Chartered Accountant Salary in the UK: What the Latest Data Shows for 2026

Understanding the Chartered Accountant Salary Landscape

If you are a qualified or aspiring chartered accountant in the UK, knowing what you can expect to earn is essential for negotiating job offers, planning your career, or comparing your current pay against the market. The term "chartered accountant salary" covers a wide range depending on qualification level, experience, region, sector and employer. This article draws on the latest publicly available data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), ACCA, and industry salary surveys to give you a clear picture.

What the Official Data Shows

The most authoritative source for employee earnings in the UK is the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). For all full-time employees, the median gross weekly earnings in April 2025 were £766.60, equating to a median annual salary of £39,039. However, chartered accountants typically earn significantly more than the national median.

For the specific occupation of "accountant" (SOC code 2421), ONS ASHE data from 2024 shows a median full-time gross annual salary of approximately £49,100. The 25th percentile sits at £36,500 and the 75th percentile at £67,000. These figures are a useful benchmark, though they include accountants at all levels, not just those with chartered status.

ACCA, one of the main chartered accountancy bodies, provides more granular data. According to the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026 guide cited by ACCA, newly qualified chartered accountants can expect salaries ranging from £45,000 to £65,000 across the UK. Those with five or more years of post-qualification experience commonly earn between £65,000 and £110,000, depending on location and organisation size. At the top end, Financial Directors can earn £85,000 to £300,000, and Group CFOs from £150,000 to £500,000.

First Intuition's National Accountancy Salary Guide, based on a survey of over 200 employers in March 2025, found that newly qualified accountants (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW) earn an average of £41,130, rising to £50,441 for those three years post-qualification. Their overall average salary across all levels of accountancy in England was £32,802, with London averaging £39,263.

Median vs Mean: Which Matters?

When researching a chartered accountant salary, you will encounter both median and mean figures. The median is the midpoint – half earn more, half earn less – and is less distorted by very high or very low salaries. The mean is the simple average. For all UK full-time employees, the median is £39,039 and the mean is around £45,800. For accountants, the median of £49,100 is likely more representative than the mean, which could be pulled higher by senior roles.

Advertised salaries on job boards often differ from actual median pay. Employers may advertise a range that reflects the role's banding, but actual offers depend on your experience and negotiation. Always compare advertised salaries against the ONS median for your region and level.

Take-Home Pay on a Chartered Accountant Salary

Gross salary is only part of the picture. On a median chartered accountant salary of £49,100, with the standard tax code 1257L and a 5% employee pension contribution on qualifying earnings, monthly take-home pay is approximately £3,096 after income tax and National Insurance. This calculation assumes a net-pay pension arrangement and no student loan deductions.

If you work in Scotland, remember that Scottish income tax bands differ from the rest of the UK. Higher-rate tax kicks in at a lower threshold, which can reduce net pay slightly for accountants earning above £43,662. Always check the latest Scottish rates when evaluating a job offer north of the border.

Regional Variations and Sector Differences

Location is a major factor in chartered accountant salary. London commands a premium: ACCA's 2026 guide lists average London salaries for ACCA finalists at £60,000 and part-qualified at £48,000. First Intuition found London average at £39,263 across all accountancy levels, while the Midlands was lowest at £29,567. ONS ASHE 2025 noted that Northern Ireland saw the highest growth in median weekly earnings (7.4%) across all occupations, though levels remain below the UK average.

Sector also matters. First Intuition reports that those in industry are paid on average 8.4% more than those in practice. The differential is greatest for school leavers. Specialisms such as audit and tax have seen the largest salary increases recently, with 53% of employers citing audit as the area with greatest growth in salary expectations.

Negotiating Your Chartered Accountant Salary

When negotiating a job offer, use the ONS median for your SOC code and region as a baseline. If you are newly qualified, the ACCA range of £45,000–£65,000 is a good starting point. For roles in London, expect the upper end. For practice roles, consider that study support and professional subscriptions are common benefits that add value beyond base salary.

Remember that total compensation includes pension contributions, bonus potential, overtime, and benefits such as private medical insurance or cycle-to-work schemes. The PayslipIQ analysis notes that accountants often see study support repayable on early leave, professional subscription reimbursement, and annual bonuses around qualification.

For more context on how your salary compares to national averages, see our salary index and salary data pages. You can also explore topics related to specific professions and regions.

Conclusion

The chartered accountant salary in the UK is well above the national median, with newly qualified professionals typically earning between £45,000 and £65,000. Median pay for all accountants sits around £49,100, but this varies by location, sector and experience. Use the official ONS and professional body data to benchmark your worth, and always consider take-home pay and benefits when evaluating an offer. For further reading, visit our about page to understand how we compile these figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average chartered accountant salary in the UK?

There is no single average figure, but ONS ASHE data for the accountant occupation (SOC 2421) shows a median full-time gross annual salary of approximately £49,100. Newly qualified chartered accountants typically earn between £45,000 and £65,000 according to ACCA, while those with five or more years' experience can earn £65,000 to £110,000. The mean salary for all full-time employees in the UK is around £45,800, but chartered accountants generally earn above that.

How much does a chartered accountant take home after tax?

On a median chartered accountant salary of £49,100, with the standard 1257L tax code and a 5% pension contribution on qualifying earnings, monthly take-home pay is approximately £3,096 after income tax and National Insurance. This can vary if you have a student loan, salary sacrifice arrangements, or if you work in Scotland where different income tax bands apply.

Does location affect chartered accountant salary?

Yes, significantly. London is the highest-paying region, with ACCA reporting average London salaries for ACCA finalists at £60,000 and part-qualified at £48,000. First Intuition's guide found London average at £39,263 across all accountancy levels, while the Midlands ranked lowest at £29,567. Northern Ireland saw the highest growth in median weekly earnings across all occupations according to ONS ASHE 2025.