South West · 2026 Data
CTO Salary in Exeter (2026)
CTO salaries in Exeter range from £111,500 to £198,000, with a median of £140,500.
Salary Range
Full-Time vs Fractional Cost
Full-Time CTO
- Base salary £111,500 – £198,000
- Employer NI & pension ~20-25%
- Total annual cost £139,000 – £248,000
Fractional (2 days/week)
- Day rate £1,200 – £2,200/day
- Employer costs None
- Total annual cost £124,800 – £228,800
Fractional cost based on 2 days/week, 52 weeks. Actual costs vary by engagement structure.
What Does a CTO Do?
Chief Technology Officer responsible for overall technology strategy, architecture decisions, and engineering leadership across the organisation.
In Exeter, CTOs typically work across the South West tech ecosystem. The local market offers salaries ranging from £111,500 for less experienced candidates to £198,000 for senior professionals with significant track records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average CTO salary in Exeter?
The median CTO salary in Exeter is £140,500 in 2026. Salaries range from £111,500 at the lower end to £198,000 for the most experienced professionals.
How does Exeter compare to London for CTO salaries?
Exeter CTO salaries are typically 28% lower than London. The median in Exeter is £140,500 compared to £195,000 in London.
Is it cheaper to hire a fractional CTO than a full-time one in Exeter?
Yes. A full-time CTO in Exeter costs approximately £139,000 to £248,000 per year including employer costs. A fractional CTO at 2 days per week costs roughly £124,800 to £228,800 annually — typically 40-60% less.
What does a CTO do?
Chief Technology Officer responsible for overall technology strategy, architecture decisions, and engineering leadership across the organisation.