Software Engineer Salary in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Engineer salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 157,500 in the United Kingdom. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Jan. 12, 2025

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 8922 jobs Python | 8801 jobs Machine Learning | 7466 jobs Computer Science | 6716 jobs Architecture | 4754 jobs Java | 4370 jobs AWS | 3909 jobs Testing | 3885 jobs Security | 3717 jobs Pipelines | 3068 jobs APIs | 2929 jobs Kubernetes | 2907 jobs SQL | 2838 jobs Research | 2797 jobs Agile | 2703 jobs Azure | 2456 jobs JavaScript | 2207 jobs Docker | 2134 jobs Privacy | 2129 jobs GCP | 2125 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 8577 jobs Health care | 4752 jobs Equity / stock options | 4641 jobs Startup environment | 2910 jobs Competitive pay | 2724 jobs Flex hours | 2660 jobs Salary bonus | 2592 jobs Medical leave | 2489 jobs Flex vacation | 2264 jobs Insurance | 2151 jobs Parental leave | 1969 jobs Team events | 1836 jobs 401(k) matching | 1436 jobs Wellness | 1222 jobs Relocation support | 737 jobs Fertility benefits | 541 jobs Transparency | 514 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 496 jobs Home office stipend | 478 jobs Flexible spending account | 472 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United Kingdom, the salary composition for a Software Engineer specializing in AI/ML/Data Science can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary package is divided into:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation. In tech hubs like London, the base salary might be higher compared to other regions due to the cost of living and demand for tech talent.

• Bonus: Many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. These bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability.

• Equity or Stock Options: Particularly in startups or large tech companies, equity can be a significant part of the compensation package. This provides employees with a stake in the company and can be lucrative if the company performs well.

• Other Benefits: Additional remuneration might include health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks like gym memberships or travel allowances. These benefits can vary widely depending on the company size and industry.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field can open up higher-paying opportunities, especially in research-intensive roles.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or lead roles can significantly boost your salary. This might involve leading a team of engineers or managing projects.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Attend conferences, workshops, and meetups to build a strong professional network. This can lead to opportunities in higher-paying companies or roles.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or Ph.D., especially for roles involving complex research or algorithm development.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications demonstrate your expertise in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in software engineering or data science roles. Experience with AI/ML projects, familiarity with data analysis, and proficiency in programming languages like Python or R are often required. Experience in deploying machine learning models in production environments is also highly valued.

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