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Legal2025/26

Barrister Salary in the UK

Barristers are specialist legal advisers and courtroom advocates. They represent clients in court, draft legal opinions, and provide expert advice on complex cases.

Average Salary
£75,000
per year
Entry Level
£25,000
starting salary
Experienced
£75,000
mid-career
Senior Level
£200,000
top earners

Barrister Take Home Pay

On the average Barrister salary of £75,000, you would take home £54,057 per year (£4,504.78 per month) after tax and National Insurance.

Yearly
Gross: £75,000.00
£54,057.40
Income Tax:-£17,432.00
National Insurance:-£3,510.60
Monthly
Gross: £6,250.00
£4,504.78
Income Tax:-£1,452.67
National Insurance:-£292.55
Weekly
Gross: £1,442.31
£1,039.57
Income Tax:-£335.23
National Insurance:-£67.51

Effective tax rate: 27.9%|Marginal rate: 40%

Barrister Salary by Location

Barrister salaries vary significantly by region. London typically offers the highest salaries but also has a higher cost of living.

London
£95,000
+58% vs national
South East
£70,000
+17% vs national
National Average
£60,000
baseline

Barrister Salary Growth (2020-2025)

See how Barrister salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.

Barrister Salary Trends (5 Years)
Historical salary data from 2020 to 2025

+17.8%

Total Growth

+£11,358

Salary Increase

+3.3%

Annual Growth Rate

-7.9%

Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)

Year-over-Year Changes

20202021
£63,642£65,233+2.5%
20212022
£65,233£67,516+3.5%
20222023
£67,516£70,217+4.0%
20232024
£70,217£72,674+3.5%
20242025
£72,674£75,000+3.2%

Key Skills Required

AdvocacyLegal ResearchPublic SpeakingAnalytical ThinkingPersuasionTime Management

Typical Qualifications

  • Law degree or GDL
  • Bar course
  • Pupillage completion

Barrister Career Progression

Pupil Barrister
Junior Barrister
Senior Barrister
QC/KC
Judge

What Does a Barrister Do?

Representing clients in court
Drafting legal opinions and pleadings
Advising on complex legal issues
Cross-examining witnesses
Negotiating settlements

Industries Hiring Barristers

ChambersCourtsTribunalsPublic Inquiries

Calculate Your Take Home Pay

Adjust the salary and see your personalised take-home pay calculation.

Your Income

Enter your salary details for 2025/26

£
£
£
0%

Salary sacrifice reduces taxable income

Take Home Pay

£54,057.40/year

72.1% of gross income

  • Gross Income£75,000.00
  • Taxable Income£62,430.00
  • Income Tax-£17,432.00
  • National Insurance-£3,510.60
  • Total Deductions-£20,942.60

27.9%

Effective Rate

40%

Marginal Rate

£75,000 Salary Insights

Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown

£75,000 vs UK Wages

Top 10% of UK earners

+114%

vs UK Median

£40,000

Above Median

Where Your £75,000 Goes

Annual breakdown of your salary

Take Home72.1%
Income Tax23.2%
National Insurance4.7%

Tax Benefits on £75,000 from Pension

See how pension contributions reduce your tax bill

Increase your pension contribution to see potential tax savings. Pension contributions reduce your taxable income.

Barrister Salary FAQ

What is the average Barrister salary in the UK?

The average Barrister salary in the UK is £75,000 per year. Salaries typically range from £25,000 for entry-level positions to £300,000 for senior roles.

How much does a Barrister earn in London?

A Barrister in London earns an average of £95,000 per year, which is 58% higher than the national average.

What is the take-home pay for a Barrister?

On the average Barrister salary of £75,000, you would take home approximately £54,057 per year (£4,504.78 per month) after income tax and National Insurance.