Cyber security experts can expect biggest rises in 2018

With cyber security skills in big demand, specialists with these skills are likely to scoop the highest pay rises among tech professionals of up to 7% this year, some 6,900% above the 0.1% national average of 2017.
According to The Robert Walters 2018 Salary Survey, developers and infrastructure specialists will be next in line, enjoying salary rises of 3%.
Cyber security specialists were already highly sought last year, in light of high profile data leaks and related cyber attacks, while developers have been in demand from companies to support digitalisation projects.
Robert Walters associate director Ahsan Iqbal said: “Salaries for IT professionals are highly inflated, with employers having to compete to secure top talent. In this context, the increases for cyber security specialists are particularly noteworthy.”
“In addition to technical skills, employers are keen to secure professionals who can demonstrate communication and project management skills as they look to more closely integrate their IT function into the wider business.”
But with salary levels having already reached high levels, employers are being advised to consider other ways in which to attract and retain top talent.
For many IT professionals, while a high salary is important, there are other incentives which can attract them to a role, Iqbal added. In particular, flexibility is regarded as highly important, with many IT specialists looking to work for employers who are open to remote working and flexible hours.
“The nature of the projects they will be working on is also considered important to many IT professionals, as is the working culture of the organisation they are joining. Employers should consider highlighting these aspects of their organisation and the role itself when aiming to secure top calibre talent,” he concluded.