Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
London vs Glasgow

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

London
$138,701
/ year
+60%
difference
Glasgow
$86,500
/ 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
Glasgow
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$138,701✓ higher
$86,500
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$89,697✓ higher
$55,939
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$214,477✓ higher
$133,757
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,317✓ higher
$58,820
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$92,467✓ higher
$88,265
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
0.98×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$70,861✓ higher
$44,192
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$169,437✓ higher
$105,668

What if you move from London to Glasgow?

Gross salary change
$52,201
60% decrease
Take-home change
$35,497
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$4,202
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
Glasgow$86,500
P10: $44,192Median: $86,500P90: $105,668

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Data Engineer earn more in London or Glasgow?

The median Data Engineer salary in London is £109,574/yr compared to £68,335/yr in Glasgow. London pays 60% more in gross terms.

Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in London or Glasgow 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 $88,265/yr for Glasgow. London offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in London takes home approximately $94,317/yr, vs $58,820/yr in Glasgow. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.