Introduction
With more and more organizations racing toward digital transformation—seeking immediate benefits of emerging technology like AI to both supercharge and secure their business—there is an increasing emphasis on speedy, high-impact IT projects.
And yet, according to Robert Half, only 35% of professionals are actively looking for jobs (compared to 49% last year), which may explain why 90% of IT hiring managers report challenges finding the right talent in today’s market.
This puts contract talent at an advantage, with 60% of tech managers turning to contract professionals to meet skill demands (according to CIO). However, not every IT role will have the same advantage. Based on our research and PTP’s 27+ years of tech recruiting and consulting experience, we have outlined the top IT contract roles in demand today.
1. Software Developer
As more companies pursue digital transformation, many are opting to create their own internal or external software systems. And despite AI coding solutions coming online, the prevalence of software developer contract jobs remains.
Average salary: $105,660/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: coding, testing, and debugging programs; modifying, expanding, and updating applications; communication and collaboration with analysts, engineers, and QA testers
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP), AWS Certified Developer Associate, Google Cloud Professional Developer, Certified Scrum Developer (CSD); bachelor’s in computer science or related field or two-year technical degree with several years of experience
2. Data Scientist
Especially as businesses race to capture the benefits of digital transformation and AI automation, data scientist contract roles are increasingly in demand to extract insights from massive amounts of structured and unstructured data.
Average salary: $124,726/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: Data visualization, machine learning, deep learning, programming, probability and statistics, computing, data wrangling, big data, business acumen, communication, problem-solving, collaboration
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (with most data scientists holding a master’s or higher); Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification, IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate, SAS Certified Data Scientist
3. Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity was named the biggest priority for organizations according to CompTIA’s 2025 State of Cybersecurity, making it unsurprising that cybersecurity contract positions are so prevalent, not to mention lucrative.
Average salary: $122,569/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: Secure coding, ethical hacking, threat modeling, penetration and vulnerability testing, automation/AI, identity management, cloud security, encryption, Python, Java, Ruby
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (relevant master’s degree preferred); CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
4. Project Manager
With more organizations leveraging technology to keep up with the digital age, there’s a growing need for leaders who can oversee IT projects from inception to delivery. This demand for fast, high-impact IT projects means project manager contract opportunities are on the rise.
Average salary: $91,038/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: problem-solving, communication, leadership, negotiation, accountability, goal setting, adaptability, time management, risk management, Agile management, cost management
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Bachelor’s in computer science, management information systems (MIS), or related field; CompTIA Project+, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master, Certified Associate in Project Management
5. Business Analyst
Business analyst contract jobs are increasing in demand as more companies seek tangible results from IT projects, especially those powered by AI. By hiring contract business analysts, companies can harness these results with maximum efficiency.
Average salary: $85,290/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: Knowledge of business structure, stakeholder analysis, requirements engineering, cost-benefit analysis, processes modeling, facilitation skills, communication, analytical problem-solving
Suggested certifications and qualifications: IIBA Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA), IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (AAC), IQBBA Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA), PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PBA), Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
6. UX/UI Designer
UX/UI contract work is a growing opportunity for IT professionals with an eye for design and an understanding of consumer needs. As AI and other technology plays an increasing role in design, successful UX/UI designers will stay on the cutting edge through upskilling.
Average salary: $124,224/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: Prototyping, wireframing, user flows, mockups, design principles, design software, user research, usability testing, Agile, information architecture, application development, time management
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Programs from colleges like CalArts and UCLA; Google UX Design Certificate, Adobe Certified Professional in Web Design, General Assembly UX Design Bootcamp
7. Scrum Master
Scrum is a highly adopted framework for implementing Agile processes in software development and other IT projects. As organizations race to employ this speed-focused methodology, scrum master contract gigs are popping up everywhere.
Average salary: $75,911/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: Scrum and Agile knowledge, project management, leadership, collaboration, risk management, adaptability, coaching/teaching
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Certified Scrum Developer (CSD), Certified Scrum Professional – Scrum Master (CSP-SM)
8. Net Developer
With its ability to create secure cross-platform compatible applications at the highest of industry standards, .NET is an attractive framework for today’s businesses, increasing the demand of .NET developer contract jobs.
Average salary: $99,222/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: ASP.NET MVC, coding, C#, F#, VB.NET, SQL Server, NoSQL, Oracle, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, budget design, time management, customer service
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Bachelor’s in computer science or related field; Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MSCD), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
9. IT Auditor
IT auditors are responsible for ensuring processes and systems run accurately and efficiently, with an emphasis on security and risk management. As businesses increasingly prioritize security and compliance, IT auditor contract roles are rising in demand.
Average salary: $97,840/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: IT security and infrastructure, internal audit, IT risk, data analysis, data visualization tools (ACL, MS Excel, SAS, Tableau), security risk management, security testing/auditing, internal auditing standards (SOX, MAR, COSO, and COBIT)
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Bachelor’s in computer science, management information systems, accounting, or finance; Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
10 Network/Cloud Engineer
As more businesses migrate to the cloud, the need grows for talented engineers to ensure the process is speedy, scalable, and secure. In addition, these roles are called on to develop and implement network and cloud applications.
Average salary: $100,455/year (Indeed)
In-demand skills: Identifying and implementing optimal cloud and network solutions; knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP; programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, and R; understanding of DevOps, APIs, and web services
Suggested certifications and qualifications: Bachelor’s in computer science or related field and 3+ years’ experience in cloud computing; AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Google Cloud Professional, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
How to Find IT Contract Jobs
Now that you know the best IT contract jobs, it’s time to start your search.
Some of the best websites for IT contract roles are:
- Dice
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- CareerBuilder
- SimplyHired
- ZipRecruiter
- Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)
Connecting with tech recruiters from firms like PTP is another promising option for landing IT contract work. Start your journey by taking a look at our job board or connecting with one of our seasoned recruiters.
Conclusion
Pursuing contract positions in tech can be a lucrative option for professionals with specific skillsets and experience who wish to prioritize flexibility and novelty in their careers. By honing the right skills, obtaining the right credentials, and looking in the right places, you can find great success as an IT contract professional.
