What is the Salary of ITIL Employees in the UK?
The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework is one of the most widely adopted standards for IT Service Management (ITSM) across the globe, and the UK, being the birthplace of ITIL, is a hotbed for ITIL-certified professionals. In the UK, ITIL certifications remain in high demand, opening doors to various IT roles and lucrative salary packages. But how much can ITIL-certified employees actually earn in the UK?
In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the average salaries, factors influencing pay, top-paying cities, and career opportunities for ITIL-certified professionals in the UK. Whether you are considering an ITIL certification or are already working in ITSM, this guide will provide valuable insights into salary prospects in the UK.
1. What is ITIL?
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a globally recognized framework for managing IT services effectively. It emphasizes aligning IT services with business needs to deliver value to customers and stakeholders. ITIL certifications, such as the foundational ITIL 4 Foundation, equip professionals with the skills to manage IT services, optimize processes, and ensure continual improvement.
2. Overview of ITIL Salaries in the UK
Salaries for ITIL-certified professionals in the UK vary depending on factors such as job role, experience level, location, and industry. However, ITIL certification significantly enhances earning potential by demonstrating expertise in IT service management best practices.
Average Salary by Role (Per Year)
Job Role | Average Salary (GBP) |
IT Service Manager | £50,000 – £70,000 |
Service Delivery Manager | £45,000 – £65,000 |
Incident Manager | £35,000 – £55,000 |
Change Manager | £40,000 – £60,000 |
Problem Manager | £40,000 – £55,000 |
IT Operations Manager | £60,000 – £80,000 |
ITIL Consultant | £60,000 – £90,000 |
IT Project Manager (with ITIL) | £50,000 – £75,000 |
Business Analyst (with ITIL) | £45,000 – £65,000 |
IT Support Specialist | £25,000 – £40,000 |
These salaries represent averages and can vary based on the employer, location, and level of expertise.
3. Factors Influencing ITIL Salaries in the UK
a) Certification Level
ITIL offers multiple levels of certification, and higher levels often command higher salaries:
- ITIL Foundation: Entry-level certification that typically helps secure junior roles or build a foundation for career advancement. Average salary: £25,000 – £40,000 per year.
- ITIL Managing Professional (MP): Designed for individuals involved in running successful IT services. Average salary: £50,000 – £80,000 per year.
- ITIL Strategic Leader (SL): Focuses on strategy and leadership roles. Average salary: £70,000 – £100,000 per year.
b) Experience
Experience significantly influences salary. For example:
- Entry-level ITIL professionals (0–3 years of experience) earn around £25,000 – £40,000 annually.
- Mid-level professionals (3–7 years) earn between £40,000 and £60,000.
- Senior professionals (7+ years) or those in leadership roles can earn upwards of £80,000.
c) Location
Salaries for ITIL-certified professionals vary by city due to differences in demand, cost of living, and local industries.
City | Average Salary (GBP) |
London | £60,000 – £90,000 |
Manchester | £50,000 – £70,000 |
Birmingham | £45,000 – £65,000 |
Bristol | £45,000 – £65,000 |
Leeds | £40,000 – £60,000 |
Glasgow | £40,000 – £60,000 |
Edinburgh | £45,000 – £65,000 |
d) Industry
Certain industries offer higher salaries for ITIL-certified professionals:
- Finance and Banking: £60,000 – £90,000
- Telecommunications: £50,000 – £80,000
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: £45,000 – £70,000
- Retail and E-commerce: £40,000 – £65,000
- Government and Public Sector: £35,000 – £55,000
e) Skills and Additional Certifications
Combining ITIL certification with other in-demand skills or certifications boosts salary potential:
- Project Management Certifications (PMP, PRINCE2): Adds £5,000 – £15,000 annually.
- Technical Skills (Cloud, DevOps): Adds £10,000 – £20,000 annually.
- Leadership Skills: Essential for managerial and strategic roles, significantly increasing earning potential.
4. Top-Paying ITIL Roles in the UK
1. ITIL Consultant
ITIL Consultants specialize in advising organizations on implementing ITIL best practices. They earn some of the highest salaries due to their expertise and strategic contributions.
- Average Salary: £60,000 – £90,000
- Responsibilities: Conducting ITIL assessments, designing ITSM processes, and training teams.
2. IT Operations Manager
IT Operations Managers oversee IT infrastructure and service delivery, ensuring seamless operations.
- Average Salary: £60,000 – £80,000
- Responsibilities: Managing teams, ensuring compliance, and optimizing IT service performance.
3. Service Delivery Manager
Service Delivery Managers ensure that IT services meet business needs and SLAs.
- Average Salary: £45,000 – £65,000
- Responsibilities: Overseeing service quality, managing vendor relationships, and resolving escalations.
4. Change Manager
Change Managers ensure smooth transitions during IT changes while minimizing risks.
- Average Salary: £40,000 – £60,000
- Responsibilities: Implementing change management processes, assessing risks, and coordinating communication.
5. Is ITIL Certification Worth It for UK Professionals?
For Individuals:
- Career Growth: ITIL certification is a stepping stone to higher-paying roles and managerial positions.
- Job Security: ITIL-certified professionals are in high demand, ensuring better job stability.
- Global Opportunities: ITIL is recognized worldwide, making it easier to work abroad or in multinational corporations.
For Organizations:
- Enhanced Service Quality: ITIL-certified employees improve IT service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Cost Efficiency: Streamlined IT processes reduce operational costs.
- Competitive Advantage: Organizations with ITIL-aligned practices are better equipped to compete in the market.
6. How to Boost Your ITIL Career in the UK
- Pursue Advanced ITIL Certifications:
Higher-level certifications like ITIL Managing Professional or ITIL Strategic Leader open doors to senior roles. - Gain Additional Skills:
Pair your ITIL expertise with skills like Agile, DevOps, cloud computing, or project management for higher earning potential. - Stay Updated:
Keep up with the latest ITIL frameworks and best practices. For instance, ITIL 4 incorporates modern methodologies like Agile and Lean. - Practice Mock Exams:
Prepare for ITIL certification with resources like the Gururo ITIL 4 Foundation Mock Test. - Network:
Join ITIL communities, attend industry events, and connect with other ITSM professionals to explore new opportunities.
7. Conclusion
The salary prospects for ITIL-certified professionals in the UK remain promising in 2025. With increasing reliance on IT services, organizations are investing in skilled ITSM professionals who can drive efficiency and align IT operations with business goals.
For professionals, ITIL certification not only enhances earning potential but also provides opportunities for career advancement and global recognition. For organizations, hiring ITIL-certified employees ensures better service quality, cost efficiency, and competitive advantage.
If you’re ready to boost your ITSM career, start your ITIL journey today. Prepare for success with the Gururo ITIL 4 Foundation Mock Test and unlock the doors to a rewarding career in IT service management.
