Data compiled by creative, digital and marketing recruitment specialists, Aquent, has shown that UK salaries are surging as the economy comes back to life.

The collated data from placements made in the UK during 2021 indicate that companies have engaged in the hiring ‘rush’ that has continued to gain momentum since spring and those working in creative industries have a glimpse into next year’s job market in Aquent’s 2022 salary guide.

The data from this year’s salaries paints a very different picture to the job market in 2020 where stagnating wages and impending redundancies were seen in the advertising and creative industries. According to the report, the recent ‘boom’ in wages is down to a number of factors, including a skills shortage which has resulted in midweight roles pushing for higher salaries.

Companies that have survived the pandemic are searching for talent for further growth; but in the current market, candidates often have multiple job offers and ask for higher salaries to sweeten the deal. Aquent’s data found that in order to make a move to a new role, 42% of talent wanted a 16% to 30% salary increase before tendering their resignation.

UX and CX continue to call the shots

Much like 202, those working in UX and CX design still hold the ‘golden ticket’ in terms of the most sought-after roles. Data from Aquent found that only 20% of UX, CX and Service Design talent are looking for a new role yet 65% would be willing to leave for the right offer.

Salary increases are as follows: junior UX designers and midweight UX designers have increased by 33%; while top-end senior UX designer salaries have risen by 50% (£80k to £120k).

In some cases, senior UX architects have seen salaries double, from 60k in 2021 to £120k, a 50% rise. Compared to data from five years ago, UX architects have seen a 150% increase and senior UX designers a 70% increase in wages since 2016.

Aliza Sweiry, UK managing director, Aquent, commented: “The boost is salaries is welcome news for candidates on the look-out for a new role in 2022. The job market has been turned on its head from the situation last year becoming an ‘employees’ market.

“This is a great time for applicants with itchy feet to explore the job market, we’re seeing candidates ‘flex their muscles’ in terms of what they want and expect from a role and employers are responding with higher salaries and more flexible working options. As always, our salary guides always throw up interesting insights and this year has been no different. It will be fascinating to see how the industry responds this time next year.”