Leicester salary data for 2026 — median earnings by sector and how the East Midlands city compares to the national average.
Leicester is one of the UK's most diverse cities with a mixed economy spanning manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and a growing digital sector. Salaries are below the national median but the city's affordability makes it competitive on disposable income.
| Sector | Average salary (Leicester) |
|---|---|
| Technology / Software | £28,000–£55,000 |
| Financial Services | £27,000–£52,000 |
| Healthcare (NHS) | £28,000–£55,000 |
| Manufacturing / Engineering | £26,000–£48,000 |
| Legal | £24,000–£50,000 |
| Education / De Montfort / Leicester Uni | £26,000–£48,000 |
| Retail / Distribution | £20,000–£28,000 |
| Public Sector | £22,000–£40,000 |
Leicester has a strong manufacturing heritage and remains a significant centre for textile and food manufacturing. The city is also home to a large NHS trust and two universities. The growing digital and tech sector — clustered around the city's Cultural Quarter and various enterprise zones — is pushing professional salaries upward.
Leicester is genuinely affordable. Average 1-bed rents in the city centre are approximately £650–£900/month. For professionals, this means a £30,000 salary in Leicester delivers more disposable income than an equivalent salary in Nottingham, Sheffield, or Leeds.
Compare your pay against Leicester and UK median data.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Leicester is approximately £30,500 — around 22% below the UK median. Tech, healthcare, and engineering roles pay above this.
Yes — Leicester is one of the more affordable East Midlands cities with 1-bed city centre rents of £650–£900/month.
Technology, NHS clinical roles, financial services, and engineering are the highest-paying sectors in Leicester.