Software engineering is a rapidly expanding field in the UK, with a projected annual growth rate of 7.14% by 2028.With software engineer salaries in the UK peaking at £104,446 in 2023, the country is an attractive choice for aspirants seeking a rewarding career in this field. Read on to delve further into their salaries based on different experience levels, factors affecting them, comparison with Indian remuneration, and more.
This field involves designing, building, testing, and maintaining software products. Software engineers in the UK enjoy a high demand across industries, providing ample opportunities for a rewarding career. Most organizations, whether small start-ups or multinational companies, require the expertise and skills of seasoned engineers for a large number of job functions.
Engineering graduates can apply their technical skills in various IT or web-based roles at leading organizations in the UK, such as Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google.
Some of the sought-after career choices for software engineers in the UK with their respective salaries are given below:
Job Role
Average Annual Salary
Web Developer
£33,045
Back End Developer
£65,594
Front End Developer
£55,744
Application Developer
£38,378
FullStack Developer
£57,482
Game Developer
£38,711
Cyber Security Analyst
£93,800
Multimedia Programmer
£29,011
Web Designer
£27,584
IT Consultant
£38,079
Source: Indeed (as of Nov 2023)
Average Software Engineer Salary in UK
According to the website Indeed, the average salary for a software engineer in the UK is £50,531 per year or approximately £3,578 per month.
Factors Influencing Salary of Software Engineers in UK
Several factors play an integral role in determining the average software engineer salaries in the UK. For instance, experience is a crucial factor as more seasoned engineers usually earn higher salaries. Moreover, an individual’s education and skill set, including competency in various cutting-edge technologies, can also contribute to differential pay. The place where an engineer resides in the UK, along with the sector in which they work, are other notable factors.
Software Engineer Salaries in UK Across Cities
The location of the company often influences the remuneration for software engineers. For instance, software engineers usually receive higher salaries in cities like London because of the concentration of tech companies in the region, along with its high cost of living.
The following table details the salaries for software engineers in different cities in the UK:
City
Average Annual Salary
London
£72,199
Cambridge
£54,991
Bristol
£49,195
Manchester
£47,777
Edinburgh
£49,791
Source: Glassdoor (as of Nov 2023)
Software Engineer Salary in UK by Work Experience
Software engineer salaries in the UK vary considerably depending on the experience level. As professionals gain more skills and climb the career ladder, they will find themselves towards the higher end of the pay scale. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries in the UK for software engineers at different stages of experience-
Years of Experience
Average Annual Salary
<1yr
£31,088
1-4yr
£37,507
5-9yr
£46,782
10-19yr
£52,707
Source: PayScale (as of Nov 2023)
Software Engineer Salary in the UK
According to the website Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the UK is £48,605 per year or approximately £4,050 per month. This number can differ depending on the software engineer’s company, location, and experience level. Software engineer salaries in the UK per month are as follows:
London – The average salary for a software engineer in London is £58,176 per year or approximately £4,848 per month.
Cambridge – In Cambridge, software engineers earn an average of £47,558 per year or approximately £3,963 per month.
Bristol – Software engineers in Bristol have an average salary of £47,500 per year or approximately £3,958 per month.
Edinburgh – The average salary for software engineers in Edinburgh is £42,685 per year or approximately £3,577 per month.
Manchester – Software engineers in Manchester earn an average of £61,354 per year or approximately £5,112 per month.
Software Engineer Salary in the UK at Fresh, Mid-Senior, and Senior Levels
Software Engineer Salary in the UK per month at Fresh, Mid-Senior, and Senior Levels:
1.Fresh/entry-level –
For software engineers starting their careers, the average salary is £42,151 per year or approximately £2,292 per month. This number can vary depending on the specific company and location, as well as the individual’s education and qualifications.
2. Mid-level –
At the mid-level of their careers, software engineers in the UK have an average salary of £51,261 per year or approximately £3,333 per month. This number can also vary based on company, location, and individual qualifications.
3. Senior-level –
Senior software engineers in the UK earn an average of £67,500. Per year or approximately £5,417 per month. This number can vary based on the company, location, and individual qualifications and experience.
Comparison Between Software Engineer Salaries in India and UK
Though India has a fast-growing IT industry, the UK still stands out as a major hub for software engineering, offering a steep learning curve and competitive compensation packages. On average, a software engineer’s monthly salary in the UK is £3,578, while that of an Indian software engineer is £481.
Software Engineer Salaries in UK V/S India:
Country
Average Annual Salary
India
£6,798
UK
£50,531
Source: Indeed (as of Nov 2023)
There are a few reasons for this difference in pay. One factor is the cost of living in each country. The cost of living in the UK is generally higher than in India, particularly in major cities like London. Also, the UK’s tech industry is highly developed, offering more lucrative compensation to software engineers.
Conclusion
With a dynamic job landscape and opportunities for innovation, software engineering in the UK provides an exciting and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about problem-solving and technology.
Disclaimer: Salaries mentioned above are indicative and subject to change.
Is the demand for software engineers high in the UK?
Yes, the demand for software engineers in the UK is high. The technology industry is expanding with an expected growth rate of 7.14% annually by 2028.
Are there opportunities for salary advancement as a software engineer in the UK?
Yes, there are opportunities for salary advancement as a software engineer in the UK. As software engineers gain more experience and take on more responsibilities, they can move up in the company and get a pay raise. Moreover, software engineers who constantly upskill are deemed more valuable by employers and usually end up on the higher end of the spectrum.
How can I increase my software engineer salary in the UK?
There are specific ways to increase your software engineer salary in the UK: Gain additional education and certifications: Continuing and obtaining additional certifications in your field can help demonstrate your expertise and may lead to higher pay. Gain experience: As with most industries, gaining experience in the field can lead to higher pay. Consider taking on additional responsibilities or more complex projects to increase your value to potential employers. Negotiate your salary: When you are offered a job or are up for a raise, don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary. Be prepared to back up your request with your qualifications, experience, and any value you can bring to the company.
Are there salary differences for software engineers working in different cities in the UK?
Yes, salaries for software engineers in the UK can vary depending on the city in which you live. For instance, in metropolitan cities like London, software engineers can expect salaries of around £72,199/yr, whereas, in small cities like Cambridge, the salaries can be £54,991/yr.
Do software engineers in the UK receive any additional benefits?
Software engineers in the UK enjoy several benefits and incentives as part of their compensation packages, such as performance-based bonuses, pensions, healthcare insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and upskilling.
With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless students by not only enhancing their educational experiences but also by offering them guidance in securing essential scholarships and financial aid. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through tailored guidance and financial support.
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