Market (Overall)·Updated Apr 8, 2026 by Skillsearch
Salary has overtaken flexible work as the primary driver for career moves, with 31% of UK and Western European respondents citing higher pay as their main reason for leaving a position.
Artist compensation has seen a sharp 35% increase between 2021 and 2023, with mid-level artists now earning approximately £75k.
Project close-out periods are a critical retention risk, as 22% of UK respondents decline new offers to finish current projects and 46% of global staff are actively job hunting.
Remote work remains a baseline expectation for the industry, with 92% of global respondents requiring at least one remote day per week and 91% of Eastern European staff working remotely.
Global compensation ranges are broad, with junior programmers earning between £25k–£50k and senior or managerial roles reaching up to £200k in specific markets.
Beyond salary, the most highly valued employee benefits are private health care (41%), pension plans (39%), and flexible or remote working arrangements (16–19%).
Salary has overtaken flexible work as the primary driver for career moves, with 31% of UK and Western European respondents citing higher pay as their main reason for leaving a position.
Artist compensation has seen a sharp 35% increase between 2021 and 2023, with mid-level artists now earning approximately £75k.
Project close-out periods are a critical retention risk, as 22% of UK respondents decline new offers to finish current projects and 46% of global staff are actively job hunting.
Remote work remains a baseline expectation for the industry, with 92% of global respondents requiring at least one remote day per week and 91% of Eastern European staff working remotely.
Global compensation ranges are broad, with junior programmers earning between £25k–£50k and senior or managerial roles reaching up to £200k in specific markets.
Beyond salary, the most highly valued employee benefits are private health care (41%), pension plans (39%), and flexible or remote working arrangements (16–19%).