Engineering jobs are in high demand and usually offer above-average salaries. Engineering offers ample opportunity for growth and development with transferable skills across an array of fields from software, supply chain and logistics to aerospace and industry. Most roles require a qualification, which can be obtained through a university degree or a diploma gained during an apprenticeship.
Frequently asked questions about Software Developer salaries
The average salary for a Software Developer is £44,567 per year or £21 per hour in United Kingdom, which is in line with the national average. Top earners have reported making up to £79,971 (90th percentile). However, the typical pay range in United Kingdom is between £33,735 (25th percentile) and £59,917 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 19799 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Software Developer employees in United Kingdom as of Jul 2026.
The highest salary for a Software Developer in United Kingdom is £59,917 per year, £4,993 per month or £29 per hour.
The lowest salary for a Software Developer in United Kingdom is £33,735 per year, £2,811 per month or £16 per hour.
The salary trajectory of a Software Developer ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at £41,533 per year (estimate) and goes up to £89,882 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Software developers are paid well above average once they are experienced in their field. The pay range reflects the demand for their skillset and the profitability of the products they make. Candidates with prior experience in the field or higher levels of education generally receive high salaries, which can reach over six figures. Pay is expected to grow as digital transformation reaches a global level. Software developers can further increase their total pay by pursuing freelance consulting opportunities.
To increase your earnings as a software developer, boost your expertise by obtaining qualifications in specialised areas of software development, such as project management, cloud services, or specific programming languages. Experience in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning may also lead to higher paying roles. Consider earning a master's degree in software development or computer science to improve your chances of moving into a management role, which often comes with a higher salary. Alternatively, the British Computer Society (BCS) offers training opportunities for software developers. Additionally, some employers may offer bonuses, profit-sharing schemes or share options, which can also increase your overall compensation.
To successfully negotiate a good salary for a job as a software developer, you'll need to know how much professionals in your region earn in similar roles. Ensure you show off your relevant skills and indicate how they can drive value for the client. Keep on top of the most profitable programming languages, since you'll have more leverage in the negotiations if you have in-demand expertise that most candidates lack. Emphasise your knowledge of various coding languages, such as Python, Java, Golang, and Ruby. In addition to direct tech skills, demonstrate your ability to manage projects successfully and maintain a high level of quality control.
About 67.20% of Software Developer professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £3,035 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Software Developer in United Kingdom as a good salary.
Software Developer professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £26,514 and £79,971 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £44,567 following the average career path of a Software Developer.
Capita
Accenture
Pinewood Technologies
NEXT
CGI