Many of the UK’s best-paid jobs are within the technology sector, according to analysis by Totaljobs.
Its Salary and benefits report 2026, which analysed 21.6 million UK jobs through Stepstone Group’s job advert analysis tool OTT, found that roles such as Python developers (£90,000), technical architects (£87,500) and AI software developers (£75,000) are at the top of the median salary spectrum.
It also found that median advertised pay has risen 7.5% year-on-year to just over £33,500, driven by demand for technical, data and artificial intelligence (AI) expertise. Almost two-thirds (63%) received a pay rise in the past 12 months, however 53% have cut back on leisure spending and 32% have reduced spending on essentials.
A quarter (25%) of recruiters ranked AI and automation skills as the most valuable capability when determining salary or career progression. Technology workers were among the most likely to see pay increases, with 66% receiving a pay rise in the past 12 months.
By contrast, median salaries in hospitality (£27,258), retail (£27,466), travel (£27,404) and administration (£27,500) continue to fall below national averages.
London is the country’s highest-paying city, with a median salary of £40,000. Oxford (£37,500), Birmingham (£35,528) and Leeds (£35,000) all have strong median salaries, while in Swansea, the median salary sits at £29,307.
Luke Mckend, managing director at Stepstone Group, said: “Hiring volumes remain softer than the post-pandemic peak, yet advertised pay continues to rise, particularly for roles requiring advanced technical, leadership or AI-driven skills. Employers are now competing not just on pay, but on their ability to offer sustainable career pathways, inclusive cultures and working models that meet evolving worker expectations.
“With salary now a proxy for value, opportunity and equity, accessible data is essential to building a more informed and competitive jobs market in 2026 and beyond. Employers which invest in skills, embedding fairness and aligning their workforce strategies with broader economic realities, will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead.”
