Average Programmers and software development professionals Salary in Manchester
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Manchester compares
In 2025, programmers and software development professionalss working in the North West took home a median salary of £49,505 — that's 10.9% below the national average of £55,587. In practical terms, living costs in the North West run 8.8% below average. That means £49,505 stretches to roughly £54,282 in real spending power. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Manchester is £36,554, so programmers and software development professionalss sit 35.4% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £49,505 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £54,282 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Programmers and software development professionals salary across UK regions
Programmers and software development professionals salary in areas near Manchester
Salary data is by ONS region. Manchester is in the North West region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Programmers and software development professionals Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average programmers and software development professionals salary in Manchester?
The median programmers and software development professionals salary in the North West (which includes Manchester) is £49,505 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does programmers and software development professionals pay in Manchester compare to the UK average?
Programmers and software development professionals in the North West earn 10.9% below the national median of £55,587. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is programmers and software development professionals a well-paid job in Manchester compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Manchester is £36,554. Programmers and software development professionals in the North West earn £49,505, which is 35.4% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for programmers and software development professionalss cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Manchester. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.