SQL Server jobs continue to lead demand in the IT industry, according to research from The IT Job Board’s Salary Monitor.

November saw 18,817 developer jobs in London, the most popular permanent job role by location, while finance roles in London become the most advertised contractor role, with 7,246 roles.

The highest paid permanent salary is for a senior applications designer, earning up to £200,000, while for a contract role this stands at daily rates of up to £1,126.

Alexandra Farrell, managing director at The IT Job Board, says: “Clearly SQL is a core skill as we move into 2012, and we would anticipate seeing increasing numbers of IT professionals either retraining in this area, or looking to improve on existing skills.”