Nottingham is a big part of the UK’s tech industry, due to it having a great business sector and quickly growing digital economy. The city has start ups, established tech companies, and tech recruitment agencies. Meaning that there are a wide range of tech jobs in Nottingham for people that are looking. Nottingham also has both postgraduate and entry level tech jobs.
One of the best benefits are the competitive tech jobs salaries in Nottingham. They also have the advantage of a lower cost of living compared to cities like London.
Nottingham is attractive for tech professionals due to its:
- Excellent transport connections
- Collaborative tech community
- Increasing demand.
Keep reading Hexwired’s UK cities guide, Nottingham edition, and discover why this city could be ideal for your career.
Housing in Nottingham
Starting a tech job in Nottingham is exciting, but it is also important to find a place to live.
Nottingham has a lot of different options to live:
- Modern apartments in the city centre
- Quieter suburban neighbourhoods
- Detached and semi detached houses.
Tech jobs salaries in Nottingham can differ depending on the role, so it is a good idea to look in different areas. This will help you find the best match for your needs and salary.
Renting in Nottingham
It is important to understand the local housing market when you’re relocating for a tech job in Nottingham. This means you can will be able to find somewhere to live that aligns with your budget and lifestyle. In Nottingham, the Office for National Statistics reported that the monthly rent in Nottingham was £947, which is a 7.7% increase from £880 in January 2024.
In order to find housing that is suited to you, it is important that you look through different options. If you are looking for something cheaper, renting a room in a shared property is a good choice. Looking on platforms like Rightmove and others can help you find houses and accommodation in your budget.
Buying in Nottingham
Before committing and buying a house in Nottingham, it is crucial is to be educated on the current housing market. The Office of National Statistics reports that the average house price in Nottingham was £194,000, as of December 2024.
On Finder.com it states that the the average deposit in the UK was £61,000 in 2024. This around 20% of the property’s value. Based on this, a first time buyer would have been paying a deposit of around £38,800.
Depending on the property, deposits will differ and typically range from 5% to 20% of the property’s price. However, getting a larger deposit often gives you access to better mortgage rates. These figures differ based on the property’s type and its location in Nottingham. For example, detached houses normally have higher prices compared to flats.
UK Visa requirements working in Nottingham
Since the UK has departed from the European Union, citizens of the EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland must now apply for a visa to work in the UK. This is unless they have a settled or pre settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme. However, as a British citizen you have the right to live and work in the UK.
In Nottingham, tech companies can sponsor work visas for people by the UK’s points based immigration system.
Some of the Nottingham tech jobs that can be sponsored are:
- Software engineering
- Data analysis
- Cybersecurity
Nottingham tech jobs salaries are competitive and vary based on the specific role. They also depend on the candidate’s experience. For instance, the average salary for tech jobs in Nottingham is £52,500.
For full information on the visa application process and right to work checks, take a look at the UK government resources.
The cost of living in Nottingham
The Office For National Statistics states that the average monthly rent for a private property in Nottingham was £947 in January 2025. This is a 7.7% increase from £880 in January 2024.
Daily expenses in Nottingham are also more manageable than in the London. For example:
- A lunch in a business area costs around £15
- Basic grocery items like a loaf of bread are priced at approximately £1.10
- A three course meal for two at a mid range restaurant averaging £70
- A fast food combo meal from McDonald’s costs roughly £8
- A bottle of decent red wine typically costs about £14.
When comparing it as a whole, Nottingham is a more budget friendly option making it ideal for people who want to rent or save money. For people looking for entry level tech jobs, the technology jobs in Nottingham sector offers a plethora of opportunities.
Tech jobs salaries in Nottingham
A tech job in Nottingham accommodates for professional and affordable lifestyles. The city has a great tech industry and competitive tech jobs salaries and a cost of living that is more manageable than London.
Salaries:
Entry level tech jobs in Nottingham have a great salary packages and opportunities for career progression. Software engineers in Nottingham can expect an average base salary of approximately £39, 791 per year. For more information on this and more Nottingham tech jobs, download Hexwired’s free technology jobs in Nottingham salary guide.
Working with tech recruitment agencies can assist in securing Nottingham tech jobs roles that align with your skills and career goals.
Housing Costs:
Flyhomes states that on average, a one bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from £700 to £800 per month. For apartments outside the city centre, it ranges from £500 to £600 per month. This affordability allows people to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the significant financial strain.
Tech Industry and Lifestyle:
Nottingham has a quickly expanding tech industry, with over 36,500 people who are employed in Nottingham tech jobs. They contribute more than £2.5 billion to the local economy. There are global companies like Experian and Capital One are in the city, and innovative start ups. This makes a great environment for professional growth.
In summary, Nottingham is an excellent alternative to London for tech professionals. Although tech jobs salaries might be slightly lower than in London, the reduced cost of living makes up for it.
Commuting and public transport in and around Nottingham
Nottingham has a large public transport network. Here is a breakdown of it:
Bus Services:
Nottingham’s primary bus operator, Nottingham City Transport (NCT), manages a fleet of approximately 330 buses, providing extensive coverage across Nottingham and its suburbs. NCT has been recognised for its excellence, winning the UK Bus Operator of the Year award five times, most recently in 2019.
Additionally, Trent Barton operates services connecting Nottingham to nearby towns such as Beeston, Mansfield, and Derby.
Train Services:
Nottingham Express Transit (NET), the city’s train system, reintroduced trams in 2004. The network has since expanded to include two lines:
- Line 1: Connects Hucknall to Toton Lane, with the northern section running parallel to the Robin Hood Line.
- Line 2: Links Phoenix Park to Clifton.
Tickets for NET services can be purchased at tram stops.
Rail Services:
Nottingham railway station, formerly known as Nottingham Midland serves as the central place for train services. It is the second busiest railway station in the Midlands for passenger travel. The station has routes operated by CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and Northon, providing connections to various destinations, including London, Manchester, and other major cities.
Cycling and Walking:
The city promotes sustainable transport options through initiatives like the development of shared use paths for cyclists and pedestrians. These paths encourage environmentally friendly modes of transport and are part of broader plans to transform public spaces and surrounding roads, making the city centre more welcoming and pedestrian friendly.
Commuting Costs and Fare Caps:
In response to rising living costs, Reuters reported that the UK government announced an increase in the bus fare cap to £3, effective from January 1, 2025. This measure aims to keep public transport affordable and encourage more use of buses.
Nottingham’s public transport network offers a variety of affordable and efficient options to meet the needs of commuters. Whether you prefer cycling, taking the train, or hopping on a bus, there are numerous ways to get around the city.
The Education System in Nottingham
Nottingham has a large education sector, which supports learners from early childhood through to higher education. Here’s an overview of Nottingham’s renowned schools and universities:
Primary and Secondary Education:
In England, children attend school from ages 5 to 18. However, many children begin their education in primary schools at age four. The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer – each separated by a half term break. Nottingham has a two tier education system, with primary schools for younger students and secondary schools for older pupils.
At 11, students transition to secondary education, continuing until age 16 when they undertake their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. After these, students have the option to further their education in sixth form colleges, vocational training programs, or apprenticeships until they reach age 18.
Renowned schools in Nottingham include:
- Nottingham High School: Recognised for its emphasis on student wellbeing, this school has consistently ranked highly among independent secondary schools in the East Midlands.
- The Trinity Catholic School: Known for its good academic performance and commitment to holistic education, this school has students aged 11 to 18.
- Fernwood School: A secondary school celebrated for its inclusive environment and dedication to student success.
Further and Higher Education:
Nottingham has several higher education institutions that offer a wide range of programs:
- University of Nottingham: A prestigious Russell Group university providing an extensive selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, renowned for its research contributions and international acclaim. It is consistently ranked in the top 20 UK universities.
- Nottingham Trent University (NTU): A modern university with strong industry connections and a focus on employability, offering both academic and vocational programs. NTU has been recognised for its innovative teaching and commitment to student satisfaction.
- Nottingham College: It has thousands of students, this college offers a variety of courses ranging from A levels to vocational qualifications, catering to diverse educational needs.
This educational system sets a solid foundation for graduates to secure entry level tech jobs across various industries in Nottingham.
Technological Advancements and Smart City Initiatives
Nottingham is now a significant technology jobs leader in the UK. Nottingham Trent University reports that the Nottingham city region has 188 fintech related companies. These collectively generate a turnover of nearly £1 billion. This sector creates over 4,000 job opportunities in Nottinghamshire, with expectations for continued growth.
As reported by Geoplace.com, The city is proactively adopting smart city strategies to increase sustainability and connectivity. Nottingham City Council is leading the use of data technology to manage its district heating system efficiently. By combining their district heating network data with the National Street Gazetteer (NSG), they have created a visual resource that helps safer street works.
Furthermore, Nottingham is changing urban spaces to promote environmental sustainability. The former site of the Broadmarsh Centre is being redeveloped into the “Green Heart”. This is a new wetland park with trees, flood resilient planting, a pond, and sandstone seating. This initiative aims to create a more inviting and economically friendly city centre.
These efforts highlight Nottingham’s commitment to innovation and economic growth through technological advancements and smart city strategies.
Life outside of work in Nottingham
Nottingham is a great city in the East Midlands, and is known for its history, thriving cultural scene, and growing tech sector. This makes it an attractive destination for both residents and professionals.
Landmarks and Attractions:
Nottingham is famously linked to the legend of Robin Hood, with iconic landmarks such as Nottingham Castle, which underwent a major £30 million redevelopment in 2021, offering a blend of history and interactive exhibits. The Lace Market area, formally known for its Victorian architecture, is now a trendy area filled with restaurants, bars, and creative businesses. For people who like to shop, Victoria Centre and Broadmarsh have popular retail destinations, while independent stores are in Hockley, one of the UK’s top rated shopping districts.
Green Spaces:
Nottingham has numerous parks and green areas ideal for relaxation and recreation. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, has a natural history museum and big gardens. Additionally, the Arboretum provides a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city and is Nottingham’s oldest public park.
Culture, Shopping and Food:
The city has a range of diverse cultures, with a wide range of markets, food places and entertainment venues. Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal have performances from top productions, and the music scene has everything from emerging artists to major acts. The food is also amazing with places like Sneinton Market. Which has a variety of cuisines from around the world.
Education and Innovation:
Nottingham has prestigious universities like the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, both known for research excellence and innovation. The city is also growing in the tech sector, with Nottingham Science Park supporting emerging start ups and tech businesses.
Tech Jobs in Nottingham:
The city’s tech sector is quickly growing, with companies specialising in fintech, cybersecurity, and digital marketing increasing the growth. According to Tech Nation, Nottingham saw a 47% increase in digital tech job vacancies in 2023 alone. Tech recruitment agencies are essential in helping businesses connect with skilled professionals in areas like software development, data science and IT infrastructure.
In summary, Nottingham combined its rich cultural heritage with a forward thinking tech landscape, creating a blended environment for residents, students and professionals alike.
Overview of tech jobs in Nottingham
The Nottingham tech job sector has a multitude of opportunities for professionals aiming to advance or start their careers. The city has a diverse array of companies actively seeking skilled professionals in fields such as software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Notably, Nottingham is home to major firms like Experian and Capital One, showing how known the city is in the tech sector.
To effectively navigate these tech jobs in Nottingham, working with tech recruitment agency makes it easier. In terms of pay, tech jobs salaries in Nottingham are competitive which Hexwired have outlined in our latest tech job salary guide. We have specific guides on these job titles; Leadership, Test and QA, Machine Learning, C-Suite, Embedded, Electronics, and Software.
In summary, Nottingham is an attractive destination for the professionals and residents. For more detailed information about living and working in Nottingham, you can visit the Nottingham City Council website.
If you’re ready to secure a tech position in Nottingham, including entry level tech jobs, feel free to contact us today!
About Hexwired Technology Recruitment
Hexwired recruitment provide a tailored and cost-effective tech recruitment services for our clients, helping employers to hire skilled professionals in software engineering that are suited to the business needs quickly. Our technical consultants’ knowledge and understanding of the sector, alongside their experience in the tech industry is 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, 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.
