IT jobs most applied for in UK as salaries outpace rest

IT roles are attracting the most job applications per vacancy in the UK. Software Engineer is the most sought-after title, with an average advertised salary of £61,268, according to new analysis from job board CV-Library.

The data ranks sectors by applications per job and points to strong demand for roles that offer a mix of pay, perceived security and clear career paths. IT topped the list, followed by administration, distribution and customer services.

The findings are based on candidate behaviour and application trends across thousands of live UK vacancies. Covering the final quarter of 2025, the analysis also identifies the most advertised job title in each sector and its average advertised salary.

IT interest

Technology roles led the chart by applications per vacancy, with Software Engineer drawing the most interest. The average salary is more than double that of several other popular sectors, underlining the appeal of higher-paid roles at a time when many households remain sensitive to cost pressures.

CV-Library linked the popularity of IT roles to skills candidates see as durable in a changing economy, with interest shaped by artificial intelligence and automation. The sector is also associated with clear routes for advancement, which can lift application volumes even when entry requirements are higher than elsewhere in the labour market.

Administration ranked second. Receptionist was the most popular role, with an average salary of £30,805. The sector's position suggests many candidates continue to prioritise roles that are widely available across industries and relatively accessible for people changing jobs or returning to work.

Distribution placed third, led by Delivery Driver, with an average salary of £27,847. Customer services followed in fourth, where Customer Service Advisor was the most popular title at an average of £27,980.

Marketing and production

Marketing and media ranked fifth. Marketing Executive was the most popular job title, with an average salary of £31,869. Its place in the top five points to continued interest in roles linked to commercial growth and brand activity, even as some employers keep a close watch on discretionary spending.

Manufacturing and surveying ranked sixth, with Production Operative the most popular title and an average salary of £26,819. Application volumes here can reflect regional labour market dynamics and steady demand for operational roles across supply chains.

Lower pay, high demand

Hospitality and hotel roles came seventh, with Cleaner the most popular job title and an average salary of £25,365. While pay in the sector tends to sit below several other categories in the top 10, high application levels suggest jobseekers continue to weigh factors such as shift patterns and the nationwide availability of roles.

The public sector ranked eighth, with Housing Officer the most popular role and an average salary of £33,000. Housing services roles have drawn increased attention in recent years as councils and providers face rising demand and tighter resources.

Arts and graphic design placed ninth. Graphic Designer was the most popular role, with an average salary of £30,000. Creative positions often draw large candidate pools relative to the number of vacancies, increasing competition for individual roles.

Personnel and recruitment completed the top 10. Recruitment Consultant was the most popular role, with an average salary of £35,204. Hiring activity in recruitment can track broader economic sentiment, with agencies and in-house teams adjusting headcount as vacancy volumes change.

Across the list, average advertised salaries ranged from £25,365 in hospitality and hotel to £61,268 in IT. The figures also show that high application volumes do not always correlate with higher pay, particularly in sectors where working patterns, entry routes and local availability influence candidate choices.

CV-Library said the results highlight what candidates currently value in the jobs market, including stability and progression. Katie Emerton, Recruitment Expert, said the mix of factors was shaping where jobseekers focus their attention.

"These roles attract such high application numbers because they tick a lot of boxes for today's jobseekers: flexibility, stability and clear progression. Roles such as Software Engineer, Marketing Executive and Graphic Designer offer future-proof skills and long-term career potential, while others like Receptionists and Cleaners appeal because they're widely available, flexible and don't require lengthy entry routes. Together, these jobs feel secure but also rewarding - key to attracting UK candidates to apply," said Katie Emerton, Recruitment Expert, CV-Library.

The rankings are likely to remain a reference point for employers competing for candidates in high-interest categories, particularly where application volumes can raise screening costs and extend time-to-hire. Recruiters are also expected to watch for shifts in candidate appetite as employers adjust salary offers and demand changes across technology, services and frontline roles.