What Is the Average Salary in the UK? A Clear Guide to Median and Mean Pay

Understanding the Average Salary in the UK

When people ask about the average salary in us (the United Kingdom), the most reliable source is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The 2025 provisional data, released in October 2025, gives a clear picture of what employees actually earn. This article breaks down the key figures, explains the difference between median and mean, and helps you understand what these numbers mean for your own pay.

Median vs Mean: Which Average Matters?

The ONS prefers the median as the best measure of typical earnings. The median is the middle value when all salaries are ranked from lowest to highest – half of employees earn more, half earn less. The mean (the simple average) is higher because it is pulled up by a relatively small number of very high earners. For 2025, the median full-time gross annual earnings were £39,039, up from £37,439 in 2024 (a 4.3% increase). The mean is not published in the 2025 bulletin, but historically it has been around £45,800. When you see a headline about the "average salary in us", always check whether it refers to the median or the mean – the difference can be over £6,000.

Weekly and Hourly Earnings

For a more granular view, look at weekly and hourly pay. In April 2025, median weekly earnings for full-time employees were £766.60, a 5.3% nominal increase and a 1.1% real increase after adjusting for CPIH inflation. Median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67, up 5.4% from £18.66 in 2024. These figures are for employees on adult rates whose pay was unaffected by absence. Part-time workers earn less on a weekly basis, but their hourly rates can be comparable.

The National Living Wage Context

The National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025. For a full-time worker on a 37.5-hour week, that works out to roughly £23,810 per year – well below the median. The NLW increased significantly in 2025, and the ONS notes that low-paid occupations saw hourly pay rises close to or above the NLW increase. This helps narrow the gap but does not eliminate it.

Regional and Occupational Differences

Earnings vary widely across the UK. Northern Ireland recorded the highest growth in median full-time weekly earnings (7.4%), partly due to public sector pay awards. The South East had the smallest growth (2.9%), and Wales saw 4.2% growth. London typically has the highest median earnings, though the 2025 bulletin does not provide a single London figure in the summary. By occupation, caring, leisure and other service roles saw the largest increase (7.1%), reflecting NLW uplifts.

What This Means for Your Take-Home Pay

Gross salary is not the same as take-home pay. After Income Tax, National Insurance, and any pension contributions, your net pay will be lower. For the median earner of £39,039, typical monthly take-home (excluding pension) is around £2,600, depending on tax code and student loan deductions. Scotland uses different Income Tax bands, so Scottish residents may pay slightly different amounts. Always use a take-home pay calculator for your specific circumstances.

How to Use These Figures

If you are job hunting or negotiating a salary, the median is a useful benchmark. For a full-time role, £39,039 is the midpoint – half of jobs pay more, half pay less. But remember that your industry, experience, and location matter. The UK Average Salary page on this site provides further context, and you can explore detailed salary data for specific occupations and regions.

Limitations of the Data

ASHE is based on a 1% sample of employees from HMRC PAYE records. It excludes the self-employed, and annual figures only cover employees who have been in the same job for at least a year. The 2025 estimates are provisional and may be revised. Also, the median is a snapshot – it does not show the full distribution. For example, the top 10% of earners earn much more than the median, while the bottom 10% earn close to the NLW.

Conclusion

When you hear about the average salary in us, remember that the most authoritative figure is the ONS median of £39,039 for full-time employees. The mean is higher, but less representative. Use the median as your starting point, adjust for your region and occupation, and always check the latest official releases. For more insights, browse our salary articles or visit the about page to learn how we compile this data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between median and mean salary in the UK?

The median salary is the middle point where half earn more and half earn less. It is less distorted by very high earners. The mean is the total pay divided by the number of employees, which is pulled up by top earners. ONS prefers the median for a typical picture. For 2025, the median full-time annual salary was £39,039; the mean is not published in the latest bulletin but historically is around £45,000.

How does the National Living Wage compare to the median salary?

In April 2025, the National Living Wage for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour. For a full-time worker on a 37.5-hour week, that equates to about £23,810 per year. The median full-time salary of £39,039 is significantly higher, reflecting that many roles pay above the minimum.

Does the average salary in the UK vary by region?

Yes, significantly. According to ONS ASHE 2025, Northern Ireland saw the highest growth in median full-time weekly earnings (7.4%), partly due to public sector pay awards. The South East had the smallest growth (2.9%). London typically has the highest median earnings, but the bulletin does not provide a single UK-wide figure for each region in the summary.