£31,000 Salary After Tax UK 2026 | Take-Home Pay
Earning a gross annual salary of £31,000 places you in a significant bracket of the UK workforce. As we move through the 2026/2027 tax year, understanding exactly what lands in your bank account is crucial for financial planning. While £31k is a solid income, rising costs mean every penny counts.
This comprehensive guide breaks down your take-home pay, income tax, National Insurance contributions, and potential student loan repayments. We also analyze how this salary compares to the national average, what jobs typically pay this amount, and how to budget effectively.
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£31k Salary Breakdown 2026
Based on a standard 1257L tax code.
| Category | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | £31,000 | £2,583 | £596 |
| Tax Free Allowance | £12,570 | £1,048 | £242 |
| Taxable Income | £18,430 | £1,536 | £354 |
| Income Tax (20%) | -£3,686 | -£307 | -£71 |
| National Insurance (8%) | -£1,474 | -£123 | -£28 |
| Net Pay (Take Home) | £25,840 | £2,153 | £497 |
*Note: Net pay of £25,840 assumes no pension or student loan deductions. With typical deductions, your take-home pay is closer to £24,915.
Deductions Summary
At £31,000, your total mandatory deductions (Tax + NI) sum to £5,160 per year. This represents approximately 16.6% of your gross income, meaning you keep roughly 83.4% of what you earn before other deductions.
Detailed Analysis of a £31,000 Income
Income Tax Explained
On a salary of £31,000, the first £12,570 is tax-free under the standard Personal Allowance. The remaining £18,430 is taxed at the Basic Rate of 20%. This results in an annual income tax bill of £3,686. This contribution funds essential public services including the NHS, education, and infrastructure projects across the UK.
National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
For the 2026 tax year, the Class 1 National Insurance rate is calculated at 8% on earnings between the primary threshold and the upper earnings limit. On £18,430 of liable earnings, this equates to £1,474 annually. Unlike Income Tax, which is calculated annually, NI is calculated per pay period, which is important to remember if your monthly earnings fluctuate significantly due to bonuses or overtime.
Student Loan Repayments (Plan 2)
Many earners on £31,000 will have a Plan 2 student loan. The repayment threshold generally sits around the £27,295 mark (subject to specific yearly adjustments). Earnings above this threshold are charged at 9%.
- Gross Income: £31,000
- Threshold: ~£27,295
- Liable Amount: £3,705
- Annual Deduction: £333 - £858 (depending on exact threshold application and interest)
For our detailed models, we estimate a typical Plan 2 deduction of approximately £858/year if the threshold remains frozen or adjusts minimally, impacting your monthly take-home by roughly £71.
Jobs Paying £31,000 in 2026
A salary of £31k is common for professionals with a few years of experience. Here are typical roles commanding this salary:
- NHS Band 5 Nurse: Experienced nurses often reach this pay point after several years of service, moving up from the entry-level steps.
- Teachers: A classroom teacher on the main pay scale (outside London) will typically cross the £31k mark within their first few years of teaching.
- IT Analyst: Junior to mid-level IT support analysts and network administrators often start or progress to this salary level.
- Junior Accountant: After 2-3 years of experience and partial qualification (ACCA/CIMA), accountants often see salaries in the £30k-£35k range.
- Marketing Coordinator: Mid-weight marketing professionals handling campaigns and digital strategy.
Comparison to UK Averages
How does £31,000 stack up? The median full-time salary in the UK is approximately £34,963. This means earning £31,000 places you slightly below the national median. However, depending on your region, this can go a long way.
- London: £31k is considered a starting salary. Renting a one-bedroom apartment alone is difficult; house shares are common.
- North East / Wales: £31k provides a comfortable standard of living, potentially allowing for mortgage approval on a starter home.
Budgeting on £31,000
With a monthly take-home of roughly £2,153 (before pension/student loan), budgeting is key. Here is a sample 50/30/20 breakdown:
- Needs (50% - £1,076): Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, Council Tax, Groceries, Transport to work.
- Wants (30% - £645): Dining out, subscriptions (Netflix, Gym), Hobbies, Entertainment.
- Savings/Debt (20% - £430): Emergency fund, ISA contributions, paying off credit cards.
If you are living in a high-cost area, the "Needs" category may consume 60-70% of your income, requiring you to reduce "Wants".
Pension Growth Modelling
Auto-enrolment ensures that if you earn £31,000, you are saving for the future. Typically, you contribute 5% of qualifying earnings, and your employer adds 3%.
Your Contribution: Approx. £1,238/year.
Employer Contribution: Approx. £742/year.
Total Invested: £1,980/year.
Over 30 years, assuming a 5% annual growth rate, this base contribution alone (without salary increases) could grow to over £130,000. It is highly recommended not to opt-out, as you would lose the employer's "free money" contribution and tax relief.
Childcare Costs
For parents earning £31,000, childcare is a major consideration. You are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, where the government adds £2 for every £8 you pay, up to £2,000 per child per year. Furthermore, the expansion of free childcare hours in 2025/2026 for children over 9 months old significantly reduces the burden on a £31k salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is £31,000 a good salary?
It is a decent salary for a single person in most of the UK, covering all essentials and allowing for savings. For a family or in London, it requires strict budgeting.
What is £31k after tax per week?
After standard tax and NI deductions, you take home approximately £497 per week.
Do I pay higher rate tax on £31k?
No. You only start paying the Higher Rate (40%) on income above £50,270.
How much rent can I afford on £31k?
Estate agents typically require your annual salary to be 30x the monthly rent. This means you can be approved for rent up to roughly £1,033 per month.
What happens if I work overtime?
Overtime is taxed at your marginal rate. Since you are a basic rate payer, you will keep 68p of every £1 earned in overtime (deducting 20% Tax and 12% NI - note NI rate varies by band).
How does marriage allowance affect £31k?
If you are married and your partner earns less than £12,570, they can transfer £1,260 of their allowance to you. This could save you up to £252 a year in tax.
Will my take-home pay change in April 2026?
Likely yes. The government often adjusts tax thresholds or NI rates in the Spring Budget. Bookmark this page for the latest 2026/27 updates.