Average Salary by Age UK
Explore median earnings, age-based pay brackets, and career progression insights based on the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
Check Your Age Bracket
Select your age group below to instantly view the average and median salary, along with key career insights for that demographic in the UK.
Demographic Details
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Salary Insights
Calculated based on latest ONS estimates
UK Average Salary by Age
A comprehensive breakdown of typical full-time earnings across different age demographics in the United Kingdom.
| Age Group | Average (Mean) Salary | Median Salary | Peak Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 – 21 | £14,500 | £13,800 | Entry-Level / Apprenticeship |
| 22 – 29 | £26,500 | £25,000 | Early Career / Graduate |
| 30 – 39 | £36,200 | £34,500 | Mid-Career / Management |
| 40 – 49 | £41,500 | £39,000 | Peak Earning / Seniority |
| 50 – 59 | £39,800 | £37,500 | Established / Advisory |
| 60+ | £32,000 | £29,000 | Pre-Retirement / Part-Time |
UK Salary FAQ
Everything you need to know about average earnings, median income, and career progression in the UK.
According to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, average salaries peak in the 40-49 age bracket at around £41,500. Younger workers (18-21) average around £14,500, while those aged 30-39 average approximately £36,200.
In the UK, individuals typically reach their peak earning potential between the ages of 40 and 49. This is due to accumulated experience, seniority, and progression into management or highly specialized roles.
The average (mean) salary is calculated by adding all salaries together and dividing by the number of people. The median salary is the middle value when all salaries are lined up from lowest to highest. The median is often a better representation of a ‘typical’ salary, as it is not skewed by extremely high earners.
Location significantly impacts earnings. London and the South East consistently show higher average salaries across all age groups compared to the North East, Wales, or Northern Ireland, primarily due to the higher cost of living and concentration of corporate headquarters.