Over the past five years, Project Management salaries in the UK have continued to move upwards, but the uplift has been uneven by sector, location and seniority. PMagency Annual Salary Survey data shows the strongest gains have been in Software & IT and Financial Services, while construction, engineering and manufacturing have seen steadier increases driven by delivery risk, regulation and capital investment.

In 2026, regional salary premiums remain clear. London continues to lead for senior roles, with the South East close behind. Regional hubs such as the North West, Midlands and Scotland remain highly competitive for employers, with faster year on year movement in some areas as organisations decentralise delivery teams and compete for experienced candidates. Hybrid working remains a key driver in office led sectors, but it has not shifted the market equally. Tech and Financial Services continue to offer the most flexibility, while manufacturing and site led environments remain more office or site based.

The market remains candidate led at experienced levels. Salary progression is being driven less by incremental pay reviews and more by role moves, expanded scope and delivery accountability. Certification also continues to influence earning potential, particularly where governance and auditability matter. PRINCE2 and PMP remain the most common baseline qualifications and continue to deliver a meaningful uplift, especially in regulated environments and senior stakeholder led programmes.

Key 2026 insights from PMagency Annual Salary Survey data:

• Year on year salary growth is strongest in Software & IT and Financial Services, with Engineering close behind for senior delivery roles

• London maintains the highest overall salaries, but regional hubs are narrowing the gap in mid level hiring

• Employer funded training remains common, particularly in regulated sectors and larger organisations

• Job satisfaction remains stable, but retention is increasingly tied to workload realism, project quality and leadership support rather than salary alone

• Hybrid working supports retention most at junior and mid level roles, with senior roles more likely to require office presence due to governance and stakeholder demands

Overall, the UK Project Management market in 2026 is defined by delivery pressure and capability shortages at experienced levels. Employers who benchmark salaries accurately, invest in training and offer realistic delivery environments are in a stronger position to attract and retain high quality Project Management talent.