UK tech workforce hits 2.15 million as demand grows

The UK tech workforce reached 2.15 million in 2025 and is projected to grow by 1% in 2026, according to CompTIA.

The figures suggest steady expansion in digital employment after the UK added about 145,000 net new tech jobs since 2020. Tech occupations now account for 6.4% of total employment and contribute GBP £86.2 billion a year to the economy, or about 5.2% of GDP.

A key shift in the labour market is the breadth of hiring demand. Rather than being driven mainly by technology companies, employment growth is increasingly coming from employers across the wider economy seeking workers with digital skills.

The trend comes as artificial intelligence and broader digital change alter job requirements and intensify competition for workers. Over the next five years, hiring growth, retirements among experienced staff and wider workforce turnover are expected to tighten the market for tech talent.

Job posting data underscores the pressure on employers. There were about 540,000 tech job postings across the UK last year, indicating sustained demand even as overall workforce growth remains modest.

“Job growth is increasingly driven by demand for technology skills across every industry sector,” said Seth Robinson, Vice President of Industry Research at CompTIA.

“Digital talent is central to business competitiveness. As artificial intelligence and digital transformation reshape roles, organisations that invest in building and validating tech skills will be best positioned to innovate and grow,” Robinson said.

Regional picture

The research also points to a highly concentrated regional market. The top four regions account for nearly 763,000 tech workers, or more than one-third of the national total.

London remains the largest centre for tech employment by a wide margin. London and Bristol posted the biggest year-on-year gains, suggesting momentum is not limited to the capital.

Several urban economies also exceed the national average for the concentration of tech work. In London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Leeds, tech roles make up more than 7% of total employment, above the UK-wide level of 6.4%. Overall, six metropolitan areas meet or exceed that benchmark.

The business base remains strongest in the capital. London has 39,266 tech establishments, compared with 6,050 in Manchester, 3,177 in Bristol and 2,685 in Birmingham.

Pay premium

Wages continue to reflect the scarcity of digital skills. Tech roles pay 53% more than the UK median wage, with London recording the highest pay levels, followed by Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester.

The salary premium may help employers attract workers, but it also raises the stakes for sectors outside technology that need similar skills. As more industries compete for software, data, cybersecurity and infrastructure talent, hiring pressure is likely to spread further across the economy.

Tech employment is expected to outpace overall UK job growth in the coming years. CompTIA linked that outlook to continued investment in digital systems, the retirement of experienced workers and role changes as staff move between employers or careers.

Jason Moss, Senior Vice President for EMEA at CompTIA, said employers face a broader workforce challenge than simply filling vacancies. Retention and training are becoming more important as companies try to hold on to staff with sought-after expertise.

“Organisations face increasing pressure to attract, train and retain skilled tech professionals,” Moss said.

“Workforce development is becoming a critical lever for competitiveness, while individuals with in-demand tech skills will see expanding career opportunities,” he said.