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.
$205,277/yr
Typical range: $174,423 – $214,477
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 | $94,317 | $7,860 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $116,509 | $9,709 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,304 | $10,942 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $152,016 | $12,668 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $205,277 | $17,106 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $257,429 | $21,452 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $270,467 | $22,539 | +187% |
Current Salary
$205,277
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $99/hr
Next Level Target
$257,429
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 $205K 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 $205K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $99/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 $174K–$214K/yr.