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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median UK salary in 2026?
The median UK full-time salary in 2026 is approximately £35,000, based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) estimates. The mean salary is higher at around £38,000 due to high earners pulling the average up. Half of UK full-time workers earn below the median.
What salary puts you in the top 10% of UK earners?
To be in the top 10% of UK earners (full-time workers) in 2026, you need to earn approximately £70,000 or more per year. The top 5% threshold is around £90,000, and the top 1% begins at roughly £150,000. These figures are based on ONS ASHE data and include all full-time workers across all sectors.
How does salary percentile vary by region in the UK?
Salaries vary significantly by region. London workers earn 20–30% above the national median on average, with a median of around £45,000–£48,000 for full-time work. The South East also sits above average. Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of the North East tend to be below the national median. A £35,000 salary is median nationally but below median in London.
How do I move up the salary percentile?
The most effective strategies are: changing employer (job moves typically yield 10–20% increases), developing specialist skills in high-demand areas (data, AI, engineering), seeking promotion to management, moving to higher-paying sectors or regions, or negotiating annually using market data. Staying with one employer for many years often results in below-market salary drift.
Does this calculator include part-time workers?
The default data is based on full-time UK workers. Part-time salaries are significantly lower on an annual basis — the median part-time worker earns around £14,000–£16,000 per year. If you work part-time, select the part-time option and the calculator will adjust comparisons to the part-time distribution.