What is a Good Salary in the UK?

Team JagVimal 17 Jun 2025 19 views
What is a Good Salary in the UK

What is a Good Salary in the UK?

An understanding of the average salary in the UK is necessary for international students to properly plan their work and study journey. International students can earn a handsome salary amount whether they are working part-time or full-time. The UK follows an even salary distribution however, there may be differences based on the salary depending on the gender of an individual. The main factors affecting the job experience of the students include the employment nature, location, and job culture in the employment sector. A good salary in the UK also depends on the job location and work experience of the applicants. This blog on What is a good salary in the UK enables you to get an in-depth idea of the highest-paying jobs in the UK, factors affecting average salary in the UK, salary distribution by age, gender, location, education & much more!

Average salaries in the UK for Full-time Employees in 2025

The average weekly earnings of the full-time employees also depend on the type of industry and expertise level of the employees.

Industry 

Average Weekly Earnings in £

Real Estate Activities

645

Other Manufacturing

633

Food Products, Beverage and Tobacco

611

Financial & Insurance Activities

1,356.00

Mining & Quarrying

1,228.00

Information & Communication

1,134.00

Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities

954

Chemicals & Man-made Fibres

908

Electricity, Gas & Water Supply

829

Engineering & Allied Industries

796

Wholesale Trade

761

Construction

723

Basic Metals & Metal Products

703

Public Administration

694

Transport & Storage

685

Administrative & Support Service Activities

574

Health & Social Work

547

Education

535

Textiles, Leather & Clothing

496

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

482

Other Service Activities

468

Arts, Entertainment & Recreation

467

Retail Trade & Repairs

408

Accommodation & Food Service Activities

309

What are the highest-paying jobs in the UK?

These are the job roles for the top industry experts who are willing to work and relocate to the United Kingdom.

Highest-paying jobs in the UK

Salaries

Customer Support Specialist

£23,410

UX Designer

£34,278

Digital Marketing Specialist

£29,537

Data Analyst

£30,261

HR Generalist

£32,290

Senior Recruiter

£40,341

Project Manager (IT)

£48,649

Sales / Business Manager

£38,581

Software Engineer

£40,567

Factors Affecting Average Salary in the UK

It is necessary to understand the factors focusing on providing good job opportunities to the people in the UK. A good salary in the UK helps in setting realistic expectations & better outcomes that can enhance the overall productivity of the organization. Here are some key factors that influence your paychecks and salary statistics. 

 

Experience: The candidates with good experience can earn a high income in the UK. For example, full time employees holding an experience of ten years can earn 25-30% more in the next five years. The people with good work experience can significantly get a good offer & better employment opportunities. 

 

Education: A good degree helps to boost your earning potential to a large extent. The employees working in the UK firms can earn more money. STEM graduates tend to find higher returns on their education with a starting salary over £5,000 or higher. 

 

Location: The salaries in major cities such as London are comparatively higher due to the high living costs. The average salary in London is approximately £41,000 per year. All those who are wondering about how much you need to earn to live comfortably in London must consider location as an essential factor. The costs of transportation and housing increase depending on the location of the employment. 

 

Economic Factors: The economic factors influencing the salary of the employees include government policies, interest rates and inflation. The employees can work more salary due to better financial stability, structured pay scales and extensive resources.

Average Salary in the UK for Full-Time Employees (Weekly): Industry-Wise

If you are curious about the average salary in the United Kingdom, this is data from the Office of National Statistics that breaks down the average weekly earnings across different industries. The data depicts how much average salary an employee can make in the United Kingdom per week. The salaries of the individuals may vary however, this information is helpful for all job seekers and anyone interested in making his career in the job market of the United Kingdom.

Industry-Wise Average Salary in the UK for Full-Time Employees (Weekly)

Industry 

Average Weekly Earnings in £

Real Estate Activities

645.00

Other Manufacturing

633.00

Food Products, Beverage and Tobacco

611.00

Financial & Insurance Activities

1,356.00

Mining & Quarrying

1,228.00

Information & Communication

1,134.00

Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities

954.00

Chemicals & Man-made Fibres

908.00

Electricity, Gas & Water Supply

829.00

Engineering & Allied Industries

796.00

Wholesale Trade

761.00

Construction

723.00

Basic Metals & Metal Products

703.00

Which industries have seen the most growth in the UK? 

Are you wondering about the average salary rise in 2025 in the United Kingdom? Thus, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the top industries in the United Kingdom which are in high demand. These industries have significantly contributed to the growth of the thriving economy of the country in recent years. 

The manufacturing industries in the UK experience the highest annual growth rate, 5.9% from May to July, and an annual regular pay rise of 3.9%. These are the significant percentage of increase in the UK industries. 

  1. Importers & Exporters - 27.8%
  2. Probation officers - 21.7%
  3. Agricultural machinery drivers - 15.8%
  4. Elementary administration occupations - 20.7%
  5. Elementary sales occupations - 21%
  6. Fishmongers and poultry dressers - 14%
  7. Agricultural & Fishing Trade - 13% 
  8. Postal workers, mail sorters, messengers, and couriers - 15.2%
  9. Telephonist- 13.4%
  10. Horticultural trades - 14.1%

Average UK Wage: Age

The full-time workers in the UK earn £682 per week as per the latest record of Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours & Earnings. The survey also reveals an age gap in earnings- people between the age group of 40-49 years can make the most of their earnings- weekly pay of £770 for full-time work. This means there is a significant pay gap for young earners under the age of 30. Below is the breakdown of the average UK salary distribution by Age. 

Average Salary in the UK by Age 

Age 

Weekly Wage (median average) Full-time gross pay

Annual salary (30 hours a week or more)

18-21

441.00

22,932.00

22-29

583.00

30,316.00

30-39

722.00

37,544.00

40-49

770.00

40,040.00

50-59

727.00

37,804.00

60+

651.00

33,852.00

Average Salary in the United Kingdom: Full-Time Workers

There are some main differences in 'median' and  'average' salary in the UK. Let’s clarify this better before diving into the wages in the United Kingdom. 

  • The average salary of an individual is calculated by adding of salaries of each employee divided by the total number of employees.
  • Median Salary finds the middle point where all salaries of the employees are lined up from the lowest to the highest. 

We have provided a brief breakdown of the average UK salary for full-time workers. It compares the wages of the employees in the UK by sector.

Average Salary in the UK (Full-Time Workers)

Sector

Average Salary in the UK Per Year (£)

Average Salary in the UK Per Month (£)

Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Social Services

45,233.00

3,769.00

Information Technology

41,283.00

3,440.00

Engineering

40,434.00

3,370.00

Science

37,158.00

3,096.00

Banking, Finance & Insurance

35,909.00

2,992.00

Average Salary in the UK: Part-Time Worker

The recent job reports of UK Labour Market Statistics in the UK reveal certain interesting trends! Over 24 million people in the UK are full time job holders and real growth comes from the part time roles by 8.46 million workers. Part time jobs help international students to manage their personal expenses along with their studies. 

The part-time income enables students to manage their expenses, enjoy diverse cultures and gain quality work experience. The popular sectors in the UK where students can also engage in part-time job roles include customer service, admin, retail & logistics. Many even juggle multiple part-time gigs or join part-time calling job roles.

The average salary of employees in the UK is estimated to be £13.11 per hour or £25,568 annually. There can be variations in the salary depending on location, industry, and job sector. Below is the comparison table for the average salary for part-time workers in the UK.

Average Salary in the UK for Part-Time Workers

Type of Job

Average Pay Per Hour

Tutor

15.00

Dog Walker

12.50

Waiter

12.00

Customer Service Representative

11.00

Translator

10.00

Average Payment in the UK: Gender-Wise

As per the ONS reports of 2023, the woman earns less salary as compared to the man. However, this difference has improved slightly with time. However, the gap is still wider and there is a need for a positive change. The table below throws light on the Gender Pay Gap statistics in the UK.

Gender-Wise Average UK Wage: Men

Age

Weekly Wage (median average) Full-time gross Pay

Annual Salary Gross Pay

18-21

447.00

23,244.00

22-29

604.00

31,408.00

30-39

755.00

39,260.00

40-49

825.00

42,900.00

50-59

784.00

40,768.00

60+

697.00

36,244.00

Gender-Wise Average UK Wage: Women

Age

Weekly Wage (median average) Full-time gross Pay

Annual Salary Gross Pay

18-21

433.00

22,516.00

22-29

565.00

29,380.00

30-39

675.00

35,100.00

40-49

696.00 

36,192.00

50-59

646.00 

33,592.00

60+

559.00

29,068.00

Highest Paying Jobs in the UK

There are many highest paying jobs roles for the people in the UK where they are offered with handsome salaries. The people with age above 30 are expected to earn more as compared with the young workers in the UK. The managers and professionals between the age group of 35 to 49 years of age can earn a high average salary in the UK. These are the top paying jobs opportunities for the people in the UK.

Highest Paying Jobs in the UK

Occupation

Weekly Wage (median average) in £

Full-time Gross Pay in £

Manager, Director, Senior Official

643.00

537.00

Teaching/Education professionals

638.00

352.00

Health professionals

639.00

394.00

Skilled trades

537.00

452.00

Sales and customer service occupations

352.00

516.00

Leisure & Travel

394.00

476.00

Community & Civil Enforcement

452.00 

569.00

Transport/Drivers

516.00

479.00

Administrative Occupations

476.00

479.00


Minimum Paying Jobs in the UK

Coming forward, we will discuss the minimum wages in the United Kingdom. The minimum wage is the least amount that employers pay to their staff. This can differ depending on the age of the employees and their apprenticeship status. The government of the United Kingdom sets a new National Minimum Wage each year which is based on the work role & professional qualifications of the new joining employees in the UK. Now, we will have a look at some of the least-paying job roles in the United Kingdom. 

Minimum Paying Jobs in the UK

Job Position

Average Yearly Salary in the UK (in £)

Cleaner

10,635.00

Teaching Assistant

12,291.00

Pharmacy Dispenser

12,920.00

Catering Assistant

13,500.00

Beautician and Hair Stylist

14,449.00

Average Salary in the UK: Location-Wise

The average salary in the UK also depends on your work location. If you are working in high-living cost areas of the South East and London, you get a higher average salary in the United Kingdom. The young workers who fall between the age group of 18 to 21 years can earn more working in outdoor regions of London whereas the older workers over the age of 60 years can earn higher wages in the South East, Scotland, and the East. Here is a breakdown of the average salary in the UK based on the job location.

Mean Income in the UK: Location-Wise

Region

Weekly UK Median Income

London

765.00

South East

685.00

East

668.00

Scotland

640.00

South West

620.00

West Mid

613.00

East Mid

604.00

North West

604.00

Wales

604.00

Yorks & Humber

594.00

Northern Ireland

591.00

North East

580.00

Average Salary in the UK Annually: Education-Wise

A good education is necessary to make a high salary in the UK. The higher graduates earn more salary as compared to the candidates with fewer qualifications. People with high academic qualifications can earn more in the companies of the United Kingdom.

Average UK Wage: Education-Wise

Job Position

Weekly Wage (median average) in £

Degree or equivalent

587.00

Higher Education

450.00

GCE A level or equivalent

369.00

GCSE grades A*-C or equivalent

331.00

Other Qualification

335.00

No Qualification

275.00

Key Statistics that influence the average pay in the UK

The average wage statistics may vary depending on factors like your experience and type of industry. Check out some of the key statistics that influence the average pay scale in the United Kingdom.

  • Experience: The amount of wages increases with the expertise and education of the candidates. 
  • Education: The salary may differ depending on the level of education. 
  • Location: The metropolitan and major cities in the UK offer higher salaries
  • Economic Factors affecting Salaries: The salary may depend on the workforce and demand of the job market. The government policies may impact the regular employee wages. 
  • Working Conditions: A good working condition is necessary to bring better outcomes. It is necessary to work in good conditions for generating more income in the United Kingdom. 
  • Employer: The number of employers and the size of the company can also affect your pay scale in the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom is a prominent job offering country that offers the highest-paying job opportunities to individuals. The economic factors influencing the salary of the employees include government policies, interest rates, and inflation.  The popular sectors in the UK where students can also engage in part-time job roles include customer service, admin, retail & logistics. The blog helps you clear up this confusion - What is a good salary in the UK? The UK follows an even salary distribution however, there may be differences based on the salary depending on the gender of an individual. The country is a leading job provider for international students with handsome salaries. 

Consult Jagvimal Consultants to get the best job opportunity in the United Kingdom with a Good Salary for all working professionals whether you are an experienced candidate or a fresher comer!

Request a callback

Our FAQ's

Which job sectors offer high salary packages in the UK?

Finance, IT and engineering sectors offer high salary packages in the UK. 

The key statistics influencing the average pay scale in the UK are education, experience, location & working conditions.

The average salary in the UK for fresher graduates ranges between £24,000 and £29,000 annually which also depends on the type of your industry and location. 

Share this article

Australia PR Point Calculator Enquire now whatsapp
Call Us Whatsapp