If you’re looking to boost your income or find a role that matches your hard-earned experience, Plymouth in 2026 is shaping up to offer promising opportunities. The average full-time salary in the city sits around £37,300, but professionals in high-demand fields can earn far more. Software engineers now make between £42,000–£70,000, while engineering managers typically earn £55,000–£80,000.
Director-level roles can climb to £130,000+, reflecting the value placed on leadership and strategic experience. Many of these jobs are increasingly flexible hybrid or remote options are becoming common, especially in tech and management offering both career growth and a better work-life balance. Whether you’re seeking a hands-on technical role or a leadership position, Plymouth’s evolving job market has space for ambitious professionals ready to take the next step.
Salary Landscape in Plymouth:
- The average full-time salary in Plymouth is around £37,300 (2024 data), compared with a UK average of approximately £45,800.
- Software engineers in Plymouth earn an average of £42,500, with top earners reaching up to £70,000+.
- Director-level positions report average salaries near £82,800, with senior executives exceeding £130,000 in some cases.
- Engineering managers typically earn between £55,000–£80,000, depending on experience and sector.
Overall, the highest-paying jobs in Plymouth tend to cluster in leadership, engineering, technology, and finance areas where advanced skills are in short supply.
Top High-Paying Roles in Plymouth:
1. Director or Executive Leadership
- Average Salary: £80,000–£100,000+
- Why it Pays: Directors oversee strategy, performance, and growth across departments. These positions demand years of experience, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to lead teams effectively.
- How to Prepare: Build a broad business background, develop leadership and communication skills, and target growing local industries like maritime defense, technology, and infrastructure.
2. Engineering or Technical Manager
- Average Salary: £60,000–£75,000+
- Why it Pays: Engineering managers combine technical expertise with leadership, often overseeing complex projects in marine, defense, or civil engineering.
- How to Prepare: Gain chartered status, manage multidisciplinary teams, and specialize in high-demand sectors such as naval or renewable engineering.
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3. Senior Software Engineer or IT Manager
- Average Salary: £55,000–£90,000+
- Why it Pays: With the UK’s growing demand for digital transformation, tech professionals skilled in cloud computing, AI, or cybersecurity can command higher salaries—even outside major cities.
- How to Prepare: Strengthen your technical knowledge, earn certifications in cloud or data engineering, and take on leadership or architecture-level roles.
4. Project or Construction Manager (Infrastructure)
- Average Salary: £60,000–£90,000+
- Why it Pays: Plymouth continues to invest heavily in defense and infrastructure, creating demand for experienced project managers capable of delivering large-scale projects.
- How to Prepare: Obtain certifications such as PRINCE2 or APM, develop stakeholder management skills, and gain experience with multi-million-pound contracts.
5. Finance or Commercial Director
- Average Salary: £80,000–£140,000
- Why it Pays: Senior finance professionals with strong commercial acumen are highly valued, especially in organizations managing large budgets or complex operations.
- How to Prepare: Build expertise in financial strategy, forecasting, and compliance. Professional qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA are essential for credibility.
How to Maximise Your Earning Potential in Plymouth?
- Develop specialist expertise: Focus on sectors where demand outstrips supply, such as marine defense, technology, and renewable energy.
- Move into leadership: Transition from technical to managerial roles to unlock higher pay brackets.
- Expand your skillset: Combine technical ability with financial, commercial, or operational insight.
- Leverage regional industries: Plymouth’s strongest growth lies in defense, engineering, and tech—target these areas.
- Negotiate total compensation: Factor in performance bonuses, benefits, and remote working flexibility.
- Stay current: Continuous learning and upskilling in new technologies will keep your earning power high.
- Consider contract work: Short-term consultancy or specialist contracts can pay significantly above permanent roles.
Requirements for Highest Paying Jobs in Plymouth:
The qualifications and skills needed vary by role, but top-paying positions in Plymouth generally share the following requirements:
1. Education and Certifications
- Leadership roles often require a degree in business, finance, engineering, or a related field.
- Technical roles may need specialist degrees (e.g., software engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering).
- Professional certifications can boost credibility: ACA, ACCA, CIMA for finance; PRINCE2, APM for project management; Chartered Engineer (CEng) for engineering managers.
2. Experience
- High-paying positions usually demand 5–15+ years of relevant experience, including management or leadership experience.
- Proven track records of delivering complex projects, managing teams, or driving business growth are essential.
3. Technical and Specialist Skills
- Engineering: project management, systems design, regulatory compliance, or defense/marine expertise.
- Tech: software development, cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, or IT architecture.
- Finance: financial analysis, forecasting, strategic planning, and risk management.
4. Soft Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Adaptability to new technologies and work environments
5. Work Flexibility
- Many high-paying roles now offer hybrid or remote options, but some may require on-site presence, especially in engineering, construction, and defense sectors.
6. Additional Requirements
- For defense or government-related roles, security clearance may be necessary.
- Willingness to relocate within Plymouth or commute to key sites like docks, industrial parks, or tech hubs.
This combination of education, experience, technical expertise, and leadership ability positions candidates to secure the highest-paying roles in Plymouth.
How to Apply for Highest Paying Jobs in Plymouth?
- Identify Your Target Roles: Focus on positions in leadership, engineering, tech, finance, or project management, as these sectors offer the highest salaries.
- Update Your CV and Online Profiles: Tailor your CV to highlight specialist skills, leadership experience, and achievements. Keep LinkedIn and other professional profiles up to date.
- Search Local Job Boards: Check platforms like Reed, Indeed, Glassdoor, DevITJobs, CV-Library, and company career pages for Plymouth-based opportunities.
- Leverage Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, and local professional groups. Connections can often give you early access to top-paying roles.
- Prepare for Interviews: Focus on your experience, problem-solving abilities, and leadership achievements. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the company’s goals.
- Consider Recruitment Agencies: Agencies specializing in engineering, tech, finance, or executive roles can match you with high-paying positions in Plymouth.
- Apply Strategically: Customize your applications for each role, highlighting relevant experience and measurable results to stand out from other candidates.
- Negotiate Your Offer: For high-paying roles, don’t forget to discuss salary, bonuses, remote work options, and benefits before accepting an offer.
Conclusion:
Plymouth’s job market in 2026 is thriving, with top salaries in leadership, engineering, technology, and finance. Professionals with specialized skills and experience can earn well above the city’s average income. With flexible work options and growing industries, Plymouth offers both financial success and a balanced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average salary in Plymouth?
The average full-time salary in Plymouth is around £37,300, but professionals in high-demand sectors can earn significantly more up to £130,000+ in senior or specialist roles.
Are high-paying jobs in Plymouth available for remote work?
Yes. Many companies, especially in tech and management, now offer hybrid or fully remote positions, allowing professionals to earn top salaries while enjoying Plymouth’s coastal lifestyle.
Which jobs pay the most in Plymouth?
The highest-paying jobs include Directors and Executives, Engineering Managers, Finance Directors, Senior Software Engineers, and Project Managers in infrastructure and defense.
