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Average Salary UK 2025: Full Analysis by Region, Age, and Industry
salary8 min read2026-06-12
Understanding average salaries across the UK helps you benchmark your earnings and make informed career decisions. This analysis uses the latest ONS (Office for National Statistics) data for 2025.
Median Full-Time Salary by Region
The median annual full-time salary varies significantly across UK regions:
- London: £44,370 — the highest in the UK
- South East: £37,000
- East of England: £35,000
- Scotland: £34,000
- South West: £33,500
- West Midlands: £33,000
- North West: £33,000
- Yorkshire and The Humber: £32,500
- East Midlands: £32,000
- Wales: £31,500
- Northern Ireland: £31,000
- North East: £30,500 — the lowest in the UK
Average Salary by Age Group
- 18-21: £12,000 - £18,000 (often part-time or entry-level)
- 22-29: £24,000 - £32,000 (early career, growing rapidly)
- 30-39: £34,000 - £45,000 (mid-career, leadership roles)
- 40-49: £36,000 - £50,000 (peak earning years)
- 50-59: £35,000 - £48,000 (experience premium)
- 60+: £30,000 - £40,000 (often part-time or reduced hours)
Average Salary by Industry
Some of the highest-paying sectors include:
- Finance and Insurance: £55,000+
- Information and Communication: £50,000+
- Professional Services: £45,000+
- Public Sector: £35,000
- Retail: £24,000
- Hospitality: £20,000
Gender Pay Gap
The gender pay gap in the UK continues to narrow. For full-time employees, the median gender pay gap is approximately 7.7% in 2024, with women earning less on average. The gap is wider for older age groups and in higher-paid industries.
Check what your salary means for your take-home pay with our salary calculator.