Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
London vs Edinburgh

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

London
$138,701
/ year
+42%
difference
Edinburgh
$98,002
/ year
Bottom line: London wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Edinburgh
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$138,701✓ higher
$98,002
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$89,697✓ higher
$63,377
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$214,477✓ higher
$151,543
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,317✓ higher
$66,641
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$92,467✓ higher
$85,219
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$70,861✓ higher
$50,068
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$169,437✓ higher
$119,719

What if you move from London to Edinburgh?

Gross salary change
$40,699
42% decrease
Take-home change
$27,676
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$7,248
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

London$138,701
P10: $70,861Median: $138,701P90: $169,437
Edinburgh$98,002
P10: $50,068Median: $98,002P90: $119,719

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in London or Edinburgh?

The median Data Engineer salary in London is £109,574/yr compared to £77,422/yr in Edinburgh. London pays 42% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in London or Edinburgh after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $92,467/yr in a median-cost city, vs $85,219/yr for Edinburgh. London offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in London vs Edinburgh?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in London takes home approximately $94,317/yr, vs $66,641/yr in Edinburgh. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.