UK Salary Checker
Find out what you should be earning based on your job title, experience, industry and location. Updated for 2025.
Most UK workers have no idea whether they are paid fairly for their role. The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings shows that UK median full-time pay reached £35,000 in 2025, but salaries vary enormously by sector, region, and experience. A software developer in London might earn double what the same role pays in the North East.
Salary transparency is improving but remains patchy in the UK. Only 60% of job adverts include a salary range according to Reed research. Knowing the market rate for your specific combination of job title, industry, experience level, and location gives you the data to negotiate effectively or decide if it is time to move on.
Enter your job details and the tool provides salary benchmarks based on published UK data. Use it to prepare for a pay review, evaluate a job offer, or simply understand where you sit in the market.
How it works
- Enter your job title, industry, years of experience, and work location.
- View median, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile salaries for your profile.
- Compare your current salary against the benchmark range.
Written by the CalcStack team · Last updated April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this salary checker?
This tool uses approximate UK salary ranges based on publicly available data from recruitment agencies, government statistics and job boards. Actual salaries vary by employer, specific skills, qualifications and negotiation. Use it as a starting point for understanding your market value, not as a definitive answer.
Why does London pay more than other regions?
London salaries are typically 15-25% higher than the national average to offset the significantly higher cost of living, particularly housing, transport and childcare. The South East also commands a premium, though smaller. Some employers offer London weighting as a separate allowance rather than a higher base salary.
Should I negotiate based on salary data?
Yes, salary benchmarking data is one of the strongest tools in a negotiation. If you can demonstrate that your salary falls below the market rate for your role, experience and location, you have a reasonable case for an increase. Always combine data with evidence of your specific achievements and contributions.
Does industry affect salary for the same job title?
Absolutely. A project manager in financial services will typically earn 20-40% more than one in the charity sector. Technology, finance and legal sectors tend to pay the highest salaries, while hospitality, retail and charity sectors are generally lower for comparable roles.
How often should I check my salary against the market?
Review your salary at least once a year, ideally before your annual review. Also check when changing jobs, taking on new responsibilities, or if you notice recruitment ads for similar roles at higher rates. Market conditions can shift quickly, especially in high-demand sectors.
What is salary percentile and why does it matter?
Your salary percentile tells you what proportion of people in similar roles earn less than you. Being at the 50th percentile means you earn more than half and less than the other half. Below the 25th percentile suggests you may be significantly underpaid; above the 75th percentile suggests you are well-compensated.
Are these salary figures gross or net?
All figures shown are gross annual salary (before tax and deductions). Your take-home pay will be lower after income tax, National Insurance, student loan repayments and pension contributions. Use our Take Home Pay Calculator to see your net pay.
Do these figures include bonuses and benefits?
No, these are base salary ranges only. Total compensation may include bonuses (typically 5-20% of base), pension contributions, private healthcare, company car, share schemes and other benefits. In some sectors like finance and sales, bonuses can significantly exceed the base salary.
How do remote roles compare to office-based salaries?
Fully remote roles increasingly pay based on the company location rather than the employee location, though some employers adjust for local cost of living. On average, remote roles pay 5-10% less than equivalent London-based office roles, but offer savings on commuting and work attire that often more than compensate.
What should I do if I discover I am underpaid?
First, gather data from multiple sources to confirm. Then prepare a business case highlighting your achievements, responsibilities and market rate. Request a meeting with your manager specifically about compensation. If internal progression is limited, consider exploring external opportunities — changing jobs remains the fastest way to achieve a significant salary increase.