What Is the Average Salary UK? Median vs Mean Pay in 2025

Understanding the UK Average Salary: Median vs Mean

When people ask about the average salary UK, the answer depends on which measure you use. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes two main averages: the median and the mean. The median is the middle value when all salaries are ranked, while the mean is the total sum divided by the number of employees. For most purposes, the median is more representative because it is not skewed by a small number of very high earners.

According to the latest ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), the median gross annual earnings for full-time employees stood at £39,039. This is a 4.3% increase on the previous year. The median weekly earnings were £766.60, up 5.3% in nominal terms. After adjusting for inflation using CPIH, real terms growth was 1.1%. These figures give a clear picture of what a typical full-time worker earns.

Mean vs Median: Why the Difference Matters

The mean average is not published in the latest ASHE bulletin, but internal benchmarks from the UK Average Salary reference database suggest it is approximately £45,800 per year. The gap of nearly £7,000 between median and mean highlights how a relatively small number of high-income roles pull the average upward. For job seekers and employees, the median is often a better guide when comparing offers or negotiating pay.

It is also important to distinguish between advertised salaries and actual median pay. Advertised roles may list higher figures to attract candidates, but the median reflects what people already in those roles earn. Additionally, take-home pay depends on Income Tax and National Insurance deductions, and in Scotland, different Income Tax bands apply. Scottish residents face a starter rate of 19% on earnings above the Personal Allowance, with higher rates for bands above £43,662, which can reduce net pay compared to the rest of the UK.

Sector and Regional Variations

Not all sectors pay the same. The NHS, one of the largest employers in the UK, provides a useful comparison. NHS Digital’s Staff Earnings Estimates show that in NHS Trusts and CCGs in England, the mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent (FTE) was £44,457 in the 12 months to June 2026. This is above the UK median but below the UK mean. In NHS Support Organisations and Central Bodies, mean basic pay per FTE was £56,136, reflecting more senior and specialist roles. Non-basic pay, such as overtime and allowances, adds further to total earnings – on average £5,615 per person in NHS Trusts.

Regionally, the ONS ASHE data shows that Northern Ireland experienced the highest growth in median weekly earnings for full-time employees at 7.4%. All regions saw increases, but the gap between London and the rest of the UK remains significant. London weighting and higher living costs mean that salaries in the capital are typically higher, though the median for the UK as a whole masks these local differences.

National Living Wage and Its Role

The National Living Wage (NLW) sets a minimum hourly rate for workers aged 21 and over. In April 2025, the NLW was £12.21 per hour, according to ONS ASHE. For a full-time employee working 37.5 hours per week, this equates to roughly £23,810 per year – well below the median full-time salary. The NLW primarily affects lower-paid occupations such as caring, leisure, and other service roles, which saw the largest earnings growth of 7.1% in the latest data. This increase is closely linked to the NLW rise.

How to Use This Information

When researching the average salary UK, always check whether the figure quoted is median or mean. For your own situation, consider your occupation, region, and hours. The salary data page provides further breakdowns by industry and location. If you are comparing job offers, remember that advertised salaries may not reflect the median for that role, and take-home pay will vary based on tax bands and pension contributions.

In summary, the median full-time salary of £39,039 is the most reliable benchmark for a typical UK employee. The mean of around £45,800 is higher due to top earners. Sector-specific data, such as NHS pay, shows that averages can differ significantly. Always use the median as your starting point when evaluating your own earnings or planning your career.

FAQs

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

The median salary is the middle point of all salaries when ranked from lowest to highest, making it less sensitive to extreme high earners. The mean salary is the arithmetic average, which is pulled higher by a small number of very high incomes. For full-time employees, the median annual salary is £39,039, while the mean is around £45,800, according to ONS and internal benchmarks.

How does NHS pay compare to the UK average salary?

NHS pay varies by role and organisation. In NHS Trusts, the mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent is approximately £44,500, which is above the UK median but below the UK mean. In NHS Support Organisations and Central Bodies, mean basic pay per FTE is around £56,000, significantly higher. These figures exclude non-basic pay such as overtime and allowances, which can add several thousand pounds.

Does the National Living Wage affect the average salary uk?

Yes, the National Living Wage (NLW) sets a floor for hourly pay for employees aged 21 and over. In April 2025, the NLW was £12.21 per hour. For a full-time worker on a 37.5-hour week, this equates to roughly £23,810 per year, which is well below the median full-time salary of £39,039. The NLW primarily impacts lower-paid occupations and helps lift the bottom of the earnings distribution, but it does not directly determine the average.