Salary guide · London
Software Engineer Salary in London
Quick answer
Software engineer salaries in London typically run from around £40,000 for juniors to £120,000+ for senior and staff engineers, with big-tech total compensation (base plus equity) reaching well beyond that. London pays a premium over the rest of the UK, reflecting cost of living and the concentration of tech and fintech employers.
Overview
London is the UK's highest-paying tech market, home to big-tech offices, major fintechs and a deep scale-up scene. Base salaries sit above national averages, and equity-heavy packages at top employers push total compensation considerably higher.
Software Engineer salary bands
| Level | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / Graduate | £38,000 – £55,000 | Higher at big tech and leading fintechs. |
| Mid-level | £60,000 – £90,000 | Strong demand across fintech and product companies. |
| Senior | £90,000 – £130,000 | Plus significant equity at big tech. |
| Staff / Principal | £130,000 – £180,000+ | Total compensation including equity and bonus. |
Figures are indicative market ranges for guidance, not guarantees. Actual pay varies by employer, location and individual circumstances.
What drives pay
How to negotiate
- Benchmark against London-specific data, not national averages.
- Weigh equity carefully — value and liquidity vary hugely.
- Leverage competing offers in a candidate-short market.
- Negotiate sign-on and equity, not just base.
Frequently asked questions
How much do software engineers earn in London?
London software engineers typically earn from around £38,000 (junior) to £130,000+ (senior/staff base), with big-tech total compensation reaching well beyond that with equity.
Is the London salary premium worth the cost of living?
It depends — London bases are higher, but so are housing and living costs. Compare net pay and total compensation, including equity, against regional or remote roles.
Preparing for a Software Engineer interview?
Upload your CV and paste the job description. CareerFast instantly builds your interview readiness score, a company briefing, predicted questions, tailored STAR answers, a mock interview and a downloadable PDF — free to start, no card needed.
Keep preparing
Prepare for the interview
Other salary guides