Looking for a tech job that pays well and doesn’t burn you out? You’re not alone. In 2026, more people are seeking careers that offer balance, purpose, creativity, and strong salaries. Fortunately, the tech industry offers a wide range of roles that tick all those boxes.
Whether you’re a career switcher, a recent graduate, or already working in tech, here are 15 tech jobs that are surprisingly enjoyable and well-paid.
1. UX Designer
Average salary (2026): £55,000 – £85,000
UX Designers improve how users experience websites, apps, and digital products. The role blends psychology, design, and data.
Why it’s enjoyable: You get to solve real human problems creatively, work closely with designers and developers, and often see your work directly impact user satisfaction. Feedback is fast, and improvements are tangible.
2. DevOps Engineer
Average salary: £70,000 – £100,000
DevOps Engineers automate workflows between development and IT operations, improving deployment speed and reliability.
Why it’s enjoyable: You’re the quiet hero behind the scenes, making systems run smoother. If you love efficiency, automation, and problem-solving with a bit of technical wizardry, it’s hugely satisfying.
3. Data Analyst
Average salary: £45,000 – £70,000
Data Analysts translate raw data into insights that businesses use to make smart decisions.
Why it’s enjoyable: You get to be a detective with data. There’s a sense of achievement in uncovering patterns, spotting opportunities, and influencing strategy. And you can do it without needing to code full-time.
4. Product Manager (Tech)
Average salary: £65,000 – £110,000
Product Managers guide the development of digital products from idea to launch.
Why it’s enjoyable: You’re at the centre of innovation, working across teams to shape products that solve real problems. If you like big-picture thinking and driving progress, this job delivers both impact and variety.
5. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average salary: £55,000 – £90,000
Cybersecurity Analysts protect systems, data, and networks from attacks and breaches.
Why it’s enjoyable: Every day is different. You get to outsmart cyber threats, stay ahead of hackers, and know your work directly protects people and businesses. It’s fast-paced and high purpose.
6. AI Prompt Engineer
Average salary: £65,000 – £100,000+
Prompt Engineers fine-tune language prompts that guide AI models like ChatGPT.
Why it’s enjoyable: It’s creative, experimental, and at the cutting edge of technology. You get to blend language, logic, and curiosity to improve how AI tools respond and behave.
7. Front-End Developer
Average salary: £50,000 – £80,000
Front-end developers bring user interfaces to life using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React.
Why it’s enjoyable: You see the immediate impact of your work on screen. It’s visual, rewarding, and ideal for those who enjoy building things people actually interact with.
8. Cloud Engineer
Average salary: £70,000 – £105,000
Cloud Engineers manage cloud-based infrastructure using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Why it’s enjoyable: You work on modern tech, help companies scale globally, and avoid legacy systems. It’s strategic, impactful, and always evolving.
9. AI/ML Engineer
Average salary: £80,000 – £130,000
AI and machine learning engineers design intelligent algorithms and systems.
Why it’s enjoyable: You’re constantly learning, experimenting, and solving future-facing problems. Plus, the work often contributes to exciting industries like healthcare, robotics, and fintech.
10. Solutions Architect
Average salary: £85,000 – £120,000
Solutions Architects design tech solutions that solve business problems.
Why it’s enjoyable: You get to combine technical expertise with strategic thinking. There’s huge satisfaction in solving complex puzzles and delivering solutions that make a real difference.
11. Digital Project Manager
Average salary: £50,000 – £75,000
Digital PMs oversee the planning and execution of digital products or campaigns.
Why it’s enjoyable: It’s perfect for organised multitaskers who like variety, teamwork, and making things happen. Every project is a new challenge with visible outcomes.
12. Tech Recruiter
Average salary: £40,000 – £75,000+ (with commission)
Tech Recruiters connect companies with top talent fast.
Why it’s enjoyable: If you’re people-oriented, this job offers variety, energy, and the rewarding feeling of changing someone’s career path. Plus, performance-based earnings keep things exciting.
13. Instructional Designer (eLearning)
Average salary: £45,000 – £70,000
Instructional Designers create digital training content, onboarding, and online learning platforms.
Why it’s enjoyable: It’s creative, purposeful, and you often work autonomously. You help people learn, grow, and succeed using tech as the tool.
14. No-Code Developer
Average salary: £45,000 – £65,000
No-code developers build apps using platforms like Webflow, Bubble, or Zapier.
Why it’s enjoyable: It’s fast, visual, and ideal for creative problem-solvers who want to build products without traditional coding. Plus, turnaround time is quick, so projects feel rewarding.
15. IT Business Analyst
Average salary: £50,000 – £80,000
Business Analysts act as the bridge between stakeholders and tech teams, defining business requirements and solutions.
Why it’s enjoyable: You get to influence big decisions, translate business needs into action, and see your analysis come to life in real solutions. It’s ideal for strategic thinkers.
Final Thoughts
Not all tech jobs are about sitting behind a screen writing code for hours. In 2026, there are dozens of high-paying roles that are flexible, creative, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re technical, creative, or people-focused, there’s a place for you in tech, and a paycheck to match.
Adria Solutions
20+ years supporting your growth
Find the right fit for you
We provide friendly, forward-thinking, 360° recruitment solutions. With two decades of experience in the tech sector, we focus on happy hiring.
Get the latest news, talent insights and trends
-
How to Deal with Burnout as a Manager
As Directors of a recruitment company for over 20 years, Nick Derham and I, David Berwick, have faced many challenges. I’m Dave Berwick, Co-founder, Director and Senior IT Recruitment Consultant… -
Is IT Contracting Becoming More Attractive Again?
For tech professionals with niche skills, IT contracting was previously a desirable proposition vs permanent employment. However, in April 2021, changes to IR35, the rule governing how contractors are taxed,… -
Entry-Level Digital Jobs That Are Easy To Get Into
While, for some, embarking on a career in digital would begin with a search for entry-level Digital Marketing jobs. Others might focus on any role contributing to a company’s digital…
