IT & Software Developer Salary UK 2026
UK IT and software developer salaries for 2026. From junior developer to CTO — pay by role, experience and technology stack.
UK IT Salaries by Role 2026
| Grade / Level | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Developer | £28,000–£40,000 | 0-2 years experience |
| Mid Developer | £45,000–£65,000 | 2-5 years experience |
| Senior Developer | £70,000–£95,000 | 5+ years experience |
| Lead Developer / Principal | £90,000–£120,000 | Team leadership |
| Data Analyst | £30,000–£55,000 | Entry to experienced |
| Data Scientist | £45,000–£80,000 | ML/AI specialist |
| DevOps / Cloud Engineer | £55,000–£90,000 | High demand |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | £35,000–£75,000 | Growing field |
| IT Manager | £45,000–£75,000 | Non-technical management |
| Engineering Manager | £90,000–£130,000 | Technical team management |
| CTO | £120,000–£250,000+ | Chief Technology Officer |
Figures are estimates based on ONS ASHE data, sector surveys and advertised salaries. Individual salaries will vary.
About IT & Software Developer Salary Pay
The UK tech sector is one of the best-paid in the economy. London tech salaries are significantly higher than the national average — a mid-level developer in London might earn £65,000-£80,000 versus £50,000-£60,000 elsewhere.
Remote work has changed IT salary benchmarking. Many UK developers now work for US companies paying US-equivalent salaries in GBP — senior developers with strong skills can earn £100,000-£150,000 working remotely for international companies.
The most in-demand and best-paid IT skills in 2026 include: AI/ML engineering, cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP), cybersecurity, and full-stack development with modern frameworks. Developers with AI specialisms are commanding 20-40% premiums over general developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a software developer in the UK?
The average (median) software developer salary in the UK is approximately £55,000-£60,000. Junior developers earn £28,000-£40,000. Mid-level developers earn £45,000-£65,000. Senior developers earn £70,000-£95,000+. In London, all figures are approximately 20-30% higher.
What IT jobs pay the most in the UK?
The highest-paying IT roles in the UK are: AI/ML Engineers (£80,000-£150,000+), Cloud Architects (£90,000-£140,000), Engineering Managers (£90,000-£130,000), Principal Engineers (£90,000-£120,000), and CTOs (£120,000-£250,000+). Cybersecurity specialists and DevOps engineers are also very well compensated.
Is IT a good career in the UK?
Yes — IT is consistently one of the best-paid career paths in the UK. The tech sector has the lowest unemployment rate of any major sector, strong salary growth, and extensive remote working options. The average IT salary is well above the UK median, and senior roles are among the best-compensated outside finance.