How to increase your salary as a software engineer in London

Whether you are looking for your first security cleared software engineer job or you’ve worked in the field for several years, at some point, every professional will start to wonder how they can earn a higher salary.

IT jobs are highly sought after due to a shortage of skilled workers, which means if you’re looking for a rewarding career in the field, now could be the perfect time to make your move. As companies compete for talented professionals, those with the right set of skills stand a good chance of boosting their salaries.

In particular, individuals with the ability to obtain security clearances are highly appealing to employers and recruiters. Organisations that store confidential information, assets and data are constantly at risk from cyber threats posed by malicious third parties. As a result, the need for skilled IT professionals is ever-growing.

What does a software engineer earn in London?

As an entry-level software engineer in London, you can expect to earn a salary of roughly £35,000 during your first year. However, upon becoming established as a mid-level software engineer, this will rise to a figure between £65,000 and £95,000 for the next three years of your career.

Increasing your software engineer salary

When it comes to increasing your salary, there are a few factors that apply almost universally, including aspects such as your experience and the industry in which you work. 

However, there are certain options available to security cleared software engineers that can help you to earn more by being proactive in your career.

Learn new programming languages

There’s no better way to improve your salary than to make yourself more valuable to your organisation, or any other company that might be interested in your skills.

For a security cleared software engineer, learning a new programming language is a great way to upskill yourself. It’s also a good idea for those who don’t have previous experience in the role, as the more you know, the more employable you will be in the first place.

There are more than 2,500 coding languages available to pick from, but a good place to start is with the most popular. This includes JavaScript, Python, SQL, C# and Ruby.

Obtain certifications

As a security cleared software engineer, obtaining certification is a way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge, as well as your commitment to your field of work. Many require professionals to pass exams and complete practical tasks, such as projects and coursework. 

This isn’t just a great way to highlight your value within your organisation, but it’s also a smart method to set yourself apart from other candidates when looking for a new position.

Gain experience in other areas

This doesn’t mean spending a few years in the job, but actively involving yourself in other projects, with different teams. If you seize the opportunity to work outside the traditional remit of a software engineer, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your organisation and, ultimately, become more important to senior leaders who make key decisions.

Browse our current range of software engineer vacancies in London to find the perfect job for you.