Hello Everyone,
          I am new to UK market. I have seven years of experience in
software development. All in product development in C/C++, STL, device
drivers. I need to know what I can expect on the average.

Can someone tell me ,
1) What is the hourly rate if I were a contractor or an independent
consultant?. Could it be something like 60 pounds an hour? Or more
like 40?.
2) Also, how much do salaries vary across cities. Like in London if
someone gets 60 pounds, will he get something similar in smaller towns
(for a similar tech job) or will it be a good 10 pound or so lesser.

I just need some vague thoughts about the market. Anything from
people's experience would help.
Thanks.

>          I am new to UK market. I have seven years of experience in
> software development. All in product development in C/C++, STL, device
> drivers. I need to know what I can expect on the average.
> 
> Can someone tell me ,
> 1) What is the hourly rate if I were a contractor or an independent
> consultant?. Could it be something like 60 pounds an hour? Or more
> like 40?.

Try the Jobstats website at <http://www.jobstats.co.uk/>,  there is a "rates" 
link at the top of the page.  The hourly rates are contract and the annual 
salaries are permanent.

> 2) Also, how much do salaries vary across cities. Like in London if
> someone gets 60 pounds, will he get something similar in smaller towns
> (for a similar tech job) or will it be a good 10 pound or so lesser.

Dunno, but afaik London is the only place to draw a substantial premium and the 
financial market has another premium over that.

> I just need some vague thoughts about the market. Anything from
> people's experience would help.

The markets's shit.  Again.

Hth,

-- 
Boo