What is the average UK salary?

The answer to this is not an easy one, as there are many elements to consider before a single figure can be decided. Salary levels vary depending on factors such as skills, experience, working hours, and location. Because of this, it is common for people with the same job title to earn different amounts across the UK.

Let’s take a look at the following stats:

Average annual salary:

£35,828 (the latest confirmed median gross annual salary for full-time employees, reflecting an increase of over £14,500 compared with UK earnings data from 12 years earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics).

Average salary based on age:

• 18–21-year-olds: £19,300
• 22–29-year-olds: £30,000
• 30–39-year-olds: £39,000
• 40–49-year-olds: £45,000
• 50–59-year-olds: £43,000
• 60+: £36,500

Average weekly salary based on location:

Most salaries take into account living and travelling costs for the area. As a result, earnings tend to be higher in regions such as London, where the cost of living is significantly greater, compared with areas such as Northern Ireland or the North East.

• London: £728
• South East: £640
• Scotland: £605
• East Midlands: £570
• North West: £569
• South West: £567
• West Midlands: £561
• Wales: £551
• Yorkshire and the Humber: £548
• Northern Ireland: £537
• North East: £532

Average salary based on occupation:

It should come as no surprise that some careers typically earn more than others. However, salaries can still vary widely within the same occupational group depending on experience, qualifications, and sector.

• Elementary occupations (e.g. bar staff, labouring): £17,000 to £28,000
• Administrative and secretarial: £19,000 to £33,000
• Managers, directors and senior officials: £26,000 to £100,000+
• Professional occupations: £27,000 to £76,000
• Skilled trades: £17,000 to £44,000
• Sales and customer service: £18,000 to £30,000

See what we mean? A wide range of factors can influence how much you earn. For this reason, it is always advisable to research typical salary levels for your role, sector, and location, so you have a clear understanding of what you may be entitled to.

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Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS), Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), 2024.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours