Software Engineer Salary in the UK (2026)
All posts | Mar 30, 2026 | Felix GerschauJane Street's London office reportedly pays new graduates north of £200,000 total compensation. The UK national median sits at roughly £67,000 (~€77,000). London dominates the upper band, fintech and trading firms set the ceiling, and the majority earns something much more modest.
The numbers at a glance
| Level / Location | Median base | Median TC | EUR equiv. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 yrs) | ~£35,000–£40,000 | ~£38,000–£45,000 | ~€44,000–€52,000 |
| All levels, UK | ~£60,000–£65,000 | ~£67,000 | ~€77,000 |
| All levels, London | ~£70,000–£75,000 | ~£80,000 | ~€92,000 |
| Senior (London) | ~£85,000–£100,000 | ~£95,000–£110,000 | ~€109,000–€126,000 |
| 90th percentile | — | ~£130,000–£150,000 | ~€150,000–€172,000 |
Source: levels.fyi UK, March 2026. Self-reported data skewing toward large tech companies.
UK net salary estimator
2026 income tax + National Insurance. Personal allowance taper above £100K.
Estimate only. Actual net depends on tax class, health insurance choice, and personal circumstances.
For the full list of companies paying £100K+, see the UK £100K companies guide. Browse roles at nextleveljobs.eu/country/gb.
How the UK compares to the rest of Europe
The UK's median TC of ~£67,000 (~€77,000) places it between Germany (€81,495) and the Netherlands (€89,987). But London's senior median competes with Dublin and outpaces Amsterdam. London's trading firms create a ceiling no other European city matches. See our top 5 European cities for software engineers for a comparison.
Which companies actually pay the most
Jane Street (London): £300,000–£500,000+ TC at senior levels. Even new graduates start above £200,000 TC.
Google (London): L3 ~£80,000–£100,000, L4 ~£120,000–£150,000, L5 ~£180,000–£220,000 TC.
Meta (London): E4 ~£120,000–£150,000, E5 ~£180,000–£220,000 TC. RSU-heavy at senior levels.
Goldman Sachs (London): VP level £150,000–£250,000+ TC. Base + discretionary bonus.
Stripe (London): L2 ~£100,000–£130,000, L3 ~£160,000–£200,000 TC.
Revolut (London): Senior £90,000–£130,000 TC. Base + share options.
Wise (London): Senior £85,000–£120,000 TC. RSUs on LSE. Browse at nextleveljobs.eu/country/gb.
What level do you need to hit £100K in the UK?
In London at big tech, L4 / mid-level (3–5 years) crosses £100K. At trading firms, from day one. Outside London, £100K is rare — Manchester and Edinburgh senior medians sit at £65,000–£80,000.
Base vs total comp — what to negotiate
At traditional UK employers, comp is base salary. At US tech, equity can be 20–40% of TC. The EMI scheme offers favorable capital gains treatment for startup options. Pension contributions above 3% minimum are an often-overlooked lever.
Find live roles at nextleveljobs.eu/country/gb.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the average software engineer salary in the UK?
- The median TC is approximately £67,000 (~€77,000) nationally. London median is ~£80,000 (~€92,000). Senior London is £95,000–£110,000.
- Is London pay higher?
- Yes, by £15,000–£20,000 at every level, driven by concentration of US tech, trading firms, and fintech.
- Which company pays the most?
- Jane Street and Citadel pay £200,000–£500,000+ TC. Google and Meta London L5/E5 report £180,000–£220,000.
- How much take-home on £100K?
- Roughly £67,000–£70,000 net. Income tax is 20% to £50,270, 40% above. National Insurance adds 8% between £12,570–£50,270.