Software Engineer Salary in London (2026)
In 2026, Software Engineers in London can expect salaries ranging from £45,000 for entry-level positions to £140,000 for senior roles, with a median salary of £102,500.
Key Facts
- Median salary for Software Engineers in London is £102,500.
- AI and Machine Learning roles command a median salary of £112,000.
- Cost of living index in London is 81.4, higher than other UK cities.
- Properties near transport links in London have a £42,700 premium.
- Top companies hiring include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple.
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior Software Engineer: £45,000 - £65,000
- Mid-Level Software Engineer: £70,000 - £95,000
- Senior Software Engineer: £100,000 - £140,000
- Lead Software Engineer: £140,000 - £200,000+
How London Compares
Compared to other major cities:
- New York City: Junior roles start at $110,000 (£82,000), with senior positions reaching $380,000 (£283,000).
- San Francisco: Junior roles start at $120,000 (£89,000), with senior positions reaching $400,000 (£298,000).
- Berlin: Junior roles start at €50,000 (£43,000), with senior positions reaching €130,000 (£112,000).
Skills That Command Premium
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Median salary of £112,000.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Median salary of £98,500.
- Backend Development: Median salary of £81,000.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in London offer competitive benefits, including flexible working hours, remote work options, comprehensive health insurance, and generous pension contributions. The work culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Cost of Living
London's cost of living index is 81.4, higher than other UK cities like Manchester (64.6) and Edinburgh (68.2). Housing near transport links commands a premium, with properties within 500 meters of a station averaging £42,700 more than those further away.
Top Companies Hiring
- Amazon: Offers roles in cloud computing and e-commerce platforms.
- Google: Focuses on search technologies and AI development.
- Microsoft: Engages in software development and AI research.
- Facebook: Specializes in social media platforms and virtual reality.
- Apple: Develops consumer electronics and software solutions.
Related Skills
- Python: Widely used for web development and data analysis.
- Java: Essential for enterprise applications and Android development.
- JavaScript: Key for front-end web development.
- C++: Utilized in system/software development and game programming.
- SQL: Crucial for database management and data manipulation.
Related Roles
- Software Developer: Focuses on writing and maintaining code.
- Backend Developer: Specializes in server-side application logic.
- Frontend Developer: Concentrates on user interface and experience design.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills such as AI, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure. Additionally, consider roles in top tech companies that offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Software Engineer Insights — London
Software Engineer salaries in London range from £45,000 to £140,000, a 93% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of £102,500 sits near or above the midpoint, indicating strong market demand pushing compensation upward.
London's cost of living index of 81.4/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the £102,500 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in London is anchored by employers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for software engineer in London centers around expertise in Python, Java, JavaScript, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the £140,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Developer or Backend Developer.
Related Roles in London
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Engineer | London | £47,250 - £120,750 | £80,000 |
| Backend Engineer | London | £64,000 - £99,000 | £79,000 |
| Android Developer | London | £35,000 - £100,000 | £65,000 |
| Data Scientist | London | £45,300 - £94,300 | £75,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | London | £40,000 - £150,000 | £75,000 |
| iOS Developer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in London?
The median salary for a Software Engineer in London is £102,500 as of 2026.
Which skills are most in demand for Software Engineers in London?
Skills in AI, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure are highly sought after and command higher salaries.
How does the cost of living in London compare to other UK cities?
London has a cost of living index of 81.4, which is higher than cities like Manchester (64.6) and Edinburgh (68.2).
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