“What is a good salary in the UK?” It’s a question many ask, whether you’re considering a career move, negotiating a raise, or simply curious about UK living standards. The truth is, there’s no single magic number. A “good salary” is surprisingly subjective, depending heavily on your circumstances, aspirations, and where you live in the UK.
However, simply put, for those aiming for high earnings, certain sectors like finance, law, medicine, and senior management offer top salaries. “High earner” status in the UK often starts above £70,000 – £80,000, and “wealthy” is often associated with incomes exceeding £100,000 or more. However, as highlighted in some discussions, very high earners in the UK also face significant taxation, which impacts their net take-home pay.
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Average UK Salaries
To get a realistic picture, let’s look at the latest data on average earnings across the UK.
The Latest Median Salary in the UK (2024 Data)
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the median gross annual earnings for full-time employees in the UK were £37,430 in April 2024. This is up from £35,004 in April 2023, showing a 6.9% increase.
The “median” is a key term here. It represents the midpoint of the salary distribution – meaning half of full-time UK employees earned more than £37,430, and half earned less. The median is often a better indicator of typical earnings than the simple “average” (mean), which can be skewed upwards by a small number of very high earners.
While £37,430 is a useful national benchmark, remember that your personal experience of a “good salary” will be shaped by where you live and what you do.
Average Salary in London vs. The Rest of the UK
Location, location, location! It hugely impacts what constitutes a good salary. London consistently has the highest earnings, but also the highest living costs.
Data from Statista UK Salary by Region 2024 shows the median annual earnings in London were significantly higher than the national average, at £47,455 in 2024. In contrast, regions like the North East of England recorded the lowest median earnings, around £32,960 per year.
This regional divide is crucial. A salary that feels comfortable in Leeds or Newcastle might be just “getting by” in London due to vastly different housing, transport, and general living expenses.
Read More: Living Costs in the UK
Average UK Salary by Industry
Your profession and industry are also major determinants of your earning potential. Some sectors simply pay more, reflecting the demand for specific skills and the profitability of those industries.
Here are examples of average weekly earnings by industry (ONS data, August 2023 Instarem Average Salary UK):
| Industry | Average Weekly Earnings (£) |
| Financial & Insurance Activities | 1356 |
| Information & Communication | 1134 |
| Mining & Quarrying | 1228 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities | 954 |
| Construction | 723 |
| Education | 535 |
| Health & Social Work | 547 |
| Retail Trade & Repairs | 408 |
| Accommodation & Food Service Activities | 309 |
As you can see, salaries in the finance and technology sectors in the UK are significantly higher than in retail or hospitality.
Read more: Working in the UK
What is a “Comfortable” Salary in the UK?
Beyond just “average,” many people want to know what salary allows for a comfortable life in the UK.
Defining “Comfortable Living” in the UK Context
“Comfortable living” generally means you can easily cover your essential needs (housing, food, bills, transport), have some money for discretionary spending (social activities, hobbies, holidays), and feel reasonably financially secure.
Estimated “Comfortable Salary” for Singles and Couples
Research by Raisin UK Raisin UK Comfortable Salary in 2024 suggested the following minimum comfortable salaries:
Single person (no children)
£28,018 per year
Child-free couple (joint income)
£39,444 per year
“Good Salary” Through Your Career: Salary Progression
Your idea of a “good salary” will likely evolve as you progress in your career.
Entry-Level Salaries in the UK
Entry-level salaries vary widely by sector and degree level. Graduate roles in competitive fields like finance or tech often start higher than, say, entry-level positions in the arts or charity sectors. Expect a wide range, but research average graduate salaries in your field of interest.
Mid-Career “Good Salary”
By mid-career, your earning potential should increase significantly with experience and skill development. A “good salary” at this stage might mean comfortably covering family expenses, saving for a house, and building long-term financial security. Salary benchmarks for mid-career professionals are heavily role and industry-dependent.
UK Salary Tax in a Nutshell
In the UK, income tax is deducted from your gross salary to determine your net salary (take-home pay). For the 2024/2025 tax year, the standard tax-free Personal Allowance is £12,570. Income above this is taxed progressively. The basic rate is 20% (for income between £12,571 to £50,270), the higher rate is 40% (for income between £50,271 to £125,140), and the additional rate is 45% (for income over £125,140). National Insurance contributions are also deducted. Gross salary is your total earnings before deductions, while net salary is what you receive after tax and National Insurance are taken out.
FAQs
Yes, significantly. London has a much higher cost of living, especially for housing. A salary considered “good” in London would need to be considerably higher than in cities like Manchester, Cardiff, or Belfast to maintain the same standard of living.
Generally, a single person earning around £30,000-£40,000 per year outside of London can live comfortably, covering rent, bills, food, and some leisure. In London, you’d likely need £40,000-£50,000 or more for a similar level of comfort. This also depends on lifestyle choices.
The average UK salary is around £28,000-£35,000 per year (gross, full-time). A “good salary” is often considered to be above the average, allowing for more disposable income and financial security.
Absolutely. Entry-level salaries are naturally lower. A “good starting salary” might be around £22,000-£28,000, depending on the industry and location. As you gain experience and skills, a “good salary” expectation should increase significantly, reflecting career progression.
Yes, dramatically. Sectors like finance, technology, and law often offer higher average and “good” salaries compared to sectors like hospitality, retail, or arts and culture. Highly skilled or in-demand professions across any sector will also typically command better salaries.
