£19,000 Salary After Tax UK 2026 | Take-Home Pay
Earning an annual salary of £19,000 in the United Kingdom translates to a specific monthly and weekly take-home pay after the taxman has taken his share. For the 2026/2027 tax year, understanding your exact income is crucial for budgeting, whether you are in a part-time professional role, an entry-level position, or working reduced hours.
£19,000 After Tax: The Breakdown
Based on the 2026 tax tables and standard Personal Allowance, here is how your £19,000 salary breaks down.
| Description | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | £19,000 | Your pre-tax salary. |
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 | The amount you earn tax-free (Standard Code 1257L). |
| Taxable Income | £6,430 | £19,000 - £12,570. |
| Income Tax (20%) | £1,286 | 20% charged on £6,430. |
| National Insurance | £514 | Approx. 8% on earnings above the threshold. |
| Total Deductions | £1,800 | Tax + NI. |
| Net Pay (Yearly) | £17,200 | What lands in your bank account. |
On a £19,000 annual salary, your take-home pay is approximately £1,433 per month or £331 per week.
Detailed Analysis of a £19k Salary
Is £19,000 a Good Salary?
In 2026, a salary of £19,000 is generally considered below the national average for full-time workers. It often corresponds to specific types of employment:
- Part-time Professional Work: Roles such as administrative assistants, bookkeepers, or HR assistants working 3-4 days a week.
- Entry-Level Roles: Junior positions in marketing, customer service, or retail where experience is being built.
- Apprenticeships: Advanced apprenticeships often pay in this region.
Comparison to National Living Wage
With the National Living Wage (NLW) continuing to rise, £19,000 is often close to the minimum for full-time hours, or represents a comfortable margin above minimum wage for part-time hours (e.g., 30 hours per week).
Jobs that Pay £19,000
Common job titles within this salary bracket include:
- Customer Service Advisor
- Junior Marketing Assistant
- Library Assistant
- Childminder / Nursery Nurse
- Retail Shift Supervisor
- Warehouse Operative (Part-time or Entry)
Living on £19,000 in the UK
Budgeting is essential when earning £1,433 per month. Here is a suggested budget breakdown based on national averages outside of London.
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)
£450 - £550
Shared accommodation or low-cost area.Utilities & Bills
£150 - £200
Gas, Electric, Water, Internet.Food & Groceries
£200 - £250
Home cooking is key.Transport
£100 - £150
Public transport or limited car use.Disposable Income
£280 - £530
Savings, entertainment, clothes.Benefits & Financial Support
If you are earning £19,000, you may be eligible for government support to top up your income, especially if you have children or high housing costs.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit operates on a taper rate. As you earn, your benefits reduce, but you may still be entitled to a partial payment. On £19k, a single person with no children might receive little to nothing, but a single parent or a couple with children and rent costs could receive significant support.
Council Tax Reduction
Local councils offer Council Tax Reduction schemes. On an income of £19,000, you are unlikely to get full relief, but you may qualify for a percentage reduction depending on your local authority's rules and your household composition.
Housing Benefit
While mostly replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants, the housing element is crucial. £19,000 is often below the threshold where housing support cuts off entirely, particularly in areas with high Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.
Working Tax Credit
If you are still on the old system (Tax Credits), you might receive Working Tax Credit, though most claimants have been moved to Universal Credit by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is £19,000 a year hourly?
If you work a standard 37.5-hour week, £19,000 equates to approximately £9.74 per hour. If you work 30 hours a week, it is approx £12.18 per hour.
2. Will I pay Student Loan on £19k?
For Plan 2 loans, the threshold is over £27,000, so you will pay £0. For Plan 1, the threshold is lower, so you might pay a small amount, typically around £9 per month if the threshold is approx £24k (current trends), or more if the threshold is frozen lower.
3. Can I get a mortgage on £19k?
Yes, but the borrowing amount will be limited. typically 4.5x salary, giving a mortgage of around £85,500. This often requires a substantial deposit or buying with a partner.
4. Do I pay tax on £19,000?
Yes. You have a Personal Allowance of £12,570. The remaining £6,430 is taxed at 20%, costing you £1,286 per year.
5. Is £19k enough to live on in London?
It is very difficult to live independently in London on £19,000 due to high rent. It is sustainable if living with family, in a flat-share, or if it is a supplementary household income.
6. How can I increase my take-home pay?
You can increase take-home pay by claiming Marriage Allowance (if your spouse earns less than £12,570), ensuring you are on the correct tax code, or through salary sacrifice schemes for pension contributions (though this lowers immediate cash, it saves tax).
7. What is the pension contribution on £19k?
Under auto-enrolment, you typically contribute 5% of qualifying earnings. Qualifying earnings (approx £6k to £50k) mean you pay 5% on roughly £13,000, which is about £650 a year or £54 a month deducted.
Disclaimer: This data is for the 2026/2027 tax year. Tax laws are subject to change by HMRC. Always consult a financial professional for advice.