Computer Programmer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Computer programmers are technical professionals. They create, modify, and test code. Code is the functional backbone for websites, software, and applications. That’s why people often refer to programmers as coders. Discover more about computer programmer salaries in the UK and how to increase yours.

What does a computer programmer do?

Computer programmers design, create, and maintain software and applications for various technological platforms. As a computer programmer, you may perform the following tasks:

• Meeting with clients to gauge their needs and how software tools can help meet them

• Collaborating with teams of software developers and engineers to achieve set goals 

• Writing code using computer languages like C++, Python, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Assembly, Object C, C#, and Java

• Developing new software programs

• Testing the results to make sure everything functions as envisioned 

• Ensuring projects meet security, performance, and reliability standards

• Updating and improving the functionality of existing software

• Receiving and incorporating feedback from clients for product improvement

How much do computer programmers make?

The annual average salary for computer programmers in the UK is £42,843 per year, ranging from £29,000 to £54,000 per year, as of November 2024 [1]. Additional pay in bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing may affect this average. However, salaries for computer programmers depend on several factors. Learning about the average salary for specific fields, industries, and levels of expertise can give you a better understanding of what you can earn.

How different industries affect computer programmer salaries

As a programmer, you will have many industries to choose from. Nearly every modern business requires computer programmers or software developers. Some of the typical industries that employ people in this position include:

• Finance and insurance

• Manufacturing

• Computer systems design

• Tech industry 

How experience level affects annual salary

The more experienced you are, the more likely you can demand a greater computer programming salary. Your pay should also increase as you become more specialised and gain field expertise. The list below represents the average salaries for all levels of expertise (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Payscale in November 2024 [2]:

• 1–4 years of experience: £28,534

• 5–9 years of experience: £30,750

• 10–19 years of experience: £40,000

• Late career (20+ years of experience): £45,000

How location affects computer programmer salaries

Often, employers in cities and areas with a higher cost of living pay more. Larger corporations’ locations frequently tend to have higher-paying employment opportunities. 

Brighton, East Sussex, boasts the highest-paying careers for computer programmers, with an average annual salary 31.8 percent higher than the national average. Other high-paying cities include Birmingham and London. Manchester and Bristol were among the areas with lower computer programmer salaries compared to the national average [2].

How education affects computer programmer salaries

A degree is only sometimes required to become a computer programmer. However, some employers may require an undergraduate degree, at least for more advanced roles. Computer programmers usually study computer science or computer programming.

Employers also value alternative credentials, like hands-on experience and Professional Certificates. Some computer programmers have no formal training or academic degree. A professional certification can boost your competitiveness as a computer programmer and increase your earning potential. 

How different job titles and specialisations can affect salary

The term “computer programmer” is an umbrella term you can apply to many specialised tracks of experience and skill development. Professionals qualified as computer programmers may also work for other advertised positions. 

The list below represents the average annual salaries for job titles with overlapping skill sets (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in November 2024.

• Computer programmer analyst: £29,239 [3] 

• Internet programmer: £33,980 [4]

• Java developer: £49,478 [5]

• Python developer: £56,721 [6]

• React developer: £48,379 [7] 

• Web applications programmer: £39,642 [8]

• Web developer: £35,188 [9]

How to increase your computer programmer salary

You have several ways to increase your salary as a computer programmer. If you currently work in an entry-level role, consider pursuing a specialisation through online courses or certifications to improve your skill set. Those interested in obtaining a senior-level or management role may earn a degree to qualify for more advanced positions.

Computer programming courses and certifications

To learn more about computer programming courses and certifications, consider researching details such as qualifications, specialisation, difficulty, and other factors that may help you choose the ideal course. Consider these options, offered by industry leaders and accredited universities, to get you started:

For entry-level or beginner programmers:

• Python for Everybody Specialisation by the University of Michigan

• Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming by the University of Edinburgh

• Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate

For mid-level or intermediate programmers:

• HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers by Johns Hopkins University

• Advanced Programming in Kotlin by Meta

• Secure Coding Practices Specialisation by the University of California Davis

For senior-level or advanced programmers:

• Genome Assembly Programming Challenge by the University of California San Diego

• Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms by the University of Colorado Boulder

Degrees and graduate certificates

A second option to become a computer programmer is to earn a graduate certificate or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Through this formalised process, students will gain experience writing code, fixing errors, and testing programmes. You’ll learn the languages that prepare you for a career in computer programming. 

Increase your computer programming skills with Coursera

Specialising in specific skill sets can set you apart from the competition in the job market. Continue learning about computer programming and building vital skills by taking an online course. It can prepare you for your career journey and help you determine what you'd like to specialise in if you need help deciding where to focus your efforts. For those new to the field, consider enrolling in an introductory course like Learn to Program: The Fundamentals from the University of Toronto, available on Coursera. Or, jump in with the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate to earn another credential.