Top 5 Skills for IT Contractors in 2025

As the IT landscape shifts, so do the types of IT contracting work organisations are looking for. With that in mind, it’s essential that IT contractors stay on top of system developments and upskill in new areas.

If you’re an IT contractor hoping to be successful in 2025, here are five skills you’re going to need to brush up on.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning technology is the hottest topic in tech right now, and increasingly businesses are thinking about how they can leverage the technology for efficiency gains, creativity and more.

The number of tools based on Large Language Models (LLMs) is huge, and as an IT contractor, it’s going to be hard to avoid having to work with some of them this year and beyond. However, while this presents a challenge to IT contractors—particularly when dealing with business owners who have high expectations of what AI can deliver while possessing a limited understanding of the technology—it also offers an opportunity. Companies will pay a premium for contractors who can implement AI models and provide advice on how to take advantage of these new systems.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity expertise isn’t a new skill for IT contractors to know, indeed it’s as old as the internet itself, but developments in other areas have put an increasing emphasis on it. With an increasing number of employees working remotely or on a hybrid basis, as well as growing digital footprints for organisations in every sector, the scope of cybersecurity has never been bigger.

Businesses are willing to invest a lot of money in expertise that protects their systems infrastructure and customer trust, with day rates forecast to hit £600-850.

Cloud Computing

Adoption of the cloud is ubiquitous across all industries, with the likes of AWS, Azure and Google Cloud dominating this space. 

However, in 2025 companies are exploring multi-cloud strategies with complex configurations, and this will push day rates higher for IT contractors that have the requisite skill set. While current rates for cloud computing specialists are £550-800 on average, they’re forecasted to rise to £650-900 per day. If you’re experienced in optimising cloud costs and ensuring scalability you’ll be well placed to take advantage of this opportunity.

Data Engineering and Analysis

If you’re capable of handling complex datasets and integrating advanced analytics tools, for example, Power BI and Tableau, you’ll find yourself in high demand as data-driven decision-making becomes even more prominent in 2025.

Businesses that want to gain a competitive advantage are always on the lookout for data engineers who can build pipelines, clean datasets and facilitate real-time analytics, and they’ll be able to charge up to £850 per day.

Full-stack Developers

The cornerstone of any IT team is full-stack developers, and contractors experienced with React, Angular and Node.js will continue to be highly sought after in 2025.

Their value is found in their ability to adapt quickly to the varying requirements of IT projects, while their versatility in handling both front-end and back-end development makes them an essential part of any IT team.

Current day rates for full-stack developers are between £450-700 on average but expect to see them climb to £550-800 in the coming year.

Accounting services for contractors

IT contractors need to skill up in 2025 to stay in demand, but if you’re not already working with an experienced contractor accountant, this is something for you to work on too.

Here at Warr & Co we offer a specialist accounting service for contractors that includes advice on the most suitable structure for your business, support with bookkeeping, HMRC registrations for PAYE, VAT and Corporation tax, as well as completing any registration procedures on your behalf with Companies House.

To find out more about how we can help book your free consultation today.