Average Salary Northern Ireland 2025/26: Regional Pay Gaps and What You Can Expect

Understanding the Average Salary Northern Ireland in 2025/26

When discussing the average salary northern Ireland, it’s important to start with the most reliable official data. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and analysed by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), provides the definitive picture. For April 2025, the median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees in Northern Ireland stood at £713, a rise of 7.4% from £664 in 2024. This was the second largest annual increase on record and the highest growth of any UK region. By comparison, the UK median weekly earnings were £767, up 5.3%.

Translating weekly pay into annual figures, the median full-time annual salary in Northern Ireland is £37,100. That is almost £2,000 below the UK median of £39,039 (ONS ASHE). The difference reflects a long-standing regional pay gap, but the pace of growth in NI is narrowing it. Since 2021, earnings growth in the region has averaged about 6% per year, nearly triple the 2% average seen between 2005 and 2020.

Median vs Mean: Which Average Matters?

The term “average salary” can be misleading. The ONS and NISRA prefer the median because it represents the middle point: half of full-time employees earn more, half earn less. The mean (simple average) is pulled upwards by a small number of very high earners, so it is less representative for most workers. For the UK, the mean full-time annual salary is around £45,800, significantly higher than the median. In Northern Ireland, the mean is also higher than the median, but the exact figure is not published in the latest bulletin. When you see “average salary northern Ireland” quoted, check whether it is median or mean – the median gives a truer sense of typical pay.

Hourly Pay and the National Living Wage

Median hourly pay for all employees (full-time and part-time combined) in Northern Ireland is £15.20 – the joint lowest of all UK regions and nearly £2 below the UK median of £17.09. This has been a consistent trend since 2000. The National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025, rising to £12.71 per hour for 2026/27. At 37.5 hours per week, that equates to roughly £24,785 a year. Many jobs in Northern Ireland, especially in retail, hospitality, and care, pay close to the NLW, which helps explain the lower median hourly rate.

Real Earnings and Purchasing Power

After adjusting for inflation (using CPIH), real weekly earnings in Northern Ireland increased by 3.1% in 2025, compared to just 1.1% for the UK as a whole. This follows two years of decline (2022 and 2023) when inflation outpaced pay rises. Real earnings in NI are now close to their 2021 level of £717 (inflation-adjusted). For workers in Northern Ireland, the stronger real growth means that the average salary northern Ireland is recovering purchasing power faster than in most other regions.

Take-Home Pay on the Average Salary

Northern Ireland uses the same Income Tax and National Insurance rates as England and Wales (Scotland has different bands). On a gross annual salary of £37,100 (the median full-time figure), estimated take-home pay for 2026/27 is:

• Annual take-home: £30,232
• Monthly take-home: £2,519

This calculation assumes standard tax code, no student loan deductions, and no pension contributions beyond the minimum. Your actual take-home will vary depending on pension scheme, benefits, and any additional allowances.

Regional Differences Across Britain

While Northern Ireland saw the fastest earnings growth in 2025, it remains the fifth lowest earning region. London tops the table with median weekly earnings of £958, followed by the South East and East of England. The North East of England is the lowest at £681. The gap between London and Northern Ireland is about £245 per week – a significant difference that reflects higher living costs in the capital. For job seekers considering relocation, the average salary northern Ireland offers a lower gross figure but also lower housing costs and a different quality of life.

Seniority and Occupation Differences

Pay varies enormously by occupation and seniority. Among major occupation groups, the largest growth in median weekly earnings in the UK between 2024 and 2025 was in caring, leisure and other service occupations (7.1%), many of which are low-paid and heavily represented in Northern Ireland. Managers, directors, and senior officials earn significantly more, but their numbers are smaller. The highest 10% of full-time earners in Northern Ireland earn at least £67,500 annually (NISRA). At the other end, the lowest 10% earn below the NLW threshold for some age groups, though the NLW applies to all eligible workers.

What This Means for Job Seekers

If you are looking at the average salary northern Ireland as a benchmark, remember that advertised salaries may differ from the ASHE median. Advertised pay often reflects specific roles and seniority levels. For example, a senior software developer in Belfast might command £50,000–£60,000, well above the median, while a retail assistant may earn close to the NLW. Use the salary data on this site to compare by occupation and region. Also check the salary index for a broader view of pay trends.

Conclusion

The average salary northern Ireland – £37,100 median full-time annual – is below the UK average but catching up. Strong growth in 2025, especially in real terms, is good news for workers. However, hourly pay remains the lowest in the UK, and the gap with London and the South East persists. For a detailed breakdown of your potential earnings, explore our salary articles and topics covering specific industries and career levels. Remember that the median is the most reliable guide for typical pay, and always consider the full package including pensions, holidays, and other benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary in Northern Ireland?

The median full-time annual salary in Northern Ireland is £37,100 (April 2025 data). This is around £2,000 below the UK median of £39,039. However, Northern Ireland saw the strongest pay growth of any UK region in 2025, with weekly earnings rising 7.4%.

How does Northern Ireland pay compare to the rest of the UK?

Northern Ireland has the fifth lowest median weekly earnings among UK regions. Median hourly pay for all employees is £15.20, the joint lowest in the UK and nearly £2 below the UK median of £17.09. However, real earnings growth in NI (3.1%) outpaced the UK average (1.1%).

What is the take-home pay on the average salary in Northern Ireland?

On a gross annual salary of £37,100, after Income Tax and National Insurance, you would take home approximately £30,232 per year, or £2,519 per month. Northern Ireland uses the same income tax rates as England and Wales.