Bristol salaries are among the highest outside London. Here's what workers in the city earn across industries — and why Bristol commands a premium.
Bristol has one of the strongest labour markets of any UK city. Its concentration of aerospace, technology, creative, and financial services firms — alongside two major universities — has created genuine upward pressure on salaries. It's one of the few regional cities where median salaries approach or match London-level jobs in some sectors.
| Sector | Average salary (Bristol) |
|---|---|
| Aerospace / Defence (Airbus, Rolls-Royce) | £38,000–£80,000 |
| Technology / Software | £36,000–£75,000 |
| Financial services | £32,000–£65,000 |
| Creative / Digital | £26,000–£50,000 |
| Healthcare (NHS) | £28,000–£50,000 |
| Legal | £27,000–£60,000+ |
| Education / Universities | £27,000–£50,000 |
| Retail / Hospitality | £21,000–£28,000 |
Several factors contribute to Bristol's high salary profile. The presence of Airbus UK, Rolls-Royce, and BAE Systems creates significant demand for engineers and technical specialists, pulling overall averages up. The city's tech scene — one of the most vibrant outside London — has attracted investment and talent at premium rates. And Bristol's quality-of-life appeal means employers often have to compete harder to attract candidates.
Despite good salaries, Bristol has a significant affordability problem. Rents and house prices have risen sharply, meaning that while salaries are relatively high, disposable income advantage over cheaper cities like Leeds or Birmingham is narrower than the salary figures suggest. See our Bristol cost of living guide for detail.
Compare your pay against Bristol and national salary data.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Bristol is approximately £34,500 — among the closest of any regional city to the UK median. Aerospace, tech, and finance roles often pay significantly above this.
Aerospace engineering, software development, and financial services are the highest-paying sectors. Senior roles in Airbus and Rolls-Royce supply chains reach £70,000–£100,000+.
Yes — Bristol has a strong job market, high salaries relative to most regional cities, and a highly desirable quality of life. The main downside is the high cost of living.