What do Sheffield workers earn in 2026? Full breakdown of median salaries by sector, how Sheffield compares to the UK median, and which industries pay most.
Sheffield has transformed from its steel city roots into a more diverse economy, with growing digital, health, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Salaries remain below the national median but the city offers excellent value for money — costs are low and quality of life is high.
| Sector | Average salary (Sheffield) |
|---|---|
| Technology / Digital | £30,000–£58,000 |
| Healthcare (NHS) | £28,000–£55,000 |
| Advanced Manufacturing / Steel | £28,000–£50,000 |
| Financial Services | £28,000–£52,000 |
| Legal | £25,000–£55,000 |
| Education / Universities | £27,000–£48,000 |
| Public Sector | £24,000–£42,000 |
| Retail / Hospitality | £20,000–£27,000 |
Sheffield has two major universities (University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam) which anchor a growing knowledge economy. The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) near the city is a hub for aerospace and precision manufacturing, employing highly skilled engineers at above-average salaries. The city's Digital Campus at Sheffield Digital Hub has attracted tech businesses, pushing tech salaries upward.
Sheffield's median salary is broadly similar to Leeds (£32,500) and slightly below Manchester (£35,000). However Sheffield's lower cost of living — particularly housing — means disposable income compares favourably. A £32,000 salary in Sheffield typically buys more than the same salary in Manchester or Leeds.
Average 1-bed flat rents in Sheffield city centre are approximately £750–£1,000/month — significantly below Manchester and Leeds. Transport costs are also lower. This makes Sheffield one of the best-value cities in the north for professionals.
See how your pay compares to Sheffield and UK median benchmarks.
Check Your Salary →The median salary in Sheffield is approximately £32,000 — around 18% below the UK median. Technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing roles pay significantly above this.
Sheffield offers competitive professional salaries with a lower cost of living than Manchester or Leeds, making disposable income comparisons favourable.
Technology, advanced manufacturing, NHS clinical roles, and legal are the highest-paying sectors in Sheffield.