6 certifications that can get UK tech workers a pay rise
Key Points
- AI, cloud and cybersecurity certifications can boost UK tech pay
- AWS, Azure, Google AI, CISSP, CISM and ISO 27001 made the list
- 46% of UK tech hiring managers are paying above budget
- 38% are paying more for generative AI skills
- Average UK tech pay growth is forecast at 2.1% for 2027
New data from Robert Half shows that certifications in AI, cloud and cybersecurity can boost UK tech salaries in 2027. The recruitment firm named the credentials in its 2027 UK IT and technology salary guide on rising pay for specialist skills.
Certifications that validate expertise in AI, cloud technologies, cybersecurity and information security management command the highest pay, Robert Half said.
The firm named the following credentials as pay boosters:
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- Azure AI Apps and Agents Developer Associate
- Cloud certifications for AWS, Azure, GCP and Salesforce
- CISSP and CISM
- Google AI
- ISO 27001
Robert Half said 46% of UK tech hiring managers are paying above their planned salary ranges. 78% of the managers paying above budget said they needed to secure candidates with specialised skills. 38% said they are paying more for professionals with generative AI skills.
Robert Half said security and AI professionals are the ones receiving the higher offers. The firm said these candidates combine technical depth with human judgement and know their value in the market.
Employers struggle to compete for them when pay falls below market rates or roles grow without matching salary increases, it added.
Robert Half listed the skills that may command higher pay in 2027, including:
- Software and applications development
- Generative AI solutions use
- Cybersecurity
- Agentic AI use and programming
- Data science and database management
73% of hiring managers said they are willing to negotiate base pay with candidates. 46% said candidates frequently negotiate higher salaries on the strength of their specialised skills. 24% of professionals said they struggle to know what they are worth in the market.
Roles set for bigger pay rises
Robert Half expects average salary growth of 2.1% across IT and technology roles in 2027.
Roles in enterprise systems, cybersecurity, software development, data analytics and architecture should beat that average, the firm said.
ERP functional consultants lead the forecast with expected growth of 4.2%, ahead of security network engineers at 3.8%.
Back-end developers follow at 3.7%, with business intelligence analysts and project managers both at 3.5%. Chief architects complete the list of above-average roles with expected growth of 3.4%.
Tech professionals weigh other factors heavily when competing offers carry similar base pay, Robert Half said.
The firm listed the perks most likely to motivate a job change, including:
- Hybrid work options and flexible schedules
- Unpaid leave and sabbaticals
- Bonuses and meal vouchers
- Commuting discounts
- Home office equipment allowances
Business services, finance and fintech, IT and SaaS, manufacturing, and retail are the sectors hiring most strongly for tech talent.
Robert Half said these industries continue to invest as they adopt AI, strengthen cybersecurity and modernise their infrastructure.
