Is 30k a Good Salary UK? How It Compares to the National Average in 2026/27

Is 30k a Good Salary UK? Understanding the National Picture

If you’re searching online “is 30k a good salary uk”, you’re likely comparing a job offer, negotiating a pay rise, or trying to benchmark your current earnings. The short answer is: £30,000 is below the UK median for full-time workers, but it’s a respectable income depending on where you live and what you do. Let’s dig into the official data.

What the Official Statistics Say

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025, the median gross annual earnings for full-time employees stood at £39,039. The mean (average) was higher at around £45,800, pulled up by very high earners. So at £30,000, you’re roughly £9,000 below the typical full-time worker.

Remember: these ONS figures are for employees who have been in their job for at least a year. Part-time workers are excluded from the full-time median, and many part-time roles fall below £30k.

The National Living Wage (NLW) for those aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour from April 2025, set to rise to £12.71 in April 2026 (subject to government confirmation). A full-time worker on 37.5 hours per week at the NLW earns about £23,810 gross per year (2025 rate) or £24,785 (2026 rate). So £30,000 sits around £6,000 above the minimum wage floor – not a huge gap, but enough to provide some breathing room.

What You Actually Take Home from £30k

Your gross salary of £30,000 is not what lands in your bank account. For the 2026/27 tax year (England/Wales/Northern Ireland, tax code 1257L, no student loan, no pension), here’s the breakdown:

• Personal Allowance: first £12,570 tax-free
• Taxable income: £17,430 (all in the basic rate band of 20%)
• Income Tax: £3,486 per year
• National Insurance: 8% on earnings above £12,570 = £1,394 per year
• Total deductions: £4,880
• Take-home: £25,120 per year (£2,093 per month, £483 per week)

Add a 5% pension contribution and your take-home drops by about £1,200 a year (before tax relief), but you gain employer contributions and future security. Student loans further reduce monthly pay: Plan 2 by about £20/month, Plan 5 by about £38/month.

Scotland vs. Rest of UK

If you live in Scotland, income tax bands are different. At £30,000, Scotland’s starter rate (19%) and basic rate (20%) cover most of your income, with only a small portion at the intermediate rate (21%). The result is about £3,451 income tax – roughly £35 less than England/Wales. National Insurance is identical. So the difference is negligible at this salary level, though it widens for higher earners.

Regional and Sector Context

£30,000 goes further in cheaper areas. In the North East, where the median full-time salary is around £34,000 (ONS regional data 2025), £30k is close to typical. In London, where the median exceeds £45,000, £30k can be a struggle unless you have shared accommodation or a low rent.

How does it compare to typical starting salaries? Newly qualified teachers start on the main pay scale, roughly £31,650 to £34,000 (England and Wales, 2025/26). NHS Agenda for Change Band 5 (newly qualified nurses) starts at about £29,970 (2025/26). Police constables start at around £28,500 (rising after training). So £30,000 is a common entry point in many public sector roles, but you can expect progression.

Is It a Good Salary? The Bottom Line

“Is 30k a good salary uk” has no absolute answer, but here are some benchmarks:

• Below median: You earn less than half of full-time workers.
• Above minimum wage: You’re well above the legal floor.
• Comfortable in many areas: If you live in a low-cost region and have no dependents, £30k can allow a modest lifestyle with some savings.
• Tight in London: You’ll need to budget carefully.

To judge your own position, use our salary index to see where your pay sits relative to the national curve. Or browse salary articles for more comparisons by industry.

Final Thoughts

£30,000 is a respectable starting point for many careers, but it’s not high by national standards. As you gain experience, aim to move towards the median or beyond. Use the ONS data and take-home calculators to set realistic expectations. Remember: what matters most is not just the gross figure, but your take-home pay and how far it stretches where you live.

If you’re negotiating a job offer, check our salary data for your specific role and region. And don’t forget to consider pension contributions, student loans, and other deductions.

FAQ

What is the take-home pay on a £30,000 salary in 2026/27?

For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the standard personal allowance of £12,570 and no student loan or pension contributions, your take-home pay is approximately £25,120 per year, which works out to about £2,093 per month or £483 per week. This already deducts £3,486 in income tax and £1,394 in National Insurance. Adding a 5% pension contribution reduces take-home by around £100 per month.

How does £30,000 compare to the UK average salary?

The latest ONS ASHE data (April 2025) shows the median full-time salary is £39,039, so £30,000 is about £9,000 below that. The mean (average) is higher still at roughly £45,800. However, £30,000 is above the National Living Wage: a full-time worker on £12.21 per hour earns about £23,810 annually. So £30k sits between the minimum wage and the median.

Is £30,000 a good salary in London or other expensive areas?

In London and the South East, £30,000 is significantly below the regional median and may feel tight due to higher housing and transport costs. In the North East, Wales, or East Midlands, it is closer to the median and can provide a comfortable lifestyle. Context matters – your individual rent/mortgage, commute, and family size are key factors.