What is the Average Salary in the UK?
2nd June, 2026
When you’re just starting in a career or looking to make a career move, knowing what salary you can expect is a big part of the decision.
Average salaries in the UK do differ, not just by industry, but by age and region, too. Being aware of the facts and figures can help you make an informed decision on your career path.
So, what is the average salary in the UK? To give a complete picture, we’ve broken it down by age, region, and industry.
Average Salary in the UK: By Age
The average salary in the UK varies depending on age, ranging from £22K for post-graduate wages to £40K and upwards as people age.
In general, this is largely down to the fact that the older you get, the more experience you have. With more experience, you can work higher-skilled jobs that usually come with a salary to match.
With that said, let’s take a look at how the average UK salary differs between working age groups in the table below.
| Average Salary in the UK: By Age | |
| Age Group | Salary (Avg.) |
| 18 to 21 | £22,000 to £25,000 |
| 22 to 29 | £28,000 to £35,000 |
| 30 to 39 | £37,000 to £45,000 |
| 40 to 49 | £40,000 to £48,000 |
| 50 to 59 | £38,000 to £45,000 |
| 60+ | £33,000 to £40,000 |
Why Does the Average Salary Change by Age?
Now we know what the average salary in the UK looks like for different age groups, you may be wondering why age has such a big impact on what people can expect to earn.
Well, there are a number of reasons why we see such a shift in wages between different age groups, including:
- People in the 18 to 21 age group are usually working part-time, graduates in entry-level roles, or on apprenticeships, earning minimum wage.
- Then, as we move into the 22 to 29 category, we see people start to specialise, get promotions as they gain experience, or switch roles, leading to an increase in pay.
- Often, people reach their highest earning potential between 30 and 59, as they enter senior managerial positions that come with a higher wage.
Of course, average salaries are just that – an average. People can earn less or even more than their age group’s standard.
Average Salary in the UK: By Region
It’s not just age that impacts the average salary in the UK, as the amount you can expect to earn changes by region, too.
Areas with stronger job markets tend to see a higher average salary – London, the South West, and the South East. However, Northern regions have seen significant growth in recent years, despite a downturn in economic growth across the country.
So, what does the average salary look like for different regions across the UK? Check out our table below to find out.
| Average Salary in the UK: By Region | |
| Region | Salary (Avg.) |
| London | £40,000 to £47,000 |
| South East | £36,000 to £40,000 |
| South West | £35,000 to £40,000 |
| North East | £30,000 to £34,000 |
| North West | £32,000 to £35,000 |
| West Midlands | £32,000 to £35,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £30,000 to £33,000 |
| Wales | £31,000 to £34,000 |
Why Does the Average Salary Change by Region?
With the voluntary London Living Wage, some working in the capital earn more than the minimum wage set across the rest of the country, increasing the average.
Plus, it’s common to see the highest salaries in London-based roles. As it’s the capital of the country, many global businesses have offices in the city, especially in high-earning industries like law, technology, and finance.
But what is impacting the average salary in regions outside of the capital? Well, there are a few factors to consider, such as:
- Demand for skilled workers changes across the country. For example, NHS, nursing, and social work are in high demand in the North, while warehouse staff and production-sector work are highest in the Midlands.
- Cost of living in local regional areas differs, impacting the salaries employers and businesses are able to offer their employees.
- Access to remote or hybrid jobs can help people enter career paths in sectors that aren’t always widely available in their home town. Some may be able to earn a higher wage working remotely for a company in an area that has a higher average salary.
Average Salary in the UK: By Industry
The industry you work in can significantly impact the average salary you can expect to get in the UK.
Some of the highest-paying sectors include software development, IT, and engineering, while industries like retail and hospitality have some of the lowest. Take a look at the breakdown of average salaries across UK industries in our table.
| Average Salary in the UK: By Industry | |
| Industry | Salary (Avg.) |
| Finance & Insurance | £50,000 – £52,000 |
| Technology & IT | £48,000 to £50,000 |
| Engineering | £40,000 to £53,000 |
| Construction | £37,000 to £46,000 |
| Education | £36,000 to £39,000 |
| Health & Social Care | £34,000 to £51,000 |
| Retail | £30,000 to £31,000 |
| Hospitality | £25,000 to £26,000 |
Why Does the Average Salary Change by Industry?
There are a few reasons why certain industries have higher salaries than others. In part, it’s down to the specialised skills some careers require.
For example, jobs in the finance sector require advanced skills in analytics and mathematics, as well as the ability to solve data-driven problems quickly and accurately. Skills like that aren’t always as easy to come by, which increases the salary. Other aspects to consider include:
- High-profit industries typically pay higher salaries, as employees are expected to have a higher level of expertise to ensure the business stays profitable.
- Industries that require a higher level of education, e.g., solicitor, cybersecurity, or surgeon, typically mean a higher salary average.
- Industries struggling to hire suitable candidates may look to increase their salaries to make the position more attractive to the right people.
How Does the Average UK Salary Compare to the Cost of Living?
While the average salary in the UK may seem high, comparing it to the cost of living is the best way to see how far it actually stretches for people living in the country.
As bills, housing costs, food, child care, and fuel prices continue to rise, affordability can vary across the country. Areas where the average salary is higher typically also see a higher cost of living. For example, average rent prices in London are £2,290 a month, compared to rent costs in Leeds, which are £1,133, a fraction of the price.
For an acceptable standard of living, a single person needs to earn a minimum of £30,500 a year, according to the independent social change organisation Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
For families, in this case, that’s two parents and two children, the figure is higher. Research from the same organisation suggests a family needs to earn a combined income of £74,000 annually.
Haggards Crowther Helps You Manage Your Salary and Finances With Ease
Here at Haggards Crowther, we have over 20 years of experience in helping people across the UK make the most of their salary.
As chartered accountants, we’re on hand to support you through complicated business tax law, provide advice on investments, and help you prepare tax returns. Plus, we’re always available to answer any financial questions you may have.
If you’re ready to start maximising your income, get in touch with us today. You can reach us via phone on 020 7384 0920 for the Parsons Green office or 020 7384 4898 for our Putney team. Alternatively, send an email to enquiries@haggards.co.uk.
