£30,000 Salary After Tax UK 2026: Your Complete Guide
Earning £30,000 a year is a significant milestone for many professionals in the UK. But what does that figure actually look like when it hits your bank account? After the taxman takes his share, your spending power changes.
For the 2026 tax year, a gross salary of £30,000 results in a net take-home pay of £24,715 per year. This breaks down to approximately £2,060 per month or £476 per week. Below, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of your taxes, national insurance, and how this salary stacks up against the cost of living.
At a Glance: £30k Salary Breakdown
Gross Income
£30,000
Taxable Income
£17,430
Total Deductions
£5,285
Net Pay (Yearly)
£24,715
Detailed Tax Breakdown 2026
The UK tax system applies different rates to different "bands" of your income. Your first £12,570 is typically tax-free (Personal Allowance). The remaining £17,430 is taxed at the basic rate of 20%.
| Period | Gross Pay | Income Tax | National Insurance | Net Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly | £30,000 | -£3,486 | -£1,799 | £24,715 |
| Monthly | £2,500 | -£290.50 | -£149.92 | £2,060 |
| Weekly | £576.92 | -£67.04 | -£34.59 | £476 |
| Daily (5 days) | £115.38 | -£13.41 | -£6.92 | £95.05 |
Understanding Your Deductions
- Income Tax (£3,486): This is calculated as 20% of your earnings above the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570. (£30,000 - £12,570 = £17,430 taxable income).
- National Insurance (£1,799): Class 1 National Insurance contributions are deducted from your pay. This funds state benefits like the NHS and State Pension.
- Total Deductions (£5,285): The combined sum of Tax and NI that goes to HMRC.
Is £30k a Good Salary in the UK?
A common question for those negotiating a new role is whether £30,000 represents a good financial standing. The answer depends heavily on your location and lifestyle, but here is the data-driven context.
Comparison to National Average: As of recent data, the median full-time salary in the UK hovers around £34,963. This places a £30,000 salary slightly below the national median. However, it is significantly higher than the minimum wage and represents a solid income for early-career professionals or those living outside major metropolitan hubs like London or Bristol.
Regional Differences:
In the North East, Wales, or Northern Ireland, £30k stretches much further, often allowing for a comfortable mortgage on a starter home and a car.
In London, £30k requires strict budgeting. Rent in Zone 2 or 3 can easily consume £1,000+ of your £2,060 monthly take-home, leaving tight margins for bills and savings.
Common Jobs Paying £30,000
Several key professions in the UK offer salaries around this mark, often serving as a stepping stone to higher earnings.
Experienced Nurse (Band 5)
NHS nurses with a few years of experience often reach this band, with opportunities for overtime boosting actual take-home.
Secondary School Teacher (NQT)
Newly Qualified Teachers often start near this figure, with defined scales for rapid progression.
Junior Software Developer
Entry-level tech roles outside London frequently start at £28k-£32k, offering high growth potential.
Management Accountant (Part-Qualified)
Finance professionals working towards full chartership often earn £30k while studying.
Budget Breakdown: Living on £2,060 a Month
How should you allocate your £2,060 monthly net income? Following the 50/30/20 rule, here is a suggested budget:
Needs (50%)
£1,030
Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, Groceries, Transport, Council Tax.
Wants (30%)
£618
Dining out, Hobbies, Subscriptions, Entertainment, Travel.
Savings (20%)
£412
Emergency Fund, ISA Investments, Pension top-ups.
Hidden Factors: Pensions and Student Loans
The figures above calculate standard tax and NI. However, most workers have other deductions that affect the final figure hitting their bank account.
Pension Contributions
Under UK Auto-Enrolment, you will typically contribute 3% to 5% of your qualifying earnings into a workplace pension.
Impact: A 5% contribution is roughly £1,250 per year (£104/month).
Benefit: This is pre-tax (Salary Sacrifice), meaning you save on Income Tax. Your taxable income drops, so while your take-home pay decreases, your total wealth (cash + pension) increases efficiently.
Student Loans
If you graduated recently, you likely have a Plan 2 or Plan 5 loan. Repayments only start when you earn above the threshold (e.g., ~£27,295 for Plan 2).
Calculation: 9% of (£30,000 - £27,295) = 9% of £2,705.
Cost: Approx £243 per year, or £20 per month.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is £30,000 a year per month after tax?
On a £30,000 salary in 2026, your monthly take-home pay is approximately £2,060, after deducting £290 for Income Tax and £150 for National Insurance.
Is £30k a good salary in the UK?
A £30,000 salary is slightly below the UK median full-time earnings of roughly £34,963. However, it is a respectable entry-to-mid-level wage that supports a comfortable lifestyle in many regions outside of London.
How much tax do I pay on £30,000?
You will pay approximately £3,486 in Income Tax and £1,799 in National Insurance, totaling £5,285 in deductions annually.
What is the hourly rate for a £30,000 salary?
Assuming a standard 37.5-hour work week, a £30,000 annual salary equates to a gross hourly rate of approximately £15.38.
Does a £30,000 salary pay off my student loan?
Yes, if you are on Plan 1, 2, 4, or 5, you will likely make repayments. For example, on Plan 2 (threshold ~£27,295), you would pay 9% on earnings above the threshold, amounting to roughly £243 per year.
How does pension affect my £30k take-home pay?
Auto-enrolment usually takes 3-5% of qualifying earnings. Contributing 5% via salary sacrifice reduces your taxable income, saving you tax but reducing immediate cash in hand by roughly £1,200/year depending on the scheme.
Can I live in London on £30k?
Living in London on £30,000 is challenging but possible with strict budgeting. You would likely need to house-share, as rent can consume 50-60% of your net income of £2,060/month.
Understanding your £30,000 salary after tax is the first step to financial wellness. While £5,285 in deductions might seem steep, knowing your exact take-home pay of £2,060 allows for smarter budgeting and saving. Whether you are a nurse, teacher, or developer, this income level offers a stable foundation to build upon in 2026.