Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) play a critical role in driving innovation and aligning technology with business goals, making them essential to an organisation’s success. Their salaries reflect this importance. According to Morgan McKinley, CTO salaries range between £95,000 and £320,000 depending on experience, location and industry. This guide provides an in-depth look at market salary trends for CTOs, offering key insights to help you navigate this competitive landscape.
What is the Average CTO Salary in the UK?
The average Chief Technology Officer salary in the UK is approximately £120,000. That said, many factors will play a role in defining the correct range for your candidate. To glean this information, we have scoured through renowned sources and condensed the information into short tables to keep the information simple and comprehensive.Â
What Factors Influence CTO Salaries?
1. Experience
Experience level is one of the most significant determinants of a CTO’s salary. As expected, more experience commands a higher salary, while less experience results in a lower range.Â
For example, a seasoned CTO with a proven track record of leading technological transformations will typically earn far more than someone new to the role.Â
According to Robert Half, the average Chief Technical Officer salary based on experience falls within these ranges:
- Entry-level – £96,000 – £158,250
- Mid-level – £124,000 – £158,250
- Senior / Experienced – £158,250 – £193,000+
2. Industry Specialisation
Industry plays a significant role in determining salary levels. Sectors like FinTech or AI tend to offer higher salaries due to their rapid growth and demand for technical expertise.
In contrast, industries with lower funding or technological demands may offer less competitive compensation.Â
Here’s a breakdown of average CTO salaries by industry:
At Live, our focus is on SaaS and Tech recruitment. Here is a rough breakdown of expected salaries within this industry:
- Fintech – £140,000 – £200,000
- SaaS – £120,000 – £160,000
- CleanTech – £100,000 – £140,000
For example, a CTO specialising in AI-driven FinTech solutions may command a higher salary than a peer in HR due to the higher revenue potential and demand for innovation in FinTech.
3. Skills and Expertise
A CTO’s unique skills and expertise can significantly impact their earning potential.Â
Advanced knowledge in areas like AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing can attract higher salaries.Â
For instance, a CTO proficient in AWS Cloud Architecture or Kubernetes will often be in higher demand. Additionally, leadership skills and the ability to manage cross-functional teams play a crucial role in compensation levels.
4. Supply and Demand
The market dynamics of supply and demand heavily influence salaries. When there is a shortage of skilled CTO candidates, businesses often offer higher pay to attract top talent.Â
Conversely, companies with a large talent pool at their disposal might set salaries at the lower end of the scale.
 In high-demand industries like FinTech or AI, skilled CTOs hold more bargaining power, allowing them to negotiate premium salaries.
5. Company Size and Stage of Growth
The size and maturity of a company also affect salaries for Chief Technology Officers. Generally speaking, the salary range climbs along with the size of the company. Larger companies with established revenue streams can typically afford higher salaries compared to startups. However, startups often offer equity or other benefits to compensate for lower cash salaries.
Here’s a general CTO salary breakdown by company size:
- Startups – £80,000 – £120,000
- Medium Companies – £110,000 – £150,000
- Large Companies – £150,000 – £200,000
See below for more information about CTO Salaries in Startups.
6. Region
CTO salaries also change based on where the role is based. London consistently offers the highest CTO salaries due to the concentration of tech companies and the higher cost of living.
Meanwhile, Scotland and the North West of the UK offer lower ranges.Â
For example, a London-based CTO in a FinTech company may earn between £117,000 and £193,000, whereas the same role in the North West may range from £87,250 to £108,500.
Here are the average CTO salaries in the UK by region:
- London – £117,000 – £193,000
- South East – £100,750 – £133,000
- North West – £87,250 – £108,500
- Scotland – £87,250 – £108,500
CTO Salaries in Startups
Startups are in a unique position where salary ranges are determined based on the ability to summon the funds required.Â
A founding CTO of a startup will be professionally and personally invested in helping the company grow and succeed and so will often invest more than just time into the role. For bootstrapped startups, the only money coming in during this time will be from personal savings and limited sales or client agreements. They may also sacrifice a market-rate CTO salary in the hope that they can recoup this investment further down the line.
Down the line, once sales grow and in a period called ‘Pre-seed’, a startup will find some success in their sales and will be able to raise enough cash to fund somewhat stable salaries for their workers – including CTOs. At this point, a CTO’s average salary is expected to range from £60,000 to £90,000.Â
Once the startup has proven successful, it may secure funding from more investors who see potential in the business. This funding is called seed money.Â
The type of funding will also impact the average CTO salary in the business. Here are the typical salary ranges at every funding level standard in startups.Â
- Pre-seed – £60,000 – £90,000
- Seed – £80,000 – £120,000
- Series A – £100,000 – £150,000
What is the Highest Salary for a CTO in the UK?
Top CTO roles in the UK can command salaries exceeding £250,000, particularly at large companies or startups with significant funding and backing. These high-level positions often come with substantial compensation packages that include benefits beyond base salary, such as:
- Stock options
- Performance bonuses
- Private healthcare
- Generous pension contributions
CTOs working at Series D-funded startups or multinational firms facing complex technical challenges are often the ones earning at this level. These roles demand not only technical expertise but also strong leadership – especially in fields that are in high demand. Examples of those fields are artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity.
These highly compensated CTO positions often require much more than just technical skills. Using significant strategic and operational responsibilities, these leaders drive innovation, manage large teams and align technological efforts with overall business goals.Â
Employers looking to attract top candidates must make sure every aspect of the position is appealing: leadership growth, alignment with company vision and broader industry influence.
Leading-company CTO roles may also garner customised fringe benefits, such as:
- Customised relocation benefits
- Luxury travel allowances
- Exclusive professional training opportunities
This is where companies can provide strong competition in attracting and maintaining an elite Chief Technology Officer.
How to Determine a Competitive CTO Salary
Crafting a competitive compensation package involves balancing the immediate needs of the business with long-term retention strategies. A well-rounded offer positions the company as an employer of choice in the tech sector.
To attract top CTO talent, hiring managers should consider the following:
- Market benchmarking: Compare salaries using industry data specific to your sector to align with current trends and avoid undervaluing candidates.
- Comprehensive compensation: Balance base salary with benefits like equity, bonuses and professional development budgets to create an attractive package.
- Flexibility & Perks: Offer remote work, flexible hours or wellness programmes to stand out to candidates prioritising work-life balance.
- Tailored offers: Customise packages to reflect a candidate’s skills, experience and career goals for greater appeal.
- Highlight growth potential: Showcase your company’s trajectory, mission and opportunities for advancement to attract ambitious candidates.
- Consult external experts: Specialist recruitment agencies like Live can provide tailored advice on aligning salary packages with market expectations.
FAQs about CTO Salaries
Q1: Are there significant differences in CTO salaries between startups and established companies in the UK?
A: Yes, startups typically offer lower cash salaries but compensate with equity and other benefits. Established companies typically provide higher base salaries with structured benefits packages.
Q2: How has the demand for CTOs impacted their salaries in recent years?
A: Rising demand for tech expertise, particularly in fields like AI and cloud computing, has pushed CTO salaries higher, especially for candidates with niche skills.
Q3: What specific skills command higher salaries for CTOs?
A: Expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity significantly increases earning potential.
Q4: How do company funding levels impact CTO salaries?
A: Higher funding rounds correlate with more competitive salaries. For example, a Series A startup may offer £100,000–£150,000, while a Series D company can exceed £200,000.
Q5: What is the average salary progression for a CTO over their career?
A: CTOs typically start at £80,000+ and progress to £200,000+ in senior roles. Top performers at large companies or high-growth startups can exceed £250,000.
Q6: Do remote CTO roles offer comparable salaries to on-site positions?
A: Yes, remote CTO roles often match or closely align with on-site salaries, particularly in high-demand sectors. Some companies also offer additional perks to remote candidates.
Get Help Hiring for Your Next CTO
Live is a SaaS recruitment agency experienced in hiring for senior tech positions within a range of industries and company sizes. If you would like help securing a CTO that will take you to new heights, get in touch! We headhunt to find the best candidates in the industry.
