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Salary data is a tool. It helps you track career progress, spot earning potential and pinpoint your job market value with confidence.
Without it, you're guessing and potentially underselling your expertise. Using trusted resources, we’ve compiled the latest information to help you achieve your career goals and understand what fair compensation looks like in your field.
In this article, we cover:
What people are earning across the UK by region
How salaries vary by age and education
Industries with the highest (and lowest) salaries
Next steps in your job search.
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What is the average UK salary?
In 2025, the average annual salary in the UK is approximately £35,000. This figure includes full-time and part-time workers across all sectors.
Checking current statistics matters for your job search, as it allows you to base salary expectations on the national average for your sector. This provides solid ground to work from, whether you're wanting to know your earning potential, considering a career move or negotiating a pay rise.
It is important to keep in mind that this number doesn’t tell the whole story:
Top earners raise the average. Many roles, especially entry-level or part-time, fall below this mark.
The gender pay gap persists. Women working full-time earn around 7% less than men on average. Across all roles, the gap increases to 13%.
For a more realistic view of typical earnings, it’s better to look at the median salary, which reflects the midpoint in the pay scale:
| Contract types | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Full time | £37,400 |
| Part time | £13,900 |
| All | £31,600 |
Here’s how that looks in practice for full-time roles:
| Pay frequency | Approximate median salary (based on full-time roles) |
|---|---|
| Weekly | £671 |
| Monthly | £2,910 |
| Yearly | £37,400 |
Pro Tip
It is important to have open and honest conversations about pay with managers and colleagues to increase transparency around pay for similar jobs.
How does age affect salary?
Age often reflects your career stage, which impacts your earnings. While salary is not directly determined by age, it is closely tied to experience, qualifications and time spent in the workforce.
According to recent data:
| Age range | Approximate average salary |
|---|---|
| 18–21 | £18,900 |
| 22–29 | £29,000 |
| 30–39 | £35,000 |
| 40–49 | £38,200 (peak earning years) |
| 50+ | Salaries begin to level off or decline slightly, depending on role and sector |
For Gen Z professionals entering the job market in 2025, early salaries are naturally lower, but this phase also brings the steepest growth curve. Graduates tend to move quickly in their first five years, especially in high-demand fields like engineering, finance and digital marketing.
However, not everyone follows a straight path. If you are returning to the workforce after a break, it’s worth benchmarking your expected salary against your age group and the role you're aiming for. Many employers are now more flexible on “non-linear” CVs, especially in sectors with skills shortages.
If you are hunting for your first job, these age-based salary bands help you understand where your expectations should sit. They also give you a clearer view of what progression can look like.
Average salary by UK region
Location plays a central part in landing a top job in the UK, especially if you have the in-demand skills employers are looking for in certain regions. Where you work in the UK and the attached cost of living can also have a bearing on salary expectations. London, for example, remains the highest-paying region, while other areas such as Manchester and Birmingham are catching up fast.
Pro Tip
For UK jobseekers considering a career move, relocation or negotiating a remote role, understanding regional salary benchmarks is essential.
East of England
The East of England benefits from proximity to London while offering a slightly lower cost of living. Roles in logistics, healthcare and engineering are strong here, with remote work options expanding access to London-based salaries.
If you're living in this region or looking to move closer to the capital without the full cost, it's a solid middle ground.
Key insights
North East
While average salaries in the North East are lower than the UK median, the region has seen some of the strongest wage growth recently – especially in transport, manufacturing and public services.
For those considering a career shift, this region may offer emerging opportunities with lower competition and faster upward mobility.
Key insights
South East
The South East combines relatively high salaries with good access to major employers outside London. Towns and cities like Reading, Guildford and Brighton have thriving job markets, particularly in education and the creative industries.
If you're job hunting in this area, keep in mind the pros and cons of hybrid vs in-person roles, with London salaries often within reach.
Key insights
Scotland
Scotland offers competitive salaries in key cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, particularly in finance, energy and technology. Regional differences are notable, though, with Aberdeen's oil and gas sector skewing the national average.
For job seekers with specialist skills, especially in data, energy or life sciences, Scotland is worth a closer look.
Key insights
London
London remains the highest-paying region in the UK. High salaries reflect the cost of living and the concentration of top-demand roles in tech, legal, media and finance. However, remote and hybrid work mean you don’t always need to live in the city to access its salaries.
If you’re comparing your salary, London is the benchmark, but only part of the equation if your role is hybrid or remote.
Key insights
West of England (Including Bristol & Bath)
The West of England punches above its weight, especially in creative industries, aerospace and engineering. Cities like Bristol and Bath attract startups and established brands alike, making this a hotspot for remote-friendly roles with good salaries. The West of England is also excellent for finding seasonal work, with plenty of opportunities to explore tourism, hospitality and agriculture.
If you’re after a vibrant job market with flexibility, this region offers strong potential for career changers with sought-after transferable skills.
Key insights
Industries with the highest (and lowest) salaries
Earning potential often depends not just on your role, but on the sector you are in. Some of the UK’s most influential industries offer higher salaries because of the expertise required, the responsibilities involved or the wider value they bring to the economy. Other top jobs in the UK offer higher salaries due to the regulated nature of the work or the extended training involved.
Whether you're exploring a new direction or checking how your salary stacks up, understanding how different sectors compare is key to making informed decisions about your next move.
5 industries with the highest paying salaries
1. Financial services
Finance continues to top the list for average salaries in the UK. Jobs in banking, asset management and compliance demand strong technical skills, long hours and often carry high stakes. This sector also offers structured progression, so roles at mid and senior level can become very lucrative.
If you’re comparing your current pay or thinking about switching industries, finance is one of the most consistently high-paying options.
Average salary: £88,000
Common roles: Risk analyst, investment manager, compliance officer
Why it pays: Regulated environment and strong profit margins
2. Technology and information
The technology sector remains a top choice for high earners. Software engineers, product managers, data scientists and AI specialists command strong salaries, especially in cities like London and Manchester. Working for a startup is also a route into this space, often trading slightly lower pay for equity or rapid progression.
If you’re looking for one of the highest-paying jobs and have in-demand skills, tech is one of the most flexible and remote-friendly industries available.
Average salary: £90,000
Common roles: Developer, product manager, AI engineer
Why it pays: Skills shortage and global competition
3. Healthcare
Healthcare roles, particularly in medicine and dentistry, come with long training times and high responsibility. That’s reflected in the pay. Senior consultants and dental surgeons earn some of the top salaries in the public and private sectors.
For those with clinical qualifications or thinking of upskilling, healthcare can offer both job security and high earning potential.
High-end salaries: £175,000 to £200,000
Common roles: Consultant, GP, dentist
Why it pays: Specialist training and essential services
4. Engineering
Engineering remains a solid, high-paying choice, especially in mechanical, electrical and civil fields. As infrastructure projects expand and industries invest in green energy, engineers with practical experience are in high demand.
If you're considering a pivot into a more technical role, engineering offers strong mid-career earning potential.
Top salaries: £85,000 to £105,000
Common roles: Mechanical engineer, systems engineer, project lead
Why it pays: Technical expertise and long-term demand
5. Legal services
Legal professionals, especially in corporate and regulatory roles, tend to earn well after several years of experience. Law firms are competitive, but demand remains steady for qualified solicitors, especially in areas like employment law and compliance.
If you’re already in a legal role, check whether your current salary lines up with sector averages. If you’re outside law but have relevant transferable skills, some compliance and contract roles are open to those without legal training.
Top salaries: Up to £96,000 and above
Common roles: Solicitor, legal counsel, paralegal
Why it pays: Specialisation and legal risk management
5 industries with the lowest paying salaries
While these industries often start with lower entry-level wages, there’s still room to grow. With experience, qualifications, and progression into supervisory or management roles, earnings can increase significantly over time.
1. Retail and hospitality
Retail and hospitality roles tend to sit near the bottom of the salary range. These jobs are often part-time or seasonal and typically don’t require formal qualifications. That said, management roles in larger chains or hotels can exceed the average.
If you're in this sector, gaining leadership experience is often the best route to higher pay.
Average salary: £22,000 to £23,000
Common roles: Retail assistant, bartender, Wait staff
Why it’s lower: Entry-level roles and high turnover
2.Cleaning and basic services
Roles in cleaning, sanitation and basic facilities support are essential but underpaid across the UK. Even long-serving workers often only see small wage increases.
These roles may suit people seeking flexible hours, but they are not typically well-compensated.
Average salary: £22,961
Common roles: Cleaner, caretaker, site assistant
Why it’s lower: Low barriers to entry and limited advancement
3.Warehousing and logistics
Manual logistics and warehouse roles such as pickers, packers and forklift operators often pay close to minimum wage. However, warehouse supervisors and HGV drivers can earn more, especially with night shifts or overtime.
If you're in this field, certifications (like forklift or HGV licences) can open the door to better pay.
Average salary: £26,401
Common roles: Warehouse operative, loader, stock assistant
Why it’s lower: Physically demanding roles with minimal qualifications
4. Manufacturing and production
Entry-level factory worker roles often sit on the lower end of the pay scale, though specific skills or experience with specialised machinery can boost earnings. Automation is also affecting job availability and wages in this sector.
This is a sector where progression is possible, but often slow without retraining.
Salary range: Up to £57,000 at the high end
Common roles: Assembly worker, production assistant, machinist
Why it’s lower: High automation and low starting wages
5. Media and marketing
Despite being popular career choices, media and marketing roles are among the lower-paying sectors at the entry level. Pay tends to rise with experience, particularly in in-house roles or leadership positions.
If you're working for a startup or freelancing, expect slower initial pay growth unless you're in a highly specialised niche.
Average salary: £31,492
Senior roles: Can exceed £100,000
Why it’s lower: High competition and shrinking junior roles
Pro Tip
Understanding salary benchmarks isn’t just about numbers; it’s a powerful tool for career planning, negotiating with confidence, and recognising your market value in a competitive job landscape.
The role of education in earnings
Education can influence how much you earn, but it’s not the only factor. Your degree subject, career path and early decisions all shape your salary over time. Let’s take a look at the role education plays in salary expectations.
Higher education
University graduates tend to earn more than those without degrees. On average, they make around £7,000 more per year across their careers. Postgraduates usually earn even more, especially in STEM subjects, finance and healthcare.
Most of this financial advantage appears a few years after graduation, so a long-term view is important.
Median graduate salary five years after graduation: £29,900
Median postgraduate salary five years after graduation: £36,100
Students and recent graduates
In 2025, graduate starting salaries typically fell between £23,000 and £31,000. Jobs in tech, engineering and finance still sit near the top. Public sector and creative roles start lower but often come with benefits and steady growth.
Many graduates see a salary jump within two or three years of graduation, especially if they stay within high-demand sectors. If you're applying for graduate roles, use these benchmarks to compare offers and avoid accepting less than you're worth.
Typical graduate starting salary: £28,000
Early career pay increases: often between £5,000 and £10,000 within a few years
School Leavers
For those who leave school without going to university, starting salaries tend to range from £21,800 to £25,400. Jobs are typically in retail, warehousing, administration or trades. While some of these roles pay modestly, others offer high potential through training and apprenticeships.
Certain careers that don’t require a degree, like air traffic control or technical project work, can pay £40,000 to £77,000 or more once fully trained. If you're deciding whether to study or enter work directly, look closely at long-term progression and not just starting pay.
Typical school leaver salary: £22,000 to £25,000
High-earning non-degree roles: £40,000 to £77,000 depending on industry
Learn more about how to showcase your education on a CV for a higher earning potential.
Breaking down of salaries by job role
Salaries can vary widely depending on your job title, level of experience, industry specialisation, and where you’re based in the UK. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, understanding average salary ranges can help you set realistic expectations and negotiate confidently.
| Job type | Average salary per year |
|---|---|
| Accountant | £40,915 |
| Architect | £47,586 |
| Bricklayer | £30,524 |
| Dentist | £82,446 |
| Doctor | 63,324 |
| Electrician | £38,760 |
| Engineer | £46,114 |
| GP (Salaried) | £95,390 |
| GP (Partner) | £109,000 |
| Lawyer | £51,624 |
| Nurse | £31,000 |
| Pilot | £80,414 |
| Plumber | £38,099 |
| Teacher | £30,443 |
| Train driver | £63,958 |
| Vet (Veterinarian) | £49,470 |
Five takeaway points about the average UK salary
The average UK salary is around £35,000, while the more reliable median full-time salary is approximately £37,400.
Salaries vary significantly by region and industry, with London and sectors like finance, tech and healthcare offering the highest earnings.
Weekly pay for full-time employees averages £671, which translates to about £2,910 per month before tax.
Wages have grown by over 5% in the past year, outpacing inflation and contributing to a modest real-terms increase.
Education and experience raise earning potential, but some high-paying roles in trades and technical fields don’t require a degree.
Next steps?
Take the next step in your career with confidence and set yourself apart in the job market. Polish your job search toolkit with our intuitive AI CV maker, offering customisable CV examples to help you create a standout CV effortlessly. To complement your CV, explore our range of expertly designed cover letter templates. For more guidance, visit our career blog.
FAQs
What is a good average salary in the UK?
A good salary in the UK in 2025 is around £35,000 to £40,000, which is above the national median and enough to live comfortably in most regions.
Is 40K a good salary in the UK?
Yes. £40,000 is above the UK average, placing you in a strong position for most locations outside London.
What is the average salary for a 30-year-old in the UK?
The average salary for a 30-year-old is around £35,000, though this varies by industry and location.
What salary is the top 10% in the UK?
To be in the top 10% of earners in the UK, you typically need to earn £70,000 or more per year.
How can I use salary data in pay negotiations?
Use current salary benchmarks to compare your pay by job title, region and experience. Bring this data to show your market value during negotiations.
Where can I find salary information for my job?
Check sources like the ONS, job boards and industry salary reports. Sites like Glassdoor or gov.uk also offer reliable job-specific data.
