Report: British software developers are underpaid, and a little jaded

Stack Overflow today released its Q2 Developer Ecosystems Report, which examines trends in recruiting and hiring in the UK and Irish software development world. The report uses data from Stack Overflow’s website, as well as from surveys the company has performed.

Spoiler: It turns out that UK devs are underpaid, jaded, and don’t want to go to the office.

Let’s start off which remuneration — because let’s face it, it’s a biggie. Overall, 45 percent of UK devs think they’re underpaid. When you look outside London — which is the country’s tech capital — that number skyrockets. In Northern Ireland, for example, 64 percent of people believe they’re greatly or somewhat underpaid.

The reason for this is obvious. Salaries in London are vastly more generous than in the rest of the country, to address the cost of living. While more than half of all software developers in Northern Ireland, the Midlands, and Wales earn less than £35,000, compared to £50,000 in the capital.

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Compensation for exceptional developers outside of London also is seriously deflated. In London, the top 5 percent of coders earn just shy of £100,000 per year. In Northern Ireland, it’s about £50,000.

Employers are also failing to provide the benefits that developers appreciate. Per the report, most jobs offer things like childcare, flexitime, and a pension. Developers, on the other hand, are more interested in professional development, the equipment they use, and having the option to work remotely from the office.

Speaking of remote working, the report suggests there’s a direct relationship between seniority, and the desire to work remotely. 38 percent of developers with four years or less experience consider remote working options important. This figure rises to 51 percent of developers with over 20 years experience.

It also demonstrates how developer’s priorities shift over time. Younger developers are more likely to say they want to “change the world” than older developers — 27 percent to 11.5 percent.

The Stack Overflow Q2 Developer Ecosystems Report is a fascinating read that looks at other issues, including industry buzzwords and where developers actually work. You can read it here.