In a nation where discussing salaries remains somewhat taboo, millions of British workers navigate their careers without knowing if they’re earning what they deserve. Are you being paid fairly? How does your salary compare to others in your industry, age group, or region? These questions matter more than ever as the cost of living continues to evolve and career decisions increasingly hinge on compensation transparency.
At ResumeKraft.com, we believe knowledge is power when it comes to your earning potential. That’s why we’ve analyzed the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), released in October 2024, to bring you the most comprehensive guide to UK salaries available. Whether you’re negotiating a raise, considering a career change, or simply curious about where you stand, this analysis provides the insights you need to make informed decisions about your professional future.
- The Current State of UK Salaries: Key Statistics
- Understanding Full-Time vs Part-Time Earnings
- Industry Analysis: Where the Money Is
- The Highest-Paying Jobs in the UK
- The Other End of the Spectrum: Lowest-Paid Jobs
- Salary Changes and Trends
- The Gender Pay Gap: Progress and Challenges
- Age and Earnings: The Career Arc
- Living Wage and Minimum Wage Context
- Strategic Career Planning: Using Salary Data
- Regional Variations: The Geography of Earnings
- Future Outlook: Salary Trends to Watch
- Making Salary Data Work for You
- Industry-Specific Insights
- The Gig Economy Factor
- Conclusion: Your Salary in Context
The Current State of UK Salaries: Key Statistics
What is the Average Salary in the UK Now?
The average salary in the UK stands at £31,602 as of 2024, but this single figure barely scratches the surface of Britain’s complex earnings landscape. Understanding the full picture requires examining different measures and employment types.
| Employment Type | Median Average | Mean Average |
|---|---|---|
| All Employees | £31,602 | £38,224 |
| Full-time Workers | £37,430 | £45,836 |
| Part-time Workers | £13,910 | £16,830 |
The distinction between median and mean matters significantly. While the mean (total earnings divided by number of workers) gets skewed by ultra-high earners like Premier League footballers and FTSE 100 CEOs, the median (the middle earner) provides a more accurate picture of typical British salaries. This is why we focus primarily on median figures throughout this analysis.
Year-on-Year Growth: A Positive Trajectory
2024 marked a significant milestone for UK workers:
- All workers: 7.1% increase in median salary
- Full-time employees: 6.9% growth
- Part-time workers: 9.2% increase (the highest growth rate)
This represents the strongest annual earnings growth in over a decade, suggesting that employers are responding to inflation pressures and talent shortages with meaningful pay increases.
Understanding Full-Time vs Part-Time Earnings
The divide between full-time and part-time earnings reveals important truths about the UK labor market. Full-time workers earning £37,430 on average make nearly three times what part-time workers earn (£13,910), though this gap reflects hours worked rather than hourly rates alone.
Historical Perspective: Full-Time Earnings Growth
Tracking full-time salaries since 2011 shows a clear upward trajectory:
| Year | Average Full-Time Salary | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | £26,200 | – |
| 2015 | £27,615 | +1.3% |
| 2019 | £30,378 | +2.1% |
| 2020 | £31,487 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | £31,285 | -0.6% |
| 2022 | £33,000 | +5.5% |
| 2023 | £35,000 | +6.1% |
| 2024 | £37,430 | +6.9% |
The temporary dip in 2021 reflects pandemic impacts and furlough scheme effects, while recent years show robust recovery and growth exceeding inflation rates.
Industry Analysis: Where the Money Is
Top 5 Highest-Paying Industries in the UK
Understanding industry variations helps workers identify sectors offering premium compensation:
| Industry | Median Full-Time Salary |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Gas, Steam & Air Conditioning Supply | £67,611 |
| Financial and Insurance Activities | £64,603 |
| Information and Communication | £57,445 |
| Mining and Quarrying | £54,859 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Activities | £53,149 |
The energy sector’s dominance reflects both technical expertise requirements and the critical nature of utility services. Financial services maintain their traditional position as high payers, while technology sector salaries continue climbing as digital transformation accelerates across industries.
Industries to Watch
Several sectors show promising salary growth trends:
- Renewable Energy: Growing investment drives competitive salaries
- Cybersecurity: Skills shortages push wages higher
- Healthcare Technology: Intersection of tech and health commands premiums
- Green Finance: Sustainability focus creates new high-paying roles
The Highest-Paying Jobs in the UK
Top 10 Highest-Paid Occupations
Chief executives retain their position atop UK earnings tables, though the landscape of high-paying roles continues evolving:
| Rank | Job Title | 2024 Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executives and Senior Officials | £88,056 | +4.5% |
| 2 | Marketing, Sales and Advertising Directors | £87,309 | +4.2% |
| 3 | Information Technology Directors | £86,033 | +6.6% |
| 4 | Directors in Logistics, Warehousing and Transport | £81,422 | +13.1% |
| 5 | Aircraft Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers | £80,414 | +8.6% |
| 6 | Public Relations and Communications Directors | £77,186 | -2.1% |
| 7 | Financial Managers and Directors | £75,093 | +6.8% |
| 8 | Specialist Medical Practitioners | £74,979 | +7.7% |
| 9 | Functional Managers and Directors n.e.c. | £74,666 | +2.8% |
| 10 | Head Teachers and Principals | £71,064 | +8.2% |
The prominence of director-level positions underscores the value placed on strategic leadership, while specialized technical roles like pilots and medical practitioners command high salaries due to extensive training requirements and responsibilities.
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Deep Dive: CEO Salaries Over Time
Despite topping salary charts, CEO compensation shows interesting patterns:
| Year | Average CEO Salary | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | £97,467 | Peak |
| 2020 | £84,290 | -13.5% |
| 2021 | £79,555 | -5.6% |
| 2022 | £81,842 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | £84,131 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | £88,056 | +4.5% |
The 9.6% decrease from 2019’s peak to 2024 suggests corporate governance changes and pandemic impacts have moderated executive compensation, though recent increases indicate a return to growth.
Marketing Directors: A Success Story
Marketing, sales, and advertising directors showcase impressive salary growth:
| Year | Average Salary | Cumulative Growth Since 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | £64,515 | – |
| 2015 | £71,268 | +10.5% |
| 2019 | £77,703 | +20.4% |
| 2021 | £78,424 | +21.5% |
| 2024 | £87,309 | +35.3% |
This 35.3% growth over 13 years reflects marketing’s evolution from cost center to revenue driver, with digital transformation placing marketing leaders at the heart of business strategy.
The Other End of the Spectrum: Lowest-Paid Jobs
Bottom 10 Lowest-Paid Full-Time Occupations
Understanding lower-paid roles highlights income inequality challenges:
| Rank | Job Title | 2024 Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleaners and Domestics | £22,961 | +8.1% |
| 2 | Fishmongers and Poultry Dressers | £23,267 | +4.3% |
| 3 | Bar and Catering Supervisors | £23,421 | +3.8% |
| 4 | Receptionists | £23,595 | +8.6% |
| 5 | Animal Care Services Occupations | £23,646 | +9.8% |
| 6 | Visual Merchandisers | £23,715 | +8.5% |
| 7 | Dental Nurses | £23,727 | +8.9% |
| 8 | Sales and Retail Assistants | £23,878 | +12.2% |
| 9 | Elementary Administration Occupations | £23,891 | +4.7% |
| 10 | Higher Level Teaching Assistants | £24,077 | +5.9% |
While these roles saw percentage increases, absolute salaries remain near minimum wage levels, highlighting ongoing challenges for essential workers who keep society functioning.
Salary Changes and Trends
Jobs with Explosive Salary Growth
Some occupations experienced remarkable salary increases in 2024:
All Employees – Highest Growth
| Job Title | 2024 Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Air Travel Assistants | £30,115 | +56% |
| Exam Invigilators | £2,393 | +39% |
| Prison Service Officers | £36,706 | +23.3% |
| Sheet Metal Workers | £31,455 | +21.6% |
| Cleaning Managers | £22,294 | +21.5% |
Full-Time Positions – Top Gainers
| Job Title | 2024 Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Complementary Health Professionals | £29,150 | +39.1% |
| Clinical Psychologists | £45,831 | +30.5% |
| Florists | £22,426 | +30.1% |
| Prison Service Officers | £38,795 | +29.4% |
| Leisure/Theme Park Attendants | £22,386 | +25.1% |
These dramatic increases often reflect:
- Severe labor shortages in specific sectors
- Post-pandemic role reassessment
- Union negotiations or regulatory changes
- Market corrections for previously undervalued positions
Jobs Facing Salary Declines
Not all occupations enjoyed growth:
Full-Time Roles – Largest Decreases
| Job Title | 2024 Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Hire Services Managers | £29,272 | -20.3% |
| Journalists/Reporters | £34,026 | -19.1% |
| Therapy Professionals | £31,804 | -7.8% |
| Probation Officers | £35,658 | -7.7% |
| Newspaper Editors | £39,555 | -6.9% |
Media industry challenges clearly impact journalism salaries, while other declines may reflect sector-specific pressures or role redefinitions.
The Gender Pay Gap: Progress and Challenges
Current State of Gender Pay Equality
The gender pay gap for full-time workers stands at 7% in 2024, down from 7.5% in 2023:
| Gender | Median Hourly Earnings | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Men | £19.24 | +7% |
| Women | £17.44 | – |
Interestingly, part-time work shows a reverse gap:
- Women earn £13.40 per hour
- Men earn £13.00 per hour
- Women earn 3% more in part-time roles
This reversal likely reflects the concentration of women in part-time professional roles versus men in part-time manual positions.
Top-Paying Jobs by Gender
The highest-paying roles show persistent gender differences:
Top 5 Jobs – Men
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executives | £95,771 |
| 2 | Marketing/Sales Directors | £90,901 |
| 3 | IT Directors | £88,956 |
| 4 | Financial Managers | £86,188 |
| 5 | Aircraft Pilots | £82,494 |
Top 5 Jobs – Women
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing/Sales Directors | £78,803 |
| 2 | Logistics Directors | £78,402 |
| 3 | Chief Executives | £75,267 |
| 4 | IT Directors | £75,196 |
| 5 | Head Teachers | £68,992 |
Women in identical roles earn significantly less than men, with female CEOs earning £20,504 less than male counterparts—a 21.4% gap that demands attention from organizations serious about equality.
Age and Earnings: The Career Arc
Average UK Salary by Age Group
Earnings follow a predictable life cycle pattern:
| Age Group | 2024 Median Salary | YoY Change | Difference from Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | £22,001 | +9.1% | -47.8% |
| 22-29 | £30,118 | +7.2% | -28.6% |
| 30-39 | £36,783 | +6.8% | -12.8% |
| 40-49 | £42,154 | +6.3% | Peak |
| 50-59 | £38,921 | +5.9% | -7.7% |
| 60+ | £33,156 | +6.1% | -21.3% |
The 40-49 age bracket represents peak earning years, with workers earning nearly double their 18-21-year-old counterparts. This reflects:
- Maximum experience accumulation
- Senior position attainment
- Peak productivity years
- Pre-retirement income maximization
Understanding the Age-Earnings Curve
Several factors drive age-related salary patterns:
Rising Phase (18-49):
- Skill development and experience accumulation
- Progressive responsibility increases
- Network building and reputation establishment
- Career advancement through job changes
Declining Phase (50+):
- Transition to less demanding roles
- Part-time or consultancy work
- Early retirement options
- Focus shift from income to work-life balance
Living Wage and Minimum Wage Context
Current Rates (April 2025)
Understanding minimum wage provides context for salary analysis:
| Category | Hourly Rate | Annual Equivalent (37.5 hrs/week) |
|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21+) | £12.21 | £23,810 |
| 18-20 Years | £10.00 | £19,500 |
| Under 18/Apprentices | £7.55 | £14,723 |
The 6.7% increase in National Living Wage from £11.44 to £12.21 helps lowest-paid workers cope with inflation but still leaves many below the median salary threshold.
Strategic Career Planning: Using Salary Data
For Job Seekers
Armed with comprehensive salary data, job seekers can:
Negotiate Effectively: Know your worth based on industry, experience, and location. Our resume templates help present your value proposition professionally.
Target High-Growth Roles: Focus applications on positions showing strong salary growth. Use our AI Resume Builder to tailor applications for these opportunities.
Identify Career Pivots: Spot industries offering better compensation for your skills. Our resume examples show how others successfully transition between sectors.
For Current Employees
Salary data empowers important conversations:
Performance Reviews: Benchmark your compensation against market rates Promotion Planning: Understand salary potential at next level Skill Development: Identify high-value skills commanding premium salaries
For Employers
Transparent salary data helps organizations:
Attract Talent: Competitive offers based on current market data Retain Employees: Proactive adjustments preventing turnover Budget Planning: Accurate forecasting for compensation costs
Regional Variations: The Geography of Earnings
While this analysis focuses on national averages, significant regional variations exist:
Highest-Paying Regions
- London: Typically 20-30% above national average
- South East: 10-15% premium
- Scotland (Edinburgh/Aberdeen): Oil and finance drive higher salaries
Lower-Paying Regions
- North East: Often 10-15% below average
- Wales: Limited high-paying industries
- Northern Ireland: Smallest private sector affects wages
These variations reflect:
- Cost of living differences
- Industry concentration
- Public vs private sector mix
- Economic development levels
Future Outlook: Salary Trends to Watch
Factors Likely to Drive Salary Growth
Several trends suggest continued salary evolution:
Technology Integration: AI and automation create new high-skill, high-pay roles while potentially depressing wages for routine work.
Green Economy: Sustainability focus generates premium-paying positions in renewable energy, green finance, and environmental consulting.
Skills Shortages: Persistent gaps in technical skills, healthcare, and skilled trades maintain upward wage pressure.
Flexible Working: Remote work enables salary arbitrage, with workers in lower-cost areas accessing higher-paying remote positions.
Potential Headwinds
Challenges that might moderate growth:
Economic Uncertainty: Global instability could limit employer wage budgets Automation Impact: Some roles face downward pressure from technology Public Sector Constraints: Government funding limits affect significant workforce segments
Making Salary Data Work for You
Building Your Value Proposition
Understanding market rates is just the beginning. Success requires:
Skill Development: Identify and acquire skills commanding premium salaries. Continuous learning remains the best investment in earning potential.
Strategic Positioning: Use our cover letters guide to articulate your value clearly, connecting your capabilities to employer needs.
Network Building: Higher salaries often come through connections rather than applications. Professional networking accelerates access to better opportunities.
Performance Documentation: Track and quantify achievements. Concrete results justify higher compensation.
Negotiation Strategies
Armed with data, approach negotiations strategically:
- Research Thoroughly: Know industry, role, and location-specific rates
- Document Value: Prepare concrete examples of your contributions
- Consider Total Package: Look beyond base salary to benefits and perks
- Time It Right: Negotiate during high-demand periods or after major achievements
- Have Alternatives: Multiple options strengthen negotiating position
Industry-Specific Insights
Technology Sector
The tech industry continues offering premium salaries:
- Software Engineers: £45,000-£75,000 depending on experience
- Data Scientists: £50,000-£85,000 with AI specialists commanding more
- Cybersecurity: £55,000-£90,000 reflecting critical skill shortages
Healthcare
Healthcare shows interesting patterns:
- Specialist Doctors: £74,979 median but wide variation by specialty
- Nurses: £40,755 for specialists, reflecting ongoing shortages
- Allied Health: Growing demand drives competitive salaries
Financial Services
Traditional high payer maintaining position:
- Investment Banking: Entry £50,000+, experienced £100,000+
- Risk Management: £60,000-£100,000 as regulation drives demand
- Fintech: Competing aggressively with traditional finance salaries
The Gig Economy Factor
Traditional salary analysis increasingly needs gig economy context:
Flexibility Premium: Some accept lower hourly rates for schedule control Multiple Income Streams: Portfolio careers complicate salary comparisons Skills-Based Pricing: Specialized gig workers can exceed traditional salaries
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Conclusion: Your Salary in Context
The UK salary landscape in 2024-2025 presents both opportunities and challenges. While the 7.1% average increase represents real progress, significant disparities persist across industries, genders, ages, and regions. Understanding where you fit within this landscape empowers better career decisions, whether negotiating current compensation or planning future moves.
Key takeaways for navigating the UK salary environment:
- Know Your Worth: Use comprehensive data to understand fair compensation for your role, experience, and location
- Plan Strategically: Target industries and roles showing strong growth potential
- Develop Continuously: Invest in skills commanding premium salaries
- Negotiate Confidently: Data-backed discussions yield better outcomes
- Think Holistically: Consider total compensation, not just base salary
The most successful professionals don’t just accept market rates—they actively position themselves for above-average compensation through strategic skill development, smart career moves, and effective self-advocacy. Whether you’re earning below, at, or above the UK average, opportunities exist to improve your position.
Remember that while salary matters significantly, it’s just one component of career satisfaction. Balance compensation goals with other factors like work-life balance, growth opportunities, and alignment with personal values. The best career decisions consider both financial and personal fulfillment.
As the UK job market continues evolving, staying informed about salary trends remains crucial. Regular benchmarking ensures you’re neither undervalued nor priced out of opportunities. Use the insights in this guide as a foundation for ongoing career management, adapting strategies as markets shift and your circumstances change.
Your earning potential isn’t fixed—it’s a dynamic outcome of market conditions, personal capabilities, and strategic choices. Armed with knowledge and the right tools, you’re positioned to maximize that potential throughout your career journey.
