Thinking about a raise, a new job, or a career switch? The first thing you need is a solid idea of what the market pays. In tech, salaries move fast, and what was high last year might be average today. This page pulls together the most useful tips, trends, and numbers so you can walk into any conversation with confidence.
We’ll cover how to find reliable data, what factors push pay up or down, and which roles are pulling the highest numbers in 2025. No fluff, just practical steps you can use right now.
Start with a few simple sources. Salary surveys from sites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn give a ballpark range for most positions. Look for the median salary for your role, then narrow it down by location, experience level, and company size.
Next, check job ads. Many listings now include a salary range – treat that as a real-world data point. If a posting shows £55k‑£65k for a mid‑level front‑end developer in London, you know that range is what employers expect to pay.
Don’t forget to factor in bonuses, equity, and benefits. A slightly lower base pay can be offset by profit‑sharing or a generous health package. Write those extra perks down so you can compare the total compensation, not just the figure on the paycheck.
Finally, talk to peers. A quick chat with a colleague or a mentor can reveal hidden details, like how a particular company handles salary reviews or offers remote‑work allowances. Real‑world insight often beats any online chart.
Some positions are consistently at the top of the pay ladder. Here’s a quick rundown of the roles that are pulling the biggest numbers right now.
Java Full‑Stack Developer – With businesses modernising their back‑ends, Java experts who can handle both front‑end and server‑side code are earning £80k‑£110k, especially in finance and health tech.
AI/ML Engineer – The AI boom means machine‑learning specialists are in high demand. Expect salaries around £90k‑£130k for those with proven project experience.
Cloud Architect – Companies moving to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud need experts to design scalable infrastructure. Pay typically sits between £85k‑£120k.
Senior DevOps Engineer – Those who can automate pipelines and keep systems running smoothly command £80k‑£115k, particularly in larger enterprises.
Data Engineer – With data becoming a core asset, engineers who build pipelines and warehouses are earning £75k‑£105k.
Remember, numbers vary by region. London and other major cities still pay a premium, while remote roles may offer slightly lower base salaries but give you flexibility and lower living costs.
Now that you have the research tools and know which jobs pay best, it’s time to set your target.
Write down a realistic salary range based on your experience, then add a cushion of 5‑10% for negotiation. When you apply, mention that range early in the process – it shows you know your worth and saves time on both sides.
Keep this page bookmarked. Salary data updates every few months, and the tech landscape shifts quickly. Checking back regularly ensures you stay ahead of the curve and never accept less than you deserve.
Ready to take the next step? Use the tips above, research the numbers, and walk into your next interview confident that you’ve done the homework. Your future paycheck depends on it.
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