What is the average UK salary in 2025? ONS data explained

Introduction

When searching for the average UK salary 2025, it's easy to get lost in a mix of headlines, job adverts, and official statistics. The most authoritative source is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), released in October 2025. This article unpacks what the data actually says, how it differs from advertised pay, and what it means for your take-home income.

What the ONS ASHE 2025 tells us about the average UK salary 2025

The ONS measures employee earnings using two main averages: the median and the mean. For 2025, the median gross annual earnings for full-time employees who had been in their job for at least a year was £39,039. That's a 4.3% increase from £37,439 in 2024. The median is the ONS's preferred measure because it represents the middle point of all earnings – half of full-time employees earn more, half earn less. It's less skewed by the very high salaries that pull the mean upwards.

In weekly terms, median full-time earnings stood at £766.60 in April 2025, up 5.3% on the year in nominal terms. After adjusting for inflation using CPIH, the real increase was 1.1%. That means while pay packets are growing in pounds, the cost of living is eating into much of that gain.

Hourly pay (excluding overtime) for full-time employees reached a median of £19.67 per hour, compared to £18.66 a year earlier. This is particularly relevant for part-time workers and those comparing salaries across different working patterns.

Median vs mean: why it matters

Many job sites and surveys quote the mean average UK salary, which is typically higher. For context, the mean full-time annual salary in the UK has historically been around £45,800 (based on previous ONS data). The gap between median and mean highlights income inequality: a relatively small number of very high earners push the average up, while the typical worker earns less. When you see an advertised figure for the "average UK salary 2025", check whether it's median or mean. The ONS median of £39,039 is a more realistic benchmark for most employees.

Regional differences in the average UK salary 2025

Earnings vary significantly across the UK. The ONS ASHE 2025 shows that Northern Ireland experienced the highest growth in median full-time weekly earnings at 7.4%, partly driven by public sector pay awards. Scotland had median weekly earnings of £773.80, slightly above the UK median, with nominal growth of 4.6% but real growth of only 0.4%. The South East saw the smallest growth at 2.9%, while Wales grew by 4.2%.

London typically has the highest median earnings, though the ONS does not provide a single London figure in the 2025 release summary. For a detailed look at your local area, you can explore the ONS interactive chart showing median weekly earnings by local authority. This is useful for job seekers comparing opportunities across regions.

National Living Wage and the lower end of pay

The National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025. For someone working a standard 37.5-hour week, that equates to roughly £23,810 per year – well below the median. Lower rates apply for younger workers: £10.00 for ages 18–20, £7.55 for 16–17, and £7.55 for apprentices. The ONS notes that all low-paid major occupations saw hourly pay increases close to or above the NLW rise in 2025, particularly caring, leisure and other service occupations (up 7.1% in weekly earnings).

How advertised pay compares to the average UK salary 2025

Job adverts often quote salaries that differ from the ONS median. Advertised pay tends to reflect vacancies, which may be skewed towards higher-paid roles or specific sectors. For example, tech and finance jobs frequently advertise above £50,000, while retail and hospitality roles may offer near the NLW. The median of £39,039 is a useful anchor, but your actual offer will depend on your occupation, experience, location, and employer. Always compare an advertised salary against the ONS median for your specific job title and region.

Take-home pay: what you actually receive

Gross salary is only part of the picture. On a median salary of £39,039, your take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and student loan repayments. In England, a typical employee without deductions would pay around £4,486 in Income Tax and £3,250 in National Insurance in 2025/26, leaving roughly £31,303 net per year. However, if you live in Scotland, different Income Tax bands apply, which can reduce net pay for higher earners. Always use a take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

What the average UK salary 2025 means for you

Whether you're negotiating a raise, considering a job move, or just curious about where you stand, the ONS median of £39,039 is the most reliable benchmark. Remember that this figure covers all full-time employees across all sectors and regions. Your own situation may be higher or lower. For more detailed data, explore our salary articles and salary data pages. You can also check the salary index for trends over time.

Summary

The average UK salary 2025 according to the ONS ASHE is a median of £39,039 per year for full-time employees. This is a 4.3% increase on the previous year, but real-terms growth is modest after inflation. Regional variations are significant, with Northern Ireland seeing the fastest growth and the South East the slowest. Advertised salaries often differ, so always compare like-for-like. Understanding the difference between median and mean, and factoring in deductions, will give you a clearer picture of your earning power.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median salary is the middle point when all salaries are ranked from lowest to highest; it is less distorted by a small number of very high earners. The mean salary is the arithmetic average of all salaries. For 2025, the ONS reports median full-time annual earnings of £39,039. The mean is typically higher (around £45,800 based on previous ONS data) because high earners pull the average up. The ONS prefers the median as a more representative measure of typical pay.

How does the average UK salary in 2025 vary by region?

According to the ONS ASHE 2025, Northern Ireland saw the highest growth in median full-time weekly earnings at 7.4%, partly due to public sector pay awards. The South East had the smallest growth at 2.9%. Scotland's median weekly earnings were £773.80, slightly above the UK median of £766.60. Regional levels vary widely: London typically has the highest median earnings, while areas like Wales and the North East tend to be lower. You can explore local authority data via the ONS interactive chart.

What is the take-home pay on the average UK salary in 2025?

Take-home pay depends on individual circumstances. For a median full-time salary of £39,039, a typical employee in England (without student loan or pension deductions) would pay roughly £4,486 in Income Tax and £3,250 in National Insurance in 2025/26, leaving around £31,303 net per year (£2,608 per month). However, this is a rough estimate; actual deductions vary by tax code, pension contributions, student loan plan, and whether you live in Scotland (which has different Income Tax bands). Always use a take-home pay calculator for a personalised figure.