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Software engineer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
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Case studies

  • Average starting salary for graduate software engineer: £27,000 (salary data collected Nov 09). Salaries vary depending on the size of the company and the location.
  • Typical range of earnings for software engineers after around three to four years: £35,500 - £38,500 (salary data collected Nov 09).
  • Range of typical salaries for a senior software engineer (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role): £47,000 - £49,500 (salary data collected Nov 09). Salaries can increase further with bonus schemes and incentives.
  • Salary is dependent upon the company, location and nature of the employer's business. The highest salaries can be found in the finance, pensions and telecoms sectors in London and the South East.
  • Working hours are typically nine to five, however longer hours are necessary towards the end of projects and as deadlines approach. Software engineers are often required to be on call to deal with problems. This can involve evening and weekend work in a shift pattern. Allowances may be available in these cases.
  • Most software engineers are office-based or work in computer laboratories, although remote working is increasing as a result of technological advances.
  • Freelance opportunities, self-employment and part-time work all exist within the IT sector. There is a lot of work advertised on short-term contracts/projects. A few years' experience would be advantageous in this area.
  • Jobs are available in most areas of the country, but the majority are in major population centres.
  • Career breaks are difficult due to the need to keep technical knowledge up to date in a rapidly changing environment.
  • There are currently considerably more men than women in the role.
  • A high level of commitment is expected because of the high costs of projects and tight deadlines. Stress increases with the approach of a deadline and the expectation will be for staff to put in the hours of work necessary to complete the project.
  • Long hours spent in front of a monitor can have health implications, such as eye strain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems. Regular breaks from the screen are encouraged to minimise these effects.
  • The work environment and dress code tend to be informal, although this will depend on the amount of client contact.
  • Travel may be required to meet clients, install and implement work and attend external training courses
  • International travel is sometimes an option.
 
AGCAS
Written by Simon Thompson, University of Derby
Date: 
October 2009
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