IT project managers vs Programmers and software development professionals: Salary Compared
A IT project managers earns more — a median £58,373 vs £56,914 for a Programmers and software development professionals. That is £1,459 more per year (3%). Real ONS ASHE figures, April 2025.
Quick answer
In the UK, a IT project managers is paid more than a Programmers and software development professionals: median gross pay of £58,373 versus £56,914 — a £1,459 (3%) gap. Source: ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3.
Pay compared, side by side
Gross annual pay for full-time UK employees, ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3.
| Measure | IT project managers | Programmers and software development professionals |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | £34,838 | £32,835 |
| 25th percentile | £41,423 | £42,289 |
| Median | £58,373 | £56,914 |
| 75th percentile | £74,823 | £75,794 |
| 90th percentile | — | £102,860 |
SOC 2020 codes: IT project managers = 2131; Programmers and software development professionals = 2134.
Regional pay gap
The pay gap is widest in North West, where a IT project managers earns a median £59,119 versus £50,336 for a Programmers and software development professionals — a £8,783 difference. Regional medians are published by ONS where the sample is large enough.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a IT project managers or a Programmers and software development professionals earn more in the UK?
- A IT project managers earns more. The median UK gross annual pay is £58,373 for a IT project managers versus £56,914 for a Programmers and software development professionals — a difference of £1,459 (3% more). Source: ONS ASHE, April 2025.
- What is the typical salary range for a IT project managers?
- Most IT project managers earn between £41,423–£74,823 (25th–75th percentile), with a median of £58,373. Top earners (90th percentile) reach higher.
- What is the typical salary range for a Programmers and software development professionals?
- Most Programmers and software development professionals earn between £42,289–£75,794 (25th–75th percentile), with a median of £56,914. Top earners (90th percentile) reach £102,860.
- Where do these pay figures come from?
- From the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3) — gross annual pay for full-time employees by 4-digit SOC 2020 occupation, published under the Open Government Licence. These are medians, not guarantees: individual pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Related comparisons
Data: Office for National Statistics — Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), ASHE 2025 provisional, April 2025 reference period, ONS, OGL v3. Open Government Licence v3.0. Figures are medians for full-time employees and do not guarantee individual pay. A Gera Systems product.