Average Salary UK by Age: What the Latest ONS Data Reveals (2026)

What the Numbers Really Tell Us About Pay and Age

Understanding how your salary compares with others of a similar age is a natural part of career planning. But the question "what is the average salary UK by age?" is more nuanced than it first appears. Official statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provide a detailed picture, but they measure something different from the salaries you see advertised on job boards. This article unpacks the latest ONS data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025, explains the differences between mean, median and advertised pay, and gives you a clear breakdown of how earnings change across the decades.

A Quick Note on the Numbers

The on-site reference database for UK Average Salary uses these key benchmarks for 2026/27: median full-time gross annual pay of approximately £39,039 (£3,253 per month), mean full-time gross annual pay of approximately £45,800 (£3,817 per month), and a National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour for those aged 21 and over (37.5 hours per week gives about £24,785 annually). These figures come from ONS and GOV.UK publications and are useful for context.

Understanding the Averages: Median vs Mean vs Advertised Pay

When you read an "average salary UK by age" figure, it is crucial to know which type of average is being used. The ONS prefers the median because it is less distorted by very high earners. The median is the middle point: 50% of people earn less, 50% earn more. The mean (the simple arithmetic average) is higher because it includes the millions earned by the top few percent. For example, the mean full-time salary is about £45,800, while the median is £39,039.

Advertised pay on job sites is yet another metric. Employers tend to advertise roles with competitive starting salaries, often above the median for existing employees in similar roles. This can create the impression that pay is higher than what most people actually earn. Always check whether a statistic refers to actual earnings (from HMRC data) or starting salaries.

Average Salary UK by Age: A Detailed Breakdown

The most authoritative source for pay by age is ONS ASHE. The table below, derived from the 2025 provisional data and reproduced by Sage, shows median annual earnings for employees who have been in the same job for at least a year. This is a useful measure because it filters out those who have recently started or changed roles, giving a clearer picture of typical pay for established workers.

Age Group	Median Annual Earnings	Median Hourly Pay
18–21	£13,069	£12.59
22–29	£29,855	£15.88
30–39	£36,000	£19.70
40–49	£37,734	£20.65
50–59	£34,835	£19.31
60+	£26,750	£16.45
All ages	£32,890	£17.96

Key insights:

• Teens and early twenties (18–21): Earnings are low, partly owing to many being in education or on trainee wages. The National Living Wage (£12.21 per hour in April 2025) does not apply to under-21s, so the minimum is lower (£10.00 for 18–20, £7.55 for 16–17).
• Twenties (22–29): A sharp jump as young professionals enter full-time work and start building experience.
• Thirties (30–39): The median reaches £36,000, reflecting career progression, management roles and specialist skills.
• Forties (40–49): The peak earning decade at £37,734. Many workers are at their most senior and experienced.
• Fifties (50–59): A slight decline to £34,835, possibly due to some workers reducing hours or moving to less demanding roles.
• Sixty plus: A notable drop to £26,750, often because many have retired or shifted to part-time work.

It is important to note that these figures are for all employees (full-time and part-time combined) and include both men and women. Separate ONS data shows that median full-time annual earnings for all ages is £39,039, which is higher because part-time workers are excluded.

What Public Statistics Actually Measure Versus Advertised Pay

One of the biggest misunderstandings about the average salary UK by age is the gap between official statistics and what you see on job sites. ONS data is based on actual pay recorded through HMRC's PAYE system. It reflects what people are earning right now, including those who have been in the same job for many years and may have had smaller pay rises.

Advertised salaries, on the other hand, tend to be for new hires and often include London weighting or other location allowances that bump up the figure. A job ad for a mid-level role might say £40,000, but the median for that age and role could be £35,000. The difference is compounded by the fact that many lower-paid jobs (retail, hospitality) are less likely to be advertised through major national platforms.

Another factor is that the ONS median includes bonuses, overtime and commission only when they are paid in the reference period. For roles with variable pay, annual earnings can fluctuate. Official statistics are the most reliable for understanding the big picture, but they cannot predict your individual offer.

Regional and Sector Variations

Age-related pay patterns are also influenced by where you live and what industry you work in. London has the highest median annual earnings at £39,778 for all employees, while the North East has the lowest at £29,584. If you are in your twenties and working in the South East, your pay might be closer to the national median for that age, but if you work in the North West, you might earn slightly less. Similarly, sectors like finance and IT tend to pay more at every age, while hospitality and retail pay less.

This is why a single "average salary UK by age" figure is only a rough guide. For a more personalised benchmark, you can use the salary data section on this site, or explore salary articles that break down pay by region and occupation.

Caveats and Considerations

• The ONS ASHE data is a sample of 1% of employees, weighted to be representative, but it is still an estimate.
• Figures for 2025 are provisional and may be revised.
• The median for all employees (£32,890) includes part-time workers; the full-time median is higher.
• The age breakdown above is for those in the same job for over a year. If you have recently changed jobs, your pay may be higher or lower than the typical figure for your age.
• National Insurance and Income Tax (including Scotland's different tax bands) affect take-home pay. Scotland's starter rate is 19%, basic 20%, intermediate 21%, higher 42% and top 47% (as of 2025/26). This means two people with the same gross salary can take home different amounts depending on where they live.

Conclusion

The average salary UK by age follows a clear pattern: lower in the early years, climbing steadily through your thirties, peaking in your forties, then declining after fifty. Official ONS data gives you the most accurate baseline, but always consider whether you are looking at median, mean, or advertised figures. Use the UK Average Salary homepage for more general benchmarks, or dive into topics for specific industries and regions.

Remember that these numbers are averages – your own career path, location and industry can produce very different results. The best way to use this data is as a starting point for negotiation and planning, not as a fixed target.