In the UK, the Scottish city of Glasgow has been ranked as the best city for tech professionals in the UK based on key employment metrics. Overall, the study highlights significant salary increases and job growth in emerging tech hubs outside London.
It is also of relevance that Barnsley has been officially named the UK’s first government-backed “Tech Town,” a pilot initiative designed to position the South Yorkshire town as a national blueprint for how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology can transform everyday life.
Under the programme, the government will work with local schools, colleges, businesses, NHS services and community leaders to introduce AI tools – from digital training and upskilling to smarter public services like quicker hospital triage and improved council systems – with the aim of improving outcomes and creating new job opportunities.
A recent study has revealed that Glasgow is the premier city for tech professionals in the UK. Conducted by Startup Voyager, the research analysed the 100 most populated UK cities to determine which locations offer the most advantageous conditions for those working in the tech industry.
The study assessed cities based on four key metrics related to software developer jobs: current average salary, salary increase over the past year, available vacancies per 100,000 people, and the increase in vacancies over the past year.
Top 10 UK Cities for Tech Professionals
| Rank | City | Total Index Score |
| 1. | Glasgow | 10.00 |
| 2. | Cheltenham | 9.72 |
| 3. | Cambridge | 9.69 |
| 4. | Portsmouth | 9.57 |
| 5. | Northampton | 9.49 |
| 6. | Belfast | 9.40 |
| 7. | Lincoln | 9.17 |
| 8. | High Wycombe | 8.99 |
| 9. | Bedford | 8.90 |
| 10. | Manchester | 8.53 |
Glasgow
Glasgow secured the top spot with an index score of 10. The city scored highly across all metrics, particularly in available vacancies per 100,000 people (8.77) and vacancy increase over the past year (7.53). Glasgow’s strong performance indicates a thriving tech job market with increasing opportunities for professionals.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham ranked second with an index score of 9.72. The city boasts the highest score in salary index (10), reflecting competitive pay for tech professionals. Cheltenham also showed strong figures in salary increase over the past year (6.21) and vacancies per 100,000 people (8.03).
Cambridge
Cambridge placed third with an index score of 9.69. The city achieved the highest score in vacancies per 100,000 people (10), indicating abundant job opportunities in the tech sector. Cambridge also scored well in salary index (7.43) and vacancy increase over the past year (6.14).
Portsmouth
With an index score of 9.57, Portsmouth ranks fourth. The city performed strongly in salary increase over the past year (7.89) and vacancy increase (8.03), suggesting significant growth in the tech job market.
Northampton
Northampton secured fifth place with a score of 9.49. The city showed notable increases in salary (8.77) and vacancies (8.35) over the past year, highlighting its rising prominence in the tech industry.
Considering the top five and the table overall, the study highlights the rise of cities beyond London as thriving centres for tech employment. Cities like Portsmouth, Northampton, and Belfast demonstrate significant growth in tech salaries and job vacancies, indicating expanding opportunities for professionals in these regions.
For instance, Portsmouth showed a substantial vacancy increase over the past year (8.03), while Northampton exhibited impressive salary growth (8.77) and vacancy increase (8.35). Belfast’s noteworthy salary increase score of 9.42 reflects the city’s growing appeal to tech talent seeking competitive compensation.
