Freelance web developers scooped a 30% pay rise in 2004, the, according to research by the Association of Technology Staffing companies (ATSCo).

ATSCo's latest figures show that web developers now earn an average of £26 per hour, compared with just £20 per hour a year ago, the largest annual increase since the late 90s dotcom boom.

Ann Swain, ATSCo Chief Executive, said: “After five years in pay purgatory, the original stars of the dotcom boom are making a comeback.

“The companies they work for are now mature businesses rather than start-ups, so pay rates should be less volatile this time around."