Tech professionals in Manchester can command the highest salaries in the industry, with some professionals now earning £120k* a year on average, according to a new salary study from SPG Resourcing.
The 2025 UK technology salary survey findings highlight that although London remains a global tech hub, attracting significant investment and top talent from across the globe, Manchester is emerging as a strong regional tech hub, with competitive salaries and a growing tech ecosystem.
Manchester is known for its digital and creative industries. It has received significant investments in its cybersecurity, healthcare, and digital media sectors. The city’s tech sector benefits from strong links to local universities and a thriving, supportive business environment.
Manchester’s tech sector has grown by 4.8% in the past year, is valued at £5 billion, and has an average tech salary of £67.5k across all sectors, £12.5k (19%) less than the average salary in London.
The salary study identifies fintech, cybersecurity, and AI as major growth areas in the sector. These areas are bolstered by the success of tech startup businesses alongside established companies.
The survey examines key technology sectors, including business analysis, cyber security, data, project management, and architecture. It screens salaries across three major tech-focused UK cities: Manchester, London, and Leeds.
In Manchester’s data sector, the average salary for a head of data position is £120K, with the potential for earnings of £160k. A data governance analyst can earn an average of £60k, with data architects and data engineers earning £82.5k and £60k, respectively. The average salary for a data analyst in Manchester is £30k, half the amount for the same role in London.
A head of transformation specialist can expect to earn an average of £98,750k (compared with £92.5k in London), with senior and lead business analyst roles commanding £65k and £67.5k. A Manchester-based business analyst’s average salary is £54.5k.
In other tech sectors, a cyber security manager in Manchester can expect to earn £65k, with cloud engineers averaging £60k. An IT programme manager’s average annual salary is £67.5k, and an enterprise architect’s £90k.
Across the Pennines, in Leeds, a senior business analyst’s average salary is £77.5k, and a head of business analysis earns an average of £67.5k. The role of head of transformation carries a salary of £98,750, which is identical to Manchester’s and £6,250 (7%) more than the same role in London. A Leeds-based head of data can earn an average of £120k, the same as in London and Manchester. A head of cyber security role offers average earnings of £100k with enterprise architects on £90k.
Commenting on the 2025 salary study findings, Sam Hameed, co-founder and managing director of SPG Resourcing, said: “The growth in the UK tech sector shows no sign of letting up. It offers an evolving range of roles in emerging fields, including fintech, and green technology, with London as a global hub and cities like Manchester now firmly established as vibrant tech centres.
“While London leads in salaries across the entire sector and investment, Manchester is catching up, with competitive career opportunities proving hugely appealing to the best talent and fostering innovation in their tech ecosystems. Continuous growth and innovation makes tech an exciting career choice in Manchester.”
The UK government has made unprecedented moves in recent years to position the UK as a pioneer in data-driven innovation worldwide. It has pledged to invest £20 billion per year in research and development by 2024/25 as part of a larger goal to reach 2.4% of GDP spent on R&D by 2027.
SPG Resourcing is a technology talent advisory business with offices in Leeds and Newcastle. It provides interim and permanent technology resources to a wide range of companies, including insurance and financial services, health, housing, and large FTSE businesses.
*Average salary range for head of data role in Manchester is £107,500 – £160k with the average annual salary being £120k
