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Updated for 2025/26

£16,000 vs £21,000 Salary Comparison

Compare a £16,000 salary against £21,000. Find out exactly how much more (or less) you will take home after tax.

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Enter multiple salaries to compare take-home pay for 2025/26

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Comparison Results

Metric£16,000£21,000Difference
Gross Salary£16,000£21,000£5,000
Income Tax£686£1,686£1,000
National Insurance£274£674£400
Pension£0£0£0
Take-Home Pay (Yearly)
£15,040
£18,640
£3,600
Take-Home (Monthly)£1,253£1,553£300
Effective Tax Rate6.0%11.2%5.2%

£16,000

Gross£16,000
Take-Home£15,040
You Keep94.0%

£21,000

Gross£21,000
Take-Home£18,640
You Keep88.8%

Detailed Breakdown: £16,000 vs £21,000

£16,000

  • Gross Pay£16,000.00
  • Take Home (Year)£15,039.60
  • Take Home (Month)£1,253.30
  • Effective Tax Rate6.0%

£21,000

  • Gross Pay£21,000.00
  • Take Home (Year)£18,639.60
  • Take Home (Month)£1,553.30
  • Effective Tax Rate11.2%

The difference in take-home pay is £3,600 per year, which works out to £300.00 per month.