TechnologyGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in London
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,661/yr
Typical range: $173,049 – $212,788
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in London
Data Engineer Salary Progression in London
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $93,574 | $7,798 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,592 | $9,633 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $130,270 | $10,856 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $150,819 | $12,568 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,661 | $16,972 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $255,402 | $21,284 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $268,338 | $22,362 | +187% |
Current Salary
$203,661
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$255,402
Principal · 14
+$52Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in London, UK?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in London, UK earn approximately $204K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Engineer make per hour in London, UK?
Based on $204K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Engineer in London, UK?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in London, UK earns $173K–$213K/yr.