UK demand for contract web developers rose by 22% between Q4 2015 and Q1 2016, according to research conducted by Sonovate, a UK-based recruitment finance provider.

The research was taken from a sample of 4,289 listings from job boards. Postings for web developers in Q1 2016 were up 5% on Q4 2015, PHP developers 25%, front end web developers 27%, web application developers 127%, senior web developers 84%, and website developers 206% demonstrating steady, or, in some cases, significant growth.

“Our research serves as confirmation of something many in the staffing and IT sectors already suspected: the web development jobs market is in rude health,” Richard Prime, co-CEO of Sonovate, said. “Good, qualified talent is highly coveted across all niches, and it’s an excellent time to enter (or re-enter) the job market.”

The statistics were sourced using Innovantage, which compiles data from IT jobs postings across over 180 global job boards and half a million employer websites. The highest paid position overall was Web Solutions Architect at £650 daily, while the highest paid position by volume was Senior Web Developer, with an average day rate of £389 across 72 postings. 

The research also shows an increase in overall pay. In Q4 2015, the average day rate was £317; in Q1 2016, the figure is £333 – a 5% improvement.  

“UK companies are seeking quality web development contractors in high volume, and they’re willing to pay very competitive wages to do so”, Prime said. “Web development contractors are getting better compensation than ever before – which speaks to both a serious appetite for quality work and the UK’s increased stature in the world tech market.