Every year, the Office for National Statistics releases data from the Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings (ASHE). This survey collates information from across the United Kingdom and helps readers to answer questions like "what is the average salary in the UK" and "what is the average UK salary". You can use our UK Average Salary Map tool to locate your council area and view the data. These figures are are the most recent issue at the time of the last update.
View the UK Average Salary Map
UK Average Salaries & UK Salary Map FAQs.
*Last updated 03/04/2024.
Where does this Average UK Salary data come from?
All the data on this page comes directly from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and shows the average salary in the UK. The data used in this article is from April 2023 and was released in November 2023 and is from a sample of 1% of PAYE workers (male, female, full-time and part-time). Those with more than one job may appear twice in the figures.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, the figures in this article are an average for all workers. This includes full-time, part-time, male and female. Clearly, this means the figures for part-time earnings will be a little less than the figures quoted in this article and the figures for full-time workers will be a little higher than those quoted in the article. Overall though, the figures quoted should give readers a good feel for what people actually earn, rather than just the headline UK salary figures for full-time workers.
Download a PDF of the data for ‘all workers’
What does 'median earnings' mean and how does it differ to 'mean earnings'?
Median average earnings (also known as median salary) is the value below which the annual salary of 50% of jobs fall. It is the ONS's preferred measure of average earnings and employee earnings as it is less affected by a relatively small number of very high earners and the skewed distribution of earnings. It therefore gives a better indication of typical pay than the mean.
The mean is a measure of the average which is derived by summing the values for a given sample, and then dividing the sum by the number of observations (i.e. jobs) in the sample. In earnings distributions, the mean can be disproportionately influenced by a relatively small number of high-paying jobs.
The median average salary is therefore often lower than the mean average salary and is a more accurate measure as it excludes the small number of those with a much higher salary than average. For example:
What is the average salary in the UK for all workers?
The median average salary for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the UK in 2023 was £29,669 (£27,756 in 2022 and £25,971 in 2021).
The mean average salary for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the UK in 2023 was £35,404 (£33,402 in 2022 and £31,447 in 2021).
What is the average salary for full-time workers in the UK?
The median average salary for full-time workers (male and female) in the UK in 2023 was £34,963 (£33,000 in 2022 and £31,285 in 2021).
The mean average salary for full-time workers in the UK (male and female) in 2023 was £42,210 (£39,966 in 2022 and £38,131 in 2021).
What is the average salary for male full-time workers in the UK?
The median average salary for full-time male workers in the UK in 2023 was £37,382.
What is the average salary for female full-time workers in the UK?
The median average salary for full-time female workers in the UK in 2023 was £31,672
What area in the UK has the highest average earnings?
It's no surprise that areas in London come out on top with the highest average annual pay, with Wandsworth, Westminster and Islington leading the way.
In the south of England, Guildford, Basingstoke and Hart have the highest average salaries.
In the English Midlands, Solihull, Stratford-on-Avon and Rugby all attract salaries that are higher than the surrounding localities.
In the north of England, it's Trafford, Leeds and Stockport that stand out as the higher-earning areas.
In Scotland, East Renfrewshire. East Dunbartonshire and the Shetland Islands are the top 3 highest earning areas.
In Wales, Monmouthshire, Flintshire and Wrexham attract the highest average earnings.
UK Average Salary FAQs.
What is the average salary in the UK?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the UK was £29,669.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the UK was £27,756.
What is the average salary in England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in England was £29.919.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in England was £28,000.
What is the average salary in Scotland?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Scotland was £29,842.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Scotland was £27,698.
What is the average salary in Wales?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Wales was £27,852.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Wales was £26,268.
What is the average salary in South East England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in South East England was £31,800.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in South East England was £30,135.
What is the average salary in South West England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the South West of England was £28,748
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the South West of England was £27,614.
What is the average salary in the East of England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the East of England was £30,798.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the East of England was £28,836.
What is the average salary in the East Midlands of England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the East Midlands of England was £27,782.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the East Midlands of England was £26,296.
What is the average salary in the West Midlands of England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the West Midlands of England was £28,852.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the West Midlands of England was £26,460.
What is the average salary in North East England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the North East of England was £256,959.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the North East of England was £25,347.
What is the average salary in North West England?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the North West of England was £28,429.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in the North West of England was £24,157.
What is the average salary in London?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Inner London was £38,592.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Inner London was £35,661.
What is the average salary in Kent?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Kent was £30,426.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Kent was £29,335.
What is the average salary in East Sussex?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in East Sussex was £26,842.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in East Sussex was £25,471.
What is the average salary in Tunbridge Wells?
In April 2023, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Tunbridge Wells was £32,674.
In April 2022, the median gross annual pay for all workers (full-time, part-time, male and female) in Tunbridge Wells was £30,914.
UK Average Salary Map
April 2023 UK Average Salary Map - Showing median weekly earnings in £GBP.
Why is it important to know what the average salary in the UK is?
Knowing the average salary in the UK holds significant interest and relevance for individuals, businesses, policymakers, and researchers alike. This crucial piece of information provides valuable insights into the economic landscape of the country, helping to understand and analyse various aspects of the job market and overall financial well-being.
Some examples explaining why it's interesting to know the average salary in the UK and how this information can be useful are detailed below:
Understanding economic trends.
The average salary in the UK serves as a vital indicator of the country's economic health. Tracking changes in the average income over time can reveal underlying economic trends, such as inflation rates, changes in labour demand, and the overall standard of living. Government and policymakers often use this data to assess the effectiveness of economic policies and make informed decisions to promote economic growth and stability.
Benchmarking for employees and job-seekers.
For those in employment or looking for a job, knowledge of the average salary in the UK is crucial in negotiating fair compensation packages. Armed with this information, individuals can compare job offers, assess their personal market value, and confidently negotiate their salaries with potential employers. Furthermore, knowing what the average salary in the UK is can also help job seekers understand the earning potential in different industries and regions, helping them make informed career choices.
Informed career planning.
Professionals planning their career paths can benefit from insights into the average salary. Understanding what the average salary is in the UK allows individuals to identify high-paying sectors and professions, providing them with direction when choosing educational paths or considering career switches. By aligning their career goals with the industries and areas of the country that offer competitive salaries, individuals can work towards achieving both their financial and career aspirations.
Cost of living considerations.
The average salary information is invaluable for anyone considering moving to or within the UK. Understanding the average income in specific regions or cities can help individuals gauge the cost of living and determine if their earnings will meet their lifestyle expectations. This knowledge is particularly useful for expatriates, students, or anyone looking to relocate for work purposes.
Business and market analysis.
Companies can utilise the average salary data for market analysis, especially when it comes to determining competitive compensation packages for employees or when deciding where to target marketing efforts or expansion plans. Equally, by understanding the prevailing salary rates within their industry, businesses are able to attract and retain top talent, ultimately driving productivity and success.
Socioeconomic studies.
Researchers and social scientists often use the UK average salary data to study income distribution and socioeconomic disparities. This information plays a crucial role in academic research and policymaking, helping to identify potential areas of income inequality and formulate strategies to address them.
Conclusion.
The average salary in the UK is a critical data point that offers valuable insights for individuals, businesses, policymakers, and researchers. Whether for personal financial planning, career decisions, business strategies, or socioeconomic analysis, this information plays a fundamental role in understanding and navigating the complexities of the UK's economic landscape.
What's next?
If you are an employee looking for career advice, setting your salary expectations or are just curious about what the highest paying job is in the UK, you can read our article "what are the highest and lowest paid-paid jobs in the UK in 2022?" to find out the average annual salary of many careers.
If you are concerned about inflation and want to know if your annual salary is keeping up with inflation, be sure to check out our UK Salary and Wage Inflation Calculator.
Do you need an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)?
If you need advice or guidance on your personal or business finances, you can speak to one of our Chartered Financial Planners (IFAs) in Tunbridge Wells. Locally, we serve clients across Kent including Ashford, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. In East Sussex, we have clients in Bexhill, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hastings, Heathfield and Uckfield. We also serve clients across the UK.
Speak to an IFA
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