In an ever-changing digital landscape, technology professionals are the driving force behind innovation, security, and transformation. From developing cutting-edge solutions to ensuring seamless operations, their expertise is critical to business success. This growing responsibility makes competitive salaries and benefits essential - not only to attract the best tech experts but to retain the innovators shaping the future.
Our comprehensive technology salary guide equips you with the insights and data needed to adapt to the changing job market, build a resilient, future-focused team, or drive your own long-term career success.
Drawing on data from 18 million job postings on Reed.co.uk since 2017, the guide reveals key salary trends in five tech practice areas, across the UK, helping you benchmark your team’s pay or discover what you could - and should - be earning. It also includes expert analysis of local job markets and a look at the benefits employees will value most in 2026.
The guide offers regional salary data across the following practice areas:
Strategy and leadership
Business intelligence and data science
Development and testing
Infrastructure, support and cyber
Transformation and change
The technology sector is undergoing rapid, but equally cautious transformation. After a period of expansion, the market is recalibrating in response to economic shifts and the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence - marking a pivotal moment for strategic reflection.
Managing Director - Technology, Reed
Who is the 2026 technology salary guide designed for?
Our tech salary guide is tailored for:
Employers aiming to attract talent by benchmarking salaries against competitors.
New startups determining competitive pay for their employees.
Businesses looking to retain talent by aligning existing salaries with market standards.
Graduates and young professionals entering the tech sector, providing a clear understanding of salary expectations.
Tech specialists ensuring their current earnings align with regional averages.
Professionals planning to relocate, offering insights into local job markets and salary trends.
Jobseekers preparing for negotiations with potential employers.
Looking for technology benchmarking insights?
Gain a competitive edge in the technology industry with precise benchmarking insights. Our guide, built on data from over 18 million job postings, offers a comprehensive view of salary trends and market dynamics.
Explore detailed analysis across five practice areas in seven UK regions, with visually engaging graphics showcasing key salary shifts over the past year. Backed by a robust four-year dataset, the guide also includes salary projections for the year ahead and historical averages dating back to 2017.
Curious about what you should be earning?
Discover how your salary compares to industry standards and ensure you're positioned for success in today’s competitive market.
Whether you're looking to enter the tech industry, negotiating a pay rise, or exploring new opportunities, this guide is your go-to resource for staying informed and ahead of the curve.
What jobs are covered in the Reed technology salary guide 2026?
This guide provides salary data for a number of roles across the technology sector, from entry-level roles to c-suite executives, including:
BI developer
Data scientist
Scrum master
Change manager
DevOps engineer
Software developer
Cyber security analyst
Penetration tester
Cloud architect
Why download the UK’s most trusted technology salary guide?
Our salary guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. Here’s why it’s a must-have:
Accurate and reliable data: Built on insights from millions of job postings over nine years, it’s the most comprehensive and trusted source for salary benchmarking.
Regional insights: Get a detailed breakdown of salary trends in five practice areas, across seven UK regions, helping you make informed decisions whether you’re hiring, relocating, or negotiating.
Futureproof your talent strategy: With salary projections for 2027, you’ll stay ahead of market trends.
Tailored for everyone: Whether you’re a graduate, jobseeker, employer, or startup, this guide is designed to meet your unique needs.
Visual clarity: Engaging graphics make it easy to spot key salary shifts and trends at a glance.
How can Reed’s tech salary guide assist with benefits and rewards benchmarking?
At the end of 2025, we conducted our annual survey of 5,000 UK workers to understand how they feel about their salaries, benefits, role and responsibilities, as well as job satisfaction and market trends.
Some key findings include:
20% of professionals feel unhappy with their current salary.
The overwhelming reason for salary dissatisfaction is that pay hasn't kept pace with the cost of living.
26% of respondents have £100 or less leftover each month after essential bills, with seven per cent stating their entire salary goes to essentials.
To switch jobs, individuals expect a substantial average pay increase of £12,139.55.
On average, men earn £48,367.15, while women earn £33,852.12, a difference of over £14,500.
And women have significantly less disposable income, with an average of £626.61 left over monthly compared to £983.38 for men.
Younger workers (25-34) are most willing to sacrifice benefits for higher pay…
… while older workers (55+) are significantly less willing to do so, suggesting they value their existing benefits more.
See all the results from our survey and use this guide to make informed decisions on salaries and benefits in the technology sector for 2026.
Download your copy now.
