Aberdeen salary data for 2026 — how the oil and gas capital of Europe compares to the Scottish and UK median, by sector and experience.
Aberdeen has historically been one of the highest-paying cities in the UK outside London, driven by the North Sea oil and gas industry. The energy transition has reshaped the salary landscape — but Aberdeen remains significantly above average for Scotland.
| Sector | Average salary (Aberdeen) |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas / Offshore Engineering | £50,000–£120,000+ |
| Renewable Energy / Offshore Wind | £40,000–£85,000 |
| Engineering (onshore) | £35,000–£65,000 |
| Technology / Digital | £32,000–£60,000 |
| Financial Services | £30,000–£55,000 |
| Healthcare (NHS Grampian) | £28,000–£55,000 |
| Legal | £27,000–£55,000 |
| Education / University of Aberdeen | £27,000–£50,000 |
Despite the energy transition, North Sea oil and gas continues to underpin Aberdeen's economy. Offshore engineers, subsea specialists, geoscientists, and project managers in the sector regularly earn £60,000–£120,000+, pulling Aberdeen's average salary well above comparable-sized Scottish cities like Dundee or Inverness.
The transition to offshore wind — Aberdeen hosts the world's first commercial floating offshore wind farm — is creating new well-paid roles in renewables that are replacing some of the traditional oil and gas positions.
Aberdeen workers pay Scottish income tax rates. The 42% higher rate applies above £43,663 — meaning higher-earning oil and gas professionals pay more than equivalent English earners. Use our take-home pay calculator for Scottish-specific figures.
Benchmark your pay against Aberdeen and UK median data.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Aberdeen is approximately £38,000 — close to the UK median and the highest of any Scottish city outside Edinburgh.
Aberdeen's proximity to the North Sea oil and gas industry has historically driven salaries well above the Scottish average. Offshore engineers and specialists regularly earn £60,000–£120,000+.
Aberdeen is more expensive than most Scottish cities but cheaper than Edinburgh. Average 1-bed rents are £900–£1,200/month in the city centre.