Average salary

UK average salary — and what it costs employers (2025/26)

The UK median full-time salary is approximately £37,430 per year according to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (2024). For employers, the total cost is higher — employer NI at 15% above the £5,000 secondary threshold adds approximately £4,864, and minimum auto-enrolment pension at 3% of qualifying earnings adds £942. Total employer cost for the average UK salary: approximately £43,236 per year, or £3,603 per month. Use the calculator to model any salary.

UK scope: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland employer payroll planning for the 2025/26 tax year.

Sample total cost

£43,363

£3,614 per month on £35,000 salary

Employer NI

£4,500

15% above £5,000 secondary threshold (2025/26)

Pension + overheads

£3,863

Baseline employer pension plus configured overheads

Key assumptions — UK 2025/26

Employer NI: 15% on earnings above the £5,000 secondary threshold

Employer pension: minimum 3% on qualifying earnings £6,240–£50,270

Employment Allowance: up to £10,500 off the NI bill for eligible employers

Worked examples: £30k salary → £34,464/yr · £35k → £40,363/yr · £50k → £58,063/yr

What this page helps you check

UK median full-time salary (ONS 2024): ~£37,430/year (£3,119/month gross).
Employer NI on average salary: ~£4,864/year at 15% above £5,000.
Employer pension on average salary: ~£942/year at 3% of qualifying earnings.
Total cost to employer for average UK salary: approximately £43,236/year.
Average monthly salary UK (gross): ~£3,119. Take-home varies by tax code — see AfterTaxSalary.co.uk.

Use the live tools

Calculate cost for any salary See take-home pay on AfterTaxSalary.co.uk Cost of employing by salary Employer NI by salary Auto-enrolment pension calculator

UK assumptions used

Employer NI

15% above £5,000 secondary threshold for 2025/26.

Auto-enrolment pension

Minimum employer contribution 3% on qualifying earnings.

Employment Allowance

Up to £10,500 relief in 2025/26 for eligible employers.

Official UK references

HMRC rates and thresholds Employment Allowance Pensions Regulator guidance Our methodology Our source list

Frequently asked questions

What is the average monthly salary in the UK?

Based on ONS ASHE 2024 data, the UK median full-time gross salary is approximately £37,430/year — that is roughly £3,119 per month before tax and deductions. Average salary varies significantly by sector, region and role.

What does the UK average salary cost an employer per month?

At a £37,430 salary, an employer pays approximately £3,603/month total — the gross salary (£3,119) plus employer NI (~£405/month) plus minimum pension (~£79/month). Overhead costs are additional.

What is the average take-home pay in the UK?

Take-home pay on a £37,430 salary is approximately £28,500–£29,500 per year for a standard taxpayer in England — around £2,375–£2,460 per month after income tax and employee NI. The exact figure depends on your tax code and student loan status. Use AfterTaxSalary.co.uk for a precise figure.

What is the UK average salary in 2025?

The most recent ONS data (ASHE 2024, published October 2024) puts median full-time UK earnings at £37,430/year. The mean (average) full-time salary is higher at approximately £44,000 due to high earners skewing the average.

Is the UK average salary before or after tax?

All salary figures quoted by ONS are gross (before tax). Employers pay this gross amount plus employer NI and pension on top. Employees receive net pay after income tax, employee NI and any student loan deductions.

UK coverage only. Last reviewed: 05 April 2026. Estimates use 2025/26 assumptions and are for planning, not legal or tax advice.