Birmingham salaries by sector and experience level — how does the UK's second city compare to the national median, and which sectors pay most?
Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and home to a large and diverse economy. Salaries have been growing faster than the national average in recent years, driven by investment, HS2 development, and a growing professional services sector.
| Sector | Average salary (Birmingham) |
|---|---|
| Financial services / HSBC / KPMG | £32,000–£65,000 |
| Technology | £32,000–£60,000 |
| Legal | £28,000–£70,000+ |
| Engineering / Manufacturing | £28,000–£50,000 |
| Healthcare (NHS) | £28,000–£50,000 |
| Retail / Hospitality | £20,000–£26,000 |
| Public sector | £22,000–£40,000 |
| Construction | £26,000–£45,000 |
The HS2 project, centred on Birmingham Curzon Street, has created significant demand for engineering, construction, and project management professionals in the region. While the project has faced political headwinds, Birmingham's position as a HS2 hub has drawn investment and talent to the city. The broader HS2 supply chain employs thousands across the West Midlands.
Birmingham's median salary is below Manchester and Leeds but the cost of living is also lower. For most lifestyle choices — particularly housing — Birmingham offers better value per pound earned than either Manchester or Leeds, and far better value than London or Bristol.
Compare your pay against Birmingham and UK median benchmarks.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Birmingham is approximately £32,000, around 9% below the UK median. Finance, tech, and legal roles pay significantly above this.
Birmingham offers competitive salaries in professional sectors with a lower cost of living than many comparable cities. The combination makes disposable income favourable.
Financial services, technology, and legal are the highest-paying sectors, with senior roles reaching £60,000–£100,000+. Engineering is also well-paid given the regional manufacturing base.