Defining a good salary in the UK is more complex than stating a single figure. What counts as good depends on location, industry, experience level, lifestyle expectations, and personal circumstances.
A salary that provides a comfortable life in Newcastle may feel tight in London. A good salary for a graduate differs significantly from what a mid career professional should expect.
This guide explains what constitutes a good salary in the UK in 2026, how salaries vary across regions and sectors, and how to assess whether your current or potential salary is competitive.
For the complete UK job market context, read UK Jobs and Careers: The Complete Guide for Job Seekers (2026 Edition).
UK Salary Benchmarks in 2026
Median and Average Salaries
As of 2026, the median full-time salary in the UK is approximately £34,000 to £35,000 per year.
The mean (average) salary is higher, around £38,000 to £40,000, because high earners pull the average upward.
Median salary is generally a more useful benchmark because it represents the middle point where half of workers earn more and half earn less.
What This Means
If you earn:
- Below £25,000: Below average, often entry level or part time equivalent
- £25,000 to £35,000: Around or slightly below median
- £35,000 to £50,000: Above median, comfortable for many regions
- £50,000 to £70,000: Well above average, upper middle income
- £70,000+: High earner, top 10 to 15 percent of UK workers
These figures provide context, but location and circumstances matter significantly.
Related reading: How to Negotiate Salary in the UK
How Location Affects What Is Considered a Good Salary
London
London salaries are typically 20 to 40 percent higher than the rest of the UK, but so is the cost of living.
A good salary in London:
- Entry level: £28,000 to £35,000
- Mid career: £45,000 to £60,000
- Senior professional: £70,000 to £100,000+
Rent, transport, and general living costs consume a larger proportion of income in London.
South East England
The South East (excluding London) also has higher salaries and living costs.
A good salary in the South East:
- Entry level: £25,000 to £30,000
- Mid career: £40,000 to £55,000
- Senior professional: £60,000 to £85,000+
Midlands and North of England
Living costs are generally lower, and salaries reflect this.
A good salary in the Midlands or North:
- Entry level: £22,000 to £28,000
- Mid career: £32,000 to £45,000
- Senior professional: £50,000 to £70,000+
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Salaries and living costs vary, with cities like Edinburgh and Cardiff closer to English regional averages.
A good salary in these regions:
- Entry level: £22,000 to £27,000
- Mid career: £30,000 to £45,000
- Senior professional: £50,000 to £70,000+
Remote Work Considerations
Remote work has complicated regional salary expectations. Some employers pay London rates for remote workers, while others adjust salaries based on where employees live.
Clarify salary policies during job negotiations if you work remotely.
Related reading: How to Find Remote Jobs in the UK
Good Salaries by Age and Career Stage
Graduates and Entry Level (21 to 25)
Typical starting salaries:
- £22,000 to £28,000 outside London
- £28,000 to £35,000 in London
Graduate schemes at large employers often pay £28,000 to £32,000 nationally.
A good graduate salary allows you to:
- Cover rent and living costs
- Save modestly
- Begin building financial independence
Related reading: Graduate and Entry Level Careers in the UK
Early Career (26 to 30)
By your late twenties, salaries typically increase as you gain experience.
Expected range:
- £28,000 to £40,000 outside London
- £35,000 to £50,000 in London
A good salary at this stage supports:
- Independent living
- Regular savings
- Some discretionary spending
Mid Career (31 to 40)
Mid career professionals with established expertise should earn significantly more.
Expected range:
- £35,000 to £55,000 outside London
- £45,000 to £70,000 in London
A good mid career salary enables:
- Homeownership or comfortable renting
- Family support if applicable
- Pension contributions
- Lifestyle flexibility
Experienced Professional (41 to 50)
Senior professionals and managers typically earn higher salaries.
Expected range:
- £45,000 to £70,000 outside London
- £60,000 to £90,000+ in London
A good salary at this stage provides:
- Financial security
- Significant savings and investments
- Comfortable lifestyle
- Strong pension contributions
Senior and Executive (50+)
Senior leaders and executives earn the highest salaries.
Expected range:
- £60,000 to £100,000+ outside London
- £80,000 to £150,000+ in London
These figures vary widely by sector and seniority.
Related reading: How to Get Promoted at Work
Good Salaries by Industry and Sector
Technology and IT
Technology roles typically pay above average.
- Software developers: £35,000 to £70,000+
- Data scientists: £40,000 to £80,000+
- IT managers: £50,000 to £90,000+
Tech salaries in London and for remote roles can be significantly higher.
Finance and Banking
Finance remains one of the highest-paying sectors.
- Accountants: £30,000 to £60,000+
- Financial analysts: £35,000 to £70,000+
- Investment bankers: £50,000 to £150,000+
Bonuses can significantly increase total compensation.
Healthcare
Healthcare salaries vary by role and seniority.
- Nurses: £28,000 to £45,000
- GPs: £60,000 to £100,000+
- Consultants: £90,000 to £120,000+
NHS salaries follow structured pay bands.
Education
Teaching salaries are standardised but vary by location and seniority.
- Newly qualified teachers: £28,000 to £34,000
- Experienced teachers: £35,000 to £50,000
- Headteachers: £50,000 to £120,000+
Engineering
Engineering roles pay well, particularly in specialised fields.
- Graduate engineers: £28,000 to £35,000
- Experienced engineers: £40,000 to £65,000
- Senior engineers: £60,000 to £90,000+
Marketing and Sales
Salaries vary widely based on seniority and sector.
- Marketing coordinators: £25,000 to £35,000
- Marketing managers: £40,000 to £65,000
- Sales directors: £60,000 to £100,000+
Commission and bonuses often supplement base salaries.
Public Sector
Public sector roles typically pay less than private sector equivalents but offer strong benefits.
- Civil servants: £25,000 to £60,000+
- Local government officers: £25,000 to £50,000
- Senior civil servants: £70,000 to £150,000+
Retail and Hospitality
These sectors typically pay lower salaries.
- Retail assistants: £20,000 to £25,000
- Store managers: £25,000 to £40,000
- Regional managers: £40,000 to £60,000
Related reading: In-Demand Jobs in the UK (2026 Outlook)
How to Assess If Your Salary Is Good
Compare to Market Rates
Research typical salaries for your role, experience level, and location using:
- Job adverts
- Salary surveys
- Recruitment agencies
- Online salary tools
If your salary is significantly below market rate, you may have grounds to negotiate or consider moving.
Consider Total Compensation
Salary is only part of the package. Factor in:
- Pension contributions
- Bonuses
- Private healthcare
- Flexible working
- Holiday allowance
- Professional development opportunities
A lower salary with strong benefits may be more valuable overall.
Assess Your Financial Comfort
A good salary should allow you to:
- Cover essential living costs comfortably
- Save regularly
- Enjoy some discretionary spending
- Plan for the future
If you consistently struggle financially despite working full-time, your salary may not be adequate for your circumstances.
Consider Career Trajectory
Sometimes accepting a lower salary makes sense if the role offers:
- Valuable experience
- Strong progression opportunities
- Skills development
- Industry entry
Short term salary compromises can lead to long term gains.
Related reading: How to Change Careers in the UK
What Is a Living Wage vs a Good Salary?
National Living Wage
The National Living Wage is the legal minimum for workers aged 21 and over. As of 2026, it is approximately £11.50 to £12.00 per hour.
Full-time at this rate equals roughly £23,000 to £24,000 per year.
This is the legal minimum, not a good salary.
Real Living Wage
The Real Living Wage, calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, is higher and based on actual living costs.
As of 2026:
- UK Real Living Wage: approximately £12.60 per hour (£25,000 per year)
- London Real Living Wage: approximately £13.85 per hour (£28,000 per year)
These figures represent the minimum needed for a basic standard of living, not comfort or savings.
Good Salary vs Living Wage
A good salary should significantly exceed the living wage, allowing for:
- Savings and emergency funds
- Pension contributions
- Lifestyle choices beyond essentials
- Financial security
If your salary barely exceeds the living wage, it is not a good salary by most definitions.
How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in the UK?
Single Person
To live comfortably as a single person:
- Outside London: £28,000 to £35,000
- In London: £35,000 to £45,000
This allows for rent, bills, food, transport, modest savings, and some leisure spending.
Couple Without Children
A household income of:
- Outside London: £45,000 to £55,000
- In London: £55,000 to £70,000
This provides comfortable living with savings and discretionary spending.
Family With Children
Families need significantly more:
- Outside London: £50,000 to £65,000 household income
- In London: £65,000 to £85,000 household income
Childcare costs significantly impact family budgets, particularly in the early years.
Homeownership Considerations
If you want to buy a home, you typically need:
- A salary of at least 4 to 5 times the property price (with a deposit)
- Higher salaries in expensive regions
Homeownership significantly affects what constitutes a good salary.
Related reading: What a UK CV Should Look Like in 2026
Tax and Take Home Pay
Understanding Net Salary
Your gross salary is not what you take home. Deductions include:
- Income tax
- National Insurance
- Pension contributions
- Student loan repayments (if applicable)
Example Take Home Pay (2026 Tax Year)
Approximate monthly take-home for a single person with a standard tax code:
- £25,000 gross: £1,850 net per month
- £30,000 gross: £2,150 net per month
- £35,000 gross: £2,400 net per month
- £40,000 gross: £2,650 net per month
- £50,000 gross: £3,200 net per month
- £60,000 gross: £3,750 net per month
These are estimates and vary based on pension contributions and other factors.
Understanding take-home pay helps you assess whether a salary meets your needs.
How Salaries Have Changed in the UK
Recent Trends
UK salaries have grown modestly in recent years, but inflation has often outpaced wage growth, reducing real purchasing power.
Key trends include:
- Increased demand for tech and digital skills
- Growing salary premiums for remote work flexibility
- Widening gap between high and low earners
- Regional salary convergence in some remote roles
Future Outlook
Sectors with strong salary growth potential include:
- Technology and AI
- Healthcare
- Green energy and sustainability
- Data and analytics
Traditional sectors may see slower salary growth.
Related reading: In-Demand Jobs in the UK (2026 Outlook)
When to Negotiate or Move for Better Pay
Signs Your Salary Is Too Low
Consider negotiating or moving if:
- Your salary is significantly below the market rate
- You have not had a meaningful increase in two to three years
- Your responsibilities have increased without a pay adjustment
- You consistently struggle financially despite budgeting
How to Improve Your Salary
Options include:
- Negotiating a raise with your current employer
- Seeking promotion internally
- Moving to a new employer
- Developing in-demand skills
- Relocating to higher-paying regions
- Transitioning to higher-paying sectors
External moves typically deliver larger salary increases than internal progression.
Related reading: How to Negotiate Salary in the UK
Good Salary Expectations for Different Qualifications
No Degree
Many well-paying roles do not require degrees:
- Skilled trades: £28,000 to £45,000
- Sales roles: £25,000 to £50,000+
- Tech roles (self-taught): £30,000 to £60,000+
Experience and skills matter more than qualifications in many sectors.
Related reading: Jobs You Can Do Without a Degree in the UK
Undergraduate Degree
A degree typically increases earning potential:
- Graduate starting: £25,000 to £32,000
- Mid career: £35,000 to £55,000
- Senior: £55,000 to £80,000+
Returns vary significantly by subject and sector.
Postgraduate Degree
Master’s and PhD qualifications can increase salaries in specific fields:
- Research roles: £35,000 to £60,000
- Specialist technical roles: £45,000 to £80,000+
- Academic roles: £35,000 to £90,000+
Not all sectors reward postgraduate qualifications with higher pay.
Professional Qualifications
Professional certifications often deliver strong salary returns:
- Chartered accountants: £40,000 to £70,000+
- Chartered engineers: £45,000 to £75,000+
- Legal qualifications: £40,000 to £100,000+
International Comparison
How UK Salaries Compare Globally
UK salaries are generally:
- Lower than the USA, Switzerland, and Australia
- Higher than most of Europe
- Significantly higher than developing economies
However, the UK offers:
- Universal healthcare (NHS)
- Strong employment rights
- Generous holiday allowance (typically 25 to 30 days)
- Statutory pension contributions
Total compensation and quality of life matter as much as raw salary figures.
Related reading: Skilled Worker Visa and Right to Work in the UK Explained
Quick Salary Assessment Checklist
To assess if your salary is good, ask:
- Does it meet or exceed the median for my role and location?
- Can I cover essential costs comfortably?
- Am I able to save regularly?
- Does it reflect my experience and qualifications?
- Is the total compensation package competitive?
- Does it support my lifestyle and goals?
If you answer no to multiple questions, your salary may not be adequate.
Final Thoughts
A good salary in the UK is not a single figure. It depends on where you live, your career stage, your industry, and your personal circumstances.
What matters most is whether your salary allows you to live comfortably, save for the future, and feel fairly compensated for your skills and contributions.
If your current salary falls short, you have options: negotiate, develop new skills, seek promotion, or explore new opportunities.
Understanding your market value and what constitutes fair compensation is the first step toward earning what you deserve.