Looking to dive into the dynamic world of tech jobs in the UK but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? Breathe easy because we’ve got you covered!
We’ve crunched the numbers, analyzed the trends, and mapped out the top spots for tech opportunities across the UK.
Whether you’re a tech novice looking to break into the industry or a seasoned professional seeking your next big move, our comprehensive guide will steer you in the right direction.
We’ve meticulously sifted through the data to reveal the crème de la crème of tech job locations, as well as the areas you might want to think twice about.
Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to clarity as we unveil the best and worst places for tech jobs in the UK.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s embark on this journey to discover where your tech career can truly flourish in 2024!
Key Findings
- The City of London, UK’s top destination for tech jobs, has the highest wages (£30.15/hour) and the shortest commute (5,348 km). The highest final score was 90.00, £30.15/hr, and there were 2610 enterprises, with a 6.97% growth.
- In Thurrock, the least desirable area for tech jobs, the tech sector is shrinking at the second-fastest rate (35.48%).
- Despite experiencing the fastest decline in recent years, Bexley has also seen a significant pay increase within the industry. Brent, on the other hand, has seen a recent pay cut.
- The largest tech industry is in Surrey, while the smallest is in Blaenau Gwent.
- Middlesbrough: Highest enterprise growth at 13.79%, £15.13/hr, 165 enterprises, final score 80.07.
- Hackney has one of the more well-rounded tech scenes.
- Middlesbrough is the fastest-growing tech industry.
- Hammersmith and Fulham: Lowest final score of 70.51, £21.57/hr, 1560 enterprises, -13.81% growth.
- Hammersmith and Fulham: Lowest enterprise growth at -13.81%, £21.57/hr, 1560 enterprises, final score 70.51.
- Herefordshire: Lowest gross hourly median pay at £14.23/hr, 470 enterprises, 0% growth, final score 72.26
Best and Worst Areas for Tech Jobs in the UK in 2024
20 Best Areas in the UK for Tech Jobs in 2024
1. City of London
The City of London reigns supreme as the UK's top destination for tech jobs, securing the perfect score of 90. The tech industry here is flourishing. There are currently 2,610 tech companies in the city, and this number is only expected to rise with the nation’s third-highest growth rate of 6.97%. A significant 11% of the city’s workforce, aged 16 and over, finds employment in this thriving sector. Another major advantage of the City of London is its excellent connectivity. Employed residents aged 16 and over enjoy the shortest commute, travelling a total distance of only 5,348 km daily to work. While the City offers the highest average hourly wages of £30.15 in tech jobs, career progression might be slower, as the pay increase from 2020 to 2023 was just 1.55%, one of the lowest in the UK.
2. Westminster
Coming in second with a score of 89.8, Westminster is home to the third-highest number of tech firms (5,730) in the UK. It’s also the nation's second-fastest growing tech hub, with an impressive 8.22% growth rate. These companies, employing a large portion (9%) of the workforce, offer the third-highest average hourly pay of £24.16. Despite a thriving sector, Westminster has seen a lower pay rise (7.09%) compared to other leading areas. The average daily commute for the residents of this area is fairly long, totalling 101,742 km, as they travel to and from work.
3. Camden
Camden also has a thriving tech scene, ranking third with a score of 88.84. It has the country's fourth-highest number of tech firms (5,355) and the fourth-fastest growing tech industry with a growth rate of 6.67%. These companies are major employers, providing jobs for a substantial 10.3% of the workforce. While the average hourly wage is among the highest at £22.43, the recent pay increase of 10.06% is moderate compared to other leading areas. The commute to work could, however, eat into valuable personal time as residents travel quite a distance (102,513 km daily).
4. Hackney
Hackney secures fourth place with a score of 88.28. The tech sector here is a flourishing job market, with one of the highest number of firms (4,525) and a decent growth (4.02%). These companies employ a good chunk of the workforce (10%) and offer attractive salaries (£23.90 per hour). Notably, tech workers in Hackney have enjoyed an excellent pay rise of 27.81% in recent years. However, the long commute (134,311 km daily) for residents can negatively impact work-life balance.
5. Islington
Islington holds the number five spot with a score of 82.23. It has one of the UK’s largest tech industries, with 3,770 enterprises, although growth has seen a 3.46% decline recently. Despite this, these companies are providing jobs for a large percentage (11.3%) of the workforce with a lucrative average hourly wage (£23.50). While tech workers have seen a modest pay hike of 14.97%, it's lower compared to some leading areas. Additionally, the commute is a bit of an issue, with residents travelling a distance of 114,971 km daily.
6. Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough ranks sixth with a score of 80.07. While its tech firms are currently on the lower side (165), they're experiencing the fastest growth (13.79%), indicating a rapidly developing sector. Although tech jobs currently employ a smaller portion of the workforce (2.7%) in the area and offer a lower average hourly wage (£15.13) compared to other leading areas, there has been a recent pay increase of 8.46%, which is commendable. Notably, residents enjoy a good work-life balance with a short daily commute of 56,434 km.
7. Isle of Anglesey
Isle of Anglesey comes in seventh with a score of 78.85. While the number of tech companies here is also lower (80), similar to Middlesbrough, the industry is seeing impressive growth (6.67%). Tech jobs currently represent a smaller portion of the workforce (1.9%) here and offer a moderate average hourly wage (£16.86) compared to other areas. However, recent pay hikes here have been a significant 33.7%, third-highest on the list. Residents here enjoy a shorter daily commute of 29,202 km, the third-lowest on the list.
8. Ceredigion
Despite being one of the smaller tech industries, Ceredigion performs admirably, snagging eighth place with a score of 76.5. While the number of tech firms here is currently on the lower side (105), it's experiencing a healthy growth rate of 5%, indicating a promising tech sector on the rise. Tech jobs currently employ a smaller portion of the workforce (2.1%) and offer a lower average hourly wage (£14.90) compared to leading areas. However, recent pay increases have been one of the highest, at 28.23%. Employed residents here too enjoy a good work-life balance with one of the shorter daily commutes of 30,119 km.
9. Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire makes it to the ninth position with a score of 75.15. Similar to Ceredigion, the number of tech firms here is also on the lower side (205), but it's experiencing promising growth (5.13%). Tech jobs currently represent a smaller section of the workforce (1.9%) and offer a moderate average hourly wage (£16.64). While recent pay raises of 14.36% haven't been as high, the commute to work (81,951 km) is relatively moderate.
10. Gateshead
Gateshead rounds out the top 10 with a score of 73.94. It has a small number of 315 tech companies that are slowly growing by 1.61%. The sector employs a moderate share of the workforce (3.8%). The average hourly wage of £15 is on the lower side, and the recent pay increase of (18.3%) has not been too high or too low. Employed residents travel a moderate total distance of 87,519 km to work each day. Continued investment in the tech sector could unlock Gateshead's potential and attract a wider range of tech talent.
11. Blackburn with Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen ranks 11th with a score of 73.09. Its tech industry is currently small-scale (180 firms), and declining slightly (-2.7%). Tech jobs here employ 3% of the workforce and offer an average hourly pay of £16.20, both relatively moderate. However, what’s impressive is that Blackburn with Darwen saw the second-highest recent pay raise at a whopping 33.77%. Moreover, residents enjoy a short commute (63,558 km) to work daily.
12. Kingston upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull is in 12th place with a score of 73.06. The tech sector here has room to grow, with 205 firms that are experiencing slow yet decent growth at 2.5%. Tech jobs here employ a small portion of the workforce (2.1%), offer wages on the lower side (£15.54 per hour), and the recent pay increase of 17.46% was average. However, the most significant drawback is the long commute distance for residents (117,789 km daily).
13. Herefordshire
Herefordshire ranks 13th with a score of 72.26. The tech industry, while decent in size (470 firms), does not appear to be growing or contracting (0% growth). Although tech jobs employ a small portion of the workforce (2.8%), there's been a respectable pay raise of 19.58% in recent times. However, the average hourly salary is still one of the lowest, at £14.23. Besides, employed residents commute an average distance of 88,511 km daily to get to work.
14. Tameside
Tameside takes 14th place with a score of 71.89. The tech sector has 285 enterprises. But the number may drop as it's experiencing a slight contraction (-1.72%). While the industry provides job opportunities for a smaller fraction (3.3%) of the workforce, these jobs have seen a significant recent pay raise of 26.03%. However, the average hourly pay of £14.43 is still a bit low. Besides, a long commute of 105,654 km daily is sure to be a hassle for residents.
15. Powys
Powys is placed in the 15th position with a score of 71.86. The region has a small number of 200 tech enterprises with no growth or decline. These firms employ only 2.2% of the total workforce, offering an average hourly wage of £14.94 and a pay increase of 16.45%, both at the lower end. Residents here collectively cover a short daily distance of 61,726 km to commute to work.
16. Blaenau Gwent
Blaenau Gwent ranks 16th with a score of 71.85. The tech industry is in its early stages. With the lowest number of 30 firms currently operating the sector is maintaining a stable presence with no growth or decline. While tech jobs currently make up a small portion of the workforce (1.7%), employed residents enjoy a significant advantage – a very short commute distance of 28,800 km daily. Wages in the sector are currently on the lower side (£15.46 per hour), but recent pay increases have been admirable (15.29%).
17. Salford
Salford comes in 17th with a score of 71.58. The tech sector, consisting of 610 firms, is declining by 3.17%. Tech jobs here offer opportunities for a modest 5.2% of the workforce, with average hourly wages of £17.42. But the recent pay hikes (8.2%) have been on the lower side. Moreover, employed residents travel a long total distance of 127,604 km to work each day.
18. Caerphilly
Caerphilly ranks 18th with a score of 71.55. The region has 180 tech firms that are experiencing a negative growth (-2.7%). Tech jobs offer an average hourly wage of £16.62 and have seen a significant recent pay rise of 23.29%, even though they employ only 2.4% of the workforce. Residents in Caerphilly travel 77,437 km daily to reach their workplaces.
19. Manchester
Manchester ranks 19th with a score of 70.94. Despite having a sizable tech sector with 1,760 firms, it's currently experiencing a contraction (-7.37%). The industry provides jobs for a decent part of the workforce (5.3%) and offers an average hourly wage (£19.15). The recent pay increases have also been decent (19.39%). A serious issue however is the long commute distance for residents (234,287 km daily).
20. Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith and Fulham rounds out the top 20 with a score of 70.51. While it has a strong foundation in tech with 1,560 firms, the industry is seeing a significant decline (-13.81%). However, on a positive note, tech offers a high proportion of jobs (9.2%) within the borough and has one of the highest average hourly pay (£21.57) on this list. But the recent wage hikes of 7.21% haven't been as high (7.21%). Also, residents face a moderate challenge with commute distance (98,093 km daily).
20 Worst Areas in the UK for Tech Jobs in 2024
1. Thurrock
Thurrock ranks at the bottom with a score of 50, marking it as the least favourable area for tech jobs in the UK. There are currently 300 enterprises, and this figure is expected to fall as Thurrock's tech sector is declining at the second-fastest rate of 35.48%. Moreover, tech workers, aged 16 and over, account for a small percentage of the total workforce, at 3.1%. With a recent pay increase of 11.39%, the average hourly wage in tech has now reached a modest £16.33. Another disadvantage is that Thurruck has mediocre communication. Employed residents aged 16 and over undertake a daily commute of 85,951 km to reach their workplaces.
2. Swindon
Swindon ranks second from the bottom with a score of 53.52. It has a tech sector that’s decent in size, with 610 companies. But like Thurrock, it's also facing a rapid decline at 33.33%, third-fastest on the list. On the plus side, tech jobs employ a good chunk of the workforce (5.4%) and pay an average hourly salary (£17.89). But, the recent pay hike (12.16%) was less than average. Furthermore, the commute distance to work for residents is moderately long (117,869 km).
3. Bexley
Bexley is in the third-lowest position, with a score of 53.71. Although it has a modest number of 690 firms, the tech industry is currently experiencing the fastest decline at 36.41%. Tech jobs, however, make up 5% of the total jobs offered within the borough, with a respectable average hourly wage of £18.01. Also, there’s been a substantial pay hike of 32.43% recently, one of the highest on the list. Similar to Swindon, residents here also travel a moderately long commute distance (117,984 km).
4. Essex
Essex ranks fourth from the bottom with a score of 54.02. Although it has one of the largest tech industries with 3,695 enterprises, the sector is currently shrinking by 25.5%. Nevertheless, a reasonable percentage of the workforce in Essex (4%) can find employment in tech. The average hourly salary is currently £16.77, after a recent increase in pay of 19.44%. However, the major challenge for residents is the second-longest commute to work (713,793 km).
5. Redbridge
Redbridge ranks fifth from the bottom with a score of 54.59. Despite a strong foundation in tech, with a base of 1,425 enterprises, the industry is currently experiencing a contraction (-32.62%). The sector however offers a high percentage of jobs within the borough (6.6%) and an average hourly wage (£17.31). But the recent pay hike of 7.65% was below average. Moreover, residents undertake a moderately long commute of 141,627 km daily.
6. South Tyneside
South Tyneside is in sixth place from the bottom with a score of 55.22. The tech sector, which is already small with 115 companies, has been declining by 25.81%. These jobs currently represent a limited portion of the workforce (3.2%) and offer salaries on the lower side (£14.87 per hour). Recent pay increases have also been moderate (7.99%). However, on a positive note, residents here enjoy a short commute of 62,505 km to work daily.
7. Bradford
Bradford ranks seventh from the bottom with a score of 55.42. With a modest number of 655 firms, the tech sector is shrinking by 25.57%. Tech jobs make up a small percentage (3.1%) of the workforce and pay an average hourly wage of £16.26. However, there’s been a decent pay rise of 15.65% recently. Additionally, residents have to endure a long commute of 221,139 km daily.
8. Barking and Dagenham
Barking and Dagenham ranks eighth from the bottom with a score of 55.96. Its tech sector, made up of 465 firms, which is already on the smaller side, is further declining by 25.6%. Tech workers account for 3.6% of the workforce and get paid an average hourly wage of £16.84. The recent increase in pay was a low 3.63%. However, residents enjoy a relatively short commute to work (94,589 km daily).
9. Brent
Brent ranks ninth from the bottom with a score of 56.17. The now large tech sector with 1,350 enterprises is expected to shrink as it’s currently witnessing a downturn (-26.83% growth rate). The sector offers employment to a sizable section of the workforce (6.1%) and a competitive average hourly salary (£16.70). However, the recent wage drop (-2.85%) may be a cause for alarm. Residents also have to struggle with a lengthy commute (160,994 km).
10. St. Helens
St. Helens is in the tenth spot from the bottom with a score of 56.22. The tech industry, with already a small number of enterprises (170) has seen a recent decline of 24.44%. The industry employs only 2.9% of the workforce and pays salaries on the lower side (£14.21 per hour). Recent wage growth has also been moderate (15.15%). Residents, however, benefit from a short commute distance (82,623 km daily).
11. Greenwich
Greenwich, which ranks eleventh from the bottom with a score of 56.99, has 1,120 tech firms, but the sizeable industry is shrinking by 28.89%. However, tech workers still make up a large fraction of the workforce (7%) and jobs in this sector offer competitive average hourly wages (£17.96). But, recent pay increases haven't been that good (6.52%). Moreover, employed residents travel quite a distance (142,934 km) to work each day.
12. Luton
Luton is in twelfth place from the bottom with a score of 57.03. Its shrinking (growth declining by 26.36%) tech sector currently has 475 companies. While tech jobs account for a small portion (3.6%) of all jobs, they offer a relatively decent average hourly pay of £17.35. The recent pay hikes haven't been that high or low (16.05%). Residents, however, do enjoy a short commute to work (98,721 km daily).
13. Havering
Havering ranks thirteenth from the bottom, with a score of 57.08. While the tech industry is contracting (-30.18%), it still has a moderate base of 590 enterprises. Tech jobs account for 4.2 percent of all jobs in the borough and have a high average hourly salary (£21.05) on this list, with a recent significant pay increase (22.17%). However, residents travel an average of 124,784 km per day to get to work.
14. Cheshire West and Chester
Cheshire West and Chester is fourteenth from the bottom with a score of 57.13. While the tech sector has a decent size (775 firms), it's currently declining by 24.39%. These companies provide job opportunities for a comparatively small section of the workforce (3.7%) but offer decent average hourly wages (£16.43). The recent pay rise wasn’t that high or that low (13.47%). Compared to Havering, residents face a longer commute to work (169,088 km daily).
15. Sunderland
Sunderland ranks fifteenth from the bottom with a final score of 57.33. The tech industry, with already a relatively low number of 205 firms, is currently experiencing a downturn (-21.15%). Moreover, tech jobs represent a limited portion of the workforce (2.7%) and offer salaries on the lower side (£14.95 per hour). The recent pay hikes have also not shown promise (8.25%). However, residents travel quite a distance (117,151 km daily) to get to jobs.
16. Hampshire
Hampshire ranks sixteenth from the bottom with a score of 57.34. While boasting a strong foundation in tech with one of the highest numbers of enterprises (4,740), the sector is significantly contracting (-24.58%). On the positive side, tech jobs offer opportunities for a good portion of the workforce (6.2%) and provide competitive average hourly wages (£17.73). There’s been a recent pay increase of 14.68%. Employed residents make one of the lengthiest commutes to work (687,300 km) each day.
17. Sandwell
Sandwell is placed seventeenth from the bottom with a score of 57.37. The tech sector, with already a small base of firms (285), is further shrinking by 21.92. Moreover, tech jobs represent a limited fraction of the workforce (2.2%) and offer wages on the lower side (£15.13 per hour). The recent pay hikes, however, have been decent (17.01%). Employed residents also enjoy a moderate commute distance of 141,071 km daily.
18. Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire ranks eighteenth from the bottom with a score of 57.67. While the tech industry boasts a significant base of companies (1,335), it's currently declining by 18.6%. Tech jobs offer opportunities for 3.4% of the workforce. There’s been a recent pay increase of 11.47% and wages are on the lower side (£14.87 per hour). A major challenge for residents is the long commute distance (386,911 km daily).
19. Leicester
Leicester comes in nineteenth from the bottom with a score of 57.74. The tech sector has a modest base of 620 firms, but it's shrinking by 22.01%. Tech jobs represent a limited portion of the workforce (2.5%) and offer wages on the lower side (£15.62 per hour). Meanwhile, recent pay hikes have been not too high or not too low (15.45%). Residents travel a distance of (154,934 km daily) to get to work, which is moderate compared to other areas.
20. Lancashire
Lancashire is in 20th place from the bottom, with a score of 57.76. While boasting a respectable number of tech enterprises (1,840) on this list, the industry is currently experiencing a moderate decline (-16.74%). Tech workers make up a small portion of the workforce (2.8%). Recent pay increases have been significant (16.7%) despite wages remaining on the lower side (£15.44 per hour). Besides, residents endure one of the longest commutes (556,873 km daily).
Conclusion
Navigating the tech job landscape in the UK can be challenging, but armed with the right information, you can make informed decisions that align with your career goals. From the thriving tech hubs in the City of London and Westminster to the emerging opportunities in Middlesbrough and beyond, our analysis highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of the tech industry across the country.
While some areas may currently present more challenges than opportunities, it's essential to consider all factors, including growth rates, average wages, and commute times. Each region has its unique strengths and potential pitfalls, but with careful planning and a clear understanding of the market, you can find the perfect fit for your tech career.
Whether you're seeking high wages, a short commute, or a burgeoning tech scene, there's a place in the UK that meets your needs. So, take this guide, weigh your options, and step confidently into the future of tech in the UK. Your dream job is out there, waiting for you to seize it!
Methodology:
In our analysis, we thoroughly examined 169 United Kingdom counties/local authorities based on a set of 6 criteria to rank which county/local authority would be the best for tech jobs. Each criterion scored 10 to 100, indicating its relative importance in the assessment. We applied a normalization process to ensure a fair and comparable analysis across all criteria. This process standardized the scores for each criterion to a common range while preserving their relative differences.
After normalizing the scores, we aggregated the individual scores, considering their respective weights based on their importance in the assessment. We generated a final score for each county/local authority by applying appropriate weights to the normalized scores. The final score, ranging from 50 to 90 for clarity and meaningful interpretation, serves as a robust statistical measure to rank each county or local authority for tech jobs.
We have retained the individual scores for each criterion in our dataset rather than storing only the feature values.
The criteria for evaluation are as follows:
Distance Traveled to work (2021)
- Total distance traveled to work in kilometers for all usual residents aged 16 years and over in employment.
This metric explains the connectivity factor of the county/local authority, providing a measure of the total travel time needed for going to different job locations.
Data is collected from Nomis, a service provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Employment Percentage of Information & Communication Industries (2021)
- The proportion of the workforce employed in the Information and communication sector is 16 years and over.
This metric provides insight into the employment ratio in tech sectors of the county/local authorities.
Data is collected from Nomis, a service provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Gross Hourly Median Pay (2023)
- Median value of the hourly wages earned by employees working in an area.
This metric provides valuable insights into economic conditions and earning potentials within a specific geographic area.
Data is collected from Nomis, a service provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Gross Hourly Median Pay Increase Percentage (2020 - 2023)
- Increase in gross hourly median pay from 2020 to 2023 was calculated by subtracting the gross hourly median pay of 2023 and the gross hourly median pay of 2020, then dividing the result by the gross hourly median pay of 2020 and then multiplying the whole result by 100. It provides a measure of economic growth.
Data is collected from Nomis, a service provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Total Information & Communication enterprises (2023)
- Total number of enterprises in the information and communication industry.
The total number of enterprises in the information and communication industry provides a comprehensive snapshot of its economic health, employment opportunities, technological advancement, and overall competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Data is collected from Nomis, a service provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Growth Percentage of Information & Communication enterprises (2020-2023)
- The growth percentage of information and communication enterprises refers to the rate at which the number of enterprises in this sector is increasing or decreasing over a specific period. It was calculated by subtracting the total number of enterprises in the information and communication industry in 2023 and the total number of enterprises in the information and communication industry in 2020, then dividing the result by the total number of enterprises in the information and communication industry in 2020 and then multiplying the whole result by 100. It provides a measure of industry expansion and economic health.
Data is collected from Nomis, a service provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Methodology: Further Details
How the weights are distributed
The weights assigned to each criterion reflect their importance in assessing a county/local authority’s tech job opportunity. Negative weights highlight undesirable outcomes, such as a higher travel distance to work. A positive weight is given to desirable attributes, such as a county's gross median pay.
Higher weights are given to metrics with more significant impacts.
- The actual scores are padded to 50-90 to get more realistic-looking scores.
- Weights for each feature are as below and are taken to be a bit more subjective:
| No. | Feature | Weight |
| 1 | Distance Traveled To Work in Km (The latest available data was for 2021) | -0.125 |
| 2 | Employment Percentage of Information & Communication Industries (2021) | 0.125 |
| 3 | Gross Hourly Median Pay (2023) | 0.1 |
| 4 | Gross Hourly Median Pay Increase Percentage (2020 - 2023) | 0.1 |
| 5 | Total Information & Communication Enterprises (2023) | 0.1 |
| 6 | Growth Percentage of Information & Communication Enterprises (2020-2023) | 0.45 |
