Compare your salary to the UK median for your age group and region. Instant, free, and based on government data — not estimates.
Powered by latest ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings
Source: latest ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings · Full-time employees · United Kingdom
According to the latest ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, the median full-time salary in the UK is approximately £37,430 per year. However, this varies significantly by age group and region. London workers earn considerably more than the national median, while salaries in the North East and Wales tend to sit below it. Using a national average alone can be misleading — always compare yourself to your specific age group and region.
The most reliable method is to compare your salary to the ONS median for your specific age group and UK region — which is exactly what this tool does. As a rule of thumb, if your salary is more than 10% below the median for people your age in your area, you may well be underpaid. Other signals include job adverts for your role showing higher salary ranges, or colleagues at similar companies earning more.
A good salary is one that sits above the median for your age group and region. The UK median full-time salary is around £37,430, but in London the median exceeds £47,000 — so a good salary is relative to where you live and how old you are. Earning in the top 25% for your specific group is generally considered a strong salary. Use our tool to see exactly where you rank.
Based on latest ONS ASHE data data, approximate UK median full-time salaries by age group are: ages 18–21 around £20,000–£25,000; ages 22–29 around £27,000–£38,000; ages 30–39 around £34,000–£52,000; ages 40–49 around £36,000–£58,000; ages 50–59 around £35,000–£54,000; and ages 60 and over around £32,000–£48,000. The ranges reflect significant regional variation — enter your details above for a precise comparison.
The most effective salary negotiations are data-led. Start by finding the market rate for your role and region using a tool like this one. If you are below median, you have a strong evidence-based case to make. Approach your manager with specific numbers, highlight your contributions and achievements, and propose a realistic target figure. If an immediate raise is not possible, ask for a review date in writing.
All salary data comes from the latest ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) — the UK government's most comprehensive salary dataset, compiled from millions of employee payroll records submitted by employers across all regions and industries. It is widely regarded as the most authoritative source of UK earnings data and is used by economists, HR professionals, and policymakers.
What Am I Worth uses the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings — the definitive source of UK salary data. Unlike crowdsourced salary sites where people self-report their earnings, ASHE data comes directly from employer payroll records, making it far more accurate and representative of what people actually earn across the UK workforce.