IT & Computing : Top 10 most in-demand freelance skills in 2024

In the UK, where the freelance landscape is increasingly populated by skilled professionals, the allure of independence in IT, tech, and digital sectors is undeniable. Each year, more experts in computing and information systems are opting for the freelance route. While this path isn’t without its challenges – navigating financial and administrative hurdles can be daunting – the rewards of freelancing are compelling. The autonomy in choosing projects, geographical freedom, and flexible timing are significant draws. However, the time devoted to managing one’s business, including invoicing, follow-ups, and accounting, can be substantial.

Fortunately, in the UK, managing companies like Hightekers offer comprehensive support to both new and established independents and freelancers, taking the burden of administration off their shoulders. This support paves the way for true professional fulfillment: the freedom of freelance without the constraints of business management.

With such a backdrop, let’s delve into the most in-demand freelance skills in IT, tech, and computing. But first, let’s understand why this work mode is so appealing in these sectors.

Why is Freelancing taking the lead in IT and Computing ?

In the UK, the freelance landscape shows a strong leaning towards IT, digital technologies, and related fields. Specifically, 35.5% of freelancers are engaged in IT and engineering, 27.6% in digital content creation, and 15.8% in digital technologies. This is followed by 10.9% in Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS), 7.9% in marketing services, and 2.3% in other areas. This distribution indicates that nearly one in two freelancers in the UK comes from the IT and digital domains. This trend is driven by several factors, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of these sectors:

A increasing offer for freelance missions

No clients, no independence! With the ever-increasing importance of digital transformation and online presence for businesses, the 2010s saw a surge in demand for specialized consultants, a trend that has shown no signs of slowing down. In the UK, experienced consultants often find themselves choosing between multiple projects. Additionally, some freelancers are part of powerful networks or communities (like Hightekers), leveraging opportunities and referrals from fellow members. 

Professional freedom is now essential

The vast majority of consultants agree on one thing: once you’ve experienced the independence of freelancing, it’s tough to consider going back to traditional employment. The luxury of choosing who to work with, setting your own pace, and selecting the types of projects you engage in often seems out of reach for many employed workers. With less hierarchical pressure and a more hands-on approach, freelancers in the UK typically enjoy a less restrictive work environment with greater freedom of action. However, this freedom is contingent on having enough project offers to avoid settling for the first opportunity that comes along. As consultants gain more experience, they often find themselves more in demand and quickly achieve the much-desired level of freedom. Joining networks like Hightekers can be a strategic move for those looking to accelerate their professional growth and tap into new opportunities.

A more appealing income

Despite various overheads and indirect expenses, freelancing often offers more lucrative pay than traditional employment, especially in IT and computing. In these sectors, the interplay of supply and demand frequently tilts the financial scales in favor of freelancers over employees in the UK. However, it’s crucial to factor in unpaid vacation days and additional expenses (like accountancy fees, administration costs, health insurance, pension contributions, professional indemnities, and other insurances) to calculate the true net income at the end of the month. A growing solution for managing these tasks is partnering with a managing company like Hightekers, which can alleviate the burden of these time-consuming, often tedious responsibilities. The time saved from handling business administration translates into more billable hours and enhanced focus on client work.

A more encouraging and stimulating everyday life

In the fields of IT and digital, the ability to diversify projects, clients, and work environments is a true luxury. This variety allows consultants in the UK to experience greater job satisfaction and unique opportunities for skill enhancement. 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. This variety offers a level of intellectual stimulation that is often unattainable in traditional employment roles. 

The top 10 most in-demand freelance skills in computing

1. Scrum Master

Becoming the cornerstone of agile project management methods since the 2010s, this role is essential for streamlining software development processes through effective communication and problem-solving.

Trends and projections: Since 2018, the demand for Scrum Masters has seen significant growth, a trend expected to continue into 2024 and beyond, driven by the exponential adoption of agile methods in the industry.

2. UX/UI designer

At the core of crafting engaging user interfaces, this skill has become indispensable in today’s digital economy. Expertise in mobile and responsive design is now a strategic pillar for businesses, leading to its growing demand in recent years.

Trends and forecast: The emphasis on user experience, whether within the Google algorithm or innovative digital projects, suggests that this trend is set to persist well beyond 2024.

3. Data Scientist

Essential for their ability to turn complex data into strategic insights, their expertise in statistics and machine learning empowers businesses to make informed decisions and accurately anticipate market trends.

Trends and forecast: The increasing demand for these skills, driven by the data explosion, underscores the pivotal role of Data Scientists in leveraging data for strategic decision-making. Their numbers are expected to continue growing by 30% between 2023 and 2032.

4. Data Engineer

Playing a pivotal role in the efficient provision and utilization of data for analytics, their expertise in database management is crucial for businesses to strategically leverage this resource.

Trends and forecast: Their soaring demand underscores the need for a robust and scalable data infrastructure, a key asset for companies. In recent years, the demand for data engineers has outstripped supply, a trend set to continue into 2024.

5. Back-end & Full Stack Developer

Essential for businesses due to their ability to create and integrate comprehensive web solutions, their proficiency in programming and database development enables the creation of effective and secure web projects.

Trends and forecast: The demand for Full-stack developers has been increasing by approximately 35% annually since 2015 and is expected to continue well into 2024. This surge highlights the critical role of full-stack developers in creating web solutions tailored to meet all the needs of businesses.

6. React JS Developer

React JS developers are in high demand for their expertise in creating dynamic and responsive user interfaces. This popular JavaScript framework, known for its flexibility and performance, enables businesses to enhance the interactivity and user experience of their web solutions, which is increasingly important today (as mentioned above).

Trends and forecast: The demand for these skills is on a continual rise, fueled by a React.js development services market projected to reach $28.6 billion globally by 2027. This indicates a bright future for React JS Developers.

 7. Expert in Cybersecurity

Crucial for safeguarding company information and systems against the rising tide of digital threats, their role is increasingly strategic as cyberattacks become more frequent and complex.

Trends and forecast: Skills in cybersecurity, risk analysis, and incident management are in higher demand than ever. The need for these competencies has surged in recent years, underscoring their vital importance in maintaining the security and integrity of corporate data.

8. Infrastructure Engineer

Playing a key role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems, their expertise is crucial in ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of IT infrastructures, especially with the shift towards cloud-based solutions.

Trends and forecast: The demand for infrastructure engineers remains steady and is set to stay strong in 2024, reflecting the growing need of businesses for reliable and scalable IT infrastructures.

9. Functional testers and automation engineers

Holding a fundamental place in the software development process, ensuring the quality and reliability of the final products, their role has expanded with the evolution of development methodologies, particularly with continuous integration and deployment.

Trends and forecast: Companies creating software or digital products face increasingly fierce competition, highlighting the essential contribution of testers in delivering flawless and more efficient software. Consequently, the trend is an increasing demand for these skills in 2024.

 10. Cloud Architect

At the forefront of digital transformation, by designing cloud architectures for increased flexibility, efficiency, and scalability, cloud architects are not short of project opportunities.

Trends and forecast: With the acceleration of cloud adoption, their expertise is more in demand than ever to navigate complex technological choices and ensure smooth integration with existing systems. Their demand has been experiencing exponential growth in recent years and is expected to continue rising in 2024, due to the increasing importance of cloud solutions in corporate strategies.

How to easily become a freelancer in IT and computing?

Between the desire and the ability, there often lies a gap that many consultants hesitate to cross. Faced with the administrative burdens of a private limited company and the time dedicated to ‘extras’ (accounting, invoicing, follow-ups, insurance, additional coverages, provisions…), it’s understandable that aspiring freelancers in IT and digital might feel overwhelmed before even starting. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution within everyone’s reach.

This solution is a specialized managing company for freelancers in IT, computing, tech, and digital sectors. Since 2016, Hightekers has become a benchmark in these fields, supporting over 1700 independent consultants to focus on their assignments and develop their careers. The hassle of business management, regular invoicing, and time-consuming follow-ups are eliminated: freelancers enjoy a local contract (like a Permanent Contract in the UK) while maintaining 100% independence.Furthermore, consultants at Hightekers are an integral part of our expert community, allowing them to network, train, advise each other, and share mission opportunities with some of the most prestigious clients across Europe!

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