Newcastle salary data by sector and experience level for 2026. How does the North East's biggest city compare to the UK median?
Newcastle upon Tyne is the economic centre of the North East — a region that has historically had lower wages than most of the UK but is investing heavily in digital, life sciences, and offshore energy. Here's what workers in Newcastle actually earn.
| Sector | Average salary (Newcastle) |
|---|---|
| Technology / Software | £30,000–£60,000 |
| Financial Services / Sage HQ | £30,000–£60,000 |
| Healthcare (NHS / Newcastle Hospitals) | £28,000–£55,000 |
| Legal | £26,000–£55,000 |
| Energy / Offshore | £32,000–£65,000 |
| Public Sector | £24,000–£42,000 |
| Education / Universities | £27,000–£48,000 |
| Retail / Hospitality | £20,000–£26,000 |
Sage Group (accounting software) has its global headquarters in Newcastle and is one of the city's largest private sector employers, offering tech and finance roles at competitive salaries. The NHS Newcastle Hospitals Trust is the largest employer overall. Nissan's manufacturing plant in nearby Sunderland is a major employer across the wider region.
Newcastle's lower median salary is substantially offset by its very low cost of living. Average 1-bed rents are £650–£900/month in the city centre — far below London or even Manchester. A professional on £31,000 in Newcastle often has more disposable income than a counterpart on £40,000 in London.
Benchmark your pay against Newcastle and UK median data.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Newcastle is approximately £31,500 — around 19% below the UK median. Tech, energy, and NHS roles pay significantly above this.
Yes — Newcastle is one of the most affordable major UK cities. Average 1-bed rents of £650–£900/month and low transport costs mean disposable income often compares well to higher-wage cities.
Technology, offshore energy, financial services (particularly at Sage), and senior NHS roles are the highest-paying sectors in Newcastle.