largest sector for self-employed professionals, right behind construction. And the demand isn’t slowing down – LinkedIn’s latest Skills on the Rise report shows workplace skillsets are evolving fast, with tech-driven expertise like AI literacy and Large language models (LLM) utilization becoming essential. 

For consultants, that means a growing pool of opportunities for those ready to meet the market’s shifting needs.

An increasing demand for freelance projects

Growing and nurturing your client list is the key to a successful freelance business

As businesses focus more on digital transformation and online presence, the demand for specialised consultants continues to grow. Experienced IT pros have plenty of ways to find freelance projects – from specialist platforms to direct client contracts. 

Many also join professional networks like Hightekers, where connecting with peers can open doors to new opportunities and valuable referrals.

Embracing professional freedom as a  freelancer

Most self-employed consultants say the same thing – once you’ve experienced the freedom of freelancing, it’s hard to imagine going back to a 9-to-5. Having the power to choose your clients, set your own hours, and work on projects you actually enjoy is a level of flexibility that traditional employment rarely offers.

On the flip side, this freedom depends on having enough clients and projects in the pipeline, so you’re not forced to take the first job that comes along. As you gain more experience as an independent  consultant, you often become more in demand and as a result, get closer to, or even achieve, your desired level of freedom.

Joining a network like Hightekers can help you accelerate your professional growth and find freelance opportunities faster.

A more appealing income

Freelancing often pays more than traditional jobs, especially in IT and tech, where UK supply and demand for specialist skills usually favours contractors over employees.

That said, when working out your real take-home pay as a freelancer, it’s easy to forget the hidden costs. Things like unpaid holidays, accounting fees, admin time, pension contributions, and professional insurance all chip away at your net income – so they’re important to factor in from the start.

More and more freelancers are teaming up with management companies like Hightekers to take the hassle out of running their business. By handling admin and paperwork, we give you back valuable time – so you can focus on clients, take on more projects, and increase your billable hours (and income) each month.

A more varied and fulfilling freelance activity

Freelancing in the IT and digital space means having a mix of projects, clients, and work environments, leading to greater job satisfaction and fantastic opportunities to improve your skills and boost your activity.

For instance, a Full-Stack developer might lead the launch of an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) software for one client and then move on to work on a SaaS (Software as a Service) application for another.

Unlike many traditional jobs, this variety keeps your day-to-day work interesting and mentally stimulating.

The top 10 most in-demand freelance skills in computing

1. Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is a key player in agile project management, helping to make software development smoother by improving communication and solving problems. 

Trends and projections: Demand for Scrum Masters has soared over the last 10 years, and shows no sign of slowing. As agile spreads, they’ve evolved from facilitators to essential leaders, driving transformations and coaching teams. Demand is set to grow by 24% in the next five years.

2. UX/UI designer

Knowing how to create mobile-friendly and responsive designs is no longer optional, it’s a must for businesses aiming to reach and retain customers across all devices.

Trends and projections: The focus on user experience continues to intensify. Google’s algorithms now prioritise sites with seamless UX, and new digital projects consistently put user-centered design at the forefront. This emphasis on great user experience is expected to grow steadily for years to come.

3. Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist you turn complex data into useful insights, helping businesses make smart decisions and predict market trends.

Trends and projections: The growing need for these skills due to the data boom highlights the importance of Data Scientists in tactical planning. Their numbers are predicted to grow by circa 30% by 2032.

4. Data Engineer

Data Engineers are the backbone of data management, making sure information is organised and ready for analysis. Their database skills are key for businesses to turn data into insights.

Trends and projections: Demand for Data Engineers is booming as companies race to build reliable data systems. The need already outpaces supply, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

5. Back-end & Full Stack Developer

Back-end and Full Stack Developers are crucial for businesses because they build and integrate complete web solutions. Their skills in programming and database development help create effective and secure web projects.

Trends and projections: Over the last decade,  the demand for Full Stack Developers has been growing by circa 35% each year. This trend is expected to keep rising, showing just how important these developers are for creating web solutions that meet all business needs.

6. React JS Developer

React JS developers are highly sought after as they create engaging and responsive user interfaces. Using the popular JavaScript framework, React, they help businesses improve the interactivity and user experience of their websites. This is crucial in today’s digital landscape.

Trends and projections: The need for React JS developers is continuously increasing. The React.js development services market is expected to reach $28.6 billion globally by 2027, signalling great career prospects in this field.

 7. Expert in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity experts are critical for protecting company data and systems from the growing threat of cyberattacks. As these attacks become more frequent and complex, the role of cybersecurity professionals has become paramount.

Trends and projections: The demand for skills in cybersecurity, risk analysis, and incident management is higher than ever and is only expected to grow. This surge highlights the essential need for these experts to keep corporate data secure and maintain its integrity.

8. Infrastructure Engineer

Infrastructure engineers keep the backbone of IT systems running smoothly, securely, and efficiently – especially as more businesses shift to the cloud.

Trends and projections: Demand for infrastructure engineers remains steady and strong, reflecting how vital reliable, scalable IT setups are for today’s businesses.

9. Functional testers and automation engineers

Software testers play a vital role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software products. They catch bugs and issues before the software reaches the end-users, making sure everything runs smoothly. Their importance has grown even more with the rise of new development methods like continuous integration and deployment.

Trends and projections: As competition heats up in the software industry, the need for skilled testers is on the rise. Companies want to release flawless and efficient software, which pushes the demand for quality testers even higher. This trend is expected to continue growing.

 10. Cloud Architect

Cloud architects are key players in digital transformation. They design cloud systems that are flexible, efficient, and scalable, ensuring businesses have the tech foundation they need to succeed.

Trends and projections: As more companies move to the cloud, the need for skilled cloud architects is booming. Their ability to navigate tech challenges and integrate systems smoothly makes them invaluable. Expect their demand to keep rising as cloud solutions become even more crucial to business strategies.

How to become a freelancer in IT and computing?

Making the jump from thinking about freelancing to actually becoming an independent consultant can feel overwhelming. The admin side, like accounting, invoicing, chasing payments, and handling insurance, quickly piles up and can take the fun out of your work.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Specialist management companies for freelancers and tech pros exist to take that weight off your shoulders and help you focus on what you do best.

Since 2016, Hightekers has been a leader in this field, supporting thousands of independent  consultants to focus on projects and grow their freelance activities. 

We take care of business management and invoicing, so you can stay focused on your work while keeping your independence. Plus, partnering with Hightekers means joining an expert community, with chances for networking, training, and sharing opportunities with fellow IT pros.

How to become a freelancer in IT and computing?

More tech, and digital pros are choosing the freelance life – drawn by the freedom to pick projects, set hours, and work from anywhere. But with freedom comes responsibility: admin, invoicing, and the nitty-gritty of running a business can quickly pile up.

That’s where Hightekers steps in. For nearly a decade, we’ve been the go-to partner for consultants who want to ditch the paperwork and focus on what really matters – delivering great work and growing their careers. We handle your admin, accounting, and business support, so you don’t have to.

Joining Hightekers means more than just hassle-free freelancing –  it’s about being part of a community of experts, with access to networking, training, and new opportunities.

Ready to make freelancing work for you? 

Let Hightekers take care of the business side, so you can take care of your future.

Find out how Hightekers can enhance your freelance IT journey

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!