Where UK IT contractor demand will be in Q2 2025

As we enter 2025’s second month it’s the upcoming second quarter that we here pre-empt where IT contractor demand will be, exclusively for readers of ContractorUK, writes Amanda Whicher, UK&I technology director of Hays.

Today in 2025 there are two engines of IT contractor demand

Already though, in 2025’s very first month, two major reasons are driving end-users towards IT contractors -- access to skills that are specialised, and greater flexibility in scaling their workforces.

So as we saw in January but projected by us to last up until May 2025, organisations are increasingly interested in skilled tech contractors who can leverage their expertise to complete projects and share knowledge with end-client teams, in some cases, upskilling internal staff.

Through this lens, I’ll reveal the top five IT contractor skills and jobs that are in high demand in this first quarter -- and will be sitting pretty in Q2 2025 too.

Sought-after skills – why IT contractors are NEEDED

Before I pinpoint a ‘top five’ IT contractor skills for the second quarter, it’s key to understand what’s driving organisations to seek IT contractors -- and related, what tech skills organisations truly need.

And it is a need. Last year, 87% of organisations that typically hire IT contractors told us they faced skills shortages, so there’s a clear appetite for contract resources to plug gaps.

Five ‘hot’ IT contractor skillsets (ripe for plugging 2024’s gaps)

When it comes to technical expertise, the top five most sought-after specialist skills for employers were:

  1. Cloud (48%),
  2. IT Infrastructure (37%),
  3. Architecture (35%),
  4. Data and Analytics (35%), and
  5. Projects and Change Management (33%).

Key takeaway: All five of these areas are crucial for the effective utilisation of AI tools and technologies in the future.

As an IT contractor, it’s no longer just your core technical offering that matters

Looking at core and ‘soft’ skills (which are equally vital for both temporary and permanent technologists), the top five essential skills were the ability to adopt change (55%); communication and interpersonal skills (55%), critical thinking (48%), problem-solving (48%), and flexibility and adaptability (40%).

Key takeaway: These core competencies will be essential for contractors to excel in 2025. As the demand for AI implementation grows, strong human-centric skills will also remain vital for contractors to profile.

Top five in-demand IT contractor skills of Q1-Q2 2025

There is strong interest in various contracting roles from employers across a variety of sectors, with these five in particular now emerging as highly sought-after:

1. Business Analyst

Analysts with specialised skills will have plenty of opportunities to secure good contracting roles throughout 2025.

In addition to your technical skillset, experience from previous organisations and projects is crucial.

When updating your CV as a Business Analyst, make sure to include any technology and systems used, along with the projects delivered.

Similarly, if you have worked for a consultancy, prominently mention the industry or the organisation, as employers will prioritise candidates with similar industry experience.

Business Analyst Pay Rates (London)

Business Analyst – Senior

  • Range - £550-700 per day
  • Typical - £625 per day

Business Analyst – Mid

  • Range - £450-550 per day
  • Typical - £500 per day

Business Analyst - Junior

  • Range - £350-450 per day
  • Typical - £400 per day

2. Java Developer

It's no surprise that Java Developer contractors remain in high demand in 2025, given the numerous programmes that rely on Java.

As a contractor, the role will differ from a permanent position in that you may need to help train permanent staff with your skills.

Likewise, we’re seeing clients expect contract Java Developers to do a ‘handover’ post-project completion.

For contractors sitting on the bench but seeking opportunities in Java Development, it’s key to stay updated on AI and understand how it can—and cannot—support your work.

Front Office Java Developer Pay Rates (UK)

  • Range - £850 -1,000 per day
  • Typical - £900 per day

3. Solution Architect

Contract Solution Architects are often parachuted into businesses for their SME knowledge around translating technical requirements into practical IT solutions – and will continue to be sought-after this year.

Solution Architects establish rules and instructions for proper implementation and delivery while communicating the solution design to the relevant stakeholders.

In terms of the best industry for freelance solution architects, Financial Services (mainly banking institutions and insurance companies) will lead the way in Q2 and 2025 more generally, when it comes to who’ll be most actively hiring -- often due to their large, complex project deliverables.

Solution Architect Pay Rates (UK)

  • Range - £650 – 900 per day
  • Typical - £750 per day

4. Change Manager

Organisations undergoing transformation often benefit from bringing in temporary experts – and this is a trend we’ve seen since 2020.

Good Change Managers will continue to be sought after in Q2 2025 and beyond – especially those specialising in cyber and ERP.

But don’t forget if you are looking for contracting opportunities in this area to heavily focus on your project examples and outcomes, as well as your soft skills such as communication and leadership.

Change Manager Pay Rates (London) 

  • Range - £500 – 700 per day
  • Typical - £575 per day

5. Data Analyst

Contractors frequently keep up with the latest tools and technologies in data analytics, which is advantageous for organisations aiming to utilise new advancements in tech.

Employers in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, often need data analysis expertise for specific periods – and we expect this to continue deep into 2025.

Expect your responsibilities to be similar to those in permanent roles, such as data cleaning and visualisation.

Often, there is the potential for data analyst contractors to be taken on permanently, post-contract.

 Data Analyst Pay Rates (London)

  • Range - £450-650 per day
  • Typical - £475 per day

TL;DR: Technology skills in 2025 as a contractor – so far, Q2, and beyond

So far in 2025, the demand for IT contractors is being driven by the need from organisations for specialised skills and the flexibility to scale their workforce. And we expect this to continue up to Q2 and beyond.

As organisations continue to navigate the evolving technological landscape, the expertise of contractors will become invaluable in ensuring successful project delivery and knowledge transfer.

By monitoring the cutting-edge of your niche and by being across the very latest tools and technologies, while keeping both technical and soft skills honed, IT contractors will be doing everything they can to position themselves for success this year.

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Editor’s Note: All rates provided by Hays are from its 2024 Contractor Day Rate Guide.

Tuesday 4th Feb 2025
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Written by Amanda Whicher

Amanda Whicher is Director of Technology at Hays UK&I. With over 17 years of experience in the recruitment sector, Amanda has a wealth of insights on the challenges employers face accessing and retaining talent. She has a particular interest in encouraging more women into tech, to expand their career opportunities and create more diverse and inclusive tech teams.

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