Leicester has built a strong reputation as a place for tech careers, rather than just somewhere people pass through. The city has major employers and a good supply of skilled graduates from the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. The city now has depth in its tech industry.
Keep reading this blog, which goes deeper into what the tech scene is really like, including: salaries, hiring trends, living costs, transport, education, and what day to day life looks like for tech professionals.
Overview:
- The Tech Sector in Leicester
- Tech Job Market in Leicester
- Tech Job Salaries in Leicester
- Using Leicester Technology Recruitment Agencies for Tech Jobs in Leicester
- Technical Advancements and Smart City Initiatives
- The Cost of Living in Leicester
- Housing in Leicester
- Buying and Renting in Leicester
- Commuting and Public Transport in and Around Leicester
- The Education System in Leicester
- Life Outside of Work in Leicester
The Tech Sector in Leicester
Leicester is becoming one of the UK’s rising tech cities as it has great innovation and digital expertise. The University of Leicester and De Monfort University, the two universities in Leicester, are pivotal in the research in computing and artificial intelligence. This helps to attract talent directly into the local community.
Recent figures from TechNation shows that the East Midlands now has more than 3,000 digital tech firms, which contributes around £2.6 billion to the regional economy. Leicester is the key city in this growth with their expanding network of software and clean tech companies.
Popular names include CloudCall, Anicca Digital, and Intelligent Energy. All of these businesses show the city’s mix of digital innovation and industrial strength. Also, start ups from Leicester Innovation Hub and DMU Innovation Centre attract entrepreneurs.
Leicester’s main tech fields include:
- AI
- Machine Learning
- Software Development
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
Due to the reasonable living costs, and career opportunities make it an appealing choice for professionals in the sector.
Tech Job Market in Leicester
Recent tech improvements to full fibre and gigabit broadband give residents and businesses fast, reliable connectivity to support tech growth.
Local business programmes offer guidance and access to funding to support Leicester technology community. The nearby universities help to bring research and graduate talent into the tech industry.
Tech Job Salaries in Leicester
Leicester’s tech job salaries change significantly by the role and level of experience.
For senior roles in Leicester, such as senior software engineers or experienced technical leads, annual salaries are around the mid £40,000s to £60,000s. Niche skills and leadership responsibilities push this higher. Day rate contracts at this level are often several hundred pounds per day, these figures are due to the greater responsibility and specialist expertise.
Mid level roles like software developers and network engineers usually earn somewhere in the low to mid £30,000s up to the high £40,000s. Contract rates for these roles typically are below senior rates but still has good earning potential.
For entry level roles like junior developers and IT support roles, salaries are in the low to mid £20,000s. These rise as professionals gain commercial experience and certifications. Contract opportunities at this level are usually lower than mid or senior roles.
Overall, Leicester’s tech job salaries are competitive across junior, mid and senior positions. To get an accurate view of salaries for specific roles and technologies, it is worth speaking to a dedicated Leicester tech recruitment agency.
Using Leicester Technology Recruitment Agencies for Tech jobs in Leicester
Leicester has specialist tech recruiters like Hexwired Recruitment. These agencies link growing businesses and engineers across the East Midlands. Due to them working directly with hiring managers these tech recruitment agencies often deal with roles that aren’t on the generic job boards. This gives candidates access to wider and more targeted opportunities.
A good Leicester tech recruitment agency doesn’t just pass on CVs, they offer tailored advice so candidates are better aligned with each role. Employers benefit from this extra screening as they receive a smaller shortlist of vetted applicants which helps speed up hiring and cuts time spent reviewing unsuitable applications.
Technical Advancements and Smart City Initiatives
Leicester has a lot of smart initiatives that are aimed at making the city more connected and inclusive.
Smart city strategy
- Leicester’s Smart City strategy aims to integrate the city’s infrastructure so that services are more efficient
- Key themes include smart participation and wellbeing, smart business and economy, smart buildings and infrastructure, and smart governance and services.
Innovation and business support
- The strategy emphasises digital businesses and start ups, including flexible workspace, incubation, and tailored enterprise support to help innovative companies grow in Leicester.
- This is linked to bigger plans to create low carbon business units and managed workspaces.
Tech, transport and facilities
- Smart Leicester has a strong focus on digital infrastructure, including ultrafast broadband and mobile services, as foundations for tech innovation.
- The city is also investing in cleaner transport, and is currently on track to deliver a fully zero emission electric bus network across the city. This is supported by the introduction of 60 more electric buses.
Sustainability and climate action
- Leicester’s smart agenda is tied to environmental goals, including shrinking the city’s carbon footprint. This is through renewable energy and smart transport planning
- At county level, the Net Zero Leicestershire action plan shows the role of digital technology, smart grids, smart metering, and data in cutting emissions and supporting the transition to net zero by 2045.
Inclusive, people centred innovation
- A main aim of Smart Leicester is to ensure that residents are informed with better access to devices, connectivity, online learning and digital skills so all communities can benefit from digital change.
- The strategy promotes collaboration to develop projects that improve health and wellbeing.
The Cost of Living in Leicester
Leicester has a more affordable lifestyle than London while still having strong amenities and job opportunities. Exact figures vary by area over time, but recent comparisons consistently show that living in Leicester is noticeably cheaper than in London.
Housing costs
- Average property prices in Leicester are significantly below London, with typical Leicester homes costing well under half the London average. This makes both renting and buying more accessible for many households.
- This lower purchase and rental baseline allows residents to access larger or better located homes for the same budget they might spend on a smaller property in London.
Everyday Spending
- Daily expenses such as groceries, leisure generally come in below London prices.
- Going out for meals or gym memberships tend to be more affordable and help to maintain a good quality of life without spending London pricing.
Transport and utilities
- Public transport and local travel in Leicester typically cost less than equivalent journeys in London.
- Household bills and broadband also tend to be more manageable in Leicester, contributing to lower overall monthly outgoings compared to London.
Overall, Leicester’s combination of lower housing, transport, and everyday costs makes it an appealing option for people who want amenities and career prospects without the high price tag of London.
Housing in Leicester
Leicester has a wide range of housing options for people who are relocating for tech jobs. There is a mix of apartments and family homes at prices below London’s average.
City centre homes
Leicester’s central area has modern flats and converted apartments all within close proximity to shops, bars, restaurants, and the main railway station. This makes them popular with young professionals in tech roles. Prices and rents in these areas are often lower than in major UK cities. This keeps overall living costs manageable for professionals in their early and mid career. The average is around £165,600 with flats in the area typically selling for around £156,000.
Family friendly areas
Areas on the outskirts of the city tend to attract families that are looking for more space and good schools, while staying within commuting distance of central Leicester. Typical family terraced houses usually sell for around £211,000 – £220,000 and semi detached homes are around £265,000 – £270,000.
Larger and detached properties
For people who want more room there are also larger three and four bedroom houses and detached properties, often with gardens and off street parking. Detached properties in Leicester average roughly £390,000 – £427,000. The average sold price average across all property types are at about £279,613 over the last year.
Overall, the mix of apartments and family houses makes Leicester a flexible place for tech professionals at different career stages and with different housing needs.
Buying and Renting in Leicester
Leicester is an attractive option for people who want affordable long term value. Recent data shows the average property price in Leicester is around £262,000 rising to roughly £302,000 across the wider Leicester postcode area.
- Average property price, Leicester city: around £262,000
- Average property price, wider Leicester postcode area: around £302,000
- Flats and maisonettes: typically £133,000 – £145,000
- Terraced houses: usually £211,000 – £220,000
- Semi detached houses: around £265,000 – £270,000
- Detached houses: approximately £390,000 – £427,000.
First time buyers in Leicester paid an average of around £217,000 in late 2025, while home movers paid about £272,000. Over the last year, the overall average sold price across all property types has been about £279, 613. This reinforces Leicester as a relatively accessible market with room for growth.
On the rental side, Leicester also undercuts many larger UK cities, which helps tech professionals at different career stages manage living costs.
- Average monthly rent: £1,050 – £1,100
- Typical 1 bed flat in or near city centre: £750 – £900 range
- Typical 2 bed flat or small house: commonly £900 – £1,100 per month
- Family sized 3 bed houses: between £1,100 and £1,350
Commuting and Public Transport in and Around Leicester
Leicester has a good transport system that makes getting around the city and to work straightforward for residents. Buses link most neighbourhoods to the city centre.
- The main city bus network is operated by First Leicester and runs frequently between the city centre and suburbs. Additional operators also cover routes into surrounding Leicestershire towns.
- Contactless payment and mobile ticketing are widely accepted so passengers don’t need to use cash.
- Most operators also have online journey planners and live service updates, which allows travellers to check routes and real time departures before leaving.
- Leicester’s wider climate plans prioritise greener travel. This includes things like better cycle infrastructure and improved walking links.
- For people who are relocating for tech jobs, many residential areas are within a practical bus or cycling distance from major employers.
The Education System in Leicester
Leicester has good schooling and higher education options for building skills for future careers, especially in fields like tech.
Primary education:
- Many local primary schools meet the national standards with positive Ofsted feedback
- Notable schools include Herrick Primary, Firs Primary.
Secondary education:
- Leading secondaries have reliable exam success and inspection results.
- Top secondary schools: Soar Valley College, Moat Community College, Beaumont Leys Academy
Post 16 options:
- City College Leicester offers A levels, vocational training, and apprenticeships with direct employer partnerships for practical experience
- University of Leicester is Russel Group and leads in research heavy degree across 40+ areas. These areas include computing and engineering and also have internships and placements.
- De Montfort University complements this with applied tech, creative computing, and business courses with real world projects.
These pathways create a good foundation for families and professionals who want to get into the tech industry.
Life Outside of Work in Leicester
Leicester has a proper mix of history, art venues, festivals, and parks that makes it an entertaining place for locals and newcomers.
Museums & old sites:
- New Walk Museum & Art Gallery: has collections of natural history, archaeology, international art, dinosaur exhibits, and Picasso ceramics. It also has free admission and regular temporary displays.
- King Richard III Visitor Centre: Interactive exhibits from the monarch
- Jewry Wall Museum: explores Roman Leicester beside the nation’s tallest surviving Roman wall. It features authentic artefacts and reconstructions.
Arts and performance venues:
- Curve Theatre: a full programme of drama and musicals.
- Pheonix: has independent cinema, live music digital media, and creative workshops
- Attenborough Arts Centre: has exhibitions and discussions centred on inclusivity and societal themes.
Festivals and Markets:
- Diwali Festival: the largest outside of India. This festival features illuminated parades and diverse cuisines each autumn.
- Leicester Food Festival: producers and chefs gather for a fair across the city squares.
- Leicester Market: over 800 years of history, located in Green Dragon Square with fresh produce and artisan vendors
Parks and outdoor areas:
- Abbey Park: has riverside trails, a bloating lake, playgrounds, and historic abbey for recreation.
- Victoria Park: has sports facilities and convenient access near the universities.
- Leicester Castle Gardens: has tranquil surroundings within medieval walls.
More attractions:
- Bring the Paint festival: bi annual festival that attracts international artists that create Europe’s tallest street murals.
- National Space Centre: showcases rockets, a planetarium, meteorites, and film memorabilia such as props from The Martian.
Leicester is a good place to build a tech career. As it has a cost of living that’s still more manageable than many bigger UK cities, it works better for people at different stages in their career.
If you are thinking of your a move to Leicester, speak to us at Hexwired about current tech roles in Leicester and how your skills line up.
About Hexwired Technology Recruitment
Hexwired recruitment is a top tech recruitment agency, providing tailored and cost-effective services for our clients, helping employers to hire skilled professionals in software engineering who are suited to the business needs quickly. Our technical consultants’ knowledge and understanding of the sector, alongside their experience in the tech industry, are one of the reasons we excel at finding you the right candidates in software.
We provide both contract and permanent solutions to the technology sector, covering areas such as Embedded Software, Electronics (FPGA, Digital Design, RF, IC Design), Software Test, Mechanical Design, C++ software engineer, Python, Golang, Machine Learning and Data Science, Technical Sales and Project management, and more. Need help hiring permanent/contract talent or looking for a new job? Contact us today.
