Do you know? The software market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.03% from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market volume of US$48.30 billion by 2029.
In 2025, the salary of a software engineer in the UK varies widely depending on experience, specialization, and location. On average, a software engineer earns approximately £48,723 (INR 54 L), with entry-level positions starting around £40,000 (INR 44.4L) and experienced professionals earning up to £70,000 (INR 77.7L).
In Greater London, salaries tend to be higher due to the concentration of tech companies, with entry-level positions ranging from £40,755 (INR 45.2L) to £81,282 (INR 90.2). The expanding tech industry, particularly in London and Manchester, offers strong opportunities for international students, especially from India, to secure competitive salaries.
This guide provides a detailed software engineer salary UK overview. Explore the factors that influence earnings and essential insights for international students, particularly those from India, considering a software career in the UK.
Software Engineer Salary UK: Overview and Key Statistics
The software engineering industry in the UK has seen considerable growth, driven by the increasing demand for tech professionals across various sectors such as finance, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.
The average salary for a software engineer in the UK is approximately £48,723 annually (INR 54 L). However, these figures vary based on factors like experience, location, and specialization.
Here's a breakdown of key salary statistics and industry trends, which will help you understand the earning potential and opportunities in the UK tech industry, especially for international students.
Specialization/Category
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Variations by Experience (Entry/Mid/Senior)
£39000 - £64000
43.2L - 71.04L
Variations by Specialization (AI/Cybersecurity/Full-Stack)
£35,000 - £50,000 (entry-level)
38.8L - 55.5L
Variations by Specialization (London/Manchester/Wales)
£40,000 - £50,000 (entry-level)
44.4L - 55.5L
Source: Glassdoor
Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.
The UK tech industry is showing no signs of slowing down with growing demands in various sectors, from finance and healthcare to AI and cybersecurity. UK’s fast-growing tech firms plan to create thousands of jobs, offering salaries between £70,000 (INR 77.7 L) and £150,000 (INR 1.6 Cr).
This demand, paired with the need for tech professionals in the UK’s expanding tech hubs like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, makes the country an attractive destination for international students from India.
Now, among many factors, let's explore earnings across different specialties and the factors driving these variations.
Software Engineer Salary in UK Based on Specializations
The salary for software engineers in the UK can vary significantly depending on the specific area of expertise.
Specializations such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and full-stack development typically command higher salaries due to the technical knowledge required, like Java & Python, and familiarity with other techs.
Hence, the tech sector is growing massively. Below, let’s break down the expected average salary for different software engineering specializations in the UK:
Specialization
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
AI Engineer
£53,000
58.8L
Cybersecurity Engineer
£44,000
48.8L
Full-Stack Developer
£46,000
51.06L
Data Engineer
£48,000
53.2L
SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)
£52,000
57.7L
Source: Glassdoor
Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.
Fact: 72% of UK businesses are urging employees to use generative AI tools to uplift productivity and handle routine tasks.
These salaries reflect the growing demand for specialized skills in the UK software engineering market, making the UK an attractive destination for international students, particularly those from India.
While specialization plays a significant role in determining a software engineer salary UK, the territory where they work can also have a considerable impact. Let's explore this ahead!
Software Engineer Salary UK: By Regions
Salaries for software engineers across the UK can vary significantly based on location. While cities like London and Edinburgh tend to offer higher pay due to their growing tech industries like finance and AI, other regions, such as Manchester and Wales, offer more competitive salaries relative to the cost of living.
Let’s explore how software engineer salaries differ across the UK’s regions, helping international students understand which locations might provide the best earning potential.
Region
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
London
£58,000
64.3L
Manchester
£42,000
46.6L
Birmingham
£39,000
43.2L
Edinburgh
£43,000
47.7L
Wales
£40,000
44.4L
Source: Glassdoor
Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.
This reveals that while London offers the highest salaries, other regions like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh offer competitive pay with a lower cost of living.
These differences can be important for international students considering where to settle and work in the UK.
Now, let’s understand how software engineer salary UK vary based on their experience level, from entry-level positions to seasoned professionals.
Software Engineer Salary UK: By Experience Level
Experience plays a key role in your salary as a software engineer in the UK. As you gain expertise and take on more responsibility, your earnings increase significantly. The pay gap between entry-level and senior roles is substantial, propelled by specialization in high-demand areas.
Let’s break this down in more detail with salary figures by experience level.
Experience Level
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Additional Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)
£39,000
43.2L
Entry-level engineers with less than 2 years of experience. However, salaries in London can be higher comparatively.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)
£49,000
54.3L
Engineers with 3-5 years of experience, often responsible for managing smaller teams or minor projects.
Senior-Level (5+ years)
£53,000
58.8L
Senior engineers lead teams, make key architectural decisions, and may specialize in areas like AI, ML, or cybersecurity.
Lead Engineer/Principal Engineer
£64,000
71.04L
Highly experienced engineers with significant responsibilities like connecting with investors, often in specialized fields or tech leadership.
Source: Glassdoor
Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.
Here’s a graphical trend for the expected average salary as you achieve experience:
This progression makes it easier to plan your career path, especially if you're an international student exploring long-term opportunities.
While location and experience play a significant role, it's also valuable to compare these earnings with those in other countries.
Let’s explore how software engineer salary UK measure up against those in other key countries, offering a global perspective.
Software Engineer Salary UK vs Other Countries: A Global Pay Comparison
The global demand for software engineers has made the job market highly competitive, with salaries varying across countries, regions, and tech sectors. The UK, with its expanding tech industry, offers strong salaries, but how do these compare to other leading tech hubs like the US, Canada, and Germany?
For example, while Canada’s salaries are slightly lower than those in the US, the lower cost of living makes it an appealing option. In Canada, you can enjoy a good quality of life without the high living expenses of places like Silicon Valley, making it an attractive destination for tech professionals.
Here's a breakdown of how software engineer salaries in the UK stack up against global counterparts.
Country
Average Annual Salary
Average Annual Salary (INR)
United Kingdom
£49,000
54.3L
United States
USD 100,000
85.2L
Canada
CAD 91,000
54.8L
Germany
€68,000
63.8L
Australia
AUD 100,000
52.9L
India
INR 9L
9L
Source: Glassdoor
Note: All income values are in regional currency, with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.
The United States leads with the highest average salaries. However, Canada, Germany, and the UK remain attractive choices — especially for those considering a balance between salary and quality of life.
Besides this, let’s look at some of the highest-paying countries for software engineers in 2025.
The Highest Paying Countries for Software Engineers in 2025
As the demand for software engineers grows worldwide, salary levels in 2025 will vary significantly across top tech hubs.
Countries like the US and Switzerland are set to offer the highest pay, driven by strong industry growth and competition for specialized skills in fields like AI and cybersecurity.
Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying countries for software engineers in 2025:
Country
Average Annual Salary
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Key Factors
Switzerland
CHF 100,000
1 Crore
High living standards and a growing tech industry, especially in cities like Zurich.
United States
USD 100,000
85.2L
High demand for specialized roles in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
Germany
€68,000
63.8L
Growing tech hubs in Berlin and Munich, with competitive salaries in software engineering.
Canada
CAD 91,000
54.8L
Lower living costs compared to the US, but high demand for cloud and AI engineers.
Australia
AUD 100,000
52.9L
Strong demand for software engineers, particularly in AI and cloud computing.
Source: Glassdoor
For international students and professionals, understanding these salary trends can help guide decisions about where to study, work, or settle long-term.
Software Engineer Salary UK: Trends and Future Projections
Did you know? Microsoft has announced a three-year plan to invest £2.5 billion in expanding its AI data center infrastructure, with new sites in London and Cardiff.
The UK’s software engineering sector has been growing steadily over the past decade, fueled by the rising demand for tech talent across industries.
As companies increasingly adopt advanced technologies like AI, ML, and cybersecurity, you'll see significant changes in salary trends, making this an exciting time to be a software engineer.
Here’s a breakdown of the key trends shaping software engineer salaries in the UK, as well as what to expect in the near future.
1. Increasing Demand for Specialized Roles
The demand for AI talent is driven by companies’ increasing reliance on ML algorithms to enhance business operations and develop new products.
Likewise, cybersecurity engineers, with their ability to protect against rising cyber threats, command similar pay ranges.
These highly specialized roles are expected to see annual salary increases in the coming years.
2. Remote Work and the Salary Equalization Effect
Remote work has altered the salary dynamics for software engineers in the UK.
While London traditionally offered the highest pay, many companies now offer remote positions that allow engineers to live in lower-cost regions while earning competitive salaries.
The rise of remote work is expected to increase salaries across the UK, especially for highly skilled professionals.
3. Surge in Demand for Cloud Engineers and Full-Stack Developers
As businesses move to cloud-based infrastructures, cloud engineers are in higher demand, driving up salaries.
Likewise, full-stack developers, skilled in both front-end and back-end development, are experiencing growing demand, with salaries set to rise steadily in the coming years
4. Increasing Salary Gaps Between Regions
While salaries in London are still the highest in the country, the gap between London and other regions is narrowing.
For instance, London software engineers can earn an average of £58,000 (INR 64.4L), while engineers in Manchester and Birmingham typically earn £39,000 (INR 43.3L) to £42,000 (INR 46.6L).
With the lower cost of living in these regions, many software engineers are discovering they can enjoy a similar standard of living while earning more competitive salaries outside of London.
5. Freelance and Contract Roles Becoming More Lucrative
Freelance software engineers in the UK are also seeing a rise in earning potential, earning an average of £53,000 (INR 58.7L). Contract work in AI, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity is particularly lucrative, as these roles offer flexibility.
6. Projections for 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead to 2025, experts predict that senior AI engineers and cybersecurity specialists in leadership or niche research roles could earn up to £200,000 (INR 2.2 Cr) by 2025.
However, this range typically applies to professionals with over 10 years of experience or those in consulting roles.
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Several factors significantly impact the salaries of software engineers in the UK. Understanding these elements can aid you in maximizing your earning potential and making informed career decisions.
Here are the detailed key parameters influencing software engineer's salaries:
Technical Skills and Expertise: Proficiency in high-demand programming languages, such as Python, Java, & C++, and technologies like ML, AI, and blockchain can command higher wages due to the specialized knowledge required.
Experience Level: Experience plays a crucial role in determining compensation. As professionals accumulate years in the field, their value to employers increases, leading to higher salaries.
Location: Geographical location within the UK significantly affects salary scales, with tech hubs like London offering more competitive compensation upto INR 64.2L to attract top talent.
Company Size and Industry: The size and sector of the employing company influence salary structures. Larger corporations like Microsoft and startups often offer more lucrative compensation packages.
Educational Background and Certifications: Holding relevant degrees like a master's and certifications like the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) can enhance the earning potential by demonstrating specialized knowledge and commitment to the profession.
Demand and Supply Dynamics: The balance between high demand coupled with a limited supply of qualified professionals leads to competitive salaries.
Understanding these factors helps you strategically shape your software engineering career, aligning your skills with opportunities that offer the best compensation and growth.
If you're considering a career as a software engineer in the UK, upGrad can streamline the process and provide expert guidance to help you succeed. Explore ahead!
How Can upGrad Help You Prepare for Tech Jobs in UK?
upGrad offers a targeted approach to over 10M+ learners to gain the skills and support needed to secure high-paying roles. Here's how upGrad can specifically help you prepare for the job market:
Provides study abroad programs customized to the skills in demand in the UK, including courses in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science. You work with practical projects, gaining hands-on experience that employers value.
upGrad’s certifications are industry-recognized, enhancing your credibility in specialized fields like ML and blockchain. This makes you more attractive to recruiters in the UK, where such skills are in high demand.
Through upGrad’s 1400+ hiring partners, you’ll gain access to networking opportunities, helping you get in front of recruiters and hiring managers from top UK tech companies.
The ultimate focus is on matching your skill set to actual job openings, increasing your chances of securing a role.
Feeling uncertain about how to secure a software engineering job in the UK? Book a career counseling session today and let experts help you with everything — from choosing the right courses and certifications to job placement and preparing for interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average starting salary for a software engineer in the UK?
The average starting salary for software engineers in the UK is between £30,000 and £40,000 (INR 30.2 L to INR 40.3 L). It varies by location, with London offering higher salaries due to the cost of living, while other regions like Manchester and Birmingham offer competitive pay at lower living costs.
How much can I earn as a software engineer in London compared to other UK cities?
In London, entry-level software engineers earn between £40,000 and £50,000 (INR 40.3 L to INR 50.3 L), driven by the city’s tech hub status. Meanwhile, cities like Manchester and Birmingham offer salaries of £30,000 to £40,000 (INR 30.2 L to INR 40.3 L), with lower living costs allowing for a comparable standard of living.
Which programming languages or skills will increase my earning potential in the UK?
Skills in AI, ML, cloud technologies, and blockchain are in high demand. Mastery of languages like Python, Java, and C++ and expertise in cloud platforms like AWS or Azure can significantly increase your salary and job opportunities. Relevant degrees like master's and certifications like ICCP can also enhance the earning potential by demonstrating specialized knowledge and commitment to the profession.
Is experience more important than location when it comes to salary?
Experience plays a key role in salary, but location also affects earnings. Senior engineers in London, for instance, can command higher salaries due to the city's tech hub status, while more affordable locations may offer slightly lower salaries but come with a better work-life balance and lower cost of living.
Do certifications like AWS or Azure impact software engineer salaries?
Yes, certifications in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can raise your earning potential by £5,000 to £10,000 (INR 5.1 L to INR 10.2 L). These certifications are highly valued by UK employers, especially for roles related to cloud computing and architecture.
How does the size of the company impact my salary as a software engineer?
Larger companies, particularly those in the tech industry or multinational firms, offer higher salaries, ranging from £60,000 to £80,000 (INR 60.8 L to INR 80.9 L), typically for experienced or niche roles. Smaller companies or startups might offer lower base salaries, but they often compensate with equity or flexible work arrangements.
How can remote work affect my salary as a software engineer in the UK?
Remote work allows software engineers to live in areas with lower living costs while earning competitive salaries. Many companies like Amazon now offer remote roles with salaries close to those in London, providing an opportunity for a better work-life balance without sacrificing pay.
What impact does the demand for AI and machine learning skills have on salaries in the UK?
The demand for AI and machine learning professionals has driven salaries up significantly. Entry-level AI engineers can expect £55,000 to £75,000 (INR 55.3 L to INR 75.6 L), with senior specialists earning as much as £150,000 (INR 1.5 Cr), making it one of the highest-paying fields in software engineering.
How do contract or freelance software engineer roles compare to permanent positions in the UK?
Freelance and contract software engineers in the UK often earn higher daily rates, ranging from £500 to £700 (INR 49.6K to INR 69K) for specialized roles. However, these positions may lack benefits like job security and healthcare, which are typically offered by permanent roles.
How much does a software engineer's education or degree affect their salary in the UK?
A Bachelor's degree in computer science or UK-specific credentials (e.g., MSc, PGDip) is often required, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee a higher salary unless combined with relevant skills and experience. Engineers with specialized certifications or advanced degrees in fields like AI or machine learning may see a salary boost of £5,000 to £10,000 (INR 5.1 L to INR 10.2 L).
What should I expect in terms of job growth and salary progression in the UK tech industry?
The UK tech sector now employs over 2.13 million professionals, and looking ahead, job growth in the sector is projected to rise by 0.9%, with tech occupations expected to grow by 0.8%. As demand for specialized roles such as AI and cybersecurity continues to surge, salary progression in these fields is expected to increase more significantly, making them some of the most lucrative areas for software engineers in the coming years.
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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