Glasgow salary data for 2026 — by sector, experience, and how Scotland's largest city compares to Edinburgh and the UK median.
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and its commercial capital, with a diverse economy spanning financial services, technology, creative industries, and a large public sector. Salaries are below Edinburgh but the cost of living is also significantly lower.
| Sector | Average salary (Glasgow) |
|---|---|
| Financial Services | £32,000–£65,000 |
| Technology / Software | £32,000–£62,000 |
| Legal | £28,000–£65,000+ |
| Healthcare (NHS Greater Glasgow) | £28,000–£55,000 |
| Creative / Media | £24,000–£45,000 |
| Education / Universities | £27,000–£50,000 |
| Public Sector | £24,000–£44,000 |
| Retail / Hospitality | £20,000–£27,000 |
Edinburgh typically pays 10–15% more than Glasgow for equivalent roles, driven by the concentration of financial institutions in the Scottish capital. However Glasgow's rents are around 20–25% lower than Edinburgh — meaning the disposable income gap between the two cities is much narrower than the salary figures suggest.
Like all Scottish workers, Glasgow residents pay income tax under the Scottish rate structure. The intermediate rate of 21% applies on earnings of £27,491–£43,662, and the higher rate is 42% above £43,663 — slightly more than equivalent English earners pay. Use our take-home pay calculator for Scottish-specific figures.
Compare your pay against Glasgow and UK median benchmarks.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Glasgow is approximately £33,000 — around 15% below the UK median, and 10–15% below Edinburgh.
Yes — Glasgow rents are typically 20–25% lower than Edinburgh. The salary gap between the cities is smaller than the cost-of-living gap, making Glasgow competitive on disposable income.
Yes. All Scottish residents pay income tax under Scottish rates, which include an intermediate rate of 21% and a higher rate of 42% — slightly above equivalent English rates.