Average UK Salary
Complete guide to UK salary statistics. Compare median, mean, and averages by age, region, and industry.
The median is the middle value - 50% earn more, 50% earn less. This is the best measure of what a "typical" UK worker earns.
The mean is pulled up by high earners (CEOs, executives, etc.) and is less representative of typical earnings.
Average UK Salary by Age
| Age Group | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| 18-21 | £22,000 |
| 22-29 | £32,000 |
| 30-39 | £40,000 |
| 40-49 | £43,000 |
| 50-59 | £41,000 |
| 60+ | £36,000 |
Earnings typically peak between 40-49 years old before gradually declining.
Average UK Salary by Region
London salaries are ~35% higher than the UK average, but cost of living is significantly higher.
Average UK Salary by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Finance & Insurance | £55,000 |
| IT & Tech | £52,000 |
| Professional Services | £48,000 |
| Mining & Energy | £47,000 |
| Public Admin | £38,000 |
| Education | £35,000 |
| Construction | £35,000 |
| Manufacturing | £34,000 |
| Healthcare | £33,000 |
| Retail | £25,000 |
| Hospitality | £22,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average UK salary in 2025?
The average (mean) UK salary is approximately £42,000 per year. However, the median salary (more representative of typical earnings) is around £35,000. The difference is due to high earners pulling up the mean.
What is a good salary in the UK?
A "good" salary in the UK is generally considered to be £40,000-£50,000, which puts you above the median. In London, you might need £50,000-£60,000 for a similar standard of living due to higher costs.
What is the median salary in the UK?
The median UK salary is approximately £35,000 per year (2024/25 data). This means exactly half of UK workers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. It's a better measure of "typical" earnings than the mean.
Why is median salary different from average salary?
The median is the middle value when all salaries are ranked, while the mean (average) is the total divided by the number of earners. High earners (like CEOs earning millions) pull the mean up, making the median a better representation of what typical workers earn.