2019 JavaScript Salary Report

The salaries presented have come from candidate placements within the Understanding Recruitment JavaScript team in 2019 and from salary ranges for active vacancies with current partners.

The JavaScript market has given more power to the candidate, so if a Front End Developer is actively looking, they have more options than ever, and are on the market for a much shorter amount of time. This means that London companies and start-ups have had to adapt to create more sophisticated and quicker interview processes.

This year has seen a growing demand for JavaScript developers as companies understand that a great user experience of their product / platform is critical for their reputation and brand image. We have also seen higher salaries being given to candidates with Cloud and DevOps tools experience and knowledge. Alongside JavaScript, highly sought after skills across the London market include AWS/GCP/Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, TDD and BDD methodologies.

PLACEMENT SALARIES IN 2019

Lead Front End Developer up to £110,000

Normally 4 years+ working with a modern JavaScript framework either React.js, Vue.js or Angular2+. Also team management and mentoring experience.

Senior Front End Developer up to £90,000 

Normally 4 years+ working with JavaScript framework such as React.js, Vue.js or Angular 2+.

Mid-level Front End Developer up to £75,000

Normally 2 ½ - 4 years working with either React.js, Vue.js or Angular2+.

Junior Front End Developer up to £50,000 

2 years working with either React.js, Vue.js or Angular2+.

BENEFITS (in addition to standard benefits)

• Remote working -candidates will often prioritise a role that offers remote working. 
• Paid leave to attend conferences & Meet-Ups.
• Relocation packages – for candidates relocating across the UK or overseas.
• Shares/stocks in the company particularly common in start-ups. 
• Free food on-site, or ordered in meals such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats etc.
• Unlimited annual leave 
• Private health insurance 
• Season ticket loans – commonly offered in London. 
• Personal development and training courses e.g. flying candidates out to attend training in different sites across the world.
• Free technology e.g. MacBook, Laptops, Company Phones etc

WORKING EXPECTATIONS & CULTURE

• Flat line structure – candidates are increasingly asking about company structure and ability to progress within an organisation.
• Mutual trust / flexible work times, trust in getting the work done and meeting deadlines without micro-management.
• Budgets for personal development – companies are actively increasing spending on training facilities/programmes.
• Extended parental leave for both parents (not gender exclusive).
• Having clear company values that employees must uphold & "being heard".