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Technology2025/26

Software Developer Salary in the UK

Software developers design, build, and maintain software applications and systems. They write code in various programming languages, debug issues, and collaborate with teams to deliver technical solutions.

Average Salary
£52,000
per year
Entry Level
£28,000
starting salary
Experienced
£52,000
mid-career
Senior Level
£75,000
top earners

Software Developer Take Home Pay

On the average Software Developer salary of £52,000, you would take home £40,717 per year (£3,393.12 per month) after tax and National Insurance.

Yearly
Gross: £52,000.00
£40,717.40
Income Tax:-£8,232.00
National Insurance:-£3,050.60
Monthly
Gross: £4,333.33
£3,393.12
Income Tax:-£686.00
National Insurance:-£254.22
Weekly
Gross: £1,000.00
£783.03
Income Tax:-£158.31
National Insurance:-£58.67

Effective tax rate: 21.7%|Marginal rate: 40%

Software Developer Salary by Location

Software Developer salaries vary significantly by region. London typically offers the highest salaries but also has a higher cost of living.

London
£65,000
+35% vs national
South East
£55,000
+15% vs national
National Average
£48,000
baseline

Software Developer Salary Growth (2020-2025)

See how Software Developer salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.

Software Developer Salary Trends (5 Years)
Historical salary data from 2020 to 2025

+32.8%

Total Growth

+£12,830

Salary Increase

+5.8%

Annual Growth Rate

+3.8%

Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)

Year-over-Year Changes

20202021
£39,170£40,933+4.5%
20212022
£40,933£44,289+8.2%
20222023
£44,289£47,168+6.5%
20232024
£47,168£49,904+5.8%
20242025
£49,904£52,000+4.2%

Key Skills Required

JavaScriptPythonJavaSQLGitAgile methodologies

Typical Qualifications

  • Computer Science degree or equivalent
  • Relevant certifications
  • Portfolio of projects

Software Developer Career Progression

Junior Developer
Mid-level Developer
Senior Developer
Tech Lead
Engineering Manager

What Does a Software Developer Do?

Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code
Debugging and fixing software defects
Collaborating with product managers and designers
Participating in code reviews
Deploying and maintaining applications

Industries Hiring Software Developers

TechnologyFinanceHealthcareE-commerceConsulting

Calculate Your Take Home Pay

Adjust the salary and see your personalised take-home pay calculation.

Your Income

Enter your salary details for 2025/26

£
£
£
0%

Salary sacrifice reduces taxable income

Take Home Pay

£40,717.40/year

78.3% of gross income

  • Gross Income£52,000.00
  • Taxable Income£39,430.00
  • Income Tax-£8,232.00
  • National Insurance-£3,050.60
  • Total Deductions-£11,282.60

21.7%

Effective Rate

40%

Marginal Rate

£52,000 Salary Insights

Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown

£52,000 vs UK Wages

Above UK average

+49%

vs UK Median

£17,000

Above Median

Where Your £52,000 Goes

Annual breakdown of your salary

Take Home78.3%
Income Tax15.8%
National Insurance5.9%

Tax Benefits on £52,000 from Pension

See how pension contributions reduce your tax bill

Increase your pension contribution to see potential tax savings. Pension contributions reduce your taxable income.

Software Developer Salary FAQ

What is the average Software Developer salary in the UK?

The average Software Developer salary in the UK is £52,000 per year. Salaries typically range from £28,000 for entry-level positions to £85,000 for senior roles.

How much does a Software Developer earn in London?

A Software Developer in London earns an average of £65,000 per year, which is 35% higher than the national average.

What is the take-home pay for a Software Developer?

On the average Software Developer salary of £52,000, you would take home approximately £40,717 per year (£3,393.12 per month) after income tax and National Insurance.